Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) vs Workday, Inc. (WDAY)
PAYX and WDAY are evenly matched — 7 metrics each of 14.
A side-by-side comparison of Paychex, Inc. and Workday, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 18, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
PAYX
Paychex, Inc.
$114.39TechnologyAt close: Jul 17, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
WDAY
Workday, Inc.
$144.78TechnologyAt close: Jul 17, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
Total return — PAYX vs WDAY
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 14yPAYX +428.3%WDAY +181.1%PAYX compounded faster
PAYX WDAY
PAYX vs WDAY: by the numbers
- •PAYX is the larger company ($40.68B vs $37.92B market cap).
- •PAYX trades at the lower earnings multiple (23.44 vs 45.24 P/E).
- •PAYX converts more revenue to profit (27.03% vs 8.60% net margin).
- •WDAY grew revenue faster over the past five years (17.11% vs 9.93% CAGR).
- •PAYX pays a dividend (3.87% yield) while WDAY does not currently pay one.
Which is better, PAYX or WDAY?
Metric tally: PAYX 7 · WDAY 7It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValuePAYX(lower P/E)
GrowthWDAY(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityPAYX(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | PAYX | WDAY |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 23.44● | 45.24 |
| Forward P/E | 20.82 | 15.94● |
| P/S ratio | 6.29 | 3.74● |
| P/B ratio | 10.97 | 5.51● |
| PEG ratio | 3.21 | 2.16● |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.05● | 26.64 |
| FCF yield | 5.67% | 8.07%● |
Profitability
| Metric | PAYX | WDAY |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 74.29% | 75.77% |
| Operating margin | 38.55%● | 11.66% |
| Net margin | 27.03%● | 8.60% |
| ROE | 47.12%● | 12.67% |
| ROIC | 20.49%● | 5.95% |
Dividends
| Metric | PAYX | WDAY |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.87% | — |
| Payout ratio | 90.41% | — |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | PAYX | WDAY |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 9.93% | 17.11%● |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 9.95% | — |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 15.18% | 20.07%● |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 3.52%● | -8.64% |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, PAYX or WDAY?
- It depends on your goal. value: PAYX (lower P/E); growth: WDAY (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: PAYX (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
- Is PAYX or WDAY cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, PAYX is cheaper: PAYX trades at a 23.44 P/E and WDAY at 45.24.
- Which has grown faster, PAYX or WDAY?
- Over the past five years, WDAY grew revenue faster — PAYX at a 9.93% CAGR versus WDAY at 17.11%.
- Does PAYX or WDAY pay a bigger dividend?
- PAYX pays a dividend (3.87% yield) while WDAY does not currently pay one.
- Is PAYX or WDAY more profitable?
- PAYX runs the higher net margin — PAYX at 27.03% versus WDAY at 8.60%.
- Which has been the better investment, PAYX or WDAY?
- Over the past 10-year, PAYX delivered the higher annualized total return — PAYX at 9.83% versus WDAY at 6.26%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Paychex P/E ratioWorkday P/E ratioPaychex dividend yieldWorkday dividend yieldPaychex ROEWorkday ROEPaychex operating marginWorkday operating marginPaychex revenue growthWorkday revenue growthPaychex free cash flowWorkday free cash flow
Paychex & Workday 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 July 18, 2026.