Paychex Inc
NASDAQ: PAYX · TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION
Updated 2026-04-29
Paychex Inc (PAYX) Stock Valuation Analysis
Fair value estimate, historical valuation range, and quality signals for PAYX.
Valued
Valuation reasonably reflects current fundamentals. Limited margin of safety at these levels.
PAYX historical valuation range
Where current P/E sits in PAYX's own 5Y range.
PAYX intrinsic value (DCF)
DCF-based fair value estimate vs current market price.
Intrinsic value calculated using discounted cash flow (DCF) model based on projected free cash flows, discount rate, and terminal growth assumptions. A positive margin of safety indicates the current price is below estimated fair value, providing a cushion against estimation error.
PAYX valuation signals
Quick-read green flags, caution flags, and risks based on current metrics.
P/E Ratio — History
Current: 20.76x
P/S Ratio — History
Current: 8.49x
Is PAYX overvalued in 2026?
Paychex Inc (PAYX) currently trades at $94.05 per share with a market capitalization of $33,697,257,000.00. Based on our multi-factor framework, the stock trades at a fair valuation with a Smart Value Score of 65/100. This score blends growth quality, financial health, and price attractiveness into a single institutional-grade read.
The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 20.8x, below its 5-year median of 27.1x. The PEG ratio of 1.74 points to a price that reasonably reflects expected earnings growth.
Looking at its own history, PAYX is currently trading cheaper than 72% of the last 5Y on P/E. This places it in the 28th percentile of its historical range, a reasonable but unremarkable position.
Our discounted cash flow model estimates PAYX's intrinsic value at $69.56 per share, against the current market price of $94.05. This implies a premium to fair value of -36.34%. The current price sits well above what projected cash flows justify, implying investors are paying for growth that has not yet materialized.
Financial quality is a concern. The Piotroski F-Score of 3/9 flags weakening fundamentals that deserve closer scrutiny before the valuation case can be fully trusted.
Bottom line: PAYX trades at a fair valuation on our framework, with a Smart Value Score of 65/100. The valuation is defensible but offers no obvious bargain. Patience or a better entry price may reward disciplined buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is PAYX overvalued in 2026?
Based on a Smart Value Score of 65/100, PAYX is fairly valued. Price reasonably reflects current fundamentals with limited cushion in either direction.
What is PAYX's fair value?
Our DCF model estimates PAYX's intrinsic value at $69.56 per share, versus the current price of $94.05. This produces a margin of safety of -36.34%.
What P/E ratio does PAYX trade at?
PAYX trades at a P/E of 20.8x on trailing twelve-month earnings, compared to its 5-year median of 27.1x.
Is PAYX a buy based on valuation?
WallStSmart does not issue buy or sell recommendations. Our Smart Value Score of 65/100 reflects the combined read on growth, quality, and price. The profile is balanced. Best suited for investors with an existing thesis.
How does PAYX's valuation compare to its history?
On P/E, PAYX currently sits in the 28th percentile of its own 5Y range. That is below its long-run median relative to where it has traded over the period.
What is PAYX's Smart Value Score?
PAYX's Smart Value Score is 65/100. The Smart Value Score is a proprietary WallStSmart metric blending growth quality, financial health, and valuation attractiveness into a single 0-100 read. Scores above 75 are rare and indicate strong multi-factor alignment.