WallStSmart

Cognyte Software Ltd (CGNT)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 2313% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $409.99M). PANW leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs -0.7%. PANW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

CGNT

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.7Profit: 3.0Value: 4.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.08

PANW

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.02
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CGNTFair Value (-5.0%)

Margin of Safety

-5.0%

Fair Value

$6.86

Current Price

$8.99

$2.13 premium

UndervaluedFair: $6.86Overvalued
PANWUndervalued (+39.7%)

Margin of Safety

+39.7%

Fair Value

$441.96

Current Price

$272.05

$169.91 discount

UndervaluedFair: $441.96Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CGNT1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.199/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PANW3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$241.01B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

EPS GrowthGrowth
60.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0710/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

CGNT4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$681.78M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Operating MarginProfitability
4.2%3/10

Operating margin of 4.2%

Return on EquityProfitability
-1.4%2/10

ROE of -1.4% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-74.8%2/10

Earnings declined 74.8%

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
3.0%3/10

ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
5.042/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
256.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CGNT

The strongest argument for CGNT centers on Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 10.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : CGNT

The primary concerns for CGNT are Market Cap, Operating Margin, Return on Equity.

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

CGNT profiles as a turnaround stock while PANW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CGNT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.58 — 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.

Bottom Line

PANW scores higher overall (57/100 vs 34/100) and 14.9% revenue growth. Both earn "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.

Cognyte Software Ltd

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

Cognyte Software Ltd. provides security analysis software to governments and companies around the world. The company is headquartered in Herzliya, Israel.

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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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