ServiceNow Inc (NOW)vsPaylocity Holding Corporation (PCTY)
NOW
ServiceNow Inc
$112.45
+1.96%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $131.65B
PCTY
Paylocity Holding Corporation
$113.46
+0.71%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $5.83B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
ServiceNow Inc generates 708% more annual revenue ($13.96B vs $1.73B). PCTY leads profitability with a 14.9% profit margin vs 12.6%. PCTY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.86. PCTY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
NOW
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
PCTY
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+82.6%
Fair Value
$613.35
Current Price
$112.45
$500.90 discount
Margin of Safety
+55.3%
Fair Value
$240.76
Current Price
$113.46
$127.30 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Revenue surging 22.1% year-over-year
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Strong operational efficiency at 31.2%
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Earnings expanding 27.3% YoY
Areas to Watch
Trading at 9.9x book value
2.3% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NOW
The strongest argument for NOW centers on Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 22.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : PCTY
The strongest argument for PCTY centers on Operating Margin, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 10.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.86 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : NOW
The primary concerns for NOW are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 76.0x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : PCTY
The primary concerns for PCTY are Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NOW profiles as a growth stock while PCTY is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NOW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.82 — expect wider price swings.
NOW is growing revenue faster at 22.1% — sustainability is the question.
NOW generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PCTY scores higher overall (74/100 vs 54/100) and 10.5% revenue growth. NOW offers better value entry with a 82.6% 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.
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.
Paylocity Holding Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA
Paylocity Holding Corporation provides cloud-based payroll and human capital management software solutions for midsize organizations in the United States. The company is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois.
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