WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsOptical Cable Corporation (OCC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 80682% more annual revenue ($63.33B vs $78.39M). CSCO leads profitability with a 20.9% profit margin vs 1.3%. CSCO trades at a lower P/E of 32.2x. 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

OCC

Avoid

35

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 5.3Profit: 4.0Value: 4.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.93

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

OCC1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
26.6%8/10

Revenue surging 26.6% year-over-year

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

OCC4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$122.25M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
1.3%3/10

1.3% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
106.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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 : OCC

The strongest argument for OCC centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 26.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : OCC

The primary concerns for OCC are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin. A P/E of 106.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

OCC is growing revenue faster at 26.6% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (75/100 vs 35/100), backed by strong 20.9% margins and 17.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" 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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Optical Cable Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Optical Cable Corporation manufactures and sells fiber optic and copper data communications cabling and connectivity solutions primarily for the enterprise market in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia.

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