Compare Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) vs 22nd Century Group Inc (XXII) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Paychex, Inc. vs 22nd Century Group Inc — how do they compare? Paychex, Inc. trades at $114.78 (market cap $43.33B), while 22nd Century Group Inc trades at $2.17 (market cap $1.62M). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 26746.9× 22nd Century Group Inc's market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays a 3.91% dividend while 22nd Century Group Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| PAYX | XXII | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $43.33B | $1.62M |
Sector | Industrials | Technology |
52-Week High | $135.46 | $594.00 |
52-Week Low | $85.57 | $2.13 |
Enterprise Value | $46.81B | -$2.69M |
Dividend Yield | 3.91% | — |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $116.93, down 3.93% over the past day, near the consensus price target of $118.17. The stock shows strong profitability with a 27.03% net income margin and 44.77% ROE, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 24.89 and P/S of 6.73 are elevated. Recent quarters have consistently beaten EPS estimates, and the company is advancing its AI-driven WISE platform to enhance payroll efficiency. Technical indicators are mixed, with a bearish moving average signal but an oversold RSI suggesting potential near-term support.
The outlook for PAYX is cautiously optimistic, supported by steady earnings beats and strategic AI integration, but high valuation and mixed analyst sentiment pose risks. Investment opportunity lies in continued execution on margin expansion and market share gains in HR solutions, while key risks include competitive pressures and economic sensitivity affecting small business clients.
XXII trades at $2.29, down 4.58% today, showing continued bearish momentum with negative technical signals. The company faces severe financial challenges with negative profit margins (-76.01% net income margin) and consecutive earnings misses. Despite analyst optimism (75% buy ratings), fundamental weakness persists with declining revenue and substantial losses. Recent corporate actions include a 20:1 reverse stock split completed June 2026 to maintain listing compliance.
The outlook remains challenging given persistent operational losses and negative cash flow from operations. Investment opportunity exists if the company can capitalize on its claimed $50B market opportunity and improve gross margins. Key risks include continued cash burn, competitive pressures in tobacco alternatives, and execution challenges in commercializing VLN products.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Paychex, Inc.
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 →About 22nd Century Group Inc
22nd Century Group is a plant biotechnology company that uses genetic engineering and gene editing to control the levels of nicotine in tobacco plants. Its flagship product line, VLN®, is the first and only combustible cigarette authorized by the FDA as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP), containing 95% less nicotine than traditional cigarettes to help adult smokers smoke less.
Read more on XXII →
