WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsPepsiCo Inc (PEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PepsiCo Inc generates 62% more annual revenue ($95.45B vs $59.05B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 9.2%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.46. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

CSCO

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.17

PEP

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.26
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSCOSignificantly Overvalued (-63.6%)

Margin of Safety

-63.6%

Fair Value

$56.34

Current Price

$96.57

$40.23 premium

UndervaluedFair: $56.34Overvalued
PEPFair Value (-1.0%)

Margin of Safety

-1.0%

Fair Value

$154.81

Current Price

$154.62

$0.19 premium

UndervaluedFair: $154.81Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSCO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$364.02B10/10

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

PEP3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$213.64B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
43.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 44 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
27.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 27.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

CSCO2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.1x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

PEP4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.684/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
9.9x4/10

Trading at 9.9x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-406.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 1.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : PEP

The strongest argument for PEP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : PEP

The primary concerns for PEP are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSCO profiles as a mature stock while PEP 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.

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

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. 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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PepsiCo Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA

PepsiCo, Inc. is an American based multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation headquartered in Harrison, New York, in the hamlet of Purchase. PepsiCo's business encompasses all aspects of the food and beverage market. It oversees the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of its products.

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