WallStSmart

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNQ)vsCisco Systems Inc (CSCO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 52% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $38.76B). CNQ leads profitability with a 27.9% profit margin vs 18.8%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

CNQ

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 8.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0

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

CNQUndervalued (+76.9%)

Margin of Safety

+76.9%

Fair Value

$175.97

Current Price

$49.02

$126.95 discount

UndervaluedFair: $175.97Overvalued
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

CNQ5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$102.25B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
25.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
27.9%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.31B8/10

Generating 2.3B 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

CNQ3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.5%4/10

1.5% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.7%4/10

3.7% earnings growth

PEG RatioValuation
3.422/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : CNQ

The strongest argument for CNQ centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.9% and operating margin at 19.6%.

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 : CNQ

The primary concerns for CNQ are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNQ profiles as a value stock while CSCO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

CNQ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.

CSCO is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.

CNQ generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. CNQ offers better value entry with a 76.9% margin of safety. 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.

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd

ENERGY · OIL & GAS E&P · USA

Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores, develops, produces, markets and sells crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL). The company is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

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.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?