NetApp Inc (NTAP)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
NTAP
NetApp Inc
$192.91
-2.64%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $38.92B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$371.76
+0.76%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $270.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 55% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $7.39B). NTAP leads profitability with a 19.2% profit margin vs 2.7%. PANW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.73. NTAP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).
NTAP
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
PANW
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NTAP.
Margin of Safety
+27.4%
Fair Value
$500.75
Current Price
$371.76
$128.99 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 95 in profit
Earnings expanding 63.5% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 26.7%
Revenue surging 29.9% year-over-year
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 34.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Trading at 25.3x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 11.0x book value
ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency
2.7% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NTAP
The strongest argument for NTAP centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.2% and operating margin at 26.7%. Revenue growth of 29.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : NTAP
The primary concerns for NTAP are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.69 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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
NTAP profiles as a growth stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
NTAP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.43 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 34.4% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NTAP scores higher overall (70/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 19.2% margins and 29.9% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 27.4% 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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