WallStSmart

MediaAlpha Inc. (MAX)vsSpotify Technology SA (SPOT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Spotify Technology SA generates 1412% more annual revenue ($17.53B vs $1.16B). SPOT leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 3.4%. MAX trades at a lower P/E of 14.2x. SPOT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

MAX

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 6.0Value: 7.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.37

SPOT

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.5Value: 3.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.66
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MAXUndervalued (+57.9%)

Margin of Safety

+57.9%

Fair Value

$18.23

Current Price

$8.29

$9.94 discount

UndervaluedFair: $18.23Overvalued
SPOTSignificantly Overvalued (-65.0%)

Margin of Safety

-65.0%

Fair Value

$295.16

Current Price

$496.95

$201.79 premium

UndervaluedFair: $295.16Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MAX3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
1412.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 1412.0% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
14.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.3%8/10

17.3% revenue growth

SPOT4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
33.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
222.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 222.4% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0610/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$99.11B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

MAX4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$490.34M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
3.4%3/10

3.4% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

SPOT3 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.634/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
32.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
10.4x4/10

Trading at 10.4x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MAX

The strongest argument for MAX centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 17.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : SPOT

The strongest argument for SPOT centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 15.8%.

Bear Case : MAX

The primary concerns for MAX are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 3.74 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : SPOT

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MAX profiles as a growth stock while SPOT is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

SPOT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.55 — expect wider price swings.

MAX is growing revenue faster at 17.3% — sustainability is the question.

SPOT generates stronger free cash flow (845M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SPOT scores higher overall (64/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins. MAX offers better value entry with a 57.9% margin of safety. Both earn "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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Spotify Technology SA

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · INTERNET CONTENT & INFORMATION · USA

Spotify Technology SA, provides audio streaming services worldwide. The company is headquartered in Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

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