WallStSmart

Paychex Inc (PAYX)vsShopify Inc (SHOP)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Shopify Inc generates 101% more annual revenue ($13.27B vs $6.60B). PAYX leads profitability with a 27.4% profit margin vs 14.5%. PAYX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.85. PAYX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

PAYX

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 9.5Value: 5.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.40

SHOP

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 10.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 6.69
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

PAYXUndervalued (+10.9%)

Margin of Safety

+10.9%

Fair Value

$106.40

Current Price

$108.21

$1.81 discount

UndervaluedFair: $106.40Overvalued
SHOPUndervalued (+22.4%)

Margin of Safety

+22.4%

Fair Value

$150.73

Current Price

$168.22

$17.49 discount

UndervaluedFair: $150.73Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

PAYX3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
48.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 49 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
38.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.5%

Profit MarginProfitability
27.4%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

SHOP5 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$215.16B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Revenue GrowthGrowth
33.7%10/10

Revenue surging 33.7% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
68.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 68.1% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
6.6910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Areas to Watch

PAYX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.854/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
10.4x4/10

Trading at 10.4x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.253/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.402/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SHOP4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.364/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
17.1x4/10

Trading at 17.1x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
112.0x2/10

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 27.4% and operating margin at 38.5%.

Bull Case : SHOP

The strongest argument for SHOP centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 33.7% 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 PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 112.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PAYX profiles as a mature stock while SHOP is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

SHOP carries more volatility with a beta of 2.63 — expect wider price swings.

SHOP is growing revenue faster at 33.7% — sustainability is the question.

SHOP generates stronger free cash flow (654M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PAYX scores higher overall (68/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 27.4% margins. SHOP offers better value entry with a 22.4% margin of safety. 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.

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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