WallStSmart

Seagate Technology PLC (STX)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Seagate Technology PLC generates 11% more annual revenue ($11.01B vs $9.89B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 21.6%. STX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.71. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

STX

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.5Value: 5.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.62

SYF

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.03

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

STX6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Market CapQuality
$230.51B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
217.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 217 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
35.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
44.1%10/10

Revenue surging 44.1% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
108.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 108.3% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
21.6%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

SYF6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
36.4%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.0%

Return on EquityProfitability
21.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

STX4 concerns · Avg: 1.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
97.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
189.8x2/10

Trading at 189.8x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.622/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
3.821/10

Elevated debt levels

SYF2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.134/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.032/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : STX

The strongest argument for STX centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.6% and operating margin at 35.7%. Revenue growth of 44.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : SYF

The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.0%.

Bear Case : STX

The primary concerns for STX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 97.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.82 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : SYF

The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

STX profiles as a growth stock while SYF is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

STX carries more volatility with a beta of 2.08 — expect wider price swings.

STX is growing revenue faster at 44.1% — sustainability is the question.

SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

STX scores higher overall (77/100 vs 77/100), backed by strong 21.6% margins and 44.1% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

Seagate Technology PLC

TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA

Seagate Technology Holdings plc, an Irish public limited company (commonly referred to as Seagate) is an American data storage company.

Synchrony Financial

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.

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