Gen Digital Inc. (GEN)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
GEN
Gen Digital Inc.
$30.26
+0.98%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $17.84B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$330.65
-2.32%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $270.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 126% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $5.08B). GEN leads profitability with a 20.7% profit margin vs 2.7%. GEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.54. GEN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
GEN
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
PANW
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-32.8%
Fair Value
$18.58
Current Price
$30.26
$11.68 premium
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
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.5%
Earnings expanding 64.0% YoY
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
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 : GEN
The strongest argument for GEN centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.7% and operating margin at 35.5%.
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 : GEN
The primary concerns for GEN are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 3.08 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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
GEN profiles as a mature stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
GEN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.22 — 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
GEN scores higher overall (74/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 20.7% 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.
Gen Digital Inc.
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Gen Digital Inc. provides cybersecurity solutions for consumers in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Japan. 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.
Compare with Other SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?