WallStSmart

Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)vsViaSat Inc (VSAT)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 148% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $4.63B). PANW leads profitability with a 2.7% profit margin vs -0.6%. VSAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.26. VSAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).

PANW

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

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

VSAT

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 3.0Value: 8.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.79
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

PANWUndervalued (+21.7%)

Margin of Safety

+21.7%

Fair Value

$498.95

Current Price

$394.49

$104.46 discount

UndervaluedFair: $498.95Overvalued
VSATUndervalued (+71.0%)

Margin of Safety

+71.0%

Fair Value

$156.39

Current Price

$78.26

$78.13 discount

UndervaluedFair: $156.39Overvalued

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

VSAT3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
35.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 35.7% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
11.7x4/10

Trading at 11.7x 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

VSAT4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
4.4%3/10

Operating margin of 4.4%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.493/10

Elevated debt levels

Return on EquityProfitability
-7.4%2/10

ROE of -7.4% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-1.2%2/10

Revenue declined 1.2%

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 : VSAT

The strongest argument for VSAT centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 0.26 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 : VSAT

The primary concerns for VSAT are Operating Margin, Debt/Equity, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PANW profiles as a hypergrowth stock while VSAT is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

VSAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.76 — 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

VSAT scores higher overall (52/100 vs 49/100). PANW offers better value entry with a 21.7% 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.

ViaSat Inc

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Viasat, Inc. provides worldwide broadband and communications products and services. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.

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