Fortinet Inc (FTNT)vsPaychex Inc (PAYX)
FTNT
Fortinet Inc
$149.67
+0.85%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $109.06B
PAYX
Paychex Inc
$100.53
+1.06%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $36.05B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Fortinet Inc generates 79% more annual revenue ($7.11B vs $3.97B). FTNT leads profitability with a 27.5% profit margin vs 26.6%. PAYX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.75. FTNT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
FTNT
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
PAYX
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+45.4%
Fair Value
$265.15
Current Price
$149.67
$115.48 discount
Margin of Safety
-52.1%
Fair Value
$62.34
Current Price
$100.53
$38.19 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 197 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 31.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Revenue surging 20.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 28.6% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 44.4%
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
19.9% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 110.9x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.0x book value
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FTNT
The strongest argument for FTNT centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.5% and operating margin at 31.3%. Revenue growth of 20.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : PAYX
The strongest argument for PAYX centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.6% and operating margin at 44.4%. Revenue growth of 19.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FTNT
The primary concerns for FTNT are Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 57.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : PAYX
The primary concerns for PAYX are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FTNT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.
FTNT is growing revenue faster at 20.1% — sustainability is the question.
FTNT generates stronger free cash flow (1.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
FTNT scores higher overall (67/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 27.5% margins and 20.1% 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.
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.
Paychex Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA
Paychex, Inc. is an American provider of human resource, payroll, and benefits outsourcing services for small- to medium-sized businesses.
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