ACI Worldwide Inc (ACIW)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
ACIW
ACI Worldwide Inc
$40.04
+0.45%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $4.11B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$153.22
+2.05%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $128.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 462% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $1.76B). PANW leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 12.9%. ACIW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.78. ACIW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
ACIW
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
PANW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-182.4%
Fair Value
$14.28
Current Price
$40.04
$25.76 premium
Margin of Safety
-81.9%
Fair Value
$84.24
Current Price
$153.22
$68.98 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 23.1%
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 33.3%
Trading at 11.5x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ACIW
The strongest argument for ACIW centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 14.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ACIW
The primary concerns for ACIW are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 87.3x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ACIW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 14.9% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (470M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ACIW scores higher overall (59/100 vs 58/100). Both earn "Buy" and "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.
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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