WallStSmart

BlackRock Inc (BLK)vsCisco Systems Inc (CSCO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 130% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $25.64B). BLK leads profitability with a 24.4% profit margin vs 18.8%. BLK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.33. BLK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

BLK

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 2/9

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 BLK.

CSCOSignificantly Overvalued (-70.9%)

Margin of Safety

-70.9%

Fair Value

$56.51

Current Price

$96.57

$40.06 premium

UndervaluedFair: $56.51Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BLK5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
35.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.6%

Market CapQuality
$165.75B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
24.4%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
27.0%8/10

Revenue surging 27.0% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
45.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 45.9% YoY

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

BLK3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.19B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : BLK

The strongest argument for BLK centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.4% and operating margin at 35.6%. Revenue growth of 27.0% 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 1.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : BLK

The primary concerns for BLK are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

BLK carries more volatility with a beta of 1.46 — expect wider price swings.

BLK is growing revenue faster at 27.0% — sustainability is the question.

CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BLK scores higher overall (78/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 24.4% margins and 27.0% revenue growth. 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.

BlackRock Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

BlackRock, Inc. is an American multinational investment management corporation based in New York City.

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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