Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)vsPlexus Corp (PLXS)
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$314.15
+3.67%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $273.25B
PLXS
Plexus Corp
$241.99
+0.62%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $6.76B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 146% more annual revenue ($10.61B vs $4.31B). PANW leads profitability with a 8.0% profit margin vs 4.3%. PLXS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.09. PLXS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
PANW
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
PLXS
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+32.8%
Fair Value
$467.52
Current Price
$314.15
$153.37 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for PLXS.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 31.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
18.7% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 29.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Trading at 9.2x book value
ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency
8.0% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.3% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 31.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : PLXS
The strongest argument for PLXS centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 18.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 294.1x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : PLXS
The primary concerns for PLXS are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Profit Margin. Thin 4.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PANW profiles as a hypergrowth stock while PLXS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
PANW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 31.1% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PLXS scores higher overall (55/100 vs 47/100) and 18.7% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 32.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" 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.
Plexus Corp
TECHNOLOGY · ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS · USA
Plexus Corp. The company is headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?