VOL. XCIV, NO. 247
★ WIDE MOAT STOCKS COMPARISON ★
NO ADVICE
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Stock Comparison
ASML Holding N.V. vs Paychex, Inc.
Compare moat strength, market structure, and segment coverage to understand how each company defends its edge.
ASML Holding N.V.
ASML · Euronext Amsterdam
Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.
Full stock profile
Dive deeper into ASML Holding N.V.'s moat claims, evidence, and risks.
View ASML analysisPaychex, Inc.
PAYX · NASDAQ Global Select Market
Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.
Full stock profile
Dive deeper into Paychex, Inc.'s moat claims, evidence, and risks.
View PAYX analysisComparison highlights
- Moat score gap: ASML Holding N.V. leads (76 / 100 vs 66 / 100 for Paychex, Inc.).
- Segment focus: ASML Holding N.V. has 3 segments (23% in Installed Base Management (service, upgrades, field options)); Paychex, Inc. has 3 segments (73% in Management Solutions).
- Primary market structure: Quasi-Monopoly vs Oligopoly. Pricing power: Strong vs Moderate.
- Moat breadth: ASML Holding N.V. has 6 moat types across 2 domains; Paychex, Inc. has 7 across 4.
Primary market context
ASML Holding N.V.
Installed Base Management (service, upgrades, field options)
Service, upgrades and field options for installed ASML lithography tools
Global
Owners/operators of ASML lithography systems
Aftermarket service provider
23%
Paychex, Inc.
Management Solutions
Payroll processing and integrated HCM solutions for SMB and mid-market employers
United States (primarily)
Employers (SMB and mid-market)
HCM SaaS + outsourced payroll/HR service provider
73%
Side-by-side metrics
Moat coverage
Shared moat types
ASML Holding N.V. strengths
Paychex, Inc. strengths
Segment mix
ASML Holding N.V. segments
Full profile >EUV lithography systems (incl. High-NA)
Monopoly
DUV lithography systems
Oligopoly
Installed Base Management (service, upgrades, field options)
Quasi-Monopoly
Paychex, Inc. segments
Full profile >Management Solutions
Oligopoly
PEO and Insurance Solutions
Competitive
Client funds float (interest on funds held for clients)
Oligopoly
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View the moat stocks listLooking for expansion-stage stocks?
Proven models entering the expansion stage with unit economics that work.
View expansion-stage stocksCuration & Accuracy
This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).
Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.