MaxLinear Inc (MXL)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
MXL
MaxLinear Inc
$64.79
-13.12%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $6.49B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$330.65
+13.09%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $270.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 1918% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $568.93M). PANW leads profitability with a 2.7% profit margin vs -18.2%. MXL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.39. PANW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).
MXL
Hold38
out of 100
Grade: F
PANW
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MXL.
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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 55.2% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
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
Trading at 12.1x book value
ROE of -29.1% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 71.4%
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : MXL
The strongest argument for MXL centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 55.2% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.39 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : MXL
The primary concerns for MXL are Price/Book, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.
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
MXL carries more volatility with a beta of 3.94 — expect wider price swings.
MXL is growing revenue faster at 55.2% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SEMICONDUCTORS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
PANW scores higher overall (51/100 vs 38/100) and 34.4% revenue growth. Both earn "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.
MaxLinear Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTORS · USA
MaxLinear, Inc. provides high-performance analog, radio frequency (RF) and mixed signal communications-on-chip (SoC) solutions for the connected home, wired and wireless infrastructure, and multi-market and industrial applications to world level. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.
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.
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