Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)vsZscaler Inc (ZS)
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$285.26
-1.94%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $231.90B
ZS
Zscaler Inc
$124.06
-3.31%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $20.94B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 234% more annual revenue ($10.61B vs $3.17B). PANW leads profitability with a 8.0% profit margin vs -2.4%. ZS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.41. PANW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 47/100 (D+).
PANW
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
ZS
Hold38
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+38.8%
Fair Value
$470.35
Current Price
$285.26
$185.09 discount
Margin of Safety
+44.6%
Fair Value
$308.92
Current Price
$124.06
$184.86 discount
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
Revenue surging 25.4% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Trading at 8.4x book value
ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency
8.0% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 8.5x book value
0.0% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -3.3% — below average capital efficiency
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 : ZS
The strongest argument for ZS centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 25.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.41 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 247.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : ZS
The primary concerns for ZS are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PANW profiles as a hypergrowth stock while ZS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ZS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.96 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 31.1% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PANW scores higher overall (47/100 vs 38/100) and 31.1% revenue growth. ZS offers better value entry with a 44.6% margin of safety. Both earn "Hold" 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.
Zscaler Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Zscaler, Inc. is a global cloud security company. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
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