Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) vs Roper Technologies, Inc. (ROP)

PAYX leads on 10 of 17 compared metrics, though ROP is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Paychex, Inc. and Roper Technologies, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 20, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total returnPAYX vs ROP

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
PAYX +2769.1%ROP +3647.9%ROP compounded faster
02k4k6kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,869$3,748
PAYX ROP

PAYX vs ROP: by the numbers

  • PAYX is the larger company ($40.97B vs $36.62B market cap).
  • ROP trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.66 vs 23.44 P/E).
  • PAYX converts more revenue to profit (27.03% vs 21.12% net margin).
  • PAYX grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.93% vs 9.25% CAGR).
  • PAYX pays the higher dividend yield (3.87% vs 0.96%).

Which is better, PAYX or ROP?

Metric tally: PAYX 10 · ROP 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricPAYXROP
P/E ratio23.4422.66
Forward P/E20.8216.56
P/S ratio6.294.68
P/B ratio10.972.02
PEG ratio3.212.38
EV / EBITDA15.0514.13
FCF yield5.67%6.72%

Profitability

MetricPAYXROP
Gross margin74.29%69.40%
Operating margin38.55%28.09%
Net margin27.03%21.12%
ROE47.12%9.11%
ROIC20.49%5.62%

Dividends

MetricPAYXROP
Dividend yield3.87%0.96%
Payout ratio90.41%24.25%

Growth (annualized)

MetricPAYXROP
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.93%9.25%
EPS CAGR (5Y)9.95%9.53%
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.18%8.90%
Total return CAGR (5Y)3.87%-5.29%

Frequently asked

Which is better, PAYX or ROP?
It depends on your goal. value: ROP (lower P/E); growth: PAYX (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: PAYX (higher dividend yield); quality: PAYX (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, PAYX leads 10 to 7.
Is PAYX or ROP cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ROP is cheaper: PAYX trades at a 23.44 P/E and ROP at 22.66.
Which has grown faster, PAYX or ROP?
Over the past five years, PAYX grew revenue faster — PAYX at a 9.93% CAGR versus ROP at 9.25%.
Does PAYX or ROP pay a bigger dividend?
PAYX yields 3.87% and ROP yields 0.96% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is PAYX or ROP more profitable?
PAYX runs the higher net margin — PAYX at 27.03% versus ROP at 21.12%.
Which has been the better investment, PAYX or ROP?
Over the past 10-year, PAYX delivered the higher annualized total return — PAYX at 9.96% versus ROP at 8.30%. 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 July 20, 2026.