First Solar Inc (FSLR)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
FSLR
First Solar Inc
$206.01
+3.40%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $22.78B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$314.15
+3.67%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $273.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 96% more annual revenue ($10.61B vs $5.42B). FSLR leads profitability with a 30.7% profit margin vs 8.0%. FSLR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.56. FSLR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).
FSLR
Exceptional Buy82
out of 100
Grade: A-
PANW
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+19.3%
Fair Value
$251.03
Current Price
$206.01
$45.02 discount
Margin of Safety
+32.8%
Fair Value
$467.52
Current Price
$314.15
$153.37 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 33.1%
Earnings expanding 65.1% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Growing faster than its price suggests
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 31.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Trading at 9.2x book value
ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency
8.0% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FSLR
The strongest argument for FSLR centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.7% and operating margin at 33.1%. Revenue growth of 23.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 31.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FSLR
The primary concerns for FSLR are Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 294.1x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FSLR profiles as a growth stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
FSLR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.73 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 31.1% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FSLR scores higher overall (82/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 30.7% margins and 23.6% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 32.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
First Solar Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOLAR · USA
First Solar, Inc. offers solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions in the United States, Japan, France, Canada, India, Australia, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona.
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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