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PCTY vs WDAY
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Paylocity (PCTY) vs. Workday (WDAY) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both PCTY and WDAY are cloud-based human capital management (HCM) software providers, but they serve very different customer segments.
- Paylocity targets the midmarket and small-to-midsize business (SMB) segment, while Workday is anchored in large enterprise accounts.
- Workday is the far larger company by market capitalization, but Paylocity has shown comparatively stronger near-term price momentum and lower volatility.
- Workday's recent performance has been pressured by a CEO transition and softer long-term guidance, even as its AI-driven bookings accelerate.
- Both names are expanding AI product offerings, a shared catalyst shaping sentiment across the HCM software sector.
Introduction
Investors evaluating the human capital management and enterprise software space often weigh PCTY (Paylocity Holding Corporation) against WDAY (Workday, Inc.). Although both sell cloud software that helps organizations manage payroll, HR, and workforce processes, their market positioning and growth profiles differ meaningfully. This stock comparison examines recent relative performance, business drivers, and market sentiment to help traders and investors understand how these two companies compare in the current environment. Paylocity skews toward the midmarket, while Workday competes for large enterprise contracts, creating distinct trade-offs in growth durability, volatility, and catalyst exposure.
PCTY Overview and Recent Performance
Paylocity Holding Corporation, headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, provides a unified cloud platform spanning payroll, human resources (HR), finance, and information technology (IT) software. The company has expanded beyond its traditional HCM roots by adding finance and IT modules, positioning itself as a back-office software provider for midmarket and SMB customers. In recent weeks, PCTY has traded near the upper end of its 52-week range, supported by consistent earnings beats and rising analyst price targets. The company has raised its fiscal guidance on recurring revenue and adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP profitability measure), and it recently authorized a new $1 billion share repurchase program. Analysts have reinstated or raised coverage with bullish ratings, citing the broadened product portfolio and embedded AI capabilities as key drivers of sentiment.
WDAY Overview and Recent Performance
Workday, Inc., headquartered in Pleasanton, California, delivers enterprise cloud applications for financial management, HCM, and business planning. The company is a cloud-only provider serving large enterprises, with more than 65% of the Fortune 500 among its customers. In recent months, WDAY has navigated a leadership transition, with co-founder Aneel Bhusri returning to the chief executive role, alongside a workforce reduction tied to strategic realignment. The stock has underperformed the broader market on a year-to-date basis, weighed down by softer long-term growth guidance and uncertainty around the timing of AI monetization. At the same time, Workday has reported accelerating adoption of its AI agents, with AI-related annual recurring revenue growing rapidly, providing a counterbalance to more cautious near-term sentiment.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most fundamental contrast between these two companies is customer focus. PCTY serves a large base of midmarket and SMB clients, giving it broad diversification but also greater sensitivity to employment levels and new business formation. WDAY concentrates on large enterprise accounts, which tend to generate larger, stickier contracts but can also produce lumpier deal flow. On valuation, Workday trades at a lower forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio than Paylocity, reflecting the market's more conservative view of its near-term growth. In terms of risk, Paylocity carries a notably lower beta, indicating lower volatility relative to the broader market, while Workday's shares have shown wider swings amid leadership changes and guidance resets. Both companies are investing heavily in AI, though Paylocity is embedding it across a unified back-office suite, whereas Workday is positioning itself as an agentic AI platform for enterprise HR and finance. Growth drivers also differ: Paylocity leans on product expansion and cross-selling into finance and IT, while Workday relies on enterprise upselling and international expansion.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward PCTY in the current environment. The stock has demonstrated more consistent recent trend strength, a lower volatility profile, and positive momentum supported by raised guidance and analyst upgrades. While WDAY offers a larger scale and a compelling long-term AI narrative, its near-term positioning carries more uncertainty from the leadership transition and softer forward guidance. This assessment reflects relative trend consistency and positioning rather than a definitive forecast, and it should be viewed as probabilistic rather than predictive.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is PCTY is a StrongBuy and WDAY is a StrongBuy.
PCTY's MACD Histogram just turned positive
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for PCTY turned positive on October 05, 2026. Looking at past instances where PCTY's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 31 of 40 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 01, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on PCTY as a result. In 54 of 84 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
PCTY moved above its 50-day moving average on October 07, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for PCTY crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
Following a +4.54% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PCTY advanced for three days, in 174 of 277 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 8 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 11 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where PCTY declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
PCTY broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for PCTY entered a downward trend on October 08, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 36 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. PCTY’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 44 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 81 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (7.718) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.734). P/E Ratio (35.605) is within average values for comparable stocks, (15.183). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.153) is also within normal values, averaging (2.824). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.074) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.558) is also within normal values, averaging (71.128).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. PCTY’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 94, placing this stock worse than average.
