Paylocity Holding Corporation (PCTY)vsShopify Inc (SHOP)
PCTY
Paylocity Holding Corporation
$113.46
+0.71%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $5.83B
SHOP
Shopify Inc
$109.54
-5.60%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $139.50B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Shopify Inc generates 616% more annual revenue ($12.37B vs $1.73B). PCTY leads profitability with a 14.9% profit margin vs 10.8%. PCTY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.86. PCTY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
PCTY
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
SHOP
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+55.3%
Fair Value
$240.76
Current Price
$113.46
$127.30 discount
Margin of Safety
+18.4%
Fair Value
$143.39
Current Price
$109.54
$33.85 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Revenue surging 34.3% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 11.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : SHOP
The strongest argument for SHOP centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 34.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : PCTY
The primary concerns for PCTY are Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : SHOP
The primary concerns for SHOP are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 105.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PCTY profiles as a value stock while SHOP is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
SHOP carries more volatility with a beta of 2.59 — expect wider price swings.
SHOP is growing revenue faster at 34.3% — sustainability is the question.
SHOP generates stronger free cash flow (476M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PCTY scores higher overall (74/100 vs 50/100) and 10.5% revenue growth. SHOP offers better value entry with a 18.4% 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.
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.
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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