WallStSmart

Apple Inc (AAPL)vsCognex Corporation (CGNX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc generates 43709% more annual revenue ($435.62B vs $994.36M). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.0% profit margin vs 11.5%. AAPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.43. AAPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

AAPL

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 2.42

CGNX

Hold

45

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.5Value: 4.7Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.05
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AAPL.

CGNXUndervalued (+48.7%)

Margin of Safety

+48.7%

Fair Value

$83.89

Current Price

$55.51

$28.38 discount

UndervaluedFair: $83.89Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AAPL6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$3.98T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
152.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 152 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
35.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$51.55B10/10

Generating 51.6B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
27.0%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.7%8/10

15.7% revenue growth

CGNX2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0510/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.0510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Areas to Watch

AAPL4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.434/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
34.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Debt/EquityHealth
1.033/10

Elevated debt levels

Price/BookValuation
45.2x2/10

Trading at 45.2x book value

CGNX3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.6%3/10

ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency

PEG RatioValuation
2.712/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
78.7x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AAPL

The strongest argument for AAPL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.0% and operating margin at 35.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : CGNX

The strongest argument for CGNX centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : AAPL

The primary concerns for AAPL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : CGNX

The primary concerns for CGNX are Return on Equity, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 78.7x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AAPL profiles as a growth stock while CGNX is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CGNX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.47 — expect wider price swings.

AAPL is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.

AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (51.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AAPL scores higher overall (65/100 vs 45/100), backed by strong 27.0% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. CGNX offers better value entry with a 48.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Apple Inc

TECHNOLOGY · CONSUMER ELECTRONICS · USA

Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company that specializes in consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple is the world's largest technology company by revenue (totalling $274.5 billion in 2020) and, since January 2021, the world's most valuable company. As of 2021, Apple is the world's fourth-largest PC vendor by unit sales, and fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer. It is one of the Big Five American information technology companies, along with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.

Visit Website →

Cognex Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA

Cognex Corporation offers machine vision products that capture and analyze visual information to automate manufacturing and distribution tasks globally. The company is headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?