WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 103% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $4.87B). ZM leads profitability with a 39.0% profit margin vs 13.0%. PANW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.05. ZM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

PANW

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

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

ZM

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 7.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 5.01
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

PANWUndervalued (+60.8%)

Margin of Safety

+60.8%

Fair Value

$457.02

Current Price

$179.32

$277.70 discount

UndervaluedFair: $457.02Overvalued
ZMOvervalued (-8.7%)

Margin of Safety

-8.7%

Fair Value

$84.76

Current Price

$95.76

$11.00 premium

UndervaluedFair: $84.76Overvalued

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
$145.43B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

ZM6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Profit MarginProfitability
39.0%10/10

Keeps 39 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
91.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 91.5% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
5.0110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
20.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
13.4x4/10

Trading at 13.4x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.052/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
100.2x2/10

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 EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 14.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : ZM

The strongest argument for ZM centers on Profit Margin, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.0% and operating margin at 21.5%.

Bear Case : PANW

The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 100.2x 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 0.88 — expect wider price swings.

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

PANW generates stronger free cash flow (470M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ZM scores higher overall (70/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 39.0% margins. PANW offers better value entry with a 60.8% 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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