WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsVertiv Holdings Co (VRT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 477% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $10.23B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 13.0%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. 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

VRT

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.25
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSCOUndervalued (+38.6%)

Margin of Safety

+38.6%

Fair Value

$130.10

Current Price

$79.92

$50.18 discount

UndervaluedFair: $130.10Overvalued
VRTSignificantly Overvalued (-55.7%)

Margin of Safety

-55.7%

Fair Value

$159.59

Current Price

$251.07

$91.48 premium

UndervaluedFair: $159.59Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSCO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$319.49B10/10

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

VRT4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
41.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 42 in profit

Market CapQuality
$103.64B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
21.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
22.7%8/10

Revenue surging 22.7% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

CSCO2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

VRT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.834/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
2.0%4/10

2.0% earnings growth

P/E RatioValuation
79.4x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
24.4x2/10

Trading at 24.4x 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 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : VRT

The strongest argument for VRT centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 22.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : VRT

The primary concerns for VRT are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 79.4x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

VRT carries more volatility with a beta of 2.08 — expect wider price swings.

VRT is growing revenue faster at 22.7% — 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 67/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. 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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Vertiv Holdings Co

INDUSTRIALS · ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & PARTS · USA

Vertiv Holdings Co designs, manufactures and services critical digital infrastructure technologies and lifecycle services for data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial environments in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

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