WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsLumentum Holdings Inc (LITE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 2705% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $2.11B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 11.9%. LITE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.97. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (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

LITE

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.58
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSCOUndervalued (+39.6%)

Margin of Safety

+39.6%

Fair Value

$130.10

Current Price

$77.60

$52.50 discount

UndervaluedFair: $130.10Overvalued
LITESignificantly Overvalued (-256.6%)

Margin of Safety

-256.6%

Fair Value

$160.99

Current Price

$700.81

$539.82 premium

UndervaluedFair: $160.99Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSCO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$311.74B10/10

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

LITE4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
65.5%10/10

Revenue surging 65.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
71.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 71.1% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
29.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.978/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

CSCO2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

LITE3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
181.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
59.1x2/10

Trading at 59.1x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.582/10

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 18.8% and operating margin at 24.9%. PEG of 1.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : LITE

The strongest argument for LITE centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 65.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.97 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 : LITE

The primary concerns for LITE are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 181.6x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSCO profiles as a mature stock while LITE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

LITE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

LITE is growing revenue faster at 65.5% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 69/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. 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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Lumentum Holdings Inc

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Lumentum Holdings Inc. manufactures and sells optical and photonic products in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.

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