WallStSmart

Apple Inc. (AAPL)vsShift4 Payments Inc (FOUR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc. generates 9662% more annual revenue ($466.82B vs $4.78B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.6% profit margin vs 2.2%. FOUR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.34. 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

FOUR

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 7.3Profit: 5.0Value: 7.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.84
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AAPL.

FOURUndervalued (+44.1%)

Margin of Safety

+44.1%

Fair Value

$105.03

Current Price

$45.05

$59.98 discount

UndervaluedFair: $105.03Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AAPL6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$4.85T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
119.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 120 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
32.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$31.91B10/10

Generating 31.9B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
27.6%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.4%8/10

16.4% revenue growth

FOUR2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3410/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
34.1%10/10

Revenue surging 34.1% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

AAPL3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.484/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
37.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
45.1x2/10

Trading at 45.1x book value

FOUR4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
6.2%3/10

ROE of 6.2% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
2.2%3/10

2.2% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
66.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
-75.4%2/10

Earnings declined 75.4%

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 27.6% and operating margin at 32.6%. Revenue growth of 16.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : FOUR

The strongest argument for FOUR centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 34.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AAPL

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

Bear Case : FOUR

The primary concerns for FOUR are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 66.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.82 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AAPL profiles as a growth stock while FOUR is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

FOUR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.38 — expect wider price swings.

FOUR is growing revenue faster at 34.1% — 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 60/100), backed by strong 27.6% margins and 16.4% revenue growth. FOUR offers better value entry with a 44.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" 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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Shift4 Payments Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

Shift4 Payments, Inc. provides integrated payment processing and technology solutions in the United States. The company is headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

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