WallStSmart

Automatic Data Processing Inc (ADP)vsDonnelley Financial Solutions Inc (DFIN)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Automatic Data Processing Inc generates 2723% more annual revenue ($21.95B vs $777.50M). ADP leads profitability with a 20.1% profit margin vs 4.5%. DFIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.97. 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

DFIN

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.73
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ADPSignificantly Overvalued (-84.1%)

Margin of Safety

-84.1%

Fair Value

$165.18

Current Price

$285.37

$120.19 premium

UndervaluedFair: $165.18Overvalued
DFINSignificantly Overvalued (-57.3%)

Margin of Safety

-57.3%

Fair Value

$26.23

Current Price

$53.12

$26.89 premium

UndervaluedFair: $26.23Overvalued

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

DFIN2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.978/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
25.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%

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
18.8x4/10

Trading at 18.8x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

DFIN4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
35.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.8%4/10

2.8% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$1.27B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
4.5%3/10

4.5% margin — thin

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 : DFIN

The strongest argument for DFIN centers on PEG Ratio, Operating Margin. PEG of 0.97 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 : DFIN

The primary concerns for DFIN are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Thin 4.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ADP profiles as a mature stock while DFIN is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

ADP is growing revenue faster at 6.8% — 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 57/100), backed by strong 20.1% margins. Both earn "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.

Donnelley Financial Solutions Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. is a global risk and compliance solutions company. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

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