Lam Research Corp (LRCX)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
LRCX
Lam Research Corp
$273.49
-8.29%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $373.17B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$330.65
+13.09%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $270.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Lam Research Corp generates 102% more annual revenue ($23.23B vs $11.48B). LRCX leads profitability with a 31.3% profit margin vs 2.7%. LRCX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.39. LRCX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
LRCX
Strong Buy78
out of 100
Grade: B+
PANW
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+15.2%
Fair Value
$351.66
Current Price
$273.49
$78.17 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 58 in profit
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 37.4%
Revenue surging 30.0% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
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
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 27.4x book value
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 : LRCX
The strongest argument for LRCX centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.3% and operating margin at 37.4%. Revenue growth of 30.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : LRCX
The primary concerns for LRCX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 51.9x leaves little room for execution misses.
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
LRCX profiles as a growth stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
LRCX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.86 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 34.4% — sustainability is the question.
LRCX generates stronger free cash flow (822M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LRCX scores higher overall (78/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 31.3% margins and 30.0% revenue growth. 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.
Lam Research Corp
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA
Lam Research Corporation is an American corporation that engages in the design, manufacture, marketing, and service of semiconductor processing equipment used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. Its products are used primarily in front-end wafer processing, which involves the steps that create the active components of semiconductor devices (transistors, capacitors) and their wiring (interconnects). The company also builds equipment for back-end wafer-level packaging (WLP), and for related manufacturing markets such as for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The company is headquartered in Fremont, California, in the Silicon Valley.
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 SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?