Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)vsPhotronics Inc (PLAB)
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$272.05
+1.76%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $241.01B
PLAB
Photronics Inc
$29.15
-7.52%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $1.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 1049% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $861.17M). PLAB leads profitability with a 18.5% profit margin vs 13.0%. PLAB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.64. PLAB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
PANW
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
PLAB
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+39.7%
Fair Value
$441.96
Current Price
$272.05
$169.91 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for PLAB.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 270.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 20.1%
Areas to Watch
ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 14.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : PLAB
The strongest argument for PLAB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.5% and operating margin at 20.1%.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 256.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : PLAB
The primary concerns for PLAB are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PANW profiles as a value stock while PLAB is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
PLAB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.51 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 14.9% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PLAB scores higher overall (64/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 18.5% margins. PANW offers better value entry with a 39.7% margin of safety. 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.
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.
Photronics Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA
Photronics, Inc. manufactures and sells photomask products and services in the United States, Taiwan, Korea, Europe, China, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Brookfield, Connecticut.
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