WallStSmart

Automatic Data Processing Inc (ADP)vsMicrosoft Corporation (MSFT)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Microsoft Corporation generates 1456% more annual revenue ($346.44B vs $22.26B). MSFT leads profitability with a 41.2% profit margin vs 20.3%. MSFT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.70. MSFT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

ADP

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

MSFT

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 9.5Value: 5.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.68
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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MSFT.

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

MSFT6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Market CapQuality
$3.88T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
30.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
41.2%10/10

Keeps 41 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
49.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 49.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$19.64B10/10

Generating 19.6B in free cash flow

Debt/EquityHealth
0.299/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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

MSFT3 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.704/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.2x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
8.4x4/10

Trading at 8.4x book value

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 : MSFT

The strongest argument for MSFT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 41.2% and operating margin at 49.8%. Revenue growth of 18.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ADP

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

Bear Case : MSFT

The primary concerns for MSFT are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ADP profiles as a mature stock while MSFT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

MSFT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.10 — expect wider price swings.

MSFT is growing revenue faster at 18.8% — sustainability is the question.

MSFT generates stronger free cash flow (19.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MSFT scores higher overall (72/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 41.2% margins and 18.8% 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.

Microsoft Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company which produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers. Microsoft ranked No. 21 in the 2020 Fortune 500 rankings of the largest United States corporations by total revenue; it was the world's largest software maker by revenue as of 2016. It is considered one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, along with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.

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