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.

Compare

Total returnPAYX vs ROK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
PAYX +176.2% (+10.7%/yr)ROK +341.3% (+16.0%/yr)ROK compounded faster over this window
100200300400500Start $10020182020202220242026$276$441
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

MetricPAYXROK
P/E ratio25.1040.72
Forward P/E22.3032.86
P/S ratio6.745.44
P/B ratio11.7513.96
EV / EBITDA16.0422.86
FCF yield5.29%3.08%

Profitability

MetricPAYXROK
Gross margin74.29%54.53%
Operating margin38.55%21.69%
Net margin27.03%13.38%
ROE47.12%34.37%
ROIC20.44%19.92%

Dividends

MetricPAYXROK
Dividend yield3.62%1.27%
Payout ratio90.41%71.78%

Growth (annualized)

MetricPAYXROK
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.

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.