WallStSmart

Apple Inc. (AAPL)vsClearfield Inc (CLFD)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc. generates 303710% more annual revenue ($466.82B vs $153.66M). AAPL leads profitability with a 0.3% profit margin vs -4.7%. AAPL trades at a lower P/E of 39.1x. AAPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

AAPL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.5Value: 3.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 2.42

CLFD

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 3.0Value: 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 (-24.4%)

Margin of Safety

-24.4%

Fair Value

$25.28

Current Price

$31.07

$5.79 premium

UndervaluedFair: $25.28Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AAPL3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$4.98T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
119.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 120 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$31.91B10/10

Generating 31.9B in free cash flow

CLFD4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
104.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 104.1% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

AAPL4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
39.1x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.2%4/10

0.2% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.3%4/10

0.3% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
0.3%3/10

0.3% margin — thin

CLFD4 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Market CapQuality
$414.72M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

P/E RatioValuation
109.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
-2.9%2/10

ROE of -2.9% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
-4.7%1/10

Currently unprofitable

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AAPL

The strongest argument for AAPL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.

Bull Case : CLFD

The strongest argument for CLFD centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 13.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AAPL

The primary concerns for AAPL are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Thin 0.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : CLFD

The primary concerns for CLFD are Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. A P/E of 109.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

CLFD carries more volatility with a beta of 2.11 — expect wider price swings.

CLFD is growing revenue faster at 13.2% — sustainability is the question.

AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (31.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AAPL scores higher overall (67/100 vs 46/100). Both earn "Strong 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.

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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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