WallStSmart

Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)vsePlus inc (PLUS)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 369% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $2.45B). PLUS leads profitability with a 4.9% profit margin vs 2.7%. PLUS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.12. PLUS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 49/100 (D+).

PANW

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

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

PLUS

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.5Value: 6.0Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.73
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

PANWUndervalued (+21.7%)

Margin of Safety

+21.7%

Fair Value

$498.95

Current Price

$380.57

$118.38 discount

UndervaluedFair: $498.95Overvalued
PLUSUndervalued (+2.8%)

Margin of Safety

+2.8%

Fair Value

$86.36

Current Price

$92.91

$6.55 discount

UndervaluedFair: $86.36Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

PANW5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
Market CapQuality
$279.76B10/10

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

PLUS2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.7310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.014/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
11.3x4/10

Trading at 11.3x 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

PLUS3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.0%4/10

1.0% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
4.9%3/10

4.9% margin — thin

EPS GrowthGrowth
-28.0%2/10

Earnings declined 28.0%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : PANW

The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 34.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : PLUS

The strongest argument for PLUS centers on Altman Z-Score, Price/Book. PEG of 1.12 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : PANW

The primary concerns for PANW are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 855.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : PLUS

The primary concerns for PLUS are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, EPS Growth. Thin 4.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PANW profiles as a hypergrowth stock while PLUS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

PLUS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.96 — 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

PANW scores higher overall (49/100 vs 49/100) and 34.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Hold" and "Hold" 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.

ePlus inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

ePlus inc. The company is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia.

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