Fortinet Inc (FTNT)vsMaxLinear Inc (MXL)
FTNT
Fortinet Inc
$153.22
+2.16%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $113.60B
MXL
MaxLinear Inc
$57.25
-2.87%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $7.71B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Fortinet Inc generates 1297% more annual revenue ($7.11B vs $508.90M). FTNT leads profitability with a 27.5% profit margin vs -26.0%. MXL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.39. FTNT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
FTNT
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
MXL
Hold38
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+43.0%
Fair Value
$262.87
Current Price
$153.22
$109.65 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MXL.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 197 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 31.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Revenue surging 20.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 28.6% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 43.0% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 113.5x book value
Trading at 11.3x book value
ROE of -29.1% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 71.4%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FTNT
The strongest argument for FTNT centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.5% and operating margin at 31.3%. Revenue growth of 20.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MXL
The strongest argument for MXL centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 43.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.39 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : FTNT
The primary concerns for FTNT are Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 61.3x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : MXL
The primary concerns for MXL are Price/Book, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FTNT profiles as a growth stock while MXL is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MXL carries more volatility with a beta of 3.93 — expect wider price swings.
MXL is growing revenue faster at 43.0% — sustainability is the question.
FTNT generates stronger free cash flow (1.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FTNT scores higher overall (67/100 vs 38/100), backed by strong 27.5% margins and 20.1% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Fortinet Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Fortinet (Nasdaq: FTNT) is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. It develops and sells cybersecurity solutions, including but not limited to physical products such as firewalls, plus software and services such as anti-virus protection, intrusion prevention systems and endpoint security components.
MaxLinear Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTORS · USA
MaxLinear, Inc. provides high-performance analog, radio frequency (RF) and mixed signal communications-on-chip (SoC) solutions for the connected home, wired and wireless infrastructure, and multi-market and industrial applications to world level. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.
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