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 August 2, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnPAYX vs UAL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 20y
PAYX +527.9%UAL +312.6%PAYX compounded faster
0200400600800Start $10020102014201820222026$628$413
PAYX UAL

PAYX vs UAL: by the numbers

  • PAYX is the larger company ($41.56B vs $39.38B market cap).
  • UAL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (11.35 vs 23.94 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 (3.79% yield), while UAL is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricPAYXUAL
P/E ratio23.9411.35
Forward P/E21.2711.63
P/S ratio6.430.63
P/B ratio11.212.37
PEG ratio3.211.67
EV / EBITDA15.358.02
FCF yield5.55%6.42%

Profitability

MetricPAYXUAL
Gross margin74.29%65.06%
Operating margin38.55%7.75%
Net margin27.03%5.56%
ROE47.12%20.94%
ROIC20.49%6.63%

Dividends

MetricPAYXUAL
Dividend yield3.79%N/A
Payout ratio90.41%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricPAYXUAL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.93%33.94%
EPS CAGR (5Y)9.95%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.18%52.92%
Total return CAGR (5Y)3.68%21.02%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, PAYX or UAL?
UAL has the lower trailing P/E: PAYX trades at 23.94 and UAL at 11.35. 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 (3.79% 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 10.39% and UAL delivered 9.97% 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 2, 2026.