Altria Group (MO)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
MO
Altria Group
$68.12
-1.33%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $115.29B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$207.88
+5.78%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $159.39B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Altria Group generates 106% more annual revenue ($20.38B vs $9.89B). MO leads profitability with a 39.5% profit margin vs 13.0%. MO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.86. MO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
MO
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
PANW
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-37.3%
Fair Value
$48.02
Current Price
$68.12
$20.10 premium
Margin of Safety
+56.7%
Fair Value
$454.04
Current Price
$207.88
$246.16 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 40 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 62.3%
Earnings expanding 106.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Trading at 15.6x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MO
The strongest argument for MO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.5% and operating margin at 62.3%.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 14.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MO
The primary concerns for MO are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 109.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MO profiles as a mature stock while PANW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
PANW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.77 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 14.9% — sustainability is the question.
MO generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MO scores higher overall (61/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 39.5% margins. PANW offers better value entry with a 56.7% 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.
Altria Group
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Altria Group, Inc. (previously known as Philip Morris Companies, Inc.) is an American corporation and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes and related products. It operates worldwide and is headquartered in unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia, just outside the city of Richmond.
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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