Shift4 Payments Inc (FOUR)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
FOUR
Shift4 Payments Inc
$38.08
-3.08%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $4.08B
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 122% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $4.45B). PANW leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 2.6%. FOUR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.30. FOUR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
FOUR
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
PANW
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+41.6%
Fair Value
$100.66
Current Price
$38.08
$62.58 discount
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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 32.2% year-over-year
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
ROE of 6.2% — below average capital efficiency
2.6% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 72.2%
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 : FOUR
The strongest argument for FOUR centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 32.2% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.30 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : FOUR
The primary concerns for FOUR are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 47.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.77 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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
FOUR profiles as a hypergrowth stock while PANW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
FOUR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.42 — expect wider price swings.
FOUR is growing revenue faster at 32.2% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FOUR scores higher overall (62/100 vs 57/100) and 32.2% 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.
Shift4 Payments Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Shift4 Payments, Inc. provides integrated payment processing and technology solutions in the United States. The company is headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
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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