Compare Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) vs Xylem, Inc. (XYL) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Paychex, Inc. vs Xylem, Inc. — how do they compare? Paychex, Inc. trades at $114.78 (market cap $40.85B), while Xylem, Inc. trades at $107.8 (market cap $25.13B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.15%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| PAYX | XYL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $40.85B | $25.13B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $135.46 | $152.95 |
52-Week Low | $85.57 | $105.69 |
Enterprise Value | $44.33B | $26.91B |
Dividend Yield | 4.15% | 1.6% |
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% in the last session. The stock shows strong profitability with a net income margin of 27.03% and ROE of 44.77%. Recent earnings have consistently beaten expectations, with Q1 2026 EPS of $1.32 surpassing the $1.31 estimate. Technical indicators are mixed, with a bearish moving average signal but RSI suggesting potential oversold conditions. The company continues to expand its AI-driven WISE platform, enhancing service efficiency for small businesses.
The outlook for PAYX is cautiously optimistic, supported by robust cash flow and strategic AI integration. However, risks include elevated valuation multiples and competitive pressures in the HR solutions space. Analyst consensus is a 'Hold' with a $120 price target, indicating limited near-term upside from current levels amid balanced growth and risk factors.
Xylem (XYL) trades at $108.81, up 2.95% in the last session, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamental performance. The company has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q2 2026 EPS of $1.46 exceeding expectations. Revenue growth has been steady, rising from $5.5B in 2022 to $9.0B in 2025, while net income margins improved to 10.59%. Recent corporate actions include a dividend declaration and strategic acquisitions to bolster its industrial presence.
The outlook for XYL is positive based on earnings momentum and strategic initiatives, though technical indicators suggest near-term caution. Upside potential is supported by a consensus price target of $152.29, implying significant appreciation. Risks include execution of recent acquisitions and macroeconomic pressures on industrial demand. The stock presents a compelling opportunity for long-term investors focused on water infrastructure growth.
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 Xylem, Inc.
Xylem is a global leader in water technology and offers a wide range of solutions, including the transport, treatment, testing, and efficient use of water for customers in the utility, industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. Xylem was spun off from ITT in 2011. Based in Rye Brook, New York, Xylem has a presence in over 150 countries and employs 16,200. The company generated $6.2 billion in revenue and $611 million in adjusted operating income in 2021.
Read more on XYL →
