WallStSmart

Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 0% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $9.89B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 13.0%. SYF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.22. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

PANW

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.02

SYF

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.03
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

PANWUndervalued (+56.7%)

Margin of Safety

+56.7%

Fair Value

$454.04

Current Price

$207.88

$246.16 discount

UndervaluedFair: $454.04Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for SYF.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

PANW3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
60.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$159.39B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

SYF6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
36.4%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.0%

Return on EquityProfitability
21.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
15.6x4/10

Trading at 15.6x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.092/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
109.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

SYF2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.224/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.032/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : PANW

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

Bull Case : SYF

The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.0%.

Bear Case : PANW

The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 109.2x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : SYF

The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PANW profiles as a value stock while SYF is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.36 — expect wider price swings.

PANW is growing revenue faster at 14.9% — sustainability is the question.

SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SYF scores higher overall (77/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 36.4% margins. PANW offers better value entry with a 56.7% 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.

Synchrony Financial

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?