Apple Inc. (AAPL)vsPaylocity Holding Corporation (PCTY)
AAPL
Apple Inc.
$332.27
+1.75%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $4.85T
PCTY
Paylocity Holding Corporation
$141.66
-0.84%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $7.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Apple Inc. generates 26254% more annual revenue ($466.82B vs $1.77B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.6% profit margin vs 15.2%. PCTY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.23. AAPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
AAPL
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
PCTY
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AAPL.
Margin of Safety
+62.0%
Fair Value
$283.03
Current Price
$141.66
$141.37 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 120 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.6%
Generating 31.9B in free cash flow
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
16.4% revenue growth
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Earnings expanding 27.6% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 45.1x book value
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AAPL
The strongest argument for AAPL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.6% and operating margin at 32.6%. Revenue growth of 16.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : PCTY
The strongest argument for PCTY centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.2% and operating margin at 19.1%. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AAPL
The primary concerns for AAPL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : PCTY
The primary concerns for PCTY are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AAPL profiles as a growth stock while PCTY is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
AAPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.
AAPL is growing revenue faster at 16.4% — sustainability is the question.
AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (31.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AAPL scores higher overall (67/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 27.6% margins and 16.4% revenue growth. PCTY offers better value entry with a 62.0% margin of safety. 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.
Visit Website →Paylocity Holding Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA
Paylocity Holding Corporation provides cloud-based payroll and human capital management software solutions for midsize organizations in the United States. The company is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois.
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