F5 Networks Inc (FFIV)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
FFIV
F5 Networks Inc
$393.35
-3.75%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $22.35B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$272.05
+0.03%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $241.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 207% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $3.22B). FFIV leads profitability with a 22.0% profit margin vs 13.0%. FFIV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.71. FFIV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
FFIV
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
PANW
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-23.4%
Fair Value
$229.00
Current Price
$393.35
$164.35 premium
Margin of Safety
+39.7%
Fair Value
$441.96
Current Price
$272.05
$169.91 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 22.0%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.0% earnings growth
ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency
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 Debt/Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.0% and operating margin at 22.0%. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 14.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FFIV
The primary concerns for FFIV are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 256.2x 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 1.05 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 14.9% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FFIV scores higher overall (63/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 22.0% margins and 11.0% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 39.7% 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.
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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