WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsPure Storage Inc (PSTG)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 1512% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $3.66B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 5.1%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. 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

PSTG

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 5.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.22
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSCOUndervalued (+39.7%)

Margin of Safety

+39.7%

Fair Value

$128.70

Current Price

$77.65

$51.05 discount

UndervaluedFair: $128.70Overvalued
PSTGSignificantly Overvalued (-195.4%)

Margin of Safety

-195.4%

Fair Value

$25.74

Current Price

$62.63

$36.89 premium

UndervaluedFair: $25.74Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSCO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$306.80B10/10

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

PSTG2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
140.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 140.6% YoY

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.4%8/10

Revenue surging 20.4% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

CSCO2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.2x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

PSTG4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
14.3x4/10

Trading at 14.3x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
5.1%3/10

5.1% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
113.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.222/10

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 : PSTG

The strongest argument for PSTG centers on EPS Growth, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 20.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.47 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 : PSTG

The primary concerns for PSTG are Price/Book, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 113.9x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

PSTG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.33 — expect wider price swings.

PSTG is growing revenue faster at 20.4% — 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 59/100), 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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Pure Storage Inc

TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA

Pure Storage, Inc. provides data storage technology and solutions in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, California.

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