WallStSmart

Automatic Data Processing Inc (ADP)vsDescartes Systems Group Inc (DSGX)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Automatic Data Processing Inc generates 2772% more annual revenue ($22.26B vs $775.17M). DSGX leads profitability with a 24.2% profit margin vs 20.3%. DSGX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.51. DSGX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

ADP

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.5Value: 3.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.53

DSGX

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.83
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ADPSignificantly Overvalued (-74.7%)

Margin of Safety

-74.7%

Fair Value

$168.19

Current Price

$303.35

$135.16 premium

UndervaluedFair: $168.19Overvalued
DSGXFair Value (-2.6%)

Margin of Safety

-2.6%

Fair Value

$64.12

Current Price

$93.99

$29.87 premium

UndervaluedFair: $64.12Overvalued

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
$116.00B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
20.3%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
26.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.7%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.36B8/10

Generating 1.4B in free cash flow

DSGX5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Operating MarginProfitability
33.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.2%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0010/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.8310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Profit MarginProfitability
24.2%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
32.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 32.6% YoY

Areas to Watch

ADP4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.702/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
23.6x2/10

Trading at 23.6x book value

DSGX3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.514/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
43.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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 20.3% and operating margin at 26.7%.

Bull Case : DSGX

The strongest argument for DSGX centers on Operating Margin, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.2% and operating margin at 33.2%. Revenue growth of 11.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ADP

The primary concerns for ADP are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : DSGX

The primary concerns for DSGX are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 43.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

DSGX is growing revenue faster at 11.8% — sustainability is the question.

ADP generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

DSGX scores higher overall (67/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 24.2% margins and 11.8% revenue growth. 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.

Automatic Data Processing Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) is an American provider of human resources management software and services.

Descartes Systems Group Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Descartes Systems Group Inc. provides cloud-based logistics and supply chain management business process solutions that focus on improving productivity, performance and security for intensive logistics companies globally. The company is headquartered in Waterloo, Canada.

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