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DLX vs ZD
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Deluxe Corporation (DLX) vs. Ziff Davis (ZD) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Deluxe (DLX) is a payments and data services company with a high dividend yield and low valuation multiples, but it carries elevated leverage and has pulled back from recent highs.
- Ziff Davis (ZD) has delivered outsized year-to-date gains driven by a transformative $1.2 billion division sale, reshaping its business and balance sheet.
- The two stocks occupy different risk profiles: DLX offers income and value, while ZD offers momentum and a major corporate restructuring catalyst.
- ZD's recent market capitalization expansion has been event-driven, whereas DLX's price action has been steadier but tied to a mature business transition.
- Relative performance diverges sharply, with ZD's recent re-rating far outpacing DLX's more measured, dividend-supported return.
Introduction
Investors weighing DLX against ZD are comparing two fundamentally different businesses. Deluxe Corporation is a payments, data, and print-services provider known for steady cash generation and a substantial dividend. Ziff Davis is a digital media and internet company that has recently undergone a major strategic transformation. This stock comparison is most relevant to investors assessing trade-offs between income-oriented value and event-driven growth momentum, as well as those tracking relative performance and market positioning across the financial-services and internet-media sectors.
DLX Overview and Recent Performance
Deluxe Corporation (DLX) operates through four segments: Merchant Services, B2B (business-to-business) Payments, Data Solutions, and Print. The company has been repositioning its legacy check-printing franchise toward higher-growth payments and data offerings. On a trailing basis, Deluxe reports roughly $2.1 billion in revenue and trades at a low forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple, supported by a dividend yield near 5%.
In recent market activity, DLX shares have traded below their 52-week high reached earlier in the year, with a softer three-month trend. Sentiment has been shaped by a mixed earnings picture: the company beat estimates in the first quarter, while a subsequent quarterly result disappointed relative to expectations. Elevated total debt and a high debt-to-equity ratio remain key risk factors that investors weigh against the stock's inexpensive valuation and income appeal.
ZD Overview and Recent Performance
Ziff Davis, Inc. (ZD) is a digital media and internet company whose portfolio spans technology, shopping, gaming and entertainment, health and wellness, and cybersecurity. The defining recent development was a definitive agreement to sell its Connectivity division—including brands such as Ookla, Speedtest, and Downdetector—to Accenture for $1.2 billion in cash. The announced price exceeded the company's entire market capitalization the day before the deal, triggering a sharp one-day repricing and a sustained re-rating of the stock.
Following this transaction, ZD shares have registered strong year-to-date and one-year gains, and the company now holds a substantially strengthened cash position. The sale streamlines the business around enthusiast and health-focused media assets. Analyst sentiment has generally improved, though core digital-advertising and search-traffic headwinds remain structural considerations that temper the bullish case.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two names lies in their business models and catalysts. Deluxe (DLX) is a value-and-income story: a mature, cash-generative enterprise with a meaningful dividend and inexpensive valuation, offset by high leverage and modest revenue growth. Ziff Davis (ZD) is an event-driven restructuring story: the Connectivity sale validated management's view that the market was undervaluing its assets and left the company with a cleaner balance sheet and large cash reserves for capital allocation.
On recent momentum, ZD has outperformed decisively, though its re-rating was concentrated in a single transaction rather than organic growth. DLX, by contrast, has shown a steadier but flatter trajectory. Risk profiles also differ: DLX faces financial-leverage and secular decline in print, while ZD faces advertising-market cyclicality and search-traffic disruption. Sector exposure further separates them—payments and business services versus digital media and internet content.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, momentum, balance-sheet improvement, and the presence of a clear catalyst, Tickeron's AI would likely express a relative preference for ZD in the current environment. The stock's recent repricing, strengthened cash position, and improved analyst sentiment suggest stronger near-term trend characteristics. That said, DLX retains appeal for strategies that prioritize income and value. The verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive, reflecting the distinct risk-reward profiles each name offers.
