WallStSmart

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

VS

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 8.4x. CCSI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

CCSI

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

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

PANW

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 3.5Value: 4.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.02
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
PANWUndervalued (+22.4%)

Margin of Safety

+22.4%

Fair Value

$467.52

Current Price

$385.04

$82.48 discount

UndervaluedFair: $467.52Overvalued

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

PANW4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$298.57B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Revenue GrowthGrowth
31.1%10/10

Revenue surging 31.1% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
60.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0710/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
11.3x4/10

Trading at 11.3x book value

Return on EquityProfitability
3.0%3/10

ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
8.0%3/10

8.0% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : 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 13.62 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 318.6x 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 1.91 — 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 (56/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 25.1% margins. PANW offers better value entry with a 22.4% 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.

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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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