WallStSmart

Apple Inc (AAPL)vs3M Company (MMM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc generates 1646% more annual revenue ($435.62B vs $24.95B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.0% profit margin vs 13.0%. MMM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.43. AAPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

AAPL

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 10.0Value: 8.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 2.42

MMM

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 7.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.82
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AAPLUndervalued (+11.4%)

Margin of Safety

+11.4%

Fair Value

$285.39

Current Price

$252.62

$32.77 discount

UndervaluedFair: $285.39Overvalued
MMMSignificantly Overvalued (-323.6%)

Margin of Safety

-323.6%

Fair Value

$40.80

Current Price

$148.05

$107.25 premium

UndervaluedFair: $40.80Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AAPL6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$3.71T10/10

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

MMM3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
75.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 76 in profit

Market CapQuality
$77.25B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.33B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

AAPL4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.244/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
31.9x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Debt/EquityHealth
1.033/10

Elevated debt levels

Price/BookValuation
42.1x2/10

Trading at 42.1x book value

MMM4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
16.7x4/10

Trading at 16.7x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.0%4/10

2.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.9%2/10

Earnings declined 19.9%

Debt/EquityHealth
2.751/10

Elevated debt levels

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 : MMM

The strongest argument for MMM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AAPL

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

Bear Case : MMM

The primary concerns for MMM are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

MMM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.13 — 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 54/100), backed by strong 27.0% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. Both earn "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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3M Company

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

The 3M Company is an American multinational conglomerate corporation operating in the fields of industry, worker safety, US health care, and consumer goods. The company produces over 60,000 products under several brands, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, personal protective equipment, window films, paint protection films, dental and orthodontic products, electrical and electronic connecting and insulating materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, healthcare software and optical films. It is based in Maplewood, a suburb of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

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