WallStSmart

Apple Inc (AAPL)vsMaxLinear Inc (MXL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc generates 88610% more annual revenue ($451.44B vs $508.90M). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs -26.0%. MXL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.39. 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

MXL

Hold

38

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.7Profit: 2.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.17

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

MXL2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3910/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
43.0%10/10

Revenue surging 43.0% 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

MXL4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Price/BookValuation
18.6x4/10

Trading at 18.6x book value

Return on EquityProfitability
-29.1%2/10

ROE of -29.1% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-71.4%2/10

Earnings declined 71.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-10.26M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : MXL

The strongest argument for MXL centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 43.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.39 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 : MXL

The primary concerns for MXL are Price/Book, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

MXL carries more volatility with a beta of 3.96 — expect wider price swings.

MXL is growing revenue faster at 43.0% — 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 38/100), backed by strong 27.2% margins and 16.6% revenue growth. 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.

Visit Website →

MaxLinear Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTORS · USA

MaxLinear, Inc. provides high-performance analog, radio frequency (RF) and mixed signal communications-on-chip (SoC) solutions for the connected home, wired and wireless infrastructure, and multi-market and industrial applications to world level. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?