First Solar Inc (FSLR)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
FSLR
First Solar Inc
$207.04
-0.95%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $22.92B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$330.65
+13.09%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $270.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 113% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $5.38B). FSLR leads profitability with a 32.5% profit margin vs 2.7%. FSLR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. FSLR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
FSLR
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
PANW
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+18.2%
Fair Value
$248.36
Current Price
$207.04
$41.32 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
Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 42.6%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Attractively priced relative to earnings
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
Revenue declined 3.7%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : FSLR
The strongest argument for FSLR centers on PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.5% and operating margin at 42.6%. PEG of 0.38 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 : FSLR
The primary concerns for FSLR are Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow.
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
FSLR profiles as a declining 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 34.4% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FSLR scores higher overall (72/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 32.5% margins. PANW offers better value entry with a 34.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.
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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