WallStSmart

APA Corporation (APA)vsConocoPhillips (COP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

ConocoPhillips generates 652% more annual revenue ($64.46B vs $8.57B). APA leads profitability with a 19.6% profit margin vs 14.4%. APA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.15. APA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (B+).

APA

Strong Buy

80

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.24

COP

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 5.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.36
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APAUndervalued (+12.2%)

Margin of Safety

+12.2%

Fair Value

$51.05

Current Price

$44.73

$6.32 discount

UndervaluedFair: $51.05Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for COP.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APA6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
56.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 56.3%

Return on EquityProfitability
23.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
26.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 26.3% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.14B8/10

Generating 1.1B in free cash flow

COP6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Operating MarginProfitability
31.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
35.5%10/10

Revenue surging 35.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
107.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 107.0% YoY

Market CapQuality
$165.00B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.41B8/10

Generating 4.4B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

APA2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.242/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

COP0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APA

The strongest argument for APA centers on P/E Ratio, Operating Margin, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.6% and operating margin at 56.3%. PEG of 1.15 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : COP

The strongest argument for COP centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 35.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.24 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : APA

The primary concerns for APA are Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : COP

No major red flags identified for COP, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APA profiles as a mature stock while COP is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

APA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.37 — expect wider price swings.

COP is growing revenue faster at 35.5% — sustainability is the question.

COP generates stronger free cash flow (4.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

APA scores higher overall (80/100 vs 78/100), backed by strong 19.6% margins. 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.

APA Corporation

ENERGY · OIL & GAS E&P · USA

APA Corporation is the holding company for Apache Corporation, a company engaged in hydrocarbon exploration. It is organized in Delaware and headquartered in Houston.

Visit Website →

ConocoPhillips

ENERGY · OIL & GAS E&P · USA

ConocoPhillips is an American multinational corporation engaged in hydrocarbon exploration. It is based in the Energy Corridor district of Houston, Texas.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?