WallStSmart

Deluxe Corporation (DLX)vs3M Company (MMM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

3M Company generates 1092% more annual revenue ($25.18B vs $2.11B). MMM leads profitability with a 11.9% profit margin vs 4.8%. DLX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. MMM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

DLX

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 2.0Profit: 6.0Value: 10.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.47

MMM

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.82
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DLXUndervalued (+31.2%)

Margin of Safety

+31.2%

Fair Value

$38.20

Current Price

$23.62

$14.58 discount

UndervaluedFair: $38.20Overvalued
MMMSignificantly Overvalued (-47.6%)

Margin of Safety

-47.6%

Fair Value

$117.07

Current Price

$164.97

$47.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $117.07Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DLX3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
10.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

MMM4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
101.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 102 in profit

Market CapQuality
$83.99B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
20.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
32.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 32.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

DLX4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$1.08B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
4.8%3/10

4.8% margin — thin

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-4.2%2/10

Revenue declined 4.2%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-17.7%2/10

Earnings declined 17.7%

MMM4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
29.2x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.5%4/10

2.5% revenue growth

Price/BookValuation
28.8x2/10

Trading at 28.8x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DLX

The strongest argument for DLX centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MMM

The strongest argument for MMM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : DLX

The primary concerns for DLX are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.07 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 4.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : MMM

The primary concerns for MMM are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 4.25 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DLX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.23 — expect wider price swings.

MMM is growing revenue faster at 2.5% — sustainability is the question.

MMM generates stronger free cash flow (763M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

MMM scores higher overall (66/100 vs 57/100). DLX offers better value entry with a 31.2% margin of safety. 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.

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.

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