Consensus Cloud Solutions Inc (CCSI)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
CCSI
Consensus Cloud Solutions Inc
$35.20
-2.50%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $644.85M
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$285.26
-1.94%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $231.90B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 2922% more annual revenue ($10.61B vs $351.02M). CCSI leads profitability with a 25.1% profit margin vs 8.0%. CCSI trades at a lower P/E of 7.7x. CCSI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
CCSI
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
PANW
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-64.7%
Fair Value
$16.32
Current Price
$35.20
$18.88 premium
Margin of Safety
+38.8%
Fair Value
$470.35
Current Price
$285.26
$185.09 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 400 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 42.7%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 21.5% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 31.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
1.5% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 29.3x book value
Trading at 8.4x book value
ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency
8.0% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CCSI
The strongest argument for CCSI centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.1% and operating margin at 42.7%.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 31.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CCSI
The primary concerns for CCSI are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 25.84 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CCSI profiles as a value stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CCSI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.93 — 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
CCSI scores higher overall (59/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 25.1% margins. PANW offers better value entry with a 38.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" 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.
Consensus Cloud Solutions Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Consensus Cloud Solutions, Inc. provides information delivery services with a worldwide software-as-a-service platform. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
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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