WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsExtreme Networks Inc (EXTR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 4752% more annual revenue ($60.75B vs $1.25B). CSCO leads profitability with a 19.7% profit margin vs 1.3%. EXTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.98. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

CSCO

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.17

EXTR

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.12

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSCO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$498.59B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
24.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
25.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.0%

EPS GrowthGrowth
37.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 37.1% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.56B8/10

Generating 3.6B in free cash flow

EXTR3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
206.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 206.4% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
21.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.988/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

CSCO4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.784/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
9.8x4/10

Trading at 9.8x book value

P/E RatioValuation
42.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

EXTR4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
1.3%3/10

1.3% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
220.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
49.4x2/10

Trading at 49.4x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.122/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 19.7% and operating margin at 25.0%. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : EXTR

The strongest argument for EXTR centers on EPS Growth, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.98 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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.

Bear Case : EXTR

The primary concerns for EXTR are Profit Margin, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 220.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.99 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

EXTR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.77 — 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 62/100), backed by strong 19.7% margins and 12.0% revenue growth. 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.

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Extreme Networks Inc

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Extreme Networks, Inc. provides software-driven networking solutions for businesses, data centers, and service provider customers globally. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.

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