WallStSmart

APA Corporation (APA)vsConocoPhillips (COP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

ConocoPhillips generates 609% more annual revenue ($59.38B vs $8.37B). APA leads profitability with a 18.3% profit margin vs 12.3%. APA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.62. APA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (B+).

APA

Strong Buy

80

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.5Value: 8.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.24

COP

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 2.0Profit: 6.5Value: 6.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.29
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APAUndervalued (+26.1%)

Margin of Safety

+26.1%

Fair Value

$50.09

Current Price

$38.22

$11.87 discount

UndervaluedFair: $50.09Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for COP.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APA6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
38.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.5%

Return on EquityProfitability
23.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.628/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
32.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 32.2% YoY

COP5 strengths · Avg: 8.2/10
Market CapQuality
$142.38B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.988/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.35B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

APA3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-11.9%2/10

Revenue declined 11.9%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.242/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

COP2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
-5.3%2/10

Revenue declined 5.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-20.2%2/10

Earnings declined 20.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APA

The strongest argument for APA centers on P/E Ratio, Operating Margin, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.3% and operating margin at 38.5%. PEG of 0.62 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : COP

The strongest argument for COP centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.98 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : APA

The primary concerns for APA are Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : COP

The primary concerns for COP are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.33 — expect wider price swings.

COP is growing revenue faster at -5.3% — sustainability is the question.

COP generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor OIL & GAS E&P industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

APA scores higher overall (80/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 18.3% margins. Both earn "Strong 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.

APA Corporation

ENERGY · OIL & GAS E&P · USA

APA Corporation is the holding company for Apache Corporation, a company engaged in hydrocarbon exploration. It is organized in Delaware and headquartered in Houston.

Visit Website →

ConocoPhillips

ENERGY · OIL & GAS E&P · USA

ConocoPhillips is an American multinational corporation engaged in hydrocarbon exploration. It is based in the Energy Corridor district of Houston, Texas.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?