WallStSmart

Fortinet Inc (FTNT)vsVertex (VERX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Fortinet Inc generates 880% more annual revenue ($7.53B vs $768.03M). FTNT leads profitability with a 28.2% profit margin vs -0.8%. FTNT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

FTNT

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 9.5Value: 5.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.50

VERX

Avoid

29

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 5.3Profit: 2.5Value: 6.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.70
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FTNTUndervalued (+40.8%)

Margin of Safety

+40.8%

Fair Value

$277.34

Current Price

$160.84

$116.50 discount

UndervaluedFair: $277.34Overvalued
VERXUndervalued (+54.8%)

Margin of Safety

+54.8%

Fair Value

$28.40

Current Price

$12.30

$16.10 discount

UndervaluedFair: $28.40Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FTNT6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
136.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 137 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
33.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.6%

Market CapQuality
$123.48B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.2%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
25.6%8/10

Revenue surging 25.6% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
43.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 43.9% YoY

VERX0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

Areas to Watch

FTNT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.244/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.504/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

P/E RatioValuation
57.8x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
76.2x2/10

Trading at 76.2x book value

VERX4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.453/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-2.6%2/10

ROE of -2.6% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-44.0%2/10

Earnings declined 44.0%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FTNT

The strongest argument for FTNT centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.2% and operating margin at 33.6%. Revenue growth of 25.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : VERX

Revenue growth of 11.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : FTNT

The primary concerns for FTNT are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 57.8x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : VERX

The primary concerns for VERX are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FTNT profiles as a growth stock while VERX is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

FTNT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.

FTNT is growing revenue faster at 25.6% — sustainability is the question.

FTNT generates stronger free cash flow (966M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

FTNT scores higher overall (71/100 vs 29/100), backed by strong 28.2% margins and 25.6% revenue growth. VERX offers better value entry with a 54.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" 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.

Vertex

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Vertex, Inc. provides tax technology solutions for corporations in the retail, communications, leasing, and manufacturing industries in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

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