Paychex, Inc. vs Williams Companies Inc — how do they compare? Paychex, Inc. trades at $111.32 (market cap $39.82B), while Williams Companies Inc trades at $74.4 (market cap $89.72B). The key difference: Williams Companies Inc is far larger — about 2.3× Paychex, Inc.'s market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.25%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| PAYX | WMB | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $39.82B | $89.72B |
Sector | Industrials | Energy |
52-Week High | $147.99 | $79.40 |
52-Week Low | $85.57 | $56.51 |
Enterprise Value | $43.31B | $119.11B |
Dividend Yield | 4.25% | 2.86% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $111.96, down 2.12% on the day, with technical indicators showing a bullish trend despite overbought RSI readings. The company maintains strong profitability with 27.03% net margins and has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent dividend declarations of $1.19 per share and positive small business job growth data support the investment case.
The outlook remains positive with steady revenue growth and AI expansion driving future earnings. Key risks include macroeconomic headwinds affecting small business hiring and elevated valuation multiples. Analyst consensus is mixed with a $110 price target slightly below current levels, suggesting cautious optimism amid strong fundamentals.
Williams Companies (WMB) trades at $73.36, showing minimal daily movement with a slight 0.03% decline. The stock demonstrates strong profitability with 23.4% net income margins and 21.95% ROE, though valuation metrics appear elevated with a P/E of 32.53. Recent developments include a $5.34 billion Blackstone-led investment for power innovation projects and potential $5.5 billion Momentum Midstream acquisition, positioning the company for strategic growth in energy infrastructure.
WMB presents a compelling investment case with strong analyst support (79% buy ratings) and $86 consensus price target representing 17% upside. The company's fee-based midstream model provides revenue stability, while recent strategic investments enhance growth prospects. Key risks include commodity price volatility, execution challenges from major acquisitions, and elevated debt levels at 52% of assets.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Paychex is a leading provider of payroll, human capital management, and insurance solutions servicing small and midsize clients primarily in the United States. The company, established in 1979, services over 730,000 clients and pays over 1 in 12 U.S. private-sector workers. Alongside its traditional payroll services, Paychex offers HCM solutions such as benefits administration and time and attendance software, as well as human resources outsourcing and insurance agency services.
Read more on PAYX →Williams is a midstream energy company that owns and operates the large Transco and Northwest pipeline systems and associated natural gas gathering, processing, and storage assets. In August 2018, the firm acquired the remaining 26% ownership of its limited partner, Williams Partners.
Read more on WMB →