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DLX Stock Analysis 2026 - DELUXE CORP AI Rating

DLX NYSE Blankbooks, Looseleaf Binders & Bookbindg & Relatd Work MN CIK: 0000027996
Recently Updated • Analysis: Mar 23, 2026 • SEC Data: 2025-12-31
HOLD
62% Conf
Pending
Analysis scheduled

📊 DLX Key Takeaways

Revenue: $2.1B
Net Margin: 3.8%
Free Cash Flow: $175.3M
Current Ratio: 1.04x
Debt/Equity: 2.08x
EPS: $1.80
AI Rating: HOLD with 62% confidence

Is DLX a Good Investment? Thesis Analysis

Claude

Deluxe Corp demonstrates solid operational efficiency with a 39.9% gross margin and strong free cash flow generation of $175.3M, but faces concerning structural challenges including minimal revenue growth (0.5% YoY), deteriorating profitability (3.8% net margin), and high leverage (2.08x debt-to-equity). The elevated insider activity (33 Form 4 filings) and weak interest coverage (1.9x) warrant cautious monitoring.

Why Buy DLX? Key Strengths

Claude
  • + Strong free cash flow generation ($175.3M) with 8.2% FCF margin demonstrates operational cash generation capability
  • + Solid gross margin of 39.9% indicates pricing power and efficient production despite commodity exposure
  • + Operating cash flow of $270.6M substantially covers capital expenditure needs and provides financial flexibility

DLX Investment Risks to Consider

Claude
  • ! Stagnant revenue growth of 0.5% YoY combined with flat net income growth signals secular headwinds in traditional printing/binding business
  • ! Tight interest coverage ratio of 1.9x and high debt-to-equity ratio of 2.08x create vulnerability to rate increases or operational downturns
  • ! Weak liquidity metrics (current ratio 1.04x, quick ratio 0.98x) limit financial cushion despite strong cash flow generation

Key Metrics to Watch

Claude
  • * Revenue growth trajectory and margin sustainability amid digital disruption in traditional printing
  • * Debt reduction progress and interest coverage ratio improvement
  • * Free cash flow conversion and capital allocation priorities relative to debt management

DLX Financial Metrics

Revenue
$2.1B
Net Income
$82.1M
EPS (Diluted)
$1.80
Free Cash Flow
$175.3M
Total Assets
$2.9B
Cash Position
$36.9M

💡 AI Analyst Insight

DELUXE CORP presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.

DLX Profitability Ratios

Gross Margin 39.9%
Operating Margin 10.9%
Net Margin 3.8%
ROE 12.1%
ROA 2.9%
FCF Margin 8.2%

DLX vs Default Sector

How DELUXE CORP compares to Default sector averages

Net Margin
DLX 3.8%
vs
Sector Avg 12.0%
DLX Sector
ROE
DLX 12.1%
vs
Sector Avg 15.0%
DLX Sector
Current Ratio
DLX 1.0x
vs
Sector Avg 1.8x
DLX Sector
Debt/Equity
DLX 2.1x
vs
Sector Avg 0.7x
DLX Sector

Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.

Is DLX Overvalued or Undervalued?

Based on fundamental analysis, DELUXE CORP shows some fundamental concerns relative to the Default sector in 2026.

Return on Equity
12.1%
Sector avg: 15%
Net Profit Margin
3.8%
Sector avg: 12%
Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Debt/Equity
2.08x
Sector avg: 0.7x

Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.

DLX Balance Sheet & Liquidity

Current Ratio
1.04x
Quick Ratio
0.98x
Debt/Equity
2.08x
Debt/Assets
0.0%
Interest Coverage
1.90x
Long-term Debt
$1.4B

DLX 5-Year Financial Trend & Growth Analysis

DLX 5-year financial data: Year 2021: Revenue $2.0B, Net Income -$223.8M, EPS $-5.20. Year 2022: Revenue $2.2B, Net Income $5.2M, EPS $0.11. Year 2023: Revenue $2.2B, Net Income $62.6M, EPS $1.45. Year 2024: Revenue $2.2B, Net Income $65.4M, EPS $1.50. Year 2025: Revenue $2.2B, Net Income $26.1M, EPS $0.59.
Revenue
Net Income
EPS (right axis)

5-Year Trend Summary: DELUXE CORP's revenue has shown modest growth of 8% over the 5-year period. The most recent EPS of $0.59 reflects profitable operations.

