WallStSmart

Automatic Data Processing Inc (ADP)vsPegasystems Inc (PEGA)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Automatic Data Processing Inc generates 1164% more annual revenue ($21.95B vs $1.74B). ADP leads profitability with a 20.1% profit margin vs 18.7%. ADP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.50. 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

PEGA

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.77
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ADPSignificantly Overvalued (-84.1%)

Margin of Safety

-84.1%

Fair Value

$165.18

Current Price

$286.08

$120.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $165.18Overvalued
PEGAUndervalued (+60.7%)

Margin of Safety

+60.7%

Fair Value

$96.57

Current Price

$35.37

$61.20 discount

UndervaluedFair: $96.57Overvalued

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

PEGA2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
48.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 48 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.139/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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
18.9x4/10

Trading at 18.9x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEGA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
10.4x4/10

Trading at 10.4x book value

Operating MarginProfitability
4.6%3/10

Operating margin of 4.6%

PEG RatioValuation
2.992/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-52.9%2/10

Earnings declined 52.9%

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 : PEGA

The strongest argument for PEGA centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.7% and operating margin at 4.6%.

Bear Case : ADP

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

Bear Case : PEGA

The primary concerns for PEGA are Price/Book, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PEGA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.89 — expect wider price swings.

PEGA is growing revenue faster at 9.4% — 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

ADP scores higher overall (62/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 20.1% margins. PEGA offers better value entry with a 60.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.

Pegasystems Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Pegasystems Inc. develops, markets, licenses, hosts and supports business software applications in the United States, the rest of the Americas, the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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