Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsCVS Health Corp (CVS)
CSCO
Cisco Systems Inc
$91.64
-2.82%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $365.88B
CVS
CVS Health Corp
$86.86
+7.65%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $105.21B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CVS Health Corp generates 577% more annual revenue ($399.83B vs $59.05B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 0.4%. CVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.24. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).
CSCO
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
CVS
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-67.4%
Fair Value
$56.34
Current Price
$91.64
$35.30 premium
Margin of Safety
+77.4%
Fair Value
$340.13
Current Price
$86.86
$253.27 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 24.9%
Earnings expanding 31.2% YoY
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 76.6% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 2.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 2.3% — below average capital efficiency
0.4% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.6%
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 1.42 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : CVS
The strongest argument for CVS centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 0.24 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 : CVS
The primary concerns for CVS are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 59.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSCO profiles as a mature stock while CVS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CSCO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
CSCO is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.
CVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CSCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. CVS offers better value entry with a 77.4% margin of safety. 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.
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 →CVS Health Corp
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
CVS Health (previously CVS Corporation and CVS Caremark Corporation) is an American healthcare company that owns CVS Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy chain; CVS Caremark, a pharmacy benefits manager; Aetna, a health insurance provider, among many other brands. The company's headquarters is in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
Visit Website →Compare with Other COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT Stocks
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