CAT vs PAYX
Caterpillar (CAT) and Paychex (PAYX) compared side by side. Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $42.0B for Paychex, about 7.5 times the size. On trailing earnings, PAYX is cheaper at 23.4x versus 29.6x for CAT.
Head to head
| Metric | CAT | PAYX |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $315.8B | $42.0B |
| P/E (TTM) | 29.6x | 23.4x |
| Forward P/E | 21.1x | 18.5x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $74.7B | $6.6B |
| Revenue growth | 24.0% | 5.9% |
| Gross margin | 29.7% | 74.4% |
| Operating margin | 22.2% | 38.5% |
| Free cash flow | $9.0B | $2.0B |
| Dividend yield | 0.95% | 4.03% |
| 1-year return | +32.8% | -1.2% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +30.0% | +2.2% |
| Max drawdown | -73% | -65% |
| FI Handbook grade | B- | B |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
CAT vs PAYX FAQ
Which is bigger, CAT or PAYX?
Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $42.0B for Paychex, about 7.5 times the size.
Is CAT or PAYX cheaper?
On trailing earnings, PAYX is cheaper at 23.4x versus 29.6x for CAT. A lower P/E can reflect slower expected growth, so compare growth and margins too.
Which stock performed better over the past year, CAT or PAYX?
CAT returned +32.8% over the past year including dividends, versus -1.2% for PAYX, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAT or PAYX?
PAYX yields 4.03% versus 0.95% for CAT.
Full pages: Caterpillar · Paychex