WallStSmart

Fortinet Inc (FTNT)vsStoneCo Ltd (STNE)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

StoneCo Ltd generates 72% more annual revenue ($13.59B vs $7.88B). FTNT leads profitability with a 29.0% profit margin vs 24.7%. STNE trades at a lower P/E of 3.0x. FTNT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).

FTNT

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 10.0Value: 6.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.50

STNE

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.5Value: 8.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.89
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FTNTUndervalued (+52.5%)

Margin of Safety

+52.5%

Fair Value

$286.50

Current Price

$118.84

$167.66 discount

UndervaluedFair: $286.50Overvalued
STNEUndervalued (+79.2%)

Margin of Safety

+79.2%

Fair Value

$85.05

Current Price

$7.49

$77.56 discount

UndervaluedFair: $85.05Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FTNT6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
136.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 137 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
33.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.8%

Market CapQuality
$99.98B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.0%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.5%8/10

Revenue surging 20.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
38.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 38.7% YoY

STNE6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
3.0x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
39.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.6%

Return on EquityProfitability
28.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
24.7%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.69B8/10

Generating 1.7B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

FTNT3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.504/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

P/E RatioValuation
44.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
38.8x2/10

Trading at 38.8x book value

STNE4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.6%4/10

1.6% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$1.79B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.813/10

Elevated debt levels

EPS GrowthGrowth
-16.6%2/10

Earnings declined 16.6%

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 29.0% and operating margin at 33.8%. Revenue growth of 20.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : STNE

The strongest argument for STNE centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 39.6%.

Bear Case : FTNT

The primary concerns for FTNT are Altman Z-Score, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 44.5x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : STNE

The primary concerns for STNE are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.81 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FTNT profiles as a growth stock while STNE is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

STNE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.54 — expect wider price swings.

FTNT is growing revenue faster at 20.5% — sustainability is the question.

STNE generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

FTNT scores higher overall (75/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 29.0% margins and 20.5% revenue growth. STNE offers better value entry with a 79.2% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

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.

StoneCo Ltd

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

StoneCo Ltd. provides fintech solutions to merchants and integrated partners to conduct e-commerce through store, online and mobile channels in Brazil.

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