MaxLinear Inc (MXL)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
MXL
MaxLinear Inc
$70.75
+4.78%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $6.05B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$179.32
-1.22%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $145.43B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 1844% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $508.90M). PANW leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs -26.0%. MXL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.39. PANW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
MXL
Hold38
out of 100
Grade: F
PANW
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+26.3%
Fair Value
$26.31
Current Price
$70.75
$44.44 discount
Margin of Safety
+60.8%
Fair Value
$457.02
Current Price
$179.32
$277.70 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 43.0% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.5x book value
ROE of -27.9% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 71.4%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Trading at 13.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MXL
The strongest argument for MXL centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 43.0% 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 EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 14.9% 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 Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 100.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MXL profiles as a hypergrowth stock while PANW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MXL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.70 — expect wider price swings.
MXL is growing revenue faster at 43.0% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (470M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PANW scores higher overall (56/100 vs 38/100) and 14.9% revenue growth. MXL offers better value entry with a 26.3% margin of safety. 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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