WallStSmart

Apple Inc. (AAPL)vsPaychex Inc (PAYX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc. generates 11277% more annual revenue ($451.44B vs $3.97B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 26.6%. PAYX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.02. PAYX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

AAPL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 10.0Value: 3.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 2.42

PAYX

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.5Value: 4.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.40
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AAPL.

PAYXSignificantly Overvalued (-49.7%)

Margin of Safety

-49.7%

Fair Value

$63.35

Current Price

$122.13

$58.78 premium

UndervaluedFair: $63.35Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AAPL6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$4.79T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
115.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 115 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
32.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$26.73B10/10

Generating 26.7B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
27.2%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.6%8/10

16.6% revenue growth

PAYX4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
47.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 47 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
38.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.3%

Profit MarginProfitability
26.6%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
43.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 43.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

AAPL3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
39.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

PEG RatioValuation
2.622/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
46.8x2/10

Trading at 46.8x book value

PAYX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.024/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
11.6x4/10

Trading at 11.6x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.233/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.402/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 27.2% and operating margin at 32.3%. Revenue growth of 16.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : PAYX

The strongest argument for PAYX centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.6% and operating margin at 38.3%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AAPL

The primary concerns for AAPL are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : PAYX

The primary concerns for PAYX are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AAPL profiles as a growth stock while PAYX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

AAPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.10 — expect wider price swings.

AAPL is growing revenue faster at 16.6% — sustainability is the question.

AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (26.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PAYX scores higher overall (69/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 26.6% margins and 12.5% 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.

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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Paychex Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Paychex, Inc. is an American provider of human resource, payroll, and benefits outsourcing services for small- to medium-sized businesses.

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