Appian Corp (APPN)vsFortinet Inc (FTNT)
APPN
Appian Corp
$34.76
+2.03%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $2.45B
FTNT
Fortinet Inc
$156.07
-1.75%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $114.51B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Fortinet Inc generates 846% more annual revenue ($7.53B vs $795.31M). FTNT leads profitability with a 28.2% profit margin vs -1.3%. FTNT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
APPN
Avoid32
out of 100
Grade: F
FTNT
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+73.4%
Fair Value
$87.97
Current Price
$34.76
$53.21 discount
Margin of Safety
+43.5%
Fair Value
$276.16
Current Price
$156.07
$120.09 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
19.1% revenue growth
Every $100 of equity generates 137 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 33.6%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Revenue surging 25.6% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 43.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
0.0% earnings growth
Operating margin of 0.4%
ROE of -937.0% — below average capital efficiency
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 74.0x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APPN
The strongest argument for APPN centers on Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 19.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : FTNT
The strongest argument for FTNT centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.2% and operating margin at 33.6%. Revenue growth of 25.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APPN
The primary concerns for APPN are EPS Growth, Operating Margin, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : FTNT
The primary concerns for FTNT are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 56.1x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FTNT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.
FTNT is growing revenue faster at 25.6% — sustainability is the question.
FTNT generates stronger free cash flow (966M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
FTNT scores higher overall (73/100 vs 32/100), backed by strong 28.2% margins and 25.6% revenue growth. APPN offers better value entry with a 73.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Appian Corp
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Appian Corporation provides a low-code automation platform in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.
Fortinet Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Fortinet (Nasdaq: FTNT) is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. It develops and sells cybersecurity solutions, including but not limited to physical products such as firewalls, plus software and services such as anti-virus protection, intrusion prevention systems and endpoint security components.
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