WallStSmart

Ciena Corp (CIEN)vsThe Coca-Cola Company (KO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

The Coca-Cola Company generates 836% more annual revenue ($47.94B vs $5.12B). KO leads profitability with a 27.3% profit margin vs 4.5%. CIEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.60. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

CIEN

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 4.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.18

KO

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 7.3Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.49
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CIENSignificantly Overvalued (-299.5%)

Margin of Safety

-299.5%

Fair Value

$74.41

Current Price

$437.70

$363.29 premium

UndervaluedFair: $74.41Overvalued
KOSignificantly Overvalued (-97.1%)

Margin of Safety

-97.1%

Fair Value

$38.18

Current Price

$75.25

$37.07 premium

UndervaluedFair: $38.18Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CIEN2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
33.1%10/10

Revenue surging 33.1% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$60.74B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

KO5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$321.39B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
43.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
27.3%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
24.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.7%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.87B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CIEN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.604/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
2.3%4/10

2.3% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
4.5%3/10

4.5% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
270.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

KO4 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.334/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
10.1x4/10

Trading at 10.1x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.4%4/10

2.4% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.6%4/10

3.6% earnings growth

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CIEN

The strongest argument for CIEN centers on Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 33.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : KO

The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.3% and operating margin at 24.7%.

Bear Case : CIEN

The primary concerns for CIEN are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. A P/E of 270.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : KO

The primary concerns for KO are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CIEN profiles as a hypergrowth stock while KO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CIEN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.

CIEN is growing revenue faster at 33.1% — sustainability is the question.

KO generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KO scores higher overall (57/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 27.3% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "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.

Ciena Corp

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Ciena Corporation provides hardware, software, and network services that support the transport, routing, switching, aggregation, service delivery, and management of video, data, and voice traffic on communications networks worldwide. The company is headquartered in Hanover, Maryland.

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The Coca-Cola Company

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA

The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation incorporated under Delaware's General Corporation Law and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Coca-Cola Company has interests in the manufacturing, retailing, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.

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