WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsMotorola Solutions Inc (MSI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 417% more annual revenue ($63.33B vs $12.24B). CSCO leads profitability with a 20.9% profit margin vs 17.4%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.01. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

CSCO

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.30

MSI

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 9.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.41

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSCO6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$442.08B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

EPS GrowthGrowth
52.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 52.1% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
26.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
20.9%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
27.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.6%8/10

17.6% revenue growth

MSI3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
79.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 80 in profit

Market CapQuality
$77.15B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
27.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.4%

Areas to Watch

CSCO3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
8.6x4/10

Trading at 8.6x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.302/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MSI4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.044/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
36.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Price/BookValuation
28.4x2/10

Trading at 28.4x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CSCO

The strongest argument for CSCO centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.9% and operating margin at 27.7%. Revenue growth of 17.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MSI

The strongest argument for MSI centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.4% and operating margin at 27.4%. Revenue growth of 13.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : MSI

The primary concerns for MSI are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.60 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

CSCO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.

CSCO is growing revenue faster at 17.6% — sustainability is the question.

CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (5.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (75/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 20.9% margins and 17.6% 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.

Visit Website →

Motorola Solutions Inc

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Motorola Solutions, Inc., is an American data communications and telecommunications equipment provider that succeeded Motorola, Inc., following the spinoff of the mobile phone division into Motorola Mobility in 2011. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?