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.

Compare

Total returnPAYX vs WCN

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
PAYX +180.8% (+10.9%/yr)WCN +254.1% (+13.5%/yr)WCN compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$281$354
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

MetricPAYXWCN
P/E ratio25.5940.12
Forward P/E22.7328.92
P/S ratio6.874.33
P/B ratio11.985.35
EV / EBITDA16.3317.57
FCF yield5.19%4.28%

Profitability

MetricPAYXWCN
Gross margin74.29%39.22%
Operating margin38.55%17.09%
Net margin27.03%10.86%
ROE47.12%13.44%
ROIC20.44%6.63%

Dividends

MetricPAYXWCN
Dividend yield3.55%0.85%
Payout ratio90.41%33.41%

Growth (annualized)

MetricPAYXWCN
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.

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.