Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX)

PAYX leads on 12 of 17 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Carpenter Technology Corporation and Paychex, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 18, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — CRS vs PAYX

growth of $100 · last 30y
CRS +3291.2%PAYX +886.7%CRS compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$3,391$987
CRS PAYX

CRS vs PAYX: by the numbers

  • PAYX is the larger company ($34.96B vs $29.15B market cap).
  • PAYX trades at the lower earnings multiple (21.54 vs 60.58 P/E).
  • PAYX converts more revenue to profit (25.84% vs 15.82% net margin).
  • CRS grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.23% vs 9.95% CAGR).
  • PAYX pays the higher dividend yield (4.54% vs 0.14%).

Which is better, CRS or PAYX?

Metric tally: CRS 5 · PAYX 12

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValuePAYX(lower P/E)
GrowthCRS(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomePAYX(higher dividend yield)
QualityPAYX(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCRSPAYX
P/E ratio60.5821.54
Forward P/E45.7217.76
P/S ratio9.565.56
P/B ratio14.008.77
PEG ratio0.372.53
EV / EBITDA37.5813.57
FCF yield1.41%6.12%

Profitability

MetricCRSPAYX
Gross margin29.73%73.93%
Operating margin21.34%36.90%
Net margin15.82%25.84%
ROE23.17%40.78%
ROIC13.94%16.77%

Dividends

MetricCRSPAYX
Dividend yield0.14%4.54%
Payout ratio10.68%96.30%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCRSPAYX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.23%9.95%
EPS CAGR (5Y)218.42%8.50%
FCF CAGR (5Y)14.57%13.61%
Total return CAGR (5Y)72.75%1.70%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CRS or PAYX?
It depends on your goal. value: PAYX (lower P/E); growth: CRS (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: PAYX (higher dividend yield); quality: PAYX (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, PAYX leads 12 to 5.
Is CRS or PAYX cheaper?
On trailing earnings, PAYX is cheaper: CRS trades at a 60.58 P/E and PAYX at 21.54.
Which has grown faster, CRS or PAYX?
Over the past five years, CRS grew revenue faster — CRS at a 15.23% CAGR versus PAYX at 9.95%.
Does CRS or PAYX pay a bigger dividend?
CRS yields 0.14% and PAYX yields 4.54% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CRS or PAYX more profitable?
PAYX runs the higher net margin — CRS at 15.82% versus PAYX at 25.84%.
Which has been the better investment, CRS or PAYX?
Over the past 10-year, CRS delivered the higher annualized total return — CRS at 35.06% versus PAYX at 9.30%. 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 June 18, 2026.