WallStSmart

Automatic Data Processing Inc (ADP)vsClearwater Analytics Holdings Inc (CWAN)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Automatic Data Processing Inc generates 2558% more annual revenue ($21.95B vs $825.73M). ADP leads profitability with a 20.1% profit margin vs -5.8%. CWAN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.78. ADP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

ADP

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.53

CWAN

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 10.0Profit: 2.5Value: 3.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.63
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ADPSignificantly Overvalued (-84.1%)

Margin of Safety

-84.1%

Fair Value

$165.18

Current Price

$286.08

$120.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $165.18Overvalued
CWANSignificantly Overvalued (-17.6%)

Margin of Safety

-17.6%

Fair Value

$20.06

Current Price

$24.56

$4.50 premium

UndervaluedFair: $20.06Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ADP5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
73.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 73 in profit

Market CapQuality
$113.74B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
20.1%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
23.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.5%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.36B8/10

Generating 1.4B in free cash flow

CWAN2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
74.4%10/10

Revenue surging 74.4% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
202.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 202.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

ADP4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.504/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
26.2x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
18.9x4/10

Trading at 18.9x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

CWAN4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.784/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.634/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Operating MarginProfitability
4.1%3/10

Operating margin of 4.1%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ADP

The strongest argument for ADP centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.1% and operating margin at 23.5%.

Bull Case : CWAN

The strongest argument for CWAN centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 74.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ADP

The primary concerns for ADP are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : CWAN

The primary concerns for CWAN are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ADP profiles as a mature stock while CWAN is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

ADP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.84 — expect wider price swings.

CWAN is growing revenue faster at 74.4% — sustainability is the question.

ADP generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ADP scores higher overall (62/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 20.1% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Automatic Data Processing Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) is an American provider of human resources management software and services.

Clearwater Analytics Holdings Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Clearwater Analytics Holdings Inc. (CWAN) is a premier provider of cutting-edge cloud-based investment accounting and analytics solutions tailored for investment firms, insurance companies, and global corporations. The company's sophisticated platform bolsters portfolio management and reporting, allowing clients to make strategic investment decisions while ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to regulatory requirements. With its strategic positioning in the dynamic financial technology sector, Clearwater is adept at harnessing the increasing need for integrated investment solutions, thereby fostering continued growth and innovation within the financial services landscape.

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