Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX)

PAYX leads on 11 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Autodesk, Inc. and Paychex, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 20, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total returnADSK vs PAYX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
ADSK +3635.9%PAYX +2769.1%ADSK compounded faster
02k4k6kStart $100200120062011201620212026$3,736$2,869
ADSK PAYX

ADSK vs PAYX: by the numbers

  • ADSK is the larger company ($45.99B vs $40.97B market cap).
  • PAYX trades at the lower earnings multiple (23.44 vs 31.75 P/E).
  • PAYX converts more revenue to profit (27.03% vs 19.49% net margin).
  • ADSK grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.03% vs 9.93% CAGR).
  • PAYX pays a dividend (3.87% yield) while ADSK does not currently pay one.

Which is better, ADSK or PAYX?

Metric tally: ADSK 4 · PAYX 11

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValuePAYX(lower P/E)
GrowthADSK(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityPAYX(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricADSKPAYX
P/E ratio31.7523.44
Forward P/E21.2820.82
P/S ratio6.156.29
P/B ratio14.4810.97
PEG ratio22.513.21
EV / EBITDA21.0615.05
FCF yield5.91%5.67%

Profitability

MetricADSKPAYX
Gross margin91.14%74.29%
Operating margin26.60%38.55%
Net margin19.49%27.03%
ROE45.88%47.12%
ROIC18.74%20.49%

Dividends

MetricADSKPAYX
Dividend yield3.87%
Payout ratio90.41%

Growth (annualized)

MetricADSKPAYX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)14.03%9.93%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-0.85%9.95%
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.08%15.18%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-5.96%3.87%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ADSK or PAYX?
It depends on your goal. value: PAYX (lower P/E); growth: ADSK (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: PAYX (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, PAYX leads 11 to 4.
Is ADSK or PAYX cheaper?
On trailing earnings, PAYX is cheaper: ADSK trades at a 31.75 P/E and PAYX at 23.44.
Which has grown faster, ADSK or PAYX?
Over the past five years, ADSK grew revenue faster — ADSK at a 14.03% CAGR versus PAYX at 9.93%.
Does ADSK or PAYX pay a bigger dividend?
PAYX pays a dividend (3.87% yield) while ADSK does not currently pay one.
Is ADSK or PAYX more profitable?
PAYX runs the higher net margin — ADSK at 19.49% versus PAYX at 27.03%.
Which has been the better investment, ADSK or PAYX?
Over the past 10-year, ADSK delivered the higher annualized total return — ADSK at 14.10% versus PAYX at 9.96%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 20, 2026.