NetApp Inc (NTAP)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
NTAP
NetApp Inc
$118.00
+4.42%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $22.38B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$207.88
+5.78%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $159.39B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 47% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $6.71B). NTAP leads profitability with a 18.1% profit margin vs 13.0%. NTAP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.30. NTAP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
NTAP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
PANW
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-32.9%
Fair Value
$79.69
Current Price
$118.00
$38.31 premium
Margin of Safety
+56.7%
Fair Value
$454.04
Current Price
$207.88
$246.16 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 113 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 25.2%
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
4.4% revenue growth
Trading at 20.2x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Trading at 15.6x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NTAP
The strongest argument for NTAP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.1% and operating margin at 25.2%. PEG of 1.30 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 : NTAP
The primary concerns for NTAP are Revenue Growth, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.78 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 109.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NTAP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.27 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 14.9% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (470M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NTAP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 18.1% margins. PANW offers better value entry with a 56.7% 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.
NetApp Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
NetApp, Inc. is an American hybrid cloud data services and data management company headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. Founded in 1992 with an IPO in 1995, NetApp offers cloud data services for management of applications and data both online and physically.
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.
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