WallStSmart

Automatic Data Processing Inc (ADP)vsDigimarc Corporation (DMRC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Automatic Data Processing Inc generates 67141% more annual revenue ($21.60B vs $32.12M). ADP leads profitability with a 20.1% profit margin vs -85.8%. DMRC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.52. ADP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

ADP

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.5Value: 4.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.53

DMRC

Avoid

30

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 3.3Profit: 2.0Value: 7.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: -9.32
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ADPSignificantly Overvalued (-60.5%)

Margin of Safety

-60.5%

Fair Value

$158.82

Current Price

$273.37

$114.55 premium

UndervaluedFair: $158.82Overvalued
DMRCUndervalued (+76.8%)

Margin of Safety

+76.8%

Fair Value

$22.41

Current Price

$6.37

$16.04 discount

UndervaluedFair: $22.41Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ADP5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Return on EquityProfitability
68.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 68 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
30.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.2%

Market CapQuality
$97.18B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
20.1%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.04B8/10

Generating 2.0B in free cash flow

DMRC2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.129/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.528/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

ADP3 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.304/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
17.2x4/10

Trading at 17.2x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.534/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

DMRC4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$133.32M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-80.9%2/10

ROE of -80.9% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ADP

The strongest argument for ADP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.1% and operating margin at 30.2%.

Bull Case : DMRC

The strongest argument for DMRC centers on Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.52 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ADP

The primary concerns for ADP are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : DMRC

The primary concerns for DMRC are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ADP profiles as a mature stock while DMRC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

DMRC carries more volatility with a beta of 2.26 — expect wider price swings.

ADP is growing revenue faster at 7.0% — sustainability is the question.

ADP generates stronger free cash flow (2.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ADP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 30/100), backed by strong 20.1% margins. DMRC offers better value entry with a 76.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" 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.

Digimarc Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Digimarc Corporation offers automatic identification solutions to commercial and government customers in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?