WallStSmart

Apple Inc (AAPL)vsPaylocity Holding Corporation (PCTY)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc generates 26035% more annual revenue ($451.44B vs $1.73B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 14.9%. PCTY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.86. PCTY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (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

PCTY

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 8.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.22
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AAPL.

PCTYUndervalued (+55.3%)

Margin of Safety

+55.3%

Fair Value

$240.76

Current Price

$113.46

$127.30 discount

UndervaluedFair: $240.76Overvalued

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

PCTY5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
31.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.2%

Return on EquityProfitability
21.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.119/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.868/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
27.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 27.3% YoY

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

PCTY1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.222/10

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 : PCTY

The strongest argument for PCTY centers on Operating Margin, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 10.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.86 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 : PCTY

The primary concerns for PCTY are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

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

AAPL is growing revenue faster at 16.6% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

PCTY scores higher overall (74/100 vs 67/100) and 10.5% revenue growth. 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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Paylocity Holding Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Paylocity Holding Corporation provides cloud-based payroll and human capital management software solutions for midsize organizations in the United States. The company is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois.

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