WallStSmart

Nova Ltd (NVMI)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 1125% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $937.50M). NVMI leads profitability with a 28.8% profit margin vs 2.7%. NVMI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.46. NVMI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

NVMI

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.0Value: 5.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.72

PANW

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 4.5Value: 5.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 1/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for NVMI.

PANWUndervalued (+34.1%)

Margin of Safety

+34.1%

Fair Value

$501.81

Current Price

$330.65

$171.16 discount

UndervaluedFair: $501.81Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NVMI3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
28.8%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
29.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.9%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.9%8/10

15.9% revenue growth

PANW4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$270.47B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Revenue GrowthGrowth
34.4%10/10

Revenue surging 34.4% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
60.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

NVMI4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
8.1x4/10

Trading at 8.1x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
2.9%4/10

2.9% earnings growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
46.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.734/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
9.8x4/10

Trading at 9.8x 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 : NVMI

The strongest argument for NVMI centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.8% and operating margin at 29.9%. Revenue growth of 15.9% 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 : NVMI

The primary concerns for NVMI are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 46.3x 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 295.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

NVMI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.75 — expect wider price swings.

PANW is growing revenue faster at 34.4% — sustainability is the question.

PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NVMI scores higher overall (62/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 28.8% margins and 15.9% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 34.1% 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.

Nova Ltd

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd. designs, develops, produces, and sells process control systems used in semiconductor manufacturing in Israel, Taiwan, the United States, China, Korea, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Rehovot, Israel.

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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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