DLX Growth Metrics (YoY)

Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Net Income Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
EPS Growth
N/A
Earnings per share
FCF Margin
8.2%
Free cash flow / Revenue

DLX Quarterly Performance

Quarterly financial performance data for DELUXE CORP including revenue, net income, and earnings per share.
Quarter Revenue Net Income EPS
Q3 2025 $528.4M $8.9M $0.20
Q2 2025 $521.3M $20.5M $0.46
Q1 2025 $535.0M $10.8M $0.24
Q3 2024 $528.4M -$8.0M $-0.18
Q2 2024 $537.8M $16.4M $0.37
Q1 2024 $535.0M $2.8M $0.06
Q3 2023 $537.8M -$8.0M $-0.18
Q2 2023 $563.0M $16.4M $0.37

Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.

DLX Capital Allocation

Operating Cash Flow
$270.6M
Cash generated from operations
Capital Expenditures
$95.3M
Investment in assets
Dividends Paid
$55.2M
Returned to shareholders

DLX SEC 10-K & 10-Q Filing Analysis

Access official SEC EDGAR filings for DELUXE CORP (CIK: 0000027996)

📋 Recent SEC Filings

Date Form Document Action
Mar 17, 2026 4 xslF345X05/wk-form4_1773762090.xml View →
Mar 17, 2026 4 xslF345X05/wk-form4_1773762042.xml View →
Mar 17, 2026 4 xslF345X05/wk-form4_1773762024.xml View →
Mar 9, 2026 DEF 14A fy2025proxystatement.htm View →
Mar 9, 2026 8-K tm268177d1_8k.htm View →

Frequently Asked Questions about DLX

What is the AI rating for DLX?

DELUXE CORP (DLX) has an AI rating of HOLD with 62% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.

What are DLX's key strengths?

Claude: Strong free cash flow generation ($175.3M) with 8.2% FCF margin demonstrates operational cash generation capability. Solid gross margin of 39.9% indicates pricing power and efficient production despite commodity exposure.

What are the risks of investing in DLX?

Claude: Stagnant revenue growth of 0.5% YoY combined with flat net income growth signals secular headwinds in traditional printing/binding business. Tight interest coverage ratio of 1.9x and high debt-to-equity ratio of 2.08x create vulnerability to rate increases or operational downturns.

What is DLX's revenue and growth?

DELUXE CORP reported revenue of $2.1B.

Does DLX pay dividends?

DELUXE CORP pays dividends, with $55.2M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.

Where can I find DLX SEC filings?

Official SEC filings for DELUXE CORP (CIK: 0000027996) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.

What is DLX's EPS?

DELUXE CORP has a diluted EPS of $1.80.

How is the AI analysis conducted?

Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.

Is DLX a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our AI fundamental analysis in March 2026, DELUXE CORP has a HOLD rating with 62% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.

Is DLX stock overvalued or undervalued?

Valuation metrics for DLX: ROE of 12.1% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of 3.8% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.

Should I buy DLX stock in 2026?

Our dual AI analysis gives DELUXE CORP a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.

What is DLX's free cash flow?

DELUXE CORP's operating cash flow is $270.6M, with capital expenditures of $95.3M. FCF margin is 8.2%.

How does DLX compare to other Default stocks?

Vs Default sector averages: Net margin 3.8% (avg: 12%), ROE 12.1% (avg: 15%), current ratio 1.04 (avg: 1.8).

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by Claude AI (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) based on publicly available SEC EDGAR filings. It does not include stock price data and should not be considered financial advice. All fundamental data is sourced from SEC public domain filings. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Data Source: SEC EDGAR | Analysis Date: Mar 23, 2026 | Data as of: 2025-12-31 | Powered by Claude AI