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).
CLS
Celestica Inc.
$307.34TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 20, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
PAYX
Paychex, Inc.
$115.20TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 20, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CLS vs PAYX
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 28yCLS +3178.3%PAYX +1228.8%CLS compounded faster
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 8It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValuePAYX(lower P/E)
GrowthCLS(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityCLS(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CLS | PAYX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 37.12 | 23.44● |
| Forward P/E | 30.45 | 20.82● |
| P/S ratio | 2.57● | 6.29 |
| P/B ratio | 17.36 | 10.97● |
| PEG ratio | 0.39● | 3.21 |
| EV / EBITDA | 28.51 | 15.05● |
| FCF yield | 1.39% | 5.67%● |
Profitability
| Metric | CLS | PAYX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 11.61% | 74.29%● |
| Operating margin | 7.84% | 38.55%● |
| Net margin | 6.95% | 27.03%● |
| ROE | 46.86% | 47.12% |
| ROIC | 27.74%● | 20.49% |
Dividends
| Metric | CLS | PAYX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | — | 3.87% |
| Payout ratio | — | 90.41% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CLS | PAYX |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Celestica P/E ratioPaychex P/E ratioCelestica dividend yieldPaychex dividend yieldCelestica ROEPaychex ROECelestica operating marginPaychex operating marginCelestica revenue growthPaychex revenue growthCelestica free cash flowPaychex free cash flow
Celestica & Paychex appear in these rankings
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.