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DLX vs STGW
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Deluxe Corporation (DLX) vs. Stagwell Inc. (STGW) Stock Comparison
1. Key Takeaways
- Deluxe Corporation (DLX) is transforming from a legacy check-printing business into a payments and data company, with Payments and Data now contributing about 47% of revenue.
- Stagwell Inc. (STGW) is a marketing and advertising holding company pivoting aggressively toward artificial intelligence (AI) applications and services.
- Both stocks posted improving profitability in their most recent fiscal year, but their growth profiles and risk characteristics differ sharply.
- DLX offers a meaningful dividend yield and lower valuation, while STGW carries higher expected revenue growth and greater cyclical exposure to advertising spend.
- Relative performance has favored DLX in some recent stretches, while STGW trades well below typical valuation levels relative to its forward outlook.
2. Introduction
Investors comparing DLX and STGW are weighing two very different business models that have converged on a shared theme: reinventing a legacy operation through technology. Deluxe Corporation is pivoting toward payments and data, while Stagwell Inc. is repositioning itself around AI-driven marketing services. This stock comparison is relevant for investors seeking to understand relative performance, market positioning, and how each company is adapting to structural change in its industry. The contrast between a dividend-paying value name and a growth-oriented challenger makes the two a useful case study in balancing income, valuation, and momentum.
3. DLX Overview and Recent Performance
Deluxe Corporation (DLX) is a technology-enabled provider of payments, data, and business solutions serving small and medium-sized businesses and financial institutions across the United States and Canada. The company's strategic narrative centers on reducing its reliance on its legacy print segment while scaling its higher-margin Payments and Data operations, which reached roughly 47% of revenue in its latest fiscal year, up from about 43% a year earlier.
In recent market activity, DLX shares have shown strength, outpacing the broader market over the course of the year. The company reported full-year revenue of approximately $2.13 billion, with adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) rising about 6% and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) up roughly 13% year over year. Free cash flow improved substantially, and management reduced net debt, reflecting a stronger balance sheet and an improved leverage position. A consistent quarterly dividend supports a yield in the mid-single digits, which has reinforced income-oriented demand for the stock.
4. STGW Overview and Recent Performance
Stagwell Inc. (STGW) is a global marketing and communications holding company organized around marketing services, digital transformation, media and commerce, and communications, alongside a fast-growing Marketing Cloud segment. Under its current leadership, the company has emphasized an AI-first strategy, launching agentic targeting systems, AI sales agents, and marketing operations platforms intended to differentiate it from larger, slower-moving advertising holding companies.
Recent market activity has been constructive for STGW, which posted full-year revenue of about $2.91 billion and net revenue of roughly $2.43 billion, with adjusted EBITDA near $422 million. Free cash flow more than doubled year over year, a point management highlighted as evidence of improving efficiency. The Marketing Cloud segment grew net revenue sharply, reflecting strong demand for AI-enabled services. Management guided to mid-to-high single-digit to low-double-digit net revenue growth for the current year, positioning the company for accelerating momentum. Analysts covering the stock maintain an overall positive consensus rating.
5. Trending AI Robots
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6. Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two stocks lies in their business models and growth drivers. DLX is an execution story: a mature, cash-generative enterprise improving margins, paying down debt, and returning capital through dividends while converting its revenue mix toward faster-growing segments. Its top-line growth remains modest, so the investment case hinges on profitability, efficiency, and balance-sheet discipline.
STGW, by contrast, is a growth and repositioning story. It targets meaningfully higher net revenue growth and is betting that AI-enabled marketing services can capture share from legacy competitors. That opportunity carries greater cyclical sensitivity, as advertising budgets tend to contract during economic downturns, and STGW's earnings remain relatively modest in absolute terms despite strong growth in free cash flow.
On valuation, DLX trades at a low price-to-earnings multiple with a substantial dividend yield, while STGW trades at a discount to typical advertising-sector valuation levels relative to its forward earnings and EBITDA outlook. In terms of sector exposure, DLX is tied to payments, data, and financial-services workflows, whereas STGW is tied to marketing spend, technology clients, and political and advocacy work that ebbs and flows with the election cycle. Market sentiment has been supportive of both names recently, but for different reasons: DLX's stability and income appeal versus STGW's growth narrative and AI catalysts.
7. Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, catalysts, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward DLX for risk-averse and income-focused frameworks, given its steadier cash flow, dividend support, and improving balance sheet. However, for momentum- and growth-oriented models, STGW presents a more compelling catalyst-rich profile, with accelerating revenue guidance, sharply higher free cash flow, and a distinct AI narrative. The appropriate choice therefore depends on the strategy's objective: DLX offers relative stability and yield, while STGW offers higher expected growth and greater volatility. Neither stock is a clear winner across every metric, and the AI's preference would shift based on the risk and timeframe of the underlying model.
8. Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is DLX is a Buy and STGW is a StrongBuy.
DLX in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026
DLX moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 29 of 35 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 83%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where DLX's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 22 of 33 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 16, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on DLX as a result. In 67 of 95 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for DLX just turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where DLX's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Following a +2.21% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where DLX advanced for three days, in 192 of 290 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 100 of 176 cases where DLX Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where DLX declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 66%.
DLX broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 44 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.487) is normal, around the industry mean (-0.788). P/E Ratio (10.338) is within average values for comparable stocks, (16.776). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.460) is also within normal values, averaging (0.772). Dividend Yield (0.052) settles around the average of (543.841) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.515) is also within normal values, averaging (2.059).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 56 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. DLX’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 75 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. DLX’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock worse than average.
