WallStSmart

Adobe Systems Incorporated (ADBE)vsCisco Systems Inc (CSCO)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 142% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $24.45B). ADBE leads profitability with a 29.5% profit margin vs 18.8%. ADBE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.71. ADBE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

ADBE

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 10.0Value: 10.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.35

CSCO

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.17
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ADBEUndervalued (+43.7%)

Margin of Safety

+43.7%

Fair Value

$421.20

Current Price

$237.25

$183.95 discount

UndervaluedFair: $421.20Overvalued
CSCOUndervalued (+37.1%)

Margin of Safety

+37.1%

Fair Value

$130.10

Current Price

$81.83

$48.27 discount

UndervaluedFair: $130.10Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ADBE6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
58.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 59 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
37.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.3510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$98.06B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.5%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.718/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

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

Areas to Watch

ADBE1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Price/BookValuation
8.5x4/10

Trading at 8.5x book value

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

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ADBE

The strongest argument for ADBE centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.5% and operating margin at 37.8%. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

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.

Bear Case : ADBE

The primary concerns for ADBE are Price/Book.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ADBE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.53 — expect wider price swings.

ADBE is growing revenue faster at 12.0% — sustainability is the question.

ADBE generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor SOFTWARE - APPLICATION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ADBE scores higher overall (74/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 29.5% margins and 12.0% revenue growth. CSCO offers better value entry with a 37.1% margin of safety. 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.

Adobe Systems Incorporated

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Adobe Inc. is an American multinational computer software company. Incorporated in Delaware and headquartered in San Jose, California, it has historically specialized in software for the creation and publication of a wide range of content, including graphics, photography, illustration, animation, multimedia, motion pictures and print. The company has expanded into digital marketing management software. Adobe has millions of users worldwide. Flagship products include: Photoshop image editing software, Adobe Illustrator vector-based illustration software, Adobe Acrobat Reader and the Portable Document Format (PDF), plus a host of tools primarily for audio-visual content creation, editing and publishing.

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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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