Radware (NasdaqGS:RDWR) stock is in focus after the company introduced AI Xploit Shield, a service that uses AI to create rapid, tailored protection for applications and APIs facing newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Against this product launch backdrop, Radware’s short term share price performance has been steady. Longer term total shareholder returns tell a mixed story, with gains over three years and a modest decline over five years.

If this AI driven security update has your attention, it could be a good moment to widen your watchlist with other 61 profitable AI stocks that aren't just burning cash

With Radware stock up 18.8% year to date and trading at US$28.26, along with a price target of US$32 suggesting potential upside, it raises the key question: is there still value here, or has the market already priced in future growth?

Preferred P/E of 60.1x: Is It Justified for Radware Stock?

Radware is currently trading at $28.26, and on a P/E of 60.1x it looks expensive relative to both its peers and the wider US Software sector.

The P/E ratio compares the Radware share price to its earnings per share. A higher figure generally means investors are paying more today for each dollar of current profit.

In Radware’s case, the 60.1x P/E sits against earnings that have grown 70.5% over the past year, with profit margins improving from 4.1% to 6.4% and high quality earnings reported. At the same time, return on equity is a relatively low 5.4%, and there is insufficient data on future earnings growth, so it is not clear whether the current multiple aligns with the company’s longer term profitability profile.

Compared to a peer average P/E of 24x and a US Software industry average of 26.4x, Radware’s 60.1x ratio is significantly higher, which suggests the market is pricing in meaningfully stronger performance than is reflected in these benchmarks.

Result: Price-to-earnings of 60.1x (OVERVALUED)

However, Radware’s relatively low 5.4% return on equity and the risk that current earnings do not support a 60.1x P/E could pressure the stock.

Another View: What Our DCF Model Says About Radware Stock

While the 60.1x P/E makes Radware look expensive, the SWS DCF model paints a similar picture. With the stock at $28.26 and an estimated future cash flow value of $21.12, the shares screen as overvalued on this method as well. This raises a different question: what exactly is the market paying up for?

Simply Wall St performs a discounted cash flow (DCF) on every stock in the world every day (check out Radware for example). We show the entire calculation in full. You can track the result in your watchlist or portfolio and be alerted when this changes, or use our stock screener to discover 44 high quality undervalued stocks. If you save a screener we even alert you when new companies match - so you never miss a potential opportunity.

Next Steps

If this mixed picture around Radware has you on the fence, take a closer look at both sides of the story and decide quickly for yourself using the 1 key reward and 1 important warning sign

Looking for more investment ideas beyond Radware?

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• Hunt for quality at a reasonable price through the screener containing 20 high quality undiscovered gems, where lesser known businesses with solid fundamentals might still be off most investors' radar.
• Prioritise capital preservation and sleep easier at night by reviewing companies in the 67 resilient stocks with low risk scores before the crowd catches on.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.