WallStSmart

Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)vsZoom Video Communications Inc (ZM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 101% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $4.93B). ZM leads profitability with a 42.0% profit margin vs 13.0%. ZM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 4.21. ZM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

PANW

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.02

ZM

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.5Value: 5.0Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.79
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

PANWUndervalued (+39.7%)

Margin of Safety

+39.7%

Fair Value

$441.96

Current Price

$272.05

$169.91 discount

UndervaluedFair: $441.96Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ZM.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

PANW3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$241.01B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

EPS GrowthGrowth
60.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0710/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

ZM6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
42.0%10/10

Keeps 42 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
74.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 74.2% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
20.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
3.0%3/10

ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
5.042/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
256.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

ZM1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
4.212/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : PANW

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

Bull Case : ZM

The strongest argument for ZM centers on Profit Margin, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 42.0% and operating margin at 25.1%.

Bear Case : PANW

The primary concerns for PANW are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 256.2x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : ZM

The primary concerns for ZM are PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

ZM carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.

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

PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ZM scores higher overall (70/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 42.0% margins. PANW offers better value entry with a 39.7% 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.

Zoom Video Communications Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. provides a premier video communications platform in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.

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