WallStSmart

Clearfield Inc (CLFD)vsCisco Systems Inc (CSCO)

VS
⚡

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 41112% more annual revenue ($63.33B vs $153.66M). CSCO leads profitability with a 20.9% profit margin vs -4.7%. CSCO trades at a lower P/E of 32.0x. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

CLFD

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 3.0Value: 3.0Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.78

CSCO

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.30
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CLFDSignificantly Overvalued (-24.4%)

Margin of Safety

-24.4%

Fair Value

$25.28

Current Price

$31.07

$5.79 premium

UndervaluedFair: $25.28Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CSCO.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CLFD4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
104.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 104.1% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

CSCO6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$419.61B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

EPS GrowthGrowth
52.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 52.1% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
26.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
20.9%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.988/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
27.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.7%

Areas to Watch

CLFD4 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Market CapQuality
$414.72M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

P/E RatioValuation
109.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
-2.9%2/10

ROE of -2.9% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
-4.7%1/10

Currently unprofitable

CSCO3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.0x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
8.4x4/10

Trading at 8.4x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.302/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CLFD

The strongest argument for CLFD centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 13.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : CSCO

The strongest argument for CSCO centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.9% and operating margin at 27.7%. Revenue growth of 17.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CLFD

The primary concerns for CLFD are Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. A P/E of 109.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CLFD profiles as a turnaround stock while CSCO is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

CLFD carries more volatility with a beta of 2.11 — expect wider price swings.

CSCO is growing revenue faster at 17.6% — sustainability is the question.

CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (5.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (77/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 20.9% margins and 17.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Clearfield Inc

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Clearfield, Inc. manufactures, markets, and sells standard and custom passive connectivity products to OEM, enterprise and fiber-to-facility markets in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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?