Maximus (MMS) vs Paymentus (PAY)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Paymentus (PAY) has outperformed Maximus (MMS) over the past year, losing 3.1% versus a loss of 38.3%. Over five years, PAY leads with a +30.3% price change compared with -35.5% for MMS. Paymentus is the larger company by market cap ($4.02 billion vs $3.08 billion), about 1.3 times the size.
On valuation, Maximus trades at a lower forward P/E (7.0x vs 29.3x for Paymentus). Maximus pays a dividend yielding 2.14%, while Paymentus does not currently pay one. Maximus converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 5.9% versus 5.6%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | MMS | PAY |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $58.77 | $31.92 |
| Market cap | $3.08B | $4.02B |
| 1-day change | +5.61% | +1.92% |
| YTD return | -35.53% | -0.85% |
| 1-year return | -38.32% | -3.12% |
| 5-year return | -35.49% | +30.28% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 8.69 | 48.36 |
| Forward P/E | 7.03 | 29.26 |
| EPS (TTM) | $6.76 | $0.66 |
| Dividend yield | 2.14% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $1.26 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $5.43B | $1.20B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +2.36% | +37.25% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $319.03M | $66.94M |
| Gross margin | 24.55% | 24.77% |
| Operating margin | 9.73% | 6.31% |
| Net margin | 5.87% | 5.59% |
| 52-week high | $100.00 | $45.31 |
| 52-week low | $51.04 | $20.11 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -41.23% | -29.55% |
| Analyst consensus | none | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +57.39% | +25.75% |
| Average volume | 648.76K | 1.16M |
| Shares outstanding | 52.36M | 63.11M |
| Employees | 37,200 | 1,340 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Business Services | Business Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- PAY has outperformed MMS by 35.2 percentage points over the past year.
- Paymentus trades at a higher earnings multiple (48.4x vs 8.7x trailing P/E).
- Maximus offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.14% vs 0.00%).
- Paymentus grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+37.25% vs +2.36%).
About Maximus
MMS stock →Maximus, Inc. operates as a provider of government services worldwide.
Consumer Discretionary · Business Services · 37,200 employees
About Paymentus
PAY stock →Paymentus Holdings, Inc. provides cloud-based bill payment technology and solutions in the United States and internationally.
Consumer Discretionary · Business Services · 1,340 employees
MMS vs PAY FAQ
Which is bigger, Maximus or Paymentus?
Paymentus (PAY) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.02B compared with $3.08B for Maximus (MMS).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MMS or PAY?
PAY returned -3.12% over the past 12 months, compared with -38.32% for MMS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, MMS or PAY?
MMS has the lower trailing P/E at 8.7, versus 48.4 for PAY. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Maximus or Paymentus?
Maximus pays a dividend yielding 2.14%, while Paymentus does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Maximus and Paymentus in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Business Services industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.