WallStSmart

Apple Inc. (AAPL)vsPaycom Software, Inc. (PAYC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc. generates 21707% more annual revenue ($466.82B vs $2.14B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.6% profit margin vs 22.8%. PAYC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.23. PAYC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (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

PAYC

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 7.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.21
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AAPL.

PAYCUndervalued (+74.8%)

Margin of Safety

+74.8%

Fair Value

$470.99

Current Price

$218.91

$252.08 discount

UndervaluedFair: $470.99Overvalued

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

PAYC4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
57.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 58 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
31.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.7%

Profit MarginProfitability
22.8%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
48.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 48.1% YoY

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

PAYC4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
16.7x4/10

Trading at 16.7x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.723/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.212/10

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

Bull Case : PAYC

The strongest argument for PAYC centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.8% and operating margin at 31.7%. PEG of 1.23 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 : PAYC

The primary concerns for PAYC are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.72 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AAPL profiles as a growth stock while PAYC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

AAPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.

AAPL is growing revenue faster at 16.4% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

PAYC scores higher overall (72/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 22.8% margins. Both earn "Strong 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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Paycom Software, Inc.

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Paycom Software, Inc., known simply as Paycom, is an American online payroll and human resource technology provider based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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