WallStSmart

Consensus Cloud Solutions Inc (CCSI)vsFortinet Inc (FTNT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Fortinet Inc generates 2044% more annual revenue ($7.53B vs $351.02M). FTNT leads profitability with a 28.2% profit margin vs 25.1%. CCSI trades at a lower P/E of 8.4x. FTNT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

CCSI

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 9.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.38

FTNT

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 9.5Value: 5.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.50
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CCSISignificantly Overvalued (-17.0%)

Margin of Safety

-17.0%

Fair Value

$22.98

Current Price

$36.95

$13.97 premium

UndervaluedFair: $22.98Overvalued
FTNTUndervalued (+40.8%)

Margin of Safety

+40.8%

Fair Value

$277.34

Current Price

$161.89

$115.45 discount

UndervaluedFair: $277.34Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CCSI5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
400.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 400 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
42.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 42.7%

Profit MarginProfitability
25.1%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
21.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 21.5% YoY

FTNT6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
136.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 137 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
33.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.6%

Market CapQuality
$123.48B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.2%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
25.6%8/10

Revenue surging 25.6% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
43.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 43.9% YoY

Areas to Watch

CCSI4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.5%4/10

1.5% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$702.25M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Price/BookValuation
30.8x2/10

Trading at 30.8x book value

FTNT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.244/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.504/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

P/E RatioValuation
57.8x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
76.7x2/10

Trading at 76.7x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : FTNT

The strongest argument for FTNT centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.2% and operating margin at 33.6%. Revenue growth of 25.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CCSI

The primary concerns for CCSI are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 13.62 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : FTNT

The primary concerns for FTNT are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 57.8x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CCSI profiles as a value stock while FTNT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

CCSI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.91 — expect wider price swings.

FTNT is growing revenue faster at 25.6% — sustainability is the question.

FTNT generates stronger free cash flow (966M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

FTNT scores higher overall (71/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 28.2% margins and 25.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.

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.

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Fortinet Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

Fortinet (Nasdaq: FTNT) is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. It develops and sells cybersecurity solutions, including but not limited to physical products such as firewalls, plus software and services such as anti-virus protection, intrusion prevention systems and endpoint security components.

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