Accenture plc (ACN)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
ACN
Accenture plc
$181.29
-4.73%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $112.54B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$363.58
-3.06%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $270.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Accenture plc generates 537% more annual revenue ($73.10B vs $11.48B). ACN leads profitability with a 10.7% profit margin vs 2.7%. ACN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. ACN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
ACN
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
PANW
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+4.8%
Fair Value
$199.14
Current Price
$181.29
$17.85 discount
Margin of Safety
+27.4%
Fair Value
$500.75
Current Price
$363.58
$137.17 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 3.6B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 34.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 10.8x book value
ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency
2.7% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ACN
The strongest argument for ACN centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. PEG of 1.29 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 34.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ACN
The primary concerns for ACN are Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 295.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ACN profiles as a value stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ACN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 34.4% — sustainability is the question.
ACN generates stronger free cash flow (3.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ACN scores higher overall (66/100 vs 51/100). PANW offers better value entry with a 27.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.
Accenture plc
TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA
Accenture plc is an Irish-domiciled multinational company that provides consulting and processing services. It has been incorporated in Dublin, Ireland since 2009.
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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