WallStSmart

ServiceNow Inc (NOW)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

ServiceNow Inc generates 34% more annual revenue ($15.43B vs $11.48B). NOW leads profitability with a 9.4% profit margin vs 2.7%. NOW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.76. NOW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).

NOW

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.5Value: 6.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.65

PANW

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 4.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.11
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

NOWUndervalued (+83.7%)

Margin of Safety

+83.7%

Fair Value

$643.99

Current Price

$102.36

$541.63 discount

UndervaluedFair: $643.99Overvalued
PANWUndervalued (+26.6%)

Margin of Safety

+26.6%

Fair Value

$498.68

Current Price

$314.67

$184.01 discount

UndervaluedFair: $498.68Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NOW3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$109.11B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.768/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.5%8/10

Revenue surging 20.5% year-over-year

PANW5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
Market CapQuality
$299.44B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Revenue GrowthGrowth
34.5%10/10

Revenue surging 34.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
60.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.25B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

NOW4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
8.1x4/10

Trading at 8.1x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.654/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
75.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.874/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
9.3x4/10

Trading at 9.3x book value

Return on EquityProfitability
1.1%3/10

ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
2.7%3/10

2.7% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NOW

The strongest argument for NOW centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 20.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.76 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 34.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : NOW

The primary concerns for NOW are Price/Book, Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 75.6x 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 914.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NOW profiles as a growth stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

NOW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.

PANW is growing revenue faster at 34.5% — sustainability is the question.

PANW generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NOW scores higher overall (55/100 vs 51/100) and 20.5% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 26.6% 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.

ServiceNow Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

ServiceNow is an American software company based in Santa Clara, California that develops a cloud computing platform to help companies manage digital workflows for enterprise operations.

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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