WallStSmart

ServiceNow Inc (NOW)vsPaychex Inc (PAYX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

ServiceNow Inc generates 271% more annual revenue ($14.73B vs $3.97B). PAYX leads profitability with a 26.6% profit margin vs 11.3%. NOW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.95. PAYX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

NOW

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 6.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.65

PAYX

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.5Value: 4.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.40
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

NOWUndervalued (+78.9%)

Margin of Safety

+78.9%

Fair Value

$626.98

Current Price

$132.53

$494.45 discount

UndervaluedFair: $626.98Overvalued
PAYXSignificantly Overvalued (-48.4%)

Margin of Safety

-48.4%

Fair Value

$63.89

Current Price

$115.80

$51.91 premium

UndervaluedFair: $63.89Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NOW3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$137.02B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.958/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
24.0%8/10

Revenue surging 24.0% year-over-year

PAYX4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
47.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 47 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
38.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.3%

Profit MarginProfitability
26.6%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
43.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 43.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

NOW4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Price/BookValuation
10.9x4/10

Trading at 10.9x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.654/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Operating MarginProfitability
4.1%3/10

Operating margin of 4.1%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PAYX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.144/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
11.0x4/10

Trading at 11.0x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.243/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.402/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NOW

The strongest argument for NOW centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 24.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.95 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : PAYX

The strongest argument for PAYX centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.6% and operating margin at 38.3%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : NOW

The primary concerns for NOW are Price/Book, Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin. A P/E of 81.8x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : PAYX

The primary concerns for PAYX are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NOW profiles as a growth stock while PAYX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

NOW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.97 — expect wider price swings.

NOW is growing revenue faster at 24.0% — sustainability is the question.

PAYX generates stronger free cash flow (515M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PAYX scores higher overall (69/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 26.6% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. NOW offers better value entry with a 78.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

ServiceNow Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

ServiceNow is an American software company based in Santa Clara, California that develops a cloud computing platform to help companies manage digital workflows for enterprise operations.

Paychex Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Paychex, Inc. is an American provider of human resource, payroll, and benefits outsourcing services for small- to medium-sized businesses.

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