ACI Worldwide Inc (ACIW)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
ACIW
ACI Worldwide Inc
$42.80
+1.04%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $4.60B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$272.05
+0.03%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $241.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 452% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $1.79B). PANW leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 11.5%. ACIW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.78. PANW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ACIW
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
PANW
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+45.4%
Fair Value
$73.85
Current Price
$42.80
$31.05 discount
Margin of Safety
+39.7%
Fair Value
$441.96
Current Price
$272.05
$169.91 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 32.7%
ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ACIW
The strongest argument for ACIW centers on Price/Book.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 14.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ACIW
The primary concerns for ACIW are PEG Ratio, EPS 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.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ACIW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.01 — 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
PANW scores higher overall (57/100 vs 50/100) and 14.9% revenue growth. ACIW offers better value entry with a 45.4% 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.
ACI Worldwide Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
ACI Worldwide, Inc., a software company, develops, markets, installs and supports a variety of software products and solutions to facilitate electronic payments to banks, financial intermediaries, merchants and invoice issuers globally. The company is headquartered in Naples, Florida.
Visit Website →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.
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