WallStSmart

Apple Inc (AAPL)vsClearfield Inc (CLFD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc generates 303805% more annual revenue ($451.44B vs $148.55M). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs -5.8%. AAPL trades at a lower P/E of 38.2x. AAPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

AAPL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 2.42

CLFD

Avoid

23

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 2.0Value: 3.0Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.78
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AAPL.

CLFDSignificantly Overvalued (-29.4%)

Margin of Safety

-29.4%

Fair Value

$24.29

Current Price

$40.04

$15.75 premium

UndervaluedFair: $24.29Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AAPL6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$4.63T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
115.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 115 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
32.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$26.73B10/10

Generating 26.7B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
27.2%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.6%8/10

16.6% revenue growth

CLFD3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0510/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

AAPL3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.464/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
38.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
42.3x2/10

Trading at 42.3x book value

CLFD4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Market CapQuality
$604.60M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

P/E RatioValuation
193.4x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
-3.5%2/10

ROE of -3.5% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-15.3%2/10

Revenue declined 15.3%

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 27.2% and operating margin at 32.3%. Revenue growth of 16.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : CLFD

The strongest argument for CLFD centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book.

Bear Case : AAPL

The primary concerns for AAPL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : CLFD

The primary concerns for CLFD are Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. A P/E of 193.4x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AAPL profiles as a growth stock while CLFD is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

CLFD carries more volatility with a beta of 2.09 — expect wider price swings.

AAPL is growing revenue faster at 16.6% — sustainability is the question.

AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (26.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AAPL scores higher overall (67/100 vs 23/100), backed by strong 27.2% margins and 16.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" 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.

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Clearfield Inc

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Clearfield, Inc. manufactures, markets, and sells standard and custom passive connectivity products to OEM, enterprise and fiber-to-facility markets in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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