Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) vs Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK)
A side-by-side comparison of Paychex, Inc. and Rockwell Automation, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 20, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
PAYX
Paychex, Inc.
$122.50IndustrialsAt close: Aug 19, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
ROK
Rockwell Automation, Inc.
$433.27IndustrialsAt close: Aug 19, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
Total return — PAYX vs ROK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yPAYX +176.2% (+10.7%/yr)ROK +341.3% (+16.0%/yr)ROK compounded faster over this window
PAYX ROK
PAYX vs ROK: by the numbers
- •ROK is the larger company ($48.21B vs $43.57B market cap).
- •PAYX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.10 vs 40.72 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •PAYX converts more revenue to profit (27.03% vs 13.38% net margin).
- •PAYX grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.93% vs 5.83% CAGR).
- •PAYX pays the higher dividend yield (3.62% vs 1.27%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | PAYX | ROK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 25.10 | 40.72 |
| Forward P/E | 22.30 | 32.86 |
| P/S ratio | 6.74 | 5.44 |
| P/B ratio | 11.75 | 13.96 |
| EV / EBITDA | 16.04 | 22.86 |
| FCF yield | 5.29% | 3.08% |
Profitability
| Metric | PAYX | ROK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 74.29% | 54.53% |
| Operating margin | 38.55% | 21.69% |
| Net margin | 27.03% | 13.38% |
| ROE | 47.12% | 34.37% |
| ROIC | 20.44% | 19.92% |
Dividends
| Metric | PAYX | ROK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.62% | 1.27% |
| Payout ratio | 90.41% | 71.78% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | PAYX | ROK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 9.93% | 5.83% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 9.95% | -2.73% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 15.18% | 3.21% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 4.40% | 8.42% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, PAYX or ROK?
- PAYX has the lower trailing P/E: PAYX trades at 25.10 and ROK at 40.72. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, PAYX or ROK?
- Over the past five years, PAYX grew revenue faster — PAYX at a 9.93% CAGR versus ROK at 5.83%.
- Does PAYX or ROK pay a bigger dividend?
- PAYX yields 3.62% and ROK yields 1.27% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is PAYX or ROK more profitable?
- PAYX runs the higher net margin — PAYX at 27.03% versus ROK at 13.38%.
- How have PAYX and ROK total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, PAYX delivered 10.76% and ROK delivered 15.95% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Paychex P/E ratioRockwell Automation P/E ratioPaychex dividend yieldRockwell Automation dividend yieldPaychex ROERockwell Automation ROEPaychex operating marginRockwell Automation operating marginPaychex revenue growthRockwell Automation revenue growthPaychex free cash flowRockwell Automation free cash flow
Paychex & Rockwell Automation 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 August 20, 2026.