WallStSmart

Bank of Montreal (BMO)vsCisco Systems Inc (CSCO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 76% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $33.48B). BMO leads profitability with a 27.1% profit margin vs 18.8%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. BMO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).

BMO

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0

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

BMOUndervalued (+57.3%)

Margin of Safety

+57.3%

Fair Value

$336.32

Current Price

$136.39

$199.93 discount

UndervaluedFair: $336.32Overvalued
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

BMO6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Operating MarginProfitability
39.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.9%

Market CapQuality
$94.86B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
27.1%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$6.95B8/10

Generating 7.0B in free cash flow

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

BMO0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

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 : BMO

The strongest argument for BMO centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.1% and operating margin at 39.9%. PEG of 1.46 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 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : BMO

No major red flags identified for BMO, but monitor valuation.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BMO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.16 — expect wider price swings.

BMO is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.

BMO generates stronger free cash flow (7.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor BANKS - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

BMO scores higher overall (75/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 27.1% margins. 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.

Bank of Montreal

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Bank of Montreal offers diversified financial services primarily in North America. The company is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.

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.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?