AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsCisco Systems Inc (CSCO)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.78
+0.93%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $284.63B
CSCO
Cisco Systems Inc
$81.83
+1.20%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $319.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cisco Systems Inc generates 1% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $58.74B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 17.4%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).
AZN
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
CSCO
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+32.8%
Fair Value
$306.07
Current Price
$185.78
$120.29 discount
Margin of Safety
+37.1%
Fair Value
$130.10
Current Price
$81.83
$48.27 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Earnings expanding 53.9% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%
Generating 1.4B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 24.9%
Earnings expanding 31.2% YoY
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AZN
The strongest argument for AZN centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.4% and operating margin at 21.6%.
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 : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : CSCO
The primary concerns for CSCO are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a value stock while CSCO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CSCO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.83 — 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 66/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. AZN offers better value entry with a 32.8% 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.
AstraZeneca PLC
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
AstraZeneca PLC discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription drugs in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, respiratory, infections, neuroscience and gastroenterology worldwide. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
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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