WallStSmart

Apple Inc (AAPL)vsPhotronics Inc (PLAB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc generates 52322% more annual revenue ($451.44B vs $861.17M). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 18.5%. AAPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.46. AAPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

AAPL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 2.42

PLAB

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 5.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 6.56

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AAPL6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$4.63T10/10

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

PLAB6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.9x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
270.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 270.5% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0010/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
6.5610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Operating MarginProfitability
20.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.1%

Areas to Watch

AAPL3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.464/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
38.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
42.3x2/10

Trading at 42.3x book value

PLAB4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$1.91B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.642/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.5%2/10

Revenue declined 0.5%

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 : PLAB

The strongest argument for PLAB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.5% and operating margin at 20.1%.

Bear Case : AAPL

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

Bear Case : PLAB

The primary concerns for PLAB are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AAPL profiles as a growth stock while PLAB is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

PLAB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.51 — 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

AAPL scores higher overall (67/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 27.2% margins and 16.6% revenue growth. 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.

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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Photronics Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

Photronics, Inc. manufactures and sells photomask products and services in the United States, Taiwan, Korea, Europe, China, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Brookfield, Connecticut.

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