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 ZD is a Buy.
Momentum Indicator for DLX turns positive, indicating new upward trend
DLX saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 28, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 95 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 68 of the 95 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where DLX's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 20 of 31 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
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 31 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
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 112 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 64%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 50 of 66 cases where DLX's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 76%.
DLX moved below its 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
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 65%.
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 (1.486) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.044). P/E Ratio (10.324) is within average values for comparable stocks, (17.091). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.460) is also within normal values, averaging (0.772). Dividend Yield (0.052) settles around the average of (613.760) 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 60 (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 78 (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 Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued 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 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.
ZD in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026
The 10-day moving average for ZD crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 16 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 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
Following a +2.04% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ZD advanced for three days, in 175 of 270 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
ZD may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 73 of 147 cases where ZD Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 50%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 27, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on ZD as a result. In 62 of 84 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 74%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for ZD turned negative on October 28, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 46 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 37 of the 46 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 80%.
ZD moved below its 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ZD 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 75%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 12 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued 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 SMR rating for this company is 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very 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 41 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ZD’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 47 (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 (0.848) is normal, around the industry mean (-0.838). P/E Ratio (3.173) is within average values for comparable stocks, (18.118). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.320) is also within normal values, averaging (1.501). Dividend Yield (0.033) settles around the average of (0.078) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.571) is also within normal values, averaging (1.860).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 95 (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. ZD’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 worse than average.
DLX | ZD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 63 | 92 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 44 Fair valued | 47 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 56 | 31 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 60 | 41 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 78 | 95 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 90 | 12 |
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 in the same range as ZD (47) in the Internet Software Or Services industry. This means that DLX’s stock grew similarly to ZD’s over the last 12 months.
DLX's Profit vs Risk Rating (100) in the Commercial Printing Or Forms industry is in the same range as ZD (100) in the Internet Software Or Services industry. This means that DLX’s stock grew similarly to ZD’s over the last 12 months.
ZD's SMR Rating (31) in the Internet Software Or Services industry is in the same range as DLX (56) in the Commercial Printing Or Forms industry. This means that ZD’s stock grew similarly to DLX’s over the last 12 months.
ZD's Price Growth Rating (41) in the Internet Software Or Services industry is in the same range as DLX (60) in the Commercial Printing Or Forms industry. This means that ZD’s stock grew similarly to DLX’s over the last 12 months.
DLX's P/E Growth Rating (78) in the Commercial Printing Or Forms industry is in the same range as ZD (95) in the Internet Software Or Services industry. This means that DLX’s stock grew similarly to ZD’s over the last 12 months.
| DLX | ZD | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 74% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 80% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 74% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 73% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 13 days ago 66% | 7 days ago 65% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 75% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 79% | 1 day ago 52% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 50% |
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 ZD’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- DLX’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- ZD’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 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while ZD’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DLX’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- ZD’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
DLX (@Industrial Conglomerates) experienced а -0.13% price change this week, while ZD (@Advertising/Marketing Services) price change was -2.91% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Conglomerates industry was +0.94%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -7.28%, and the average quarterly price growth was -13.78%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Advertising/Marketing Services industry was -3.03%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -10.67%, and the average quarterly price growth was -4.13%.
Reported Earning Dates
DLX is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
ZD is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Conglomerates (+0.94% 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 (-3.03% 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% | -0.30% | ||
| ZD - DLX | 58% Loosely correlated | -2.91% | ||
| CMPR - DLX | 47% Loosely correlated | -7.40% | ||
| WPP - DLX | 46% Loosely correlated | -0.81% | ||
| MGNI - DLX | 44% Loosely correlated | -0.23% | ||
| STGW - DLX | 42% Loosely correlated | -0.23% | ||
More | ||||
ZD and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ZD has been loosely correlated with DLX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 58% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if ZD jumps, then DLX could also see price increases.