WallStSmart

Paychex Inc (PAYX)vsShopify Inc (SHOP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Shopify Inc generates 92% more annual revenue ($11.56B vs $6.03B). PAYX leads profitability with a 26.5% profit margin vs 10.6%. PAYX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.74. PAYX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

PAYX

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 9.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.32

SHOP

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 2.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.73
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

PAYXSignificantly Overvalued (-212.7%)

Margin of Safety

-212.7%

Fair Value

$30.33

Current Price

$92.55

$62.22 premium

UndervaluedFair: $30.33Overvalued
SHOPSignificantly Overvalued (-1750.2%)

Margin of Safety

-1750.2%

Fair Value

$6.32

Current Price

$116.78

$110.46 premium

UndervaluedFair: $6.32Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

PAYX4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
40.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.7%

Profit MarginProfitability
26.5%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.3%8/10

18.3% revenue growth

SHOP5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
30.6%10/10

Revenue surging 30.6% year-over-year

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$152.41B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
20.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.3%

Areas to Watch

PAYX4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.744/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
8.6x4/10

Trading at 8.6x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.303/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

SHOP4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
11.3x4/10

Trading at 11.3x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
9.562/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
125.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : PAYX

The strongest argument for PAYX centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.5% and operating margin at 41.7%. Revenue growth of 18.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : SHOP

The strongest argument for SHOP centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 30.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : PAYX

The primary concerns for PAYX are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : SHOP

The primary concerns for SHOP are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 125.6x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SHOP carries more volatility with a beta of 2.90 — expect wider price swings.

SHOP is growing revenue faster at 30.6% — sustainability is the question.

SHOP generates stronger free cash flow (715M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

PAYX scores higher overall (64/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 26.5% margins and 18.3% revenue growth. 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.

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.

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Shopify Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Shopify Inc., a commerce company, offers a commerce and service platform in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Latin America, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada.

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