WallStSmart

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO)vsCisco Systems Inc (CSCO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 89% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $31.29B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 3.7%. APO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.67. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

APO

Hold

44

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 2.8
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.07

CSCO

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.17
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for APO.

CSCOSignificantly Overvalued (-63.6%)

Margin of Safety

-63.6%

Fair Value

$56.34

Current Price

$96.57

$40.23 premium

UndervaluedFair: $56.34Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$73.67B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.678/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.82B8/10

Generating 2.8B in free cash flow

CSCO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$364.02B10/10

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

APO4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

3.7% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
80.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-9.2%2/10

Revenue declined 9.2%

CSCO2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.1x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APO

The strongest argument for APO centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.67 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 1.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : APO

The primary concerns for APO are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 80.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

APO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.52 — expect wider price swings.

CSCO is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.

APO generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 44/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. 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.

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO) is a premier global alternative investment firm renowned for its strategic focus on private equity, credit, and real estate investments across diverse sectors including healthcare, financial services, and technology. The firm utilizes a rigorous investment approach, drawing on extensive industry expertise and operational insights to optimize portfolio performance and drive long-term growth. With a commitment to identifying lucrative investment opportunities in both developed and emerging markets, Apollo aims to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for its investors, backed by its significant capital resources and innovative strategies.

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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