WallStSmart

Apple Inc (AAPL)vsGDS Holdings Ltd (GDS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc generates 3638% more annual revenue ($451.44B vs $12.08B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 23.5%. GDS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. GDS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 83/100 (A-).

AAPL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

GDS

Exceptional Buy

83

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 6.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.65
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AAPL.

GDSUndervalued (+18.1%)

Margin of Safety

+18.1%

Fair Value

$56.72

Current Price

$34.00

$22.72 discount

UndervaluedFair: $56.72Overvalued

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

GDS5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
207.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 207.0% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
23.5%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
27.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.6%8/10

Revenue surging 23.6% year-over-year

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

GDS3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.503/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-320.40M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.652/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : GDS

The strongest argument for GDS centers on EPS Growth, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.5% and operating margin at 27.0%. Revenue growth of 23.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AAPL

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

Bear Case : GDS

The primary concerns for GDS are Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AAPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.

GDS is growing revenue faster at 23.6% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor CONSUMER ELECTRONICS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

GDS scores higher overall (83/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 23.5% margins and 23.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Strong 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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GDS Holdings Ltd

TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · China

GDS Holdings Limited, develops and operates data centers in the People's Republic of China. The company is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China.

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