WallStSmart

NetScout Systems Inc (NTCT)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 1048% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $861.43M). PANW leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 11.1%. NTCT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.64. NTCT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

NTCT

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.5Value: 9.3Quality: 5.0

PANW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 2.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.02
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

NTCTUndervalued (+18.0%)

Margin of Safety

+18.0%

Fair Value

$34.37

Current Price

$32.30

$2.07 discount

UndervaluedFair: $34.37Overvalued
PANWSignificantly Overvalued (-81.9%)

Margin of Safety

-81.9%

Fair Value

$84.24

Current Price

$153.22

$68.98 premium

UndervaluedFair: $84.24Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NTCT2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.7%

PANW3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
60.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$128.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

NTCT3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.644/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
6.1%3/10

ROE of 6.1% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-50.0%2/10

Revenue declined 50.0%

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
11.5x4/10

Trading at 11.5x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.962/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
87.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NTCT

The strongest argument for NTCT centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.

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 : NTCT

The primary concerns for NTCT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth.

Bear Case : PANW

The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 87.3x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NTCT profiles as a declining stock while PANW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

PANW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.82 — expect wider price swings.

PANW is growing revenue faster at 14.9% — sustainability is the question.

PANW generates stronger free cash flow (470M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NTCT scores higher overall (59/100 vs 58/100). 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.

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.

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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