WallStSmart

Fortinet Inc (FTNT)vsZscaler Inc (ZS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Fortinet Inc generates 124% more annual revenue ($7.11B vs $3.17B). FTNT leads profitability with a 27.5% profit margin vs -2.4%. ZS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.41. FTNT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

FTNT

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.50

ZS

Hold

38

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 7.3Profit: 2.0Value: 7.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.85
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FTNTUndervalued (+45.3%)

Margin of Safety

+45.3%

Fair Value

$264.55

Current Price

$148.00

$116.55 discount

UndervaluedFair: $264.55Overvalued
ZSUndervalued (+44.6%)

Margin of Safety

+44.6%

Fair Value

$308.92

Current Price

$124.06

$184.86 discount

UndervaluedFair: $308.92Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FTNT6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
197.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 197 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
31.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.3%

Market CapQuality
$109.52B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
27.5%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.1%8/10

Revenue surging 20.1% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
28.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 28.6% YoY

ZS1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
25.4%8/10

Revenue surging 25.4% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

FTNT4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.504/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

PEG RatioValuation
3.372/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
57.7x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
109.6x2/10

Trading at 109.6x book value

ZS4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
8.5x4/10

Trading at 8.5x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-3.3%2/10

ROE of -3.3% — below average capital efficiency

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 27.5% and operating margin at 31.3%. Revenue growth of 20.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : ZS

The strongest argument for ZS centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 25.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.41 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : ZS

The primary concerns for ZS are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FTNT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.

ZS is growing revenue faster at 25.4% — 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 38/100), backed by strong 27.5% margins and 20.1% revenue growth. ZS offers better value entry with a 44.6% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

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.

Zscaler Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

Zscaler, Inc. is a global cloud security company. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.

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