NetApp Inc (NTAP)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
NTAP
NetApp Inc
$158.31
-1.43%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $31.66B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$272.05
+1.58%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $231.90B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 53% more annual revenue ($10.61B vs $6.92B). NTAP leads profitability with a 18.4% profit margin vs 8.0%. NTAP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.78. NTAP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
NTAP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
PANW
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NTAP.
Margin of Safety
+38.8%
Fair Value
$470.35
Current Price
$272.05
$198.30 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 94 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 27.3%
Earnings expanding 23.4% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 31.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 23.0x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency
8.0% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NTAP
The strongest argument for NTAP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.4% and operating margin at 27.3%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : NTAP
The primary concerns for NTAP are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.02 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 247.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NTAP profiles as a mature stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
NTAP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.43 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 31.1% — sustainability is the question.
NTAP generates stronger free cash flow (900M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NTAP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 18.4% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 38.8% 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.
NetApp Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
NetApp, Inc. is an American hybrid cloud data services and data management company headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. Founded in 1992 with an IPO in 1995, NetApp offers cloud data services for management of applications and data both online and physically.
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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