Quick verdict: FSLY vs PDFS in 2026

In a head-to-head comparison, Fastly (FSLY) and PDF Solutions (PDFS) present a balanced investment case, resulting in an overall tie according to our scorecard. PDFS emerges as the growth leader, value leader, margin leader, and the analyst favorite, demonstrating robust operational performance and strong institutional backing. However, FSLY shows significantly more potential for upside based on its DCF and analyst price targets, making it appealing for investors seeking higher returns despite current unprofitability. Not investment advice.

FSLY vs PDFS: key metrics side by side

Full side-by-side comparison of FSLY and PDFS across valuation, profitability, growth and analyst sentiment. Data updated 2026-05-11.

FSLY vs PDFS valuation comparison

When assessing the FSLY vs PDFS valuation, significant differences emerge. Fastly (FSLY) currently trades with a P/E ratio of -30.57x, indicating it is not profitable on a trailing twelve-month basis, which can make direct P/E comparison challenging with profitable companies. However, its Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio of 3.22x is considerably lower than PDF Solutions’ (PDFS) P/B of 7.34x, suggesting FSLY might be more attractively valued on an asset basis. Furthermore, FSLY’s Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis points to a substantial upside of +47.6%, suggesting the stock is undervalued by this metric at its current price of $20.51.

In contrast, PDF Solutions, trading at $51.63, has a high P/E ratio of 286.48x, reflecting strong market expectations for future earnings growth, but also a premium valuation. Its DCF indicates a negative upside of -101.1%, implying the stock is significantly overvalued based on its intrinsic value according to this model. Despite the quick verdict identifying PDFS as a value leader, a deeper look into the FSLY vs PDFS fundamentals and valuation reveals that FSLY presents a more compelling case from a traditional valuation standpoint, especially with its positive DCF upside. However, PDFS’s strong market confidence and analyst support (100% buy rating) could justify its higher multiples for some investors who prioritize growth and market sentiment over strict value metrics.

FSLY vs PDFS growth comparison

In terms of growth, PDF Solutions (PDFS) exhibits stronger momentum compared to Fastly (FSLY). PDFS reported a year-over-year revenue growth of +22.0%, outpacing FSLY’s +14.8% growth. This higher top-line expansion for PDFS suggests a more dynamic market position or effective sales strategies. While both companies operate within the technology sector, PDFS’s ability to convert revenue into profit is also superior, reflected in its positive net margin of 3.1% and a robust EBITDA margin of 11.83%, whereas FSLY shows negative margins for both at -15.79% and -0.6% respectively.

The discrepancy in growth rates and profitability margins highlights PDFS’s more mature and efficient operational model. For investors focusing on should I buy FSLY or PDFS stock 2026 based on growth, PDFS clearly has the stronger momentum. Its ability to generate profit while expanding revenue at a faster clip positions it favorably. FSLY, despite having a larger revenue base of $624,018,000 compared to PDFS’s $219,024,000, is still in a phase where growth is not yet translating into consistent profitability, although its revenue growth of 14.8% remains respectable.

FSLY vs PDFS profitability

Analyzing the FSLY vs PDFS profitability metrics reveals a clear distinction between the two companies. PDF Solutions (PDFS) demonstrates superior profitability, with a positive net margin of 3.1% and an EBITDA margin of 11.83%. This indicates PDFS is effectively managing its costs and generating a healthy profit from its operations. Its Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield, however, is negative at -0.88%, suggesting that while profitable on an accrual basis, it is currently consuming more cash than it generates, which is a point of concern for cash flow-focused investors. Both companies report ‘N/A%’ for Return on Equity (ROE), preventing a direct comparison on this specific metric.

Conversely, Fastly (FSLY) is currently unprofitable, with a net margin of -15.79% and an EBITDA margin of -0.6%. This implies that FSLY is still investing heavily in growth or facing significant operational costs relative to its revenue. Despite the unprofitability, FSLY manages a positive Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield of 1.71%, which is a positive sign as it suggests the company is generating cash from its operations, even if it’s not yet hitting net profit. For investors prioritizing current profitability, PDFS is the clear winner in this FSLY vs PDFS stock comparison 2026. However, FSLY’s positive FCF yield despite negative net margins could indicate improving efficiency on the cash flow front.

Analyst ratings: FSLY vs PDFS

When considering analyst sentiment for FSLY vs PDFS, PDF Solutions (PDFS) stands out as a strong favorite. Out of 5 analysts covering PDFS, a remarkable 100.0% have issued a “Buy” rating, leading to a “Buy” consensus. Their collective price target for PDFS is $48, which, against its current price of $51.63, implies a -7.0% downside. This suggests that while analysts are overwhelmingly positive on PDFS as a company, they believe its current market price might be slightly ahead of its fair value or short-term potential, despite their strong long-term conviction.

Fastly (FSLY) presents a more mixed, yet potentially undervalued, picture from analysts. Out of 17 analysts, 29.4% recommend a “Buy,” contributing to an overall “Hold” consensus. The consensus price target for FSLY is $23.43, which represents a +14.2% upside from its current price of $20.51. This indicates that despite a lower percentage of “Buy” ratings and a “Hold” consensus, those analysts covering FSLY see significant potential for its stock to appreciate. For investors wondering should I buy FSLY or PDFS stock 2026, the unanimous analyst support for PDFS is compelling, but FSLY offers a more tangible upside according to consensus price targets.

Should I buy FSLY or PDFS stock in 2026?

For growth investors considering should I buy FSLY or PDFS stock in 2026, PDF Solutions (PDFS) appears to have a stronger edge. Its revenue growth of 22.0% year-over-year surpasses FSLY’s 14.8%. Furthermore, PDFS demonstrates superior operational efficiency with positive net and EBITDA margins, indicating it is not only growing but doing so profitably. The unanimous 100% “Buy” rating from analysts also underscores confidence in its future trajectory and market position, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing top-line expansion and operational health.

From a value investment perspective, FSLY vs PDFS fundamentals and valuation present a more nuanced picture. While the quick verdict pointed to PDFS as a value leader, a deeper dive reveals FSLY’s P/E of -30.57x (due to unprofitability) and a lower P/B ratio of 3.22x compared to PDFS’s 7.34x. More significantly, FSLY’s Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model suggests a substantial +47.6% upside, indicating it may be undervalued. In contrast, PDFS, with a P/E of 286.48x and a DCF upside of -101.1%, appears richly valued based on current fundamentals. Value-oriented investors might find FSLY more attractive due to its potential for price appreciation if it achieves profitability and its DCF-implied intrinsic value.

Neither Fastly (FSLY) nor PDF Solutions (PDFS) are suitable for income-focused investors, as both companies currently have a dividend yield of 0%. Both are growth-oriented technology companies that reinvest earnings back into the business rather than distributing them as dividends. The decision of whether to buy FSLY or PDFS stock in 2026 will heavily depend on an investor’s risk tolerance and investment objectives—whether prioritizing demonstrated profitability and higher growth rates (PDFS) or potential for significant upside from a currently unprofitable company (FSLY). This is not investment advice.

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FAQ: FSLY vs PDFS