Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)vsWex Inc (WEX)
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$272.05
+1.76%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $241.01B
WEX
Wex Inc
$148.21
+0.91%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $4.70B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 267% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $2.70B). PANW leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 11.5%. WEX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.78. WEX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
PANW
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
WEX
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
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 WEX.
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
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 23.5%
Earnings expanding 22.7% YoY
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
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
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 : WEX
The strongest argument for WEX centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. PEG of 0.78 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : WEX
The primary concerns for WEX are Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.11 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WEX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.85 — 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.
Monitor SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
WEX scores higher overall (74/100 vs 57/100). PANW offers better value entry with a 39.7% 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.
Wex Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
WEX Inc. offers financial technology services in North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe. The company is headquartered in Portland, Maine.
Compare with Other SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?