ACI Worldwide Inc (ACIW)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
ACIW
ACI Worldwide Inc
$52.09
+0.23%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $5.25B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$330.65
-2.32%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $270.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 531% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $1.82B). ACIW leads profitability with a 12.4% profit margin vs 2.7%. PANW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.73. ACIW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
ACIW
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
PANW
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+45.9%
Fair Value
$74.55
Current Price
$52.09
$22.46 discount
Margin of Safety
+34.1%
Fair Value
$501.81
Current Price
$330.65
$171.16 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 165.2% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 34.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.8x book value
ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency
2.7% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ACIW
The strongest argument for ACIW centers on EPS Growth.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 34.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ACIW
The primary concerns for ACIW are PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 295.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ACIW profiles as a value stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ACIW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 34.4% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ACIW scores higher overall (62/100 vs 51/100). PANW offers better value entry with a 34.1% 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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