WallStSmart

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO)vsWestern Digital Corporation (WDC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A generates 166% more annual revenue ($31.29B vs $11.78B). WDC leads profitability with a 55.3% profit margin vs 3.7%. WDC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. WDC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (A-).

APO

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.03

WDC

Exceptional Buy

80

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.5Value: 5.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.51

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$78.47B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.728/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.62B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

WDC6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$225.26B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
67.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 67 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
55.3%10/10

Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
37.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
45.5%10/10

Revenue surging 45.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
482.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 482.9% YoY

Areas to Watch

APO4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

3.7% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
85.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-9.2%2/10

Revenue declined 9.2%

WDC3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
39.1x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.514/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Price/BookValuation
27.5x2/10

Trading at 27.5x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APO

The strongest argument for APO centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.72 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : WDC

The strongest argument for WDC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 55.3% and operating margin at 37.0%. Revenue growth of 45.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : APO

The primary concerns for APO are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 85.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : WDC

The primary concerns for WDC are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APO profiles as a value stock while WDC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

WDC carries more volatility with a beta of 2.20 — expect wider price swings.

WDC is growing revenue faster at 45.5% — sustainability is the question.

APO generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WDC scores higher overall (80/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 55.3% margins and 45.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO) is a leading global alternative investment firm specializing in private equity, credit, and real estate across diverse sectors such as healthcare, financial services, and technology. The firm leverages its deep industry expertise and operational insights to implement a disciplined investment strategy aimed at maximizing portfolio performance and ensuring sustainable growth. With a focus on identifying high-potential opportunities in both developed and emerging markets, Apollo is dedicated to delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns through its substantial capital base and innovative investment approaches.

Western Digital Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA

Western Digital Corporation (WDC, commonly known as Western Digital or WD) is an American computer hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, headquartered in San Jose, California. It designs, manufactures and sells data technology products, including storage devices, data center systems and cloud storage services.

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