Shift4 Payments Inc (FOUR)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
FOUR
Shift4 Payments Inc
$48.86
-6.93%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $5.36B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$153.22
-2.54%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $128.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 137% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $4.18B). PANW leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 2.9%. FOUR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.36. PANW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
FOUR
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
PANW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-700.3%
Fair Value
$7.34
Current Price
$48.86
$41.52 premium
Margin of Safety
-81.9%
Fair Value
$84.24
Current Price
$153.22
$68.98 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 33.9% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
2.9% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 72.2%
Trading at 11.5x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FOUR
The strongest argument for FOUR centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 33.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.36 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 14.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FOUR
The primary concerns for FOUR are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 48.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 87.3x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FOUR profiles as a hypergrowth stock while PANW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
FOUR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.64 — expect wider price swings.
FOUR is growing revenue faster at 33.9% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (470M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PANW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 54/100) and 14.9% revenue growth. 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.
Shift4 Payments Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Shift4 Payments, Inc. provides integrated payment processing and technology solutions in the United States. The company is headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
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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