Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) vs Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN)
A side-by-side comparison of Paychex, Inc. and Waste Connections, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 27, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
PAYX
Paychex, Inc.
$126.48IndustrialsDelayed quote: Aug 27, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
WCN
Waste Connections, Inc.
$165.68IndustrialsDelayed quote: Aug 27, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — PAYX vs WCN
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yPAYX +180.8% (+10.9%/yr)WCN +254.1% (+13.5%/yr)WCN compounded faster over this window
PAYX WCN
PAYX vs WCN: by the numbers
- •PAYX is the larger company ($44.99B vs $41.76B market cap).
- •PAYX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.59 vs 40.12 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •PAYX converts more revenue to profit (27.03% vs 10.86% net margin).
- •WCN grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.38% vs 9.93% CAGR).
- •PAYX pays the higher dividend yield (3.55% vs 0.85%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | PAYX | WCN |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 25.59 | 40.12 |
| Forward P/E | 22.73 | 28.92 |
| P/S ratio | 6.87 | 4.33 |
| P/B ratio | 11.98 | 5.35 |
| EV / EBITDA | 16.33 | 17.57 |
| FCF yield | 5.19% | 4.28% |
Profitability
| Metric | PAYX | WCN |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 74.29% | 39.22% |
| Operating margin | 38.55% | 17.09% |
| Net margin | 27.03% | 10.86% |
| ROE | 47.12% | 13.44% |
| ROIC | 20.44% | 6.63% |
Dividends
| Metric | PAYX | WCN |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.55% | 0.85% |
| Payout ratio | 90.41% | 33.41% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | PAYX | WCN |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 9.93% | 11.38% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 9.95% | 39.97% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 15.18% | 16.32% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 5.15% | 6.06% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, PAYX or WCN?
- PAYX has the lower trailing P/E: PAYX trades at 25.59 and WCN at 40.12. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, PAYX or WCN?
- Over the past five years, WCN grew revenue faster — PAYX at a 9.93% CAGR versus WCN at 11.38%.
- Does PAYX or WCN pay a bigger dividend?
- PAYX yields 3.55% and WCN yields 0.85% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is PAYX or WCN more profitable?
- PAYX runs the higher net margin — PAYX at 27.03% versus WCN at 10.86%.
- How have PAYX and WCN total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, PAYX delivered 10.91% and WCN delivered 13.33% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Paychex P/E ratioWaste Connections P/E ratioPaychex dividend yieldWaste Connections dividend yieldPaychex ROEWaste Connections ROEPaychex operating marginWaste Connections operating marginPaychex revenue growthWaste Connections revenue growthPaychex free cash flowWaste Connections free cash flow
Paychex & Waste Connections 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 August 27, 2026.