WallStSmart

MediaAlpha Inc. (MAX)vsMeta Platforms Inc. (META)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Meta Platforms Inc. generates 18539% more annual revenue ($228.25B vs $1.22B). META leads profitability with a 29.8% profit margin vs 7.9%. MAX trades at a lower P/E of 7.7x. META earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

MAX

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 8.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.37

META

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 9.5Value: 8.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.88
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MAXUndervalued (+59.6%)

Margin of Safety

+59.6%

Fair Value

$19.00

Current Price

$11.45

$7.55 discount

UndervaluedFair: $19.00Overvalued
METAUndervalued (+31.3%)

Margin of Safety

+31.3%

Fair Value

$943.81

Current Price

$670.24

$273.57 discount

UndervaluedFair: $943.81Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MAX4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
342.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 342 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
1412.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 1412.0% YoY

Revenue GrowthGrowth
25.9%8/10

Revenue surging 25.9% year-over-year

META6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$1.65T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
34.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.8%

Return on EquityProfitability
26.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
29.8%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.858/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
28.0%8/10

Revenue surging 28.0% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

MAX4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$647.36M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
7.9%3/10

7.9% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Price/BookValuation
21.2x2/10

Trading at 21.2x book value

META2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-13.4%2/10

Earnings declined 13.4%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MAX

The strongest argument for MAX centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 25.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : META

The strongest argument for META centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.8% and operating margin at 34.8%. Revenue growth of 28.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : MAX

The primary concerns for MAX are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 6.22 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : META

The primary concerns for META are Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

META carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.

META is growing revenue faster at 28.0% — sustainability is the question.

META generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor INTERNET CONTENT & INFORMATION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

META scores higher overall (71/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 29.8% margins and 28.0% revenue growth. MAX offers better value entry with a 59.6% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

MediaAlpha Inc.

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · INTERNET CONTENT & INFORMATION · USA

MediaAlpha, Inc., operates an insurance customer acquisition platform in the United States. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

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Meta Platforms Inc.

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · INTERNET CONTENT & INFORMATION · USA

Meta Platforms, Inc. develops products that enable people to connect and share with friends and family through mobile devices, PCs, virtual reality headsets, wearables and home devices around the world. The company is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.

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