Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)vsPaychex Inc (PAYX)
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$495.63
+0.65%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $3.68T
PAYX
Paychex Inc
$115.80
+0.54%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $41.62B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Microsoft Corporation generates 8263% more annual revenue ($331.84B vs $3.97B). MSFT leads profitability with a 40.3% profit margin vs 26.6%. MSFT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.60. MSFT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
MSFT
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
PAYX
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MSFT.
Margin of Safety
-48.4%
Fair Value
$63.89
Current Price
$115.80
$51.91 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Keeps 40 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 45.1%
Generating 19.6B in free cash flow
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Every $100 of equity generates 47 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 38.3%
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 43.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 8.3x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 11.0x book value
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MSFT
The strongest argument for MSFT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 40.3% and operating margin at 45.1%. Revenue growth of 17.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : PAYX
The strongest argument for PAYX centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.6% and operating margin at 38.3%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MSFT
The primary concerns for MSFT are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : PAYX
The primary concerns for PAYX are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MSFT profiles as a growth stock while PAYX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
MSFT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.
MSFT is growing revenue faster at 17.7% — sustainability is the question.
MSFT generates stronger free cash flow (19.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MSFT scores higher overall (72/100 vs 69/100), backed by strong 40.3% margins and 17.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.
Microsoft Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company which produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers. Microsoft ranked No. 21 in the 2020 Fortune 500 rankings of the largest United States corporations by total revenue; it was the world's largest software maker by revenue as of 2016. It is considered one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, along with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.
Visit Website →Paychex Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA
Paychex, Inc. is an American provider of human resource, payroll, and benefits outsourcing services for small- to medium-sized businesses.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE Stocks
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