Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)vsWex Inc (WEX)
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$330.65
-2.32%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $270.47B
WEX
Wex Inc
$191.52
+0.78%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $6.38B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 311% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $2.79B). WEX leads profitability with a 12.6% profit margin vs 2.7%. WEX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.03. WEX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
PANW
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
WEX
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+34.1%
Fair Value
$501.81
Current Price
$330.65
$171.16 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for WEX.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 34.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Earnings expanding 57.1% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 26.9%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.8x book value
ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency
2.7% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 34.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WEX
The strongest argument for WEX centers on EPS Growth, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 14.2% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.03 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 295.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : WEX
The primary concerns for WEX are Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.98 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PANW profiles as a hypergrowth stock while WEX is a value 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 34.4% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WEX scores higher overall (73/100 vs 51/100) and 14.2% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 34.1% 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.
Wex Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
WEX Inc. offers financial technology services in North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe. The company is headquartered in Portland, Maine.
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