WallStSmart

Consensus Cloud Solutions Inc (CCSI)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 2729% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $349.70M). CCSI leads profitability with a 24.2% profit margin vs 13.0%. CCSI trades at a lower P/E of 6.1x. PANW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

CCSI

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 8.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.38

PANW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 2.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.02
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CCSIUndervalued (+78.5%)

Margin of Safety

+78.5%

Fair Value

$124.93

Current Price

$25.33

$99.60 discount

UndervaluedFair: $124.93Overvalued
PANWSignificantly Overvalued (-81.9%)

Margin of Safety

-81.9%

Fair Value

$84.24

Current Price

$153.22

$68.98 premium

UndervaluedFair: $84.24Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CCSI3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
6.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
41.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.1%

Profit MarginProfitability
24.2%9/10

Keeps 24 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
$128.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

CCSI4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$507.45M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Price/BookValuation
34.7x2/10

Trading at 34.7x book value

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
11.5x4/10

Trading at 11.5x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.962/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
87.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CCSI

The strongest argument for CCSI centers on P/E Ratio, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.2% and operating margin at 41.1%.

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 : CCSI

The primary concerns for CCSI are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 42.14 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : PANW

The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 87.3x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CCSI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.87 — 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.

Monitor SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

PANW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 57/100) and 14.9% revenue growth. CCSI offers better value entry with a 78.5% margin of safety. 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.

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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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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