WallStSmart

Appian Corp (APPN)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 1261% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $726.94M). APPN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs 13.0%. PANW trades at a lower P/E of 87.3x. PANW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

APPN

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 3.0Quality: 5.0

PANW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 2.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.02
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APPNSignificantly Overvalued (-16621.4%)

Margin of Safety

-16621.4%

Fair Value

$0.14

Current Price

$23.94

$23.80 premium

UndervaluedFair: $0.14Overvalued
PANWSignificantly Overvalued (-81.9%)

Margin of Safety

-81.9%

Fair Value

$84.24

Current Price

$153.22

$68.98 premium

UndervaluedFair: $84.24Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APPN1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
21.7%8/10

Revenue surging 21.7% year-over-year

PANW3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
60.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$128.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

APPN4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$1.80B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Operating MarginProfitability
1.7%3/10

Operating margin of 1.7%

P/E RatioValuation
1216.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
11.5x4/10

Trading at 11.5x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.962/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
87.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APPN

The strongest argument for APPN centers on Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.0% and operating margin at 1.7%. Revenue growth of 21.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : APPN

The primary concerns for APPN are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Operating Margin. A P/E of 1216.5x leaves little room for execution misses.

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

APPN profiles as a growth stock while PANW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

APPN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.00 — expect wider price swings.

APPN is growing revenue faster at 21.7% — sustainability is the question.

PANW generates stronger free cash flow (470M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PANW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 34/100) and 14.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Appian Corp

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

Appian Corporation provides a low-code automation platform in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.

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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