Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)vsPhotronics Inc (PLAB)
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$330.65
-2.32%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $270.47B
PLAB
Photronics Inc
$28.99
+2.15%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $1.67B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 1224% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $866.82M). PLAB leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 2.7%. PANW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.73. PLAB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
PANW
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
PLAB
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+34.1%
Fair Value
$501.81
Current Price
$330.65
$171.16 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for PLAB.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 34.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 21.1%
Earnings expanding 25.6% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.8x book value
ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency
2.7% margin — thin
2.7% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 34.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : PLAB
The strongest argument for PLAB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.1% and operating margin at 21.1%.
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.
Bear Case : PLAB
The primary concerns for PLAB are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PANW profiles as a hypergrowth stock while PLAB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
PLAB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.35 — 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
PLAB scores higher overall (66/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 19.1% margins. PANW offers better value entry with a 34.1% 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.
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.
Photronics Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA
Photronics, Inc. manufactures and sells photomask products and services in the United States, Taiwan, Korea, Europe, China, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Brookfield, Connecticut.
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