WallStSmart

ADTRAN Inc (ADTN)vsCisco Systems Inc (CSCO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 5313% more annual revenue ($60.75B vs $1.12B). CSCO leads profitability with a 19.7% profit margin vs -3.2%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.78. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

ADTN

Hold

37

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.7Profit: 2.5Value: 6.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.75

CSCO

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.17
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ADTNUndervalued (+68.3%)

Margin of Safety

+68.3%

Fair Value

$32.80

Current Price

$15.35

$17.45 discount

UndervaluedFair: $32.80Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CSCO.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ADTN1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.5%8/10

15.5% revenue growth

CSCO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$498.59B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
24.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
25.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.0%

EPS GrowthGrowth
37.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 37.1% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.56B8/10

Generating 3.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ADTN4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.864/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
9.0x4/10

Trading at 9.0x book value

Market CapQuality
$1.45B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Operating MarginProfitability
2.3%3/10

Operating margin of 2.3%

CSCO4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.784/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
9.8x4/10

Trading at 9.8x book value

P/E RatioValuation
42.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ADTN

The strongest argument for ADTN centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 15.5% 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 19.7% and operating margin at 25.0%. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ADTN

The primary concerns for ADTN are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Market Cap. Debt-to-equity of 1.59 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : CSCO

The primary concerns for CSCO are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.2x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

ADTN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.47 — expect wider price swings.

ADTN is growing revenue faster at 15.5% — sustainability is the question.

CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (3.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (68/100 vs 37/100), backed by strong 19.7% margins and 12.0% revenue growth. ADTN offers better value entry with a 68.3% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

ADTRAN Inc

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

ADTRAN, Inc. provides networking and communications platforms and services for service providers, cable / multi-system operators, small and medium-sized businesses, and distributed businesses in the United States, Germany, Mexico, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama.

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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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