Paychex, Inc. vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? Paychex, Inc. trades at $104.06 (market cap $37.19B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $125.87 (market cap $9.52B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 3.9× Advanced Drainage Systems Inc's market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.56%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Paychex, Inc. for 56 Days and Advanced Drainage Systems Inc for 43 Days on average.
| PAYX | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $37.19B | $9.52B |
Volume | 3,344,316 | 907,564 |
Sector | Industrials | Basic Materials |
52-Week High | $128.59 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $85.57 | $125.33 |
Typical Hold Time | 56 Days | 43 Days |
Enterprise Value | $40.87B | $11.12B |
Dividend Yield | 4.56% | 0.63% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $103.98, up 2.39% with a bullish technical signal despite mixed indicators. The company demonstrates strong fundamentals with consistent earnings beats, 27.35% net margins, and robust profitability metrics. Recent news highlights investor concerns about dividend sustainability despite solid Q1 2027 results showing 6% revenue growth and double-digit earnings increases driven by PEO and insurance segments.
Outlook remains cautiously optimistic with a $111 consensus price target offering 6.8% upside. Key risks include labor market sensitivity and competitive pressures, while opportunities lie in AI integration and PEO growth. The stock presents a balanced risk-reward profile with dividend stability supporting investor returns.
Advanced Drainage Systems (WMS) trades at $125.79, down 0.23% on the day, amid a bearish technical signal. The stock exhibits strong fundamentals with a P/E of 21.5 and robust profitability, including a 24.9% ROE. Recent quarterly earnings have consistently beaten estimates, and the company maintains a solid balance sheet with a debt-to-asset ratio of 34.34% as of 2025. A recent dividend declaration and sustainability report highlight ongoing corporate actions.
The outlook for WMS is positive given earnings beats and analyst consensus, but risks include a projected net cash flow decline in 2026 and competitive pressures. The stock presents a growth opportunity with a consensus price target of $188.70, though investors should weigh near-term cash flow trends against long-term fundamentals.
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 →Advanced Drainage Systems Inc is engaged in designing, manufacturing, and marketing thermoplastic corrugated pipe and related water management products in North and South America, and Europe. The company's operating segment includes Pipe
Read more on WMS →