ACI Worldwide Inc (ACIW)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
ACIW
ACI Worldwide Inc
$55.70
+0.91%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $5.33B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$394.49
-3.53%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $279.76B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 531% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $1.82B). ACIW leads profitability with a 12.4% profit margin vs 2.7%. ACIW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.78. ACIW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
ACIW
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
PANW
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+45.5%
Fair Value
$73.95
Current Price
$55.70
$18.25 discount
Margin of Safety
+21.7%
Fair Value
$498.95
Current Price
$394.49
$104.46 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 165.2% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 34.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 11.7x book value
ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency
2.7% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ACIW
The strongest argument for ACIW centers on EPS Growth.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 34.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ACIW
The primary concerns for ACIW are PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 855.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ACIW profiles as a value stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ACIW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 34.5% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ACIW scores higher overall (62/100 vs 49/100). PANW offers better value entry with a 21.7% 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.
ACI Worldwide Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
ACI Worldwide, Inc., a software company, develops, markets, installs and supports a variety of software products and solutions to facilitate electronic payments to banks, financial intermediaries, merchants and invoice issuers globally. The company is headquartered in Naples, Florida.
Visit Website →Palo Alto Networks Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. provides cybersecurity platform solutions globally. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
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