Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) vs United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL)

UAL leads on 10 of 16 compared metrics.

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 June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — PAYX vs UAL

growth of $100 · last 20y
PAYX +177.3%UAL +280.0%UAL compounded faster
0100200300400Start $10020102014201820222026$277$380
PAYX UAL

PAYX vs UAL: by the numbers

  • UAL is the larger company ($38.94B vs $36.15B market cap).
  • UAL trades at the lower earnings multiple (10.71 vs 22.27 P/E).
  • PAYX converts more revenue to profit (25.84% vs 6.06% net margin).
  • UAL grew revenue faster over the past five years (41.67% vs 9.95% CAGR).
  • PAYX pays a dividend (4.39% yield) while UAL does not currently pay one.

Which is better, PAYX or UAL?

Metric tally: PAYX 6 · UAL 10

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueUAL(lower P/E)
GrowthUAL(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityPAYX(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricPAYXUAL
P/E ratio22.2710.71
Forward P/E18.378.32
P/S ratio5.740.65
P/B ratio9.072.47
PEG ratio2.621.66
EV / EBITDA14.007.17
FCF yield5.91%8.18%

Profitability

MetricPAYXUAL
Gross margin73.93%64.24%
Operating margin36.90%8.44%
Net margin25.84%6.06%
ROE40.78%23.09%
ROIC16.77%6.63%

Dividends

MetricPAYXUAL
Dividend yield4.39%
Payout ratio96.30%

Growth (annualized)

MetricPAYXUAL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.95%41.67%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.50%-2.15%
FCF CAGR (5Y)13.61%61.78%
Total return CAGR (5Y)2.37%16.76%

Frequently asked

Which is better, PAYX or UAL?
It depends on your goal. value: UAL (lower P/E); growth: UAL (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: PAYX (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, UAL leads 10 to 6.
Is PAYX or UAL cheaper?
On trailing earnings, UAL is cheaper: PAYX trades at a 22.27 P/E and UAL at 10.71.
Which has grown faster, PAYX or UAL?
Over the past five years, UAL grew revenue faster — PAYX at a 9.95% CAGR versus UAL at 41.67%.
Does PAYX or UAL pay a bigger dividend?
PAYX pays a dividend (4.39% yield) while UAL does not currently pay one.
Is PAYX or UAL more profitable?
PAYX runs the higher net margin — PAYX at 25.84% versus UAL at 6.06%.
Which has been the better investment, PAYX or UAL?
Over the past 10-year, UAL delivered the higher annualized total return — PAYX at 9.68% versus UAL at 10.84%. 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 15, 2026.