WallStSmart

Deluxe Corporation (DLX)vs3M Company (MMM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

3M Company generates 1070% more annual revenue ($24.95B vs $2.13B). MMM leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 3.9%. DLX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.55. DLX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).

DLX

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0

MMM

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 7.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.82
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DLXSignificantly Overvalued (-114.6%)

Margin of Safety

-114.6%

Fair Value

$12.24

Current Price

$25.96

$13.72 premium

UndervaluedFair: $12.24Overvalued
MMMSignificantly Overvalued (-323.6%)

Margin of Safety

-323.6%

Fair Value

$40.80

Current Price

$141.20

$100.40 premium

UndervaluedFair: $40.80Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DLX3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.558/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
14.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

MMM3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
75.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 76 in profit

Market CapQuality
$74.37B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.33B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

DLX4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.8%4/10

2.8% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$1.18B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
3.9%3/10

3.9% margin — thin

EPS GrowthGrowth
-7.0%2/10

Earnings declined 7.0%

MMM4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
15.9x4/10

Trading at 15.9x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.0%4/10

2.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.9%2/10

Earnings declined 19.9%

Debt/EquityHealth
2.751/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DLX

The strongest argument for DLX centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.55 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MMM

The strongest argument for MMM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.38 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : DLX

The primary concerns for DLX are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Thin 3.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : MMM

The primary concerns for MMM are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DLX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.35 — expect wider price swings.

DLX is growing revenue faster at 2.8% — sustainability is the question.

MMM generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor CONGLOMERATES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

DLX scores higher overall (55/100 vs 54/100). Both earn "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.

Deluxe Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

Deluxe Corporation provides technology-based solutions for small businesses and financial institutions in the United States, Canada, Australia, South America, and Europe. The company is headquartered in Shoreview, Minnesota.

3M Company

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

The 3M Company is an American multinational conglomerate corporation operating in the fields of industry, worker safety, US health care, and consumer goods. The company produces over 60,000 products under several brands, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, personal protective equipment, window films, paint protection films, dental and orthodontic products, electrical and electronic connecting and insulating materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, healthcare software and optical films. It is based in Maplewood, a suburb of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?