WallStSmart

APA Corporation (APA)vsChevron Corp (CVX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Chevron Corp generates 2026% more annual revenue ($184.65B vs $8.69B). APA leads profitability with a 16.5% profit margin vs 6.7%. CVX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.08. APA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

APA

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 2.0Profit: 9.0Value: 8.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.12

CVX

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 2/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APAUndervalued (+53.3%)

Margin of Safety

+53.3%

Fair Value

$60.54

Current Price

$40.73

$19.81 discount

UndervaluedFair: $60.54Overvalued
CVXSignificantly Overvalued (-54.6%)

Margin of Safety

-54.6%

Fair Value

$125.03

Current Price

$193.31

$68.28 premium

UndervaluedFair: $125.03Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APA4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.1x10/10

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
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

CVX3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Market CapQuality
$382.88B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$5.38B8/10

Generating 5.4B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

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

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-28.0%2/10

Revenue declined 28.0%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-18.2%2/10

Earnings declined 18.2%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.122/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

CVX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
7.2%3/10

ROE of 7.2% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
6.7%3/10

6.7% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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%. PEG of 1.09 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : CVX

The strongest argument for CVX centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.08 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : APA

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

Bear Case : CVX

The primary concerns for CVX are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APA profiles as a declining stock while CVX is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CVX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — expect wider price swings.

CVX is growing revenue faster at -8.2% — sustainability is the question.

CVX generates stronger free cash flow (5.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

APA scores higher overall (68/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 16.5% margins. 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.

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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Chevron Corp

ENERGY · OIL & GAS INTEGRATED · USA

Chevron Corporation is an American multinational energy corporation. One of the successor companies of Standard Oil, it is headquartered in San Ramon, California, and active in more than 180 countries. Chevron is engaged in every aspect of the oil and natural gas industries, including hydrocarbon exploration and production; refining, marketing and transport; chemicals manufacturing and sales; and power generation.

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