WallStSmart

Automatic Data Processing Inc (ADP)vsFastly, Inc. Class A Common Stock (FSLY)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Automatic Data Processing Inc generates 3094% more annual revenue ($21.95B vs $687.17M). ADP leads profitability with a 20.1% profit margin vs -11.8%. 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

FSLY

Avoid

33

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 6.7Profit: 2.0Value: 6.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.37
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
FSLYUndervalued (+74.1%)

Margin of Safety

+74.1%

Fair Value

$36.00

Current Price

$27.03

$8.97 discount

UndervaluedFair: $36.00Overvalued

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

FSLY1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.3%8/10

Revenue surging 23.3% year-over-year

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

FSLY4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Return on EquityProfitability
-10.7%2/10

ROE of -10.7% — below average capital efficiency

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.372/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Profit MarginProfitability
-11.8%1/10

Currently unprofitable

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 : FSLY

The strongest argument for FSLY centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 23.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ADP

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

Bear Case : FSLY

The primary concerns for FSLY are EPS Growth, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ADP profiles as a mature stock while FSLY is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

FSLY is growing revenue faster at 23.3% — 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 33/100), backed by strong 20.1% margins. FSLY offers better value entry with a 74.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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.

Fastly, Inc. Class A Common Stock

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Fastly, Inc. operates an edge cloud platform to process, serve, and protect its customers' applications in the United States, Asia Pacific, Europe, and internationally. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

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