WallStSmart

APA Corporation (APA)vsExxon Mobil Corp (XOM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Exxon Mobil Corp generates 3629% more annual revenue ($323.90B vs $8.69B). APA leads profitability with a 16.5% profit margin vs 8.9%. APA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. 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

XOM

Buy

50

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 3.44
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APAUndervalued (+53.3%)

Margin of Safety

+53.3%

Fair Value

$60.54

Current Price

$40.32

$20.22 discount

UndervaluedFair: $60.54Overvalued
XOMSignificantly Overvalued (-46.3%)

Margin of Safety

-46.3%

Fair Value

$105.46

Current Price

$154.33

$48.87 premium

UndervaluedFair: $105.46Overvalued

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
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

XOM5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$642.90B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.4410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.279/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$5.23B8/10

Generating 5.2B 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

XOM3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-1.3%2/10

Revenue declined 1.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-11.0%2/10

Earnings declined 11.0%

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

Bull Case : XOM

The strongest argument for XOM centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. PEG of 1.38 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 : XOM

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

APA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.48 — expect wider price swings.

XOM is growing revenue faster at -1.3% — sustainability is the question.

XOM generates stronger free cash flow (5.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

APA scores higher overall (68/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 16.5% 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.

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Exxon Mobil Corp

ENERGY · OIL & GAS INTEGRATED · USA

Exxon Mobil Corporation, stylized as ExxonMobil, is an American multinational oil and gas corporation headquartered in Irving, Texas. It is the largest direct descendant of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil, and was formed on November 30, 1999 by the merger of Exxon (formerly the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey) and Mobil (formerly the Standard Oil Company of New York). ExxonMobil's primary brands are Exxon, Mobil, Esso, and ExxonMobil Chemical. ExxonMobil is incorporated in New Jersey.

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