Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)vsPaylocity Holdng (PCTY)
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$179.32
-1.22%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $145.43B
PCTY
Paylocity Holdng
$107.94
+5.54%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $5.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 489% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $1.68B). PCTY leads profitability with a 14.2% profit margin vs 13.0%. PCTY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.13. PCTY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
PANW
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
PCTY
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+60.8%
Fair Value
$457.02
Current Price
$179.32
$277.70 discount
Margin of Safety
+61.6%
Fair Value
$280.52
Current Price
$107.94
$172.58 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Earnings expanding 39.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 14.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : PCTY
The strongest argument for PCTY centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 10.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.13 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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.
Bear Case : PCTY
The primary concerns for PCTY are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
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.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (470M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
PCTY scores higher overall (68/100 vs 56/100) and 10.4% 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.
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.
Paylocity Holdng
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA
Paylocity Holding Corporation provides cloud-based payroll and human capital management software solutions for midsize organizations in the United States. The company is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois.
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