Consensus Cloud Solutions Inc (CCSI)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
CCSI
Consensus Cloud Solutions Inc
$35.22
-0.42%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $673.07M
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$389.92
-3.89%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $318.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 3137% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $354.67M). CCSI leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 2.7%. CCSI trades at a lower P/E of 7.5x. CCSI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
CCSI
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
PANW
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-14.9%
Fair Value
$23.40
Current Price
$35.22
$11.82 premium
Margin of Safety
+22.1%
Fair Value
$500.75
Current Price
$389.92
$110.83 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 228 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 40.3%
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 33.8% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 34.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Trading at 15.5x book value
4.2% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 11.6x book value
ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency
2.7% margin — thin
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 26.7% and operating margin at 40.3%.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 34.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CCSI
The primary concerns for CCSI are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Debt-to-equity of 13.62 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 999.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
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 1.91 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 34.5% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CCSI scores higher overall (61/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 26.7% margins. PANW offers better value entry with a 22.1% 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.
Compare with Other SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?