Accenture plc (ACN)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
ACN
Accenture plc
$170.60
+0.10%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $85.73B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$366.34
-1.00%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $273.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Accenture plc generates 589% more annual revenue ($73.10B vs $10.61B). ACN leads profitability with a 10.7% profit margin vs 8.0%. ACN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. ACN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
ACN
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
PANW
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+23.0%
Fair Value
$200.02
Current Price
$170.60
$29.42 discount
Margin of Safety
+32.8%
Fair Value
$467.52
Current Price
$366.34
$101.18 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 3.6B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 31.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 10.8x book value
ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency
8.0% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ACN
The strongest argument for ACN centers on P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity. PEG of 1.02 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 31.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ACN
The primary concerns for ACN are Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 294.1x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ACN profiles as a value stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ACN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.12 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 31.1% — sustainability is the question.
ACN generates stronger free cash flow (3.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ACN scores higher overall (69/100 vs 47/100). PANW offers better value entry with a 32.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.
Accenture plc
TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA
Accenture plc is an Irish-domiciled multinational company that provides consulting and processing services. It has been incorporated in Dublin, Ireland since 2009.
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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