Shift4 Payments Inc (FOUR)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
FOUR
Shift4 Payments Inc
$45.05
+4.69%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $3.34B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$330.65
-2.32%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $270.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 140% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $4.78B). PANW leads profitability with a 2.7% profit margin vs 2.2%. FOUR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.34. FOUR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
FOUR
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
PANW
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+44.1%
Fair Value
$105.03
Current Price
$45.05
$59.98 discount
Margin of Safety
+34.1%
Fair Value
$501.81
Current Price
$330.65
$171.16 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 34.1% year-over-year
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 34.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
ROE of 6.2% — below average capital efficiency
2.2% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 75.4%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.8x book value
ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency
2.7% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FOUR
The strongest argument for FOUR centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 34.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.34 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 34.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FOUR
The primary concerns for FOUR are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 66.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.82 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 295.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FOUR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.38 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 34.4% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
FOUR scores higher overall (60/100 vs 51/100) and 34.1% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 34.1% margin of safety. 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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