WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsCognizant Technology Solutions Corp Class A (CTSH)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 180% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $21.11B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 10.6%. CTSH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. CTSH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

CSCO

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

CTSH

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 2/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSCOUndervalued (+37.1%)

Margin of Safety

+37.1%

Fair Value

$130.10

Current Price

$81.83

$48.27 discount

UndervaluedFair: $130.10Overvalued
CTSHUndervalued (+63.1%)

Margin of Safety

+63.1%

Fair Value

$192.25

Current Price

$59.79

$132.46 discount

UndervaluedFair: $192.25Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

CTSH3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
13.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
22.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 22.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

CTSH2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : CTSH

The strongest argument for CTSH centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.02 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : CTSH

The primary concerns for CTSH are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

CTSH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.

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

CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CTSH scores higher overall (71/100 vs 70/100). CSCO offers better value entry with a 37.1% 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.

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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Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp Class A

TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA

Cognizant is an American multinational technology company that provides business consulting, information technology and outsourcing services. It is headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey, United States.

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