WDAY's MACD Histogram just turned positive
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for WDAY turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where WDAY's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 36 of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 15, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on WDAY as a result. In 62 of 87 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
WDAY moved above its 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for WDAY crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
Following a +6.90% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WDAY advanced for three days, in 173 of 303 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where WDAY declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 71%.
WDAY broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for WDAY entered a downward trend on October 07, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 37 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. WDAY’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 54 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 81 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (7.834) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.734). P/E Ratio (42.681) is within average values for comparable stocks, (15.183). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.689) is also within normal values, averaging (2.824). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.074) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.773) is also within normal values, averaging (71.128).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 93 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. WDAY’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 94, placing this stock worse than average.
PCTY | WDAY | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 36 | 27 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 81 Overvalued | 81 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 44 | 54 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 36 | 37 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 48 | 93 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 19 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
PCTY's Valuation (81) in the Packaged Software industry is in the same range as WDAY (81) in the Information Technology Services industry. This means that PCTY’s stock grew similarly to WDAY’s over the last 12 months.
PCTY's Profit vs Risk Rating (100) in the Packaged Software industry is in the same range as WDAY (100) in the Information Technology Services industry. This means that PCTY’s stock grew similarly to WDAY’s over the last 12 months.
PCTY's SMR Rating (44) in the Packaged Software industry is in the same range as WDAY (54) in the Information Technology Services industry. This means that PCTY’s stock grew similarly to WDAY’s over the last 12 months.
PCTY's Price Growth Rating (36) in the Packaged Software industry is in the same range as WDAY (37) in the Information Technology Services industry. This means that PCTY’s stock grew similarly to WDAY’s over the last 12 months.
PCTY's P/E Growth Rating (48) in the Packaged Software industry is somewhat better than the same rating for WDAY (93) in the Information Technology Services industry. This means that PCTY’s stock grew somewhat faster than WDAY’s over the last 12 months.
| PCTY | WDAY | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 67% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 83% | 1 day ago 71% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 71% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 77% | 1 day ago 73% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 63% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 64% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 63% | 3 days ago 57% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 24 days ago 72% | 16 days ago 71% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 71% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 80% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
PCTY’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while WDAY’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- PCTY’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- WDAY’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
PCTY’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WDAY’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- PCTY’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- WDAY’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
PCTY (@Packaged Software) experienced а +6.43% price change this week, while WDAY (@Packaged Software) price change was +7.52% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Packaged Software industry was -0.43%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.98%, and the average quarterly price growth was +4.31%.
Reported Earning Dates
PCTY is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
WDAY is expected to report earnings on Nov 24, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Packaged Software (-0.43% weekly)Packaged software comprises multiple software programs bundled together and sold as a group. For example, Microsoft Office includes multiple applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. In some cases, buying a bundled product is cheaper than purchasing each item individually[s20] . Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corp. and Adobe are some major American packaged software makers.
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PCTY and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, PCTY has been closely correlated with ADP. These tickers have moved in lockstep 78% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if PCTY jumps, then ADP could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To PCTY | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCTY | 100% | +4.93% | ||
| ADP - PCTY | 78% Closely correlated | +4.56% | ||
| PAYX - PCTY | 74% Closely correlated | +5.61% | ||
| WDAY - PCTY | 70% Closely correlated | +3.46% | ||
| VERX - PCTY | 67% Closely correlated | +4.43% | ||
| MANH - PCTY | 67% Closely correlated | +2.69% | ||
More | ||||
WDAY and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, WDAY has been closely correlated with ADBE. These tickers have moved in lockstep 76% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if WDAY jumps, then ADBE could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To WDAY | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WDAY | 100% | +3.46% | ||
| ADBE - WDAY | 76% Closely correlated | +6.07% | ||
| ASAN - WDAY | 75% Closely correlated | +3.88% | ||
| NOW - WDAY | 75% Closely correlated | +2.53% | ||
| FRSH - WDAY | 74% Closely correlated | +3.34% | ||
| INTU - WDAY | 72% Closely correlated | +5.75% | ||
More | ||||
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| PY | 59.06 | 0.70 | +1.19% |
| Principal Value ETF (PY) | |||
| LQD | 104.28 | 1.07 | +1.04% |
| iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (LQD) | |||
| AGGY | 42.04 | 0.36 | +0.86% |
| WisdomTree Yield Enhanced U.S. Aggregate Bond Fund (AGGY) | |||
| IBIJ | 24.82 | 0.20 | +0.81% |
| iShares iBonds Oct 2033 Term TIPS ETF (IBIJ) | |||
| IREG | 2.74 | -0.55 | -16.72% |
| Leverage Shares 2X Long IREN Daily ETF (IREG) | |||