WallStSmart

Automatic Data Processing Inc (ADP)vsPaycom Software, Inc. (PAYC)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Automatic Data Processing Inc generates 925% more annual revenue ($21.95B vs $2.14B). PAYC leads profitability with a 22.8% profit margin vs 20.1%. PAYC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.17. PAYC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

ADP

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

PAYC

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 7.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.21
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
PAYCUndervalued (+74.5%)

Margin of Safety

+74.5%

Fair Value

$465.15

Current Price

$262.79

$202.36 discount

UndervaluedFair: $465.15Overvalued

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

PAYC4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
85.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 85 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
31.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.7%

Profit MarginProfitability
22.8%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
48.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 48.1% 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

PAYC4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
20.0x4/10

Trading at 20.0x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.723/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

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 : PAYC

The strongest argument for PAYC centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.8% and operating margin at 31.7%. PEG of 1.17 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ADP

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

Bear Case : PAYC

The primary concerns for PAYC are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.72 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

PAYC is growing revenue faster at 9.8% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor SOFTWARE - APPLICATION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

PAYC scores higher overall (74/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 22.8% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" 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.

Paycom Software, Inc.

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Paycom Software, Inc., known simply as Paycom, is an American online payroll and human resource technology provider based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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