STGW in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026
STGW moved above its 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 41 of 50 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 82%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 07, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on STGW as a result. In 59 of 81 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for STGW just turned positive on October 05, 2026. Looking at past instances where STGW's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 24 of 40 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
The 10-day moving average for STGW crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Following a +5.55% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where STGW advanced for three days, in 217 of 288 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for STGW moved out of overbought territory on October 14, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 26 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 20 of the 26 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 77%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 49 of 61 cases where STGW's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 80%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where STGW declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 82%.
STGW broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 13, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for STGW entered a downward trend on October 08, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 11 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 37 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. STGW’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 44 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 82 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.258) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.137). STGW has a moderately high P/E Ratio (99.111) as compared to the industry average of (18.204). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.377) is also within normal values, averaging (1.501). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.083) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.688) is also within normal values, averaging (1.860).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 85 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. STGW’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 98, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 88 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
DLX | STGW | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 21 | 78 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 44 Fair valued | 82 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 85 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 56 | 88 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 58 | 37 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 75 | 11 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 44 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
DLX's Valuation (44) in the Commercial Printing Or Forms industry is somewhat better than the same rating for STGW (82) in the Advertising Or Marketing Services industry. This means that DLX’s stock grew somewhat faster than STGW’s over the last 12 months.
STGW's Profit vs Risk Rating (85) in the Advertising Or Marketing Services industry is in the same range as DLX (100) in the Commercial Printing Or Forms industry. This means that STGW’s stock grew similarly to DLX’s over the last 12 months.
DLX's SMR Rating (56) in the Commercial Printing Or Forms industry is in the same range as STGW (88) in the Advertising Or Marketing Services industry. This means that DLX’s stock grew similarly to STGW’s over the last 12 months.
STGW's Price Growth Rating (37) in the Advertising Or Marketing Services industry is in the same range as DLX (58) in the Commercial Printing Or Forms industry. This means that STGW’s stock grew similarly to DLX’s over the last 12 months.
STGW's P/E Growth Rating (11) in the Advertising Or Marketing Services industry is somewhat better than the same rating for DLX (75) in the Commercial Printing Or Forms industry. This means that STGW’s stock grew somewhat faster than DLX’s over the last 12 months.
| DLX | STGW | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 2 days ago 77% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 2 days ago 80% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 2 days ago 73% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 2 days ago 60% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 2 days ago 76% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 2 days ago 72% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 66% | 10 days ago 75% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 16 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 82% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 2 days ago 75% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 2 days ago 75% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
DLX’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while STGW’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- DLX’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- STGW’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
DLX’s TA Score shows that 7 TA indicator(s) are bullish while STGW’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DLX’s TA Score: 7 bullish, 1 bearish.
- STGW’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
DLX (@Industrial Conglomerates) experienced а +1.19% price change this week, while STGW (@Advertising/Marketing Services) price change was +1.59% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Conglomerates industry was -4.69%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -10.47%, and the average quarterly price growth was -15.05%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Advertising/Marketing Services industry was -2.29%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -6.85%, and the average quarterly price growth was +0.58%.
Reported Earning Dates
DLX is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
STGW is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Conglomerates (-4.69% weekly)Industrial Conglomerates specialize in numerous types of products, most of which comprise industrial goods, while some also go towards meeting household needs. Honeywell (makes engineering services and aerospace systems), United Technologies Corporation(manufactures aircraft engines, aerospace systems, HVAC, elevators and escalators, fire and security, building systems, and industrial products, among others), 3M (over 60,000 products under several world-renowned brands, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, personal protective equipment, window films, paint protection films, dental and orthodontic products, electrical & electronic connecting and insulating materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, healthcare software and optical films).
@Advertising/Marketing Services (-2.29% weekly)Making a brand known to people, garnering more clients/consumers for its product and solidifying the brand’s position in an industry – all of these are essential to a company’s growth, and that’s where marketing/advertising come in as one of the key catalysts. Advertising industry is a global multibillion-dollar business of public relations and marketing companies, media services and advertising agencies – entities that help to connect manufacturers/producers with customers. Digital media has played a big role in the growth of global advertising, and agencies invest substantially to integrate advanced technologies into their business operations. According to some estimates, the U.S. advertising industry is expected to generate revenue of $52.6 billion by 2023, up from almost $40 billion in 2015 . Omnicom Group Inc., Trade Desk, Inc. and Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. are some of the major U.S. companies in the industry.
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DLX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, DLX has been loosely correlated with ZD. These tickers have moved in lockstep 58% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if DLX jumps, then ZD could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To DLX | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DLX | 100% | +4.01% | ||
| ZD - DLX | 58% Loosely correlated | +1.61% | ||
| CMPR - DLX | 47% Loosely correlated | +1.36% | ||
| WPP - DLX | 46% Loosely correlated | +1.10% | ||
| MGNI - DLX | 44% Loosely correlated | -2.07% | ||
| STGW - DLX | 42% Loosely correlated | +0.78% | ||
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STGW and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, STGW has been loosely correlated with DLX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 42% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if STGW jumps, then DLX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To STGW | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STGW | 100% | -0.22% | ||
| DLX - STGW | 42% Loosely correlated | -1.42% | ||
| NEXN - STGW | 37% Loosely correlated | -1.21% | ||
| CMPR - STGW | 36% Loosely correlated | +0.74% | ||
| BOC - STGW | 33% Poorly correlated | -0.48% | ||
| PERI - STGW | 30% Poorly correlated | -1.80% | ||
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