F5 Networks Inc (FFIV)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
FFIV
F5 Networks Inc
$297.86
+3.05%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $16.42B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$153.22
-2.54%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $128.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 215% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $3.14B). FFIV leads profitability with a 22.5% profit margin vs 13.0%. FFIV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.89. FFIV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
FFIV
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
PANW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-3.4%
Fair Value
$273.49
Current Price
$297.86
$24.37 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
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Strong operational efficiency at 26.0%
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : FFIV
The strongest argument for FFIV centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.5% and operating margin at 26.0%.
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 : FFIV
The primary concerns for FFIV are PEG Ratio.
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
FFIV profiles as a mature stock while PANW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
FFIV carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — 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.
Bottom Line
FFIV scores higher overall (65/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 22.5% margins. 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.
F5 Networks Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
F5, Inc. is an American company that specializes in application delivery networking (ADN), application availability & performance, multi-cloud management, application security, network security, access & authorization and online fraud prevention. F5 is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with additional development, manufacturing, and administrative offices worldwide.
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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