Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)vsWestern Digital Corporation (WDC)
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$272.05
+2.00%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $231.90B
WDC
Western Digital Corporation
$575.50
+4.79%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $225.26B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Western Digital Corporation generates 11% more annual revenue ($11.78B vs $10.61B). WDC leads profitability with a 55.3% profit margin vs 8.0%. WDC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. WDC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (A-).
PANW
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
WDC
Exceptional Buy80
out of 100
Grade: A-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+40.6%
Fair Value
$471.49
Current Price
$272.05
$199.44 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for WDC.
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 67 in profit
Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 37.0%
Revenue surging 45.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 482.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
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
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 27.5x book value
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 : WDC
The strongest argument for WDC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 55.3% and operating margin at 37.0%. Revenue growth of 45.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 247.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : WDC
The primary concerns for WDC are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PANW profiles as a hypergrowth stock while WDC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WDC carries more volatility with a beta of 2.20 — expect wider price swings.
WDC is growing revenue faster at 45.5% — sustainability is the question.
WDC generates stronger free cash flow (978M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WDC scores higher overall (80/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 55.3% margins and 45.5% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 40.6% margin of safety. Both earn "Exceptional 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.
Western Digital Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA
Western Digital Corporation (WDC, commonly known as Western Digital or WD) is an American computer hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, headquartered in San Jose, California. It designs, manufactures and sells data technology products, including storage devices, data center systems and cloud storage services.
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