Celestica Inc. (CLS) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX)

PAYX leads on 8 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Celestica 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 returnCLS vs PAYX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 28y
CLS +3178.3%PAYX +1228.8%CLS compounded faster
01k2k3k4k5kStart $10020032008201320182023$3,278$1,329
CLS PAYX

CLS vs PAYX: by the numbers

  • PAYX is the larger company ($40.97B vs $35.34B market cap).
  • PAYX trades at the lower earnings multiple (23.44 vs 37.12 P/E).
  • PAYX converts more revenue to profit (27.03% vs 6.95% net margin).
  • CLS grew revenue faster over the past five years (19.51% vs 9.93% CAGR).
  • PAYX pays a dividend (3.87% yield) while CLS does not currently pay one.

Which is better, CLS or PAYX?

Metric tally: CLS 7 · PAYX 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValuePAYX(lower P/E)
GrowthCLS(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityCLS(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCLSPAYX
P/E ratio37.1223.44
Forward P/E30.4520.82
P/S ratio2.576.29
P/B ratio17.3610.97
PEG ratio0.393.21
EV / EBITDA28.5115.05
FCF yield1.39%5.67%

Profitability

MetricCLSPAYX
Gross margin11.61%74.29%
Operating margin7.84%38.55%
Net margin6.95%27.03%
ROE46.86%47.12%
ROIC27.74%20.49%

Dividends

MetricCLSPAYX
Dividend yield3.87%
Payout ratio90.41%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCLSPAYX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)19.51%9.93%
EPS CAGR (5Y)73.33%9.95%
FCF CAGR (5Y)26.52%15.18%
Total return CAGR (5Y)111.48%3.87%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CLS or PAYX?
It depends on your goal. value: PAYX (lower P/E); growth: CLS (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: CLS (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, PAYX leads 8 to 7.
Is CLS or PAYX cheaper?
On trailing earnings, PAYX is cheaper: CLS trades at a 37.12 P/E and PAYX at 23.44.
Which has grown faster, CLS or PAYX?
Over the past five years, CLS grew revenue faster — CLS at a 19.51% CAGR versus PAYX at 9.93%.
Does CLS or PAYX pay a bigger dividend?
PAYX pays a dividend (3.87% yield) while CLS does not currently pay one.
Is CLS or PAYX more profitable?
PAYX runs the higher net margin — CLS at 6.95% versus PAYX at 27.03%.
Which has been the better investment, CLS or PAYX?
Over the past 10-year, CLS delivered the higher annualized total return — CLS at 40.76% 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.