Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) vs United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL)
A side-by-side comparison of Paychex, Inc. and United Airlines Holdings, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
PAYX
Paychex, Inc.
$116.14IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 18, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
UAL
United Airlines Holdings, Inc.
$108.71IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 18, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — PAYX vs UAL
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yPAYX +178.6% (+10.8%/yr)UAL +110.0% (+7.7%/yr)PAYX compounded faster over this window
PAYX UAL
PAYX vs UAL: by the numbers
- •PAYX is the larger company ($41.31B vs $35.28B market cap).
- •UAL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (10.17 vs 23.80 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •PAYX converts more revenue to profit (27.03% vs 5.56% net margin).
- •UAL grew revenue faster over the past five years (33.94% vs 9.93% CAGR).
- •PAYX pays a dividend (3.92% yield), while UAL is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | PAYX | UAL |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 23.80 | 10.17 |
| Forward P/E | 19.48 | 10.82 |
| P/S ratio | 6.34 | 0.56 |
| P/B ratio | 11.06 | 2.11 |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.17 | 7.47 |
| FCF yield | 5.62% | 7.21% |
Profitability
| Metric | PAYX | UAL |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 74.29% | 65.06% |
| Operating margin | 38.55% | 7.75% |
| Net margin | 27.03% | 5.56% |
| ROE | 47.12% | 20.94% |
| ROIC | 20.44% | 6.46% |
Dividends
| Metric | PAYX | UAL |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.92% | N/A |
| Payout ratio | 93.03% | N/A |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | PAYX | UAL |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 9.93% | 33.94% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 9.95% | N/A |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 15.18% | 52.93% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 4.15% | 18.13% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, PAYX or UAL?
- UAL has the lower trailing P/E: PAYX trades at 23.80 and UAL at 10.17. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, PAYX or UAL?
- Over the past five years, UAL grew revenue faster — PAYX at a 9.93% CAGR versus UAL at 33.94%.
- Does PAYX or UAL pay a bigger dividend?
- PAYX pays a dividend (3.92% yield), while UAL is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
- Is PAYX or UAL more profitable?
- PAYX runs the higher net margin — PAYX at 27.03% versus UAL at 5.56%.
- How have PAYX and UAL total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, PAYX delivered 10.29% and UAL delivered 7.40% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Paychex P/E ratioUnited Airlines P/E ratioPaychex dividend yieldPaychex ROEUnited Airlines ROEPaychex operating marginUnited Airlines operating marginPaychex revenue growthUnited Airlines revenue growthPaychex free cash flowUnited Airlines free cash flow
Paychex & United Airlines 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 13, 2026.