WallStSmart

Apple Inc. (AAPL)vsCisco Systems Inc (CSCO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc. generates 643% more annual revenue ($451.44B vs $60.75B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 19.7%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.56. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

AAPL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 10.0Value: 3.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 2.42

CSCO

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.17

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AAPL6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$4.79T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
115.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 115 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
32.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$26.73B10/10

Generating 26.7B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
27.2%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.6%8/10

16.6% revenue growth

CSCO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$442.27B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
24.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
25.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.0%

EPS GrowthGrowth
37.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 37.1% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.56B8/10

Generating 3.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

AAPL3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
39.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

PEG RatioValuation
2.622/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
46.6x2/10

Trading at 46.6x book value

CSCO4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.564/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
37.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
9.2x4/10

Trading at 9.2x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AAPL

The strongest argument for AAPL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.2% and operating margin at 32.3%. Revenue growth of 16.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : CSCO

The strongest argument for CSCO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.7% and operating margin at 25.0%. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AAPL

The primary concerns for AAPL are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : CSCO

The primary concerns for CSCO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AAPL profiles as a growth stock while CSCO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

AAPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.10 — expect wider price swings.

AAPL is growing revenue faster at 16.6% — sustainability is the question.

AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (26.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (71/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 19.7% margins and 12.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

Apple Inc.

TECHNOLOGY · CONSUMER ELECTRONICS · USA

Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company that specializes in consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple is the world's largest technology company by revenue (totalling $274.5 billion in 2020) and, since January 2021, the world's most valuable company. As of 2021, Apple is the world's fourth-largest PC vendor by unit sales, and fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer. It is one of the Big Five American information technology companies, along with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.

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Cisco Systems Inc

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Cisco Systems, Inc. is an American multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in San Jose, California, in the center of Silicon Valley. Cisco develops, manufactures and sells networking hardware, software, telecommunications equipment and other high-technology services and products. Through its numerous acquired subsidiaries, such as OpenDNS, Webex, Jabber and Jasper, Cisco specializes in specific tech markets, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), domain security and energy management. On January 25, 2021, Cisco reincorporated in Delaware.

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