WallStSmart

Apple Inc (AAPL)vsShift4 Payments Inc (FOUR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc generates 10321% more annual revenue ($435.62B vs $4.18B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.0% profit margin vs 2.9%. FOUR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.32. AAPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

AAPL

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 2.42

FOUR

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 5.5Value: 8.0Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.30
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AAPL.

FOURUndervalued (+65.6%)

Margin of Safety

+65.6%

Fair Value

$170.55

Current Price

$45.09

$125.46 discount

UndervaluedFair: $170.55Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AAPL6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$3.98T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
152.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 152 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
35.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$51.55B10/10

Generating 51.6B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
27.0%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.7%8/10

15.7% revenue growth

FOUR2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3210/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
33.9%10/10

Revenue surging 33.9% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

AAPL4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.434/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
34.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Debt/EquityHealth
1.033/10

Elevated debt levels

Price/BookValuation
45.2x2/10

Trading at 45.2x book value

FOUR4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
2.9%3/10

2.9% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
41.8x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
-72.2%2/10

Earnings declined 72.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AAPL

The strongest argument for AAPL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.0% and operating margin at 35.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : FOUR

The strongest argument for FOUR centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 33.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AAPL

The primary concerns for AAPL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : FOUR

The primary concerns for FOUR are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 41.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AAPL profiles as a growth stock while FOUR is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

FOUR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.59 — expect wider price swings.

FOUR is growing revenue faster at 33.9% — sustainability is the question.

AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (51.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AAPL scores higher overall (65/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 27.0% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. FOUR offers better value entry with a 65.6% margin of safety. Both earn "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.

Apple Inc

TECHNOLOGY · CONSUMER ELECTRONICS · USA

Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company that specializes in consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple is the world's largest technology company by revenue (totalling $274.5 billion in 2020) and, since January 2021, the world's most valuable company. As of 2021, Apple is the world's fourth-largest PC vendor by unit sales, and fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer. It is one of the Big Five American information technology companies, along with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.

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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.

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