WallStSmart

F5 Networks Inc (FFIV)vsFortinet Inc (FTNT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Fortinet Inc generates 127% more annual revenue ($7.53B vs $3.31B). FTNT leads profitability with a 28.2% profit margin vs 22.0%. FFIV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.40. FTNT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

FFIV

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.65

FTNT

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 9.5Value: 5.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.50
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FFIVSignificantly Overvalued (-18.7%)

Margin of Safety

-18.7%

Fair Value

$238.22

Current Price

$411.71

$173.49 premium

UndervaluedFair: $238.22Overvalued
FTNTUndervalued (+43.5%)

Margin of Safety

+43.5%

Fair Value

$276.16

Current Price

$156.07

$120.09 discount

UndervaluedFair: $276.16Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FFIV3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0710/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Profit MarginProfitability
22.0%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
24.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.6%

FTNT6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
136.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 137 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
33.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.6%

Market CapQuality
$114.51B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.2%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
25.6%8/10

Revenue surging 25.6% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
43.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 43.9% YoY

Areas to Watch

FFIV1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.1x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

FTNT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.744/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.504/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

P/E RatioValuation
56.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
74.0x2/10

Trading at 74.0x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FFIV

The strongest argument for FFIV centers on Debt/Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.0% and operating margin at 24.6%. Revenue growth of 10.9% 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 : FFIV

The primary concerns for FFIV are P/E Ratio.

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

FFIV profiles as a mature stock while FTNT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

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.

Bottom Line

FTNT scores higher overall (73/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 28.2% margins and 25.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

F5 Networks Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

F5, Inc. is an American company that specializes in application delivery networking (ADN), application availability & performance, multi-cloud management, application security, network security, access & authorization and online fraud prevention. F5 is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with additional development, manufacturing, and administrative offices worldwide.

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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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