Clearfield Inc (CLFD)vsCisco Systems Inc (CSCO)
CLFD
Clearfield Inc
$40.04
-10.00%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $604.60M
CSCO
Cisco Systems Inc
$121.64
-0.60%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $498.59B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cisco Systems Inc generates 40793% more annual revenue ($60.75B vs $148.55M). CSCO leads profitability with a 19.7% profit margin vs -5.8%. CSCO trades at a lower P/E of 42.2x. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
CLFD
Avoid23
out of 100
Grade: F
CSCO
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-29.4%
Fair Value
$24.29
Current Price
$40.04
$15.75 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CSCO.
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 25.0%
Earnings expanding 37.1% YoY
Generating 3.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of -3.5% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 15.3%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.8x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CLFD
The strongest argument for CLFD centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book.
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 : CLFD
The primary concerns for CLFD are Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. A P/E of 193.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : CSCO
The primary concerns for CSCO are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CLFD profiles as a turnaround stock while CSCO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CLFD carries more volatility with a beta of 2.09 — expect wider price swings.
CSCO is growing revenue faster at 12.0% — sustainability is the question.
CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (3.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CSCO scores higher overall (68/100 vs 23/100), backed by strong 19.7% margins and 12.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Clearfield Inc
TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA
Clearfield, Inc. manufactures, markets, and sells standard and custom passive connectivity products to OEM, enterprise and fiber-to-facility markets in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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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