WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 305% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $2.44B). PANW leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 5.4%. PLUS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.95. PLUS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

PANW

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.02

PLUS

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.72
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

PANWUndervalued (+39.7%)

Margin of Safety

+39.7%

Fair Value

$441.96

Current Price

$272.05

$169.91 discount

UndervaluedFair: $441.96Overvalued
PLUSUndervalued (+3.0%)

Margin of Safety

+3.0%

Fair Value

$86.55

Current Price

$82.32

$4.23 discount

UndervaluedFair: $86.55Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

PANW3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$241.01B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

EPS GrowthGrowth
60.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0710/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PLUS6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0210/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.7210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
0.958/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
17.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
21.7%8/10

Revenue surging 21.7% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
3.0%3/10

ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
5.042/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
256.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

PLUS1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
5.4%3/10

5.4% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : PANW

The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 14.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : PLUS

The strongest argument for PLUS centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 21.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.95 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : PANW

The primary concerns for PANW are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 256.2x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : PLUS

The primary concerns for PLUS are Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

PLUS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.

PLUS is growing revenue faster at 21.7% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

PLUS scores higher overall (68/100 vs 57/100) and 21.7% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 39.7% 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.

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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