WallStSmart

Cadence Design Systems Inc (CDNS)vsPaycom Software, Inc. (PAYC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cadence Design Systems Inc generates 164% more annual revenue ($5.53B vs $2.09B). PAYC leads profitability with a 22.4% profit margin vs 21.2%. PAYC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.97. PAYC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

CDNS

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.5Value: 3.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.09

PAYC

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 8.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.21
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CDNS.

PAYCUndervalued (+68.5%)

Margin of Safety

+68.5%

Fair Value

$376.50

Current Price

$137.62

$238.88 discount

UndervaluedFair: $376.50Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CDNS6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.0910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$114.85B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
21.2%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
29.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.7%8/10

18.7% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.0% YoY

PAYC6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
57.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 58 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
36.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.8%

Profit MarginProfitability
22.4%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.978/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
15.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
22.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 22.6% YoY

Areas to Watch

CDNS3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Price/BookValuation
15.8x4/10

Trading at 15.8x book value

PEG RatioValuation
3.932/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
96.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

PAYC2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.212/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CDNS

The strongest argument for CDNS centers on Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.2% and operating margin at 29.7%. Revenue growth of 18.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : PAYC

The strongest argument for PAYC centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.4% and operating margin at 36.8%. PEG of 0.97 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CDNS

The primary concerns for CDNS are Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 96.6x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : PAYC

The primary concerns for PAYC are Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CDNS profiles as a growth stock while PAYC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

CDNS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.13 — expect wider price swings.

CDNS is growing revenue faster at 18.7% — sustainability is the question.

CDNS generates stronger free cash flow (307M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PAYC scores higher overall (75/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 22.4% 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.

Cadence Design Systems Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Cadence Design Systems, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, California, is an American multinational computational software company. The company produces software, hardware and silicon structures for designing integrated circuits, systems on chips (SoCs) and printed circuit boards.

Paycom Software, Inc.

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Paycom Software, Inc., known simply as Paycom, is an American online payroll and human resource technology provider based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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