Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)vsQualys Inc (QLYS)
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$394.49
-3.53%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $279.76B
QLYS
Qualys Inc
$230.29
+3.03%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $6.26B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 1533% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $702.98M). QLYS leads profitability with a 29.4% profit margin vs 2.7%. PANW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.01. QLYS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
PANW
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
QLYS
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+21.7%
Fair Value
$498.95
Current Price
$394.49
$104.46 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for QLYS.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 34.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 34.0%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 11.7x book value
ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency
2.7% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 14.2x book value
Grey zone — moderate risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 34.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : QLYS
The strongest argument for QLYS centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.4% and operating margin at 34.0%. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 855.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : QLYS
The primary concerns for QLYS are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PANW profiles as a hypergrowth stock while QLYS is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
PANW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 34.5% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
QLYS scores higher overall (62/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 29.4% margins and 11.0% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 21.7% margin of safety. Both earn "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.
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.
Qualys Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Qualys, Inc. provides cloud-based information technology (IT), security, and compliance solutions in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Foster City, California.
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