WallStSmart

MaxLinear Inc (MXL)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 1984% more annual revenue ($10.61B vs $508.90M). PANW leads profitability with a 8.0% profit margin vs -26.0%. MXL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.39. PANW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 47/100 (D+).

MXL

Hold

38

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.7Profit: 2.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.17

PANW

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 3.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.02
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MXL.

PANWUndervalued (+32.8%)

Margin of Safety

+32.8%

Fair Value

$467.52

Current Price

$319.00

$148.52 discount

UndervaluedFair: $467.52Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MXL2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3910/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
43.0%10/10

Revenue surging 43.0% year-over-year

PANW4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$273.25B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Revenue GrowthGrowth
31.1%10/10

Revenue surging 31.1% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
60.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0710/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

MXL4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Price/BookValuation
11.3x4/10

Trading at 11.3x book value

Return on EquityProfitability
-29.1%2/10

ROE of -29.1% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-71.4%2/10

Earnings declined 71.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-10.26M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
9.4x4/10

Trading at 9.4x book value

Return on EquityProfitability
3.0%3/10

ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
8.0%3/10

8.0% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : PANW

The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 31.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : MXL

The primary concerns for MXL are Price/Book, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : PANW

The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 294.1x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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.

PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor SEMICONDUCTORS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

PANW scores higher overall (47/100 vs 38/100) and 31.1% revenue growth. Both earn "Hold" 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.

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.

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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