WallStSmart

Automatic Data Processing Inc (ADP)vsQ2 Holdings (QTWO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Automatic Data Processing Inc generates 2529% more annual revenue ($21.60B vs $821.58M). ADP leads profitability with a 20.1% profit margin vs 9.0%. ADP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.30. 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

QTWO

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.0Value: 3.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.76
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ADPSignificantly Overvalued (-60.5%)

Margin of Safety

-60.5%

Fair Value

$158.82

Current Price

$263.87

$105.05 premium

UndervaluedFair: $158.82Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for QTWO.

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

QTWO1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
471.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 471.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
16.6x4/10

Trading at 16.6x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.534/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

QTWO3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
8.942/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
49.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.762/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : QTWO

The strongest argument for QTWO centers on EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 14.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ADP

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

Bear Case : QTWO

The primary concerns for QTWO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 49.2x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

QTWO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.33 — expect wider price swings.

QTWO is growing revenue faster at 14.1% — 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 51/100), backed by strong 20.1% margins. 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.

Q2 Holdings

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Q2 Holdings, Inc. provides cloud-based digital banking solutions to Community and Regional Financial Institutions (RCFIs) in the United States. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?