WallStSmart

Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)vsWex Inc (WEX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 272% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $2.66B). PANW leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 11.4%. WEX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. WEX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

PANW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 2.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.02

WEX

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.67
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

PANWSignificantly Overvalued (-81.9%)

Margin of Safety

-81.9%

Fair Value

$84.24

Current Price

$153.22

$68.98 premium

UndervaluedFair: $84.24Overvalued
WEXUndervalued (+58.2%)

Margin of Safety

+58.2%

Fair Value

$396.40

Current Price

$151.32

$245.08 discount

UndervaluedFair: $396.40Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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
$128.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

WEX4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
50.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 50.3% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
22.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
26.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.2%

Areas to Watch

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
11.5x4/10

Trading at 11.5x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.962/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
87.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

WEX1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.672/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : WEX

The strongest argument for WEX centers on EPS Growth, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.44 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 87.3x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : WEX

The primary concerns for WEX are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

WEX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — 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

WEX scores higher overall (73/100 vs 58/100). 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.

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