WallStSmart

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO)vsCisco Systems Inc (CSCO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 86% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $31.79B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 11.0%. APO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.21. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

APO

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 2.8
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.07

CSCO

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.17
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APOSignificantly Overvalued (-237.0%)

Margin of Safety

-237.0%

Fair Value

$37.67

Current Price

$109.80

$72.13 premium

UndervaluedFair: $37.67Overvalued
CSCOUndervalued (+37.1%)

Margin of Safety

+37.1%

Fair Value

$130.10

Current Price

$81.83

$48.27 discount

UndervaluedFair: $130.10Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APO4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
87.7%10/10

Revenue surging 87.7% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$64.57B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.82B8/10

Generating 2.8B in free cash flow

CSCO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$319.49B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
23.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
24.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.9%

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.2% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.50B8/10

Generating 1.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

APO3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-57.3%2/10

Earnings declined 57.3%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.072/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

CSCO2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APO

The strongest argument for APO centers on Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 87.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.21 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : CSCO

The strongest argument for CSCO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.8% and operating margin at 24.9%. PEG of 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : APO

The primary concerns for APO are Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : CSCO

The primary concerns for CSCO are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

APO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.64 — expect wider price swings.

APO is growing revenue faster at 87.7% — sustainability is the question.

APO generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. Both earn "Strong 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.

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO) is a leading global alternative investment firm, specializing in private equity, credit, and real estate across a wide array of sectors such as healthcare, financial services, and technology. The firm employs a disciplined investment strategy that leverages deep industry expertise and operational insight to enhance portfolio value. With a strong commitment to long-term growth, Apollo seeks to identify and capitalize on strategic investment opportunities in both developed and emerging markets. As a publicly traded entity, it aims to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns to investors through its substantial capital resources and strategic initiatives.

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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