WallStSmart

Ciena Corp (CIEN)vsRestaurant Brands International Inc (QSR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Restaurant Brands International Inc generates 84% more annual revenue ($9.43B vs $5.12B). QSR leads profitability with a 8.2% profit margin vs 4.5%. QSR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.16. QSR 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

QSR

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.93
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
QSRSignificantly Overvalued (-295.4%)

Margin of Safety

-295.4%

Fair Value

$17.88

Current Price

$72.92

$55.04 premium

UndervaluedFair: $17.88Overvalued

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

QSR2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
24.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
26.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.4%

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

QSR3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

EPS GrowthGrowth
-57.4%2/10

Earnings declined 57.4%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.932/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : QSR

The strongest argument for QSR centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin. PEG of 1.16 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : QSR

The primary concerns for QSR are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CIEN profiles as a hypergrowth stock while QSR 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.

QSR generates stronger free cash flow (441M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

QSR scores higher overall (57/100 vs 54/100). 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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Restaurant Brands International Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Restaurant Brands International Inc. owns, operates and franchises quick-service restaurants under the Tim Hortons (TH), Burger King (BK) and Popeyes (PLK) brands. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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