WallStSmart

Fortinet Inc (FTNT)vsNetScout Systems Inc (NTCT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Fortinet Inc generates 727% more annual revenue ($7.11B vs $859.48M). FTNT leads profitability with a 27.5% profit margin vs 11.1%. NTCT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.64. FTNT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

FTNT

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.50

NTCT

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.5Value: 6.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.15
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FTNTUndervalued (+45.4%)

Margin of Safety

+45.4%

Fair Value

$265.15

Current Price

$149.67

$115.48 discount

UndervaluedFair: $265.15Overvalued
NTCTUndervalued (+36.2%)

Margin of Safety

+36.2%

Fair Value

$44.15

Current Price

$40.59

$3.56 discount

UndervaluedFair: $44.15Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FTNT6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
197.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 197 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
31.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.3%

Market CapQuality
$109.06B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
27.5%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.1%8/10

Revenue surging 20.1% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
28.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 28.6% YoY

NTCT2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0210/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

FTNT4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.504/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

PEG RatioValuation
3.322/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
57.7x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
110.9x2/10

Trading at 110.9x book value

NTCT4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.644/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
32.0x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
6.0%3/10

ROE of 6.0% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-1.0%2/10

Revenue declined 1.0%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : NTCT

The strongest argument for NTCT centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book.

Bear Case : FTNT

The primary concerns for FTNT are Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 57.7x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : NTCT

The primary concerns for NTCT are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FTNT profiles as a growth stock while NTCT is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

FTNT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.

FTNT is growing revenue faster at 20.1% — 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 47/100), backed by strong 27.5% margins and 20.1% revenue growth. NTCT offers better value entry with a 36.2% margin of safety. 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.

NetScout Systems Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

NetScout Systems, Inc. provides service security and cybersecurity solutions to protect digital business services from disruption in the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts.

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