WallStSmart

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Northrop Grumman Corporation generates 324% more annual revenue ($41.95B vs $9.89B). PANW leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 10.0%. PANW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.96. PANW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

NOC

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.96

PANW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 2.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.02
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

NOCUndervalued (+24.9%)

Margin of Safety

+24.9%

Fair Value

$904.35

Current Price

$691.21

$213.14 discount

UndervaluedFair: $904.35Overvalued
PANWSignificantly Overvalued (-81.9%)

Margin of Safety

-81.9%

Fair Value

$84.24

Current Price

$153.22

$68.98 premium

UndervaluedFair: $84.24Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NOC3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Market CapQuality
$97.36B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
26.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.23B8/10

Generating 3.2B in free cash flow

PANW3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
60.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$128.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

NOC4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
5.362/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
11.5x4/10

Trading at 11.5x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.962/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
87.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NOC

The strongest argument for NOC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.

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 : NOC

The primary concerns for NOC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : PANW

The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 87.3x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PANW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.82 — expect wider price swings.

PANW is growing revenue faster at 14.9% — sustainability is the question.

NOC generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor AEROSPACE & DEFENSE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

PANW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 56/100) and 14.9% revenue growth. NOC offers better value entry with a 24.9% margin of safety. Both earn "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.

Northrop Grumman Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company.

Visit Website →

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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?