Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsSeagate Technology PLC (STX)
CSCO
Cisco Systems Inc
$121.64
+1.88%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $473.64B
STX
Seagate Technology PLC
$925.99
+0.39%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $230.51B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cisco Systems Inc generates 452% more annual revenue ($60.75B vs $11.01B). STX leads profitability with a 21.6% profit margin vs 19.7%. STX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.71. STX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
CSCO
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
STX
Strong Buy77
out of 100
Grade: B+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 25.0%
Earnings expanding 37.1% YoY
Generating 3.6B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 217 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.7%
Revenue surging 44.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 108.3% YoY
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.8x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 189.8x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CSCO
The strongest argument for CSCO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.7% and operating margin at 25.0%. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : STX
The strongest argument for STX centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. 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 PEG Ratio, Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 40.1x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : STX
The primary concerns for STX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 97.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.82 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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 2.08 — expect wider price swings.
STX is growing revenue faster at 44.1% — sustainability is the question.
CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (3.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
STX scores higher overall (77/100 vs 71/100), 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.
Visit Website →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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