Mastercard Incorporated (MA) vs Paycom Software, Inc. (PAYC)
A side-by-side comparison of Mastercard Incorporated and Paycom Software, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: MA is classified in Financial Services; PAYC is classified in Technology. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
$569.19Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
PAYC
Paycom Software, Inc.
$218.91TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MA vs PAYC
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMA +498.8% (+19.6%/yr)PAYC +323.5% (+15.5%/yr)MA compounded faster over this window
MA PAYC
MA vs PAYC: by the numbers
- •MA is the larger company ($499.20B vs $9.87B market cap).
- •PAYC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (23.26 vs 31.31 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MA converts more revenue to profit (46.34% vs 22.78% net margin).
- •PAYC grew revenue faster over the past five years (18.10% vs 16.09% CAGR).
- •PAYC pays the higher dividend yield (0.69% vs 0.60%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MA | PAYC |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 31.31 | 23.26 |
| Forward P/E | 28.52 | 18.11 |
| P/S ratio | 14.23 | 4.61 |
| P/B ratio | 88.97 | 17.26 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 12.62 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 7.65% |
Profitability
| Metric | MA | PAYC |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 100.00% | 80.11% |
| Operating margin | 59.84% | 30.30% |
| Net margin | 46.34% | 22.78% |
| ROE | 289.73% | 85.32% |
| ROIC | N/A | 23.60% |
Dividends
| Metric | MA | PAYC |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.60% | 0.69% |
| Payout ratio | 18.54% | 15.94% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MA | PAYC |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 16.09% | 18.10% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 20.93% | 26.70% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 36.07% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 10.88% | -14.14% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MA or PAYC?
- PAYC has the lower trailing P/E: MA trades at 31.31 and PAYC at 23.26. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, MA or PAYC?
- Over the past five years, PAYC grew revenue faster — MA at a 16.09% CAGR versus PAYC at 18.10%.
- Does MA or PAYC pay a bigger dividend?
- MA yields 0.60% and PAYC yields 0.69% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MA or PAYC more profitable?
- MA runs the higher net margin — MA at 46.34% versus PAYC at 22.78%.
- How have MA and PAYC total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MA delivered 19.83% and PAYC delivered 16.19% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Mastercard P/E ratioPaycom Software P/E ratioMastercard dividend yieldPaycom Software dividend yieldMastercard ROEPaycom Software ROEMastercard operating marginPaycom Software operating marginMastercard revenue growthPaycom Software revenue growthPaycom Software free cash flow
Mastercard & Paycom Software 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 September 11, 2026.