WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsSeagate Technology PLC (STX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 436% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $11.01B). STX leads profitability with a 21.6% profit margin vs 18.8%. STX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. STX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (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

STX

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSCOSignificantly Overvalued (-67.4%)

Margin of Safety

-67.4%

Fair Value

$56.34

Current Price

$92.63

$36.29 premium

UndervaluedFair: $56.34Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for STX.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSCO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$365.88B10/10

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

STX6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.5010/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
35.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
44.1%10/10

Revenue surging 44.1% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
108.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 108.3% YoY

Market CapQuality
$163.00B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
21.6%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

CSCO2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

STX2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
69.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
367.1x2/10

Trading at 367.1x book value

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 1.42 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : STX

The strongest argument for STX centers on PEG Ratio, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.6% and operating margin at 35.7%. Revenue growth of 44.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : STX

The primary concerns for STX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 69.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

STX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.63 — expect wider price swings.

STX is growing revenue faster at 44.1% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

STX scores higher overall (76/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 21.6% margins and 44.1% revenue growth. 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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Seagate Technology PLC

TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA

Seagate Technology Holdings plc, an Irish public limited company (commonly referred to as Seagate) is an American data storage company.

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