WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsViaSat Inc (VSAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 1179% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $4.62B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs -7.3%. VSAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.26. 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

VSAT

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 3.0Value: 6.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.59
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSCOUndervalued (+37.1%)

Margin of Safety

+37.1%

Fair Value

$130.10

Current Price

$81.83

$48.27 discount

UndervaluedFair: $130.10Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for VSAT.

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

VSAT3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
35.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 35.7% YoY

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

VSAT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.0%4/10

3.0% revenue growth

Operating MarginProfitability
2.8%3/10

Operating margin of 2.8%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.583/10

Elevated debt levels

Return on EquityProfitability
-6.4%2/10

ROE of -6.4% — below average capital efficiency

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 : VSAT

The strongest argument for VSAT centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 0.26 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 : VSAT

The primary concerns for VSAT are Revenue Growth, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.58 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSCO profiles as a mature stock while VSAT is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

VSAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.49 — 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 56/100), 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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ViaSat Inc

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Viasat, Inc. provides worldwide broadband and communications products and services. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.

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