WallStSmart

Crown Castle (CCI)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 135% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $4.21B). CCI leads profitability with a 25.1% profit margin vs 13.0%. CCI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.42. PANW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

CCI

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.67

PANW

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CCIOvervalued (-13.3%)

Margin of Safety

-13.3%

Fair Value

$75.96

Current Price

$85.87

$9.91 premium

UndervaluedFair: $75.96Overvalued
PANWUndervalued (+60.8%)

Margin of Safety

+60.8%

Fair Value

$457.02

Current Price

$179.32

$277.70 discount

UndervaluedFair: $457.02Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CCI3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Operating MarginProfitability
47.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 47.7%

Debt/EquityHealth
-18.0810/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Profit MarginProfitability
25.1%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

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

Areas to Watch

CCI4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
36.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-206.7%2/10

ROE of -206.7% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-4.8%2/10

Revenue declined 4.8%

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

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CCI

The strongest argument for CCI centers on Operating Margin, Debt/Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.1% and operating margin at 47.7%. PEG of 1.42 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : PANW

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

Bear Case : CCI

The primary concerns for CCI are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.

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.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CCI profiles as a declining stock while PANW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CCI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.96 — 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

PANW scores higher overall (56/100 vs 51/100) and 14.9% revenue growth. Both earn "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.

Crown Castle

REAL ESTATE · REIT - SPECIALTY · USA

Crown Castle is a real estate investment trust and provider of shared communications infrastructure in the United States. Its network includes over 40,000 cell towers and nearly 80,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells and fiber solutions. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company has 100 offices nationwide.

Visit Website →

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.

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