WallStSmart

Baidu Inc (BIDU)vsMediaAlpha Inc. (MAX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Baidu Inc generates 11002% more annual revenue ($128.70B vs $1.16B). MAX leads profitability with a 3.4% profit margin vs 1.0%. BIDU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 47/100 (D+).

BIDU

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 4.5Value: 6.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.18

MAX

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 6.0Value: 7.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.37
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for BIDU.

MAXUndervalued (+57.9%)

Margin of Safety

+57.9%

Fair Value

$18.23

Current Price

$8.29

$9.94 discount

UndervaluedFair: $18.23Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BIDU3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.688/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.67B8/10

Generating 2.7B in free cash flow

MAX3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
1412.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 1412.0% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
14.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.3%8/10

17.3% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

BIDU4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.7%3/10

ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.0%3/10

1.0% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-1.2%2/10

Revenue declined 1.2%

MAX4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$490.34M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
3.4%3/10

3.4% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BIDU

The strongest argument for BIDU centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.68 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MAX

The strongest argument for MAX centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 17.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BIDU

The primary concerns for BIDU are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Thin 1.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : MAX

The primary concerns for MAX are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 3.74 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BIDU profiles as a value stock while MAX is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

MAX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.16 — expect wider price swings.

MAX is growing revenue faster at 17.3% — sustainability is the question.

BIDU generates stronger free cash flow (2.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BIDU scores higher overall (47/100 vs 46/100). MAX offers better value entry with a 57.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Hold" 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.

Baidu Inc

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · INTERNET CONTENT & INFORMATION · China

Baidu, Inc. provides Internet search services primarily in China. The company is headquartered in Beijing, China.

MediaAlpha Inc.

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · INTERNET CONTENT & INFORMATION · USA

MediaAlpha, Inc., operates an insurance customer acquisition platform in the United States. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

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