PC Connection Inc (CNXN)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
CNXN
PC Connection Inc
$85.76
+3.84%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $2.09B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$330.65
+13.09%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $270.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Palo Alto Networks Inc generates 284% more annual revenue ($11.48B vs $2.99B). CNXN leads profitability with a 3.2% profit margin vs 2.7%. PANW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.73. CNXN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
CNXN
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
PANW
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNXN.
Margin of Safety
+34.1%
Fair Value
$501.81
Current Price
$330.65
$171.16 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 35.1% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 34.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.2% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.8x book value
ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency
2.7% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CNXN
The strongest argument for CNXN centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 34.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CNXN
The primary concerns for CNXN are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Thin 3.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 295.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNXN profiles as a value stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
PANW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 34.4% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (788M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNXN scores higher overall (61/100 vs 51/100) and 12.4% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 34.1% 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.
PC Connection Inc
TECHNOLOGY · ELECTRONICS & COMPUTER DISTRIBUTION · USA
PC Connection, Inc., provides a range of information technology (IT) solutions. The company is headquartered in Merrimack, New Hampshire.
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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