Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) vs Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK)

PAYX leads on 15 of 16 compared metrics.

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 June 14, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — PAYX vs ROK

growth of $100 · last 30y
PAYX +945.0%ROK +2060.6%ROK compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,045$2,161
PAYX ROK

PAYX vs ROK: by the numbers

  • ROK is the larger company ($51.11B vs $36.05B market cap).
  • PAYX trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.21 vs 47.75 P/E).
  • PAYX converts more revenue to profit (25.84% vs 12.36% net margin).
  • PAYX grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.95% vs 6.91% CAGR).
  • PAYX pays the higher dividend yield (4.40% vs 1.19%).

Which is better, PAYX or ROK?

Metric tally: PAYX 15 · ROK 1

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Valuation

MetricPAYXROK
P/E ratio22.2147.75
Forward P/E18.3131.74
P/S ratio5.735.87
P/B ratio9.0414.69
PEG ratio2.61
EV / EBITDA13.9633.43
FCF yield5.93%2.59%

Profitability

MetricPAYXROK
Gross margin73.93%52.53%
Operating margin36.90%19.08%
Net margin25.84%12.36%
ROE40.78%30.89%
ROIC16.77%13.71%

Dividends

MetricPAYXROK
Dividend yield4.40%1.19%
Payout ratio96.30%70.87%

Growth (annualized)

MetricPAYXROK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.95%6.91%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.50%-2.73%
FCF CAGR (5Y)13.61%2.95%
Total return CAGR (5Y)2.18%11.93%

Frequently asked

Which is better, PAYX or ROK?
It depends on your goal. value: PAYX (lower P/E); growth: PAYX (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: PAYX (higher dividend yield); quality: PAYX (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, PAYX leads 15 to 1.
Is PAYX or ROK cheaper?
On trailing earnings, PAYX is cheaper: PAYX trades at a 22.21 P/E and ROK at 47.75.
Which has grown faster, PAYX or ROK?
Over the past five years, PAYX grew revenue faster — PAYX at a 9.95% CAGR versus ROK at 6.91%.
Does PAYX or ROK pay a bigger dividend?
PAYX yields 4.40% and ROK yields 1.19% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is PAYX or ROK more profitable?
PAYX runs the higher net margin — PAYX at 25.84% versus ROK at 12.36%.
Which has been the better investment, PAYX or ROK?
Over the past 10-year, ROK delivered the higher annualized total return — PAYX at 9.63% versus ROK at 16.83%. 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 14, 2026.