WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsZebra Technologies Corporation (ZBRA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 994% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $5.40B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 7.8%. ZBRA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.44. 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

ZBRA

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.46
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
ZBRASignificantly Overvalued (-359.6%)

Margin of Safety

-359.6%

Fair Value

$54.94

Current Price

$203.62

$148.68 premium

UndervaluedFair: $54.94Overvalued

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

ZBRA2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4410/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

ZBRA4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.2x4/10

Moderate valuation

Profit MarginProfitability
7.8%3/10

7.8% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-55.8%2/10

Earnings declined 55.8%

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 : ZBRA

The strongest argument for ZBRA centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.44 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 : ZBRA

The primary concerns for ZBRA are P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSCO profiles as a mature stock while ZBRA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

ZBRA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.68 — expect wider price swings.

ZBRA is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — 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 63/100), 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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Zebra Technologies Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Zebra Technologies Corporation is an American company that manufactures and sells marking, tracking, and computer printing technologies. Its products include thermal barcode label and receipt printers, RFID smart label printers/encoders/fixed & handheld readers/antennas, and card and kiosk printers that are used for barcode labeling, personal identification, and specialty printing, principally in the manufacturing, supply chain, retail, healthcare, and government sectors.

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