WallStSmart

Nova Ltd (NVMI)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 1024% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $880.58M). NVMI leads profitability with a 29.4% profit margin vs 13.0%. NVMI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.46. NVMI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

NVMI

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.0Value: 4.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.69

PANW

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.02
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for NVMI.

PANWUndervalued (+60.8%)

Margin of Safety

+60.8%

Fair Value

$457.02

Current Price

$179.32

$277.70 discount

UndervaluedFair: $457.02Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NVMI5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
23.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
29.4%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
27.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.7%

EPS GrowthGrowth
22.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 22.4% YoY

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
$145.43B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

NVMI2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
12.1x4/10

Trading at 12.1x book value

P/E RatioValuation
62.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
13.4x4/10

Trading at 13.4x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.052/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
100.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NVMI

The strongest argument for NVMI centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.4% and operating margin at 27.7%. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : NVMI

The primary concerns for NVMI are Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 62.9x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : PANW

The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 100.2x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NVMI profiles as a mature stock while PANW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

NVMI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.79 — 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

NVMI scores higher overall (68/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 29.4% margins and 14.3% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 60.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

Nova Ltd

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd. designs, develops, produces, and sells process control systems used in semiconductor manufacturing in Israel, Taiwan, the United States, China, Korea, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Rehovot, Israel.

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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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