WallStSmart

Paychex Inc (PAYX)vsShopify Inc (SHOP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Shopify Inc generates 234% more annual revenue ($13.27B vs $3.97B). PAYX leads profitability with a 26.6% profit margin vs 14.5%. PAYX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.14. PAYX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

PAYX

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

SHOP

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 10.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 6.61
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

PAYXSignificantly Overvalued (-48.4%)

Margin of Safety

-48.4%

Fair Value

$63.89

Current Price

$115.80

$51.91 premium

UndervaluedFair: $63.89Overvalued
SHOPUndervalued (+22.9%)

Margin of Safety

+22.9%

Fair Value

$151.66

Current Price

$128.79

$22.87 discount

UndervaluedFair: $151.66Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

SHOP5 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
33.7%10/10

Revenue surging 33.7% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
68.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 68.1% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
6.6110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$188.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

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

SHOP4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
13.1x4/10

Trading at 13.1x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.612/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
98.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : SHOP

The strongest argument for SHOP centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 33.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : PAYX

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

Bear Case : SHOP

The primary concerns for SHOP are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 98.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

SHOP carries more volatility with a beta of 2.62 — expect wider price swings.

SHOP is growing revenue faster at 33.7% — sustainability is the question.

SHOP generates stronger free cash flow (654M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PAYX scores higher overall (69/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 26.6% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. SHOP offers better value entry with a 22.9% 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.

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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Shopify Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Shopify Inc., a commerce company, offers a commerce and service platform in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Latin America, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada.

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