CDW Corp (CDW)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
CDW
CDW Corp
$149.77
-0.54%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $20.34B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$350.20
-0.62%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $299.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CDW Corp generates 105% more annual revenue ($23.50B vs $11.48B). CDW leads profitability with a 4.6% profit margin vs 2.7%. CDW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. CDW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
CDW
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
PANW
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+4.6%
Fair Value
$141.44
Current Price
$149.77
$8.33 discount
Margin of Safety
+26.6%
Fair Value
$498.68
Current Price
$350.20
$148.48 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 44 in profit
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
4.9% earnings growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
4.6% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 10.4x book value
ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency
2.7% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CDW
The strongest argument for CDW centers on Return on Equity. PEG of 1.34 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 34.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CDW
The primary concerns for CDW are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.44 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 4.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 914.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CDW profiles as a value stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CDW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.94 — 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
CDW scores higher overall (59/100 vs 51/100). PANW offers better value entry with a 26.6% margin of safety. 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.
CDW Corp
TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA
CDW Corporation, headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois, is a provider of technology products and services for business, government and education.
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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