Shift4 Payments Inc (FOUR)vsMicrosoft Corporation (MSFT)
FOUR
Shift4 Payments Inc
$45.05
+4.69%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $3.34B
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$495.63
+0.65%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $3.68T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Microsoft Corporation generates 6839% more annual revenue ($331.84B vs $4.78B). MSFT leads profitability with a 40.3% profit margin vs 2.2%. FOUR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.34. MSFT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
FOUR
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
MSFT
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+44.1%
Fair Value
$105.03
Current Price
$45.05
$59.98 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MSFT.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 34.1% year-over-year
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Keeps 40 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 45.1%
Generating 19.6B in free cash flow
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
ROE of 6.2% — below average capital efficiency
2.2% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 75.4%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 8.3x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FOUR
The strongest argument for FOUR centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 34.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MSFT
The strongest argument for MSFT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 40.3% and operating margin at 45.1%. Revenue growth of 17.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FOUR
The primary concerns for FOUR are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 66.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.82 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : MSFT
The primary concerns for MSFT are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FOUR profiles as a hypergrowth stock while MSFT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
FOUR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.38 — expect wider price swings.
FOUR is growing revenue faster at 34.1% — sustainability is the question.
MSFT generates stronger free cash flow (19.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MSFT scores higher overall (72/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 40.3% margins and 17.7% revenue growth. FOUR offers better value entry with a 44.1% margin of safety. 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.
Shift4 Payments Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Shift4 Payments, Inc. provides integrated payment processing and technology solutions in the United States. The company is headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Microsoft Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company which produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers. Microsoft ranked No. 21 in the 2020 Fortune 500 rankings of the largest United States corporations by total revenue; it was the world's largest software maker by revenue as of 2016. It is considered one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, along with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.
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