WallStSmart

APA Corporation (APA)vsConocoPhillips (COP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

ConocoPhillips generates 594% more annual revenue ($60.28B vs $8.69B). APA leads profitability with a 16.5% profit margin vs 13.3%. COP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 4.19. APA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

APA

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 9.0Value: 5.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.12

COP

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 6.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APAFair Value (-4.2%)

Margin of Safety

-4.2%

Fair Value

$27.13

Current Price

$39.11

$11.98 premium

UndervaluedFair: $27.13Overvalued
COPSignificantly Overvalued (-155.5%)

Margin of Safety

-155.5%

Fair Value

$43.52

Current Price

$126.92

$83.40 premium

UndervaluedFair: $43.52Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APA4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
30.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.6%

Return on EquityProfitability
25.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

COP3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$155.14B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.29B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

APA4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.472/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-28.0%2/10

Revenue declined 28.0%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-18.2%2/10

Earnings declined 18.2%

COP3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
4.192/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-6.8%2/10

Revenue declined 6.8%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-39.0%2/10

Earnings declined 39.0%

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 16.5% and operating margin at 30.6%.

Bull Case : COP

The strongest argument for COP centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : APA

The primary concerns for APA are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Bear Case : COP

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.71 — expect wider price swings.

COP is growing revenue faster at -6.8% — 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 (62/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 16.5% margins. Both earn "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.

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.

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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.

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