WallStSmart

Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM)vsCisco Systems Inc (CSCO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 112% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $27.91B). CM leads profitability with a 33.5% profit margin vs 18.8%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.49. CM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

CM

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.62

CSCO

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.17

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CM6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Profit MarginProfitability
33.5%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
44.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 44.7%

Market CapQuality
$106.24B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
16.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.7%8/10

16.7% revenue growth

CSCO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$456.33B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
24.5%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
$3.56B8/10

Generating 3.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CM4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.104/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.49B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.622/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.661/10

Elevated debt levels

CSCO3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
10.0x4/10

Trading at 10.0x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CM

The strongest argument for CM centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.5% and operating margin at 44.7%. Revenue growth of 16.7% 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 1.49 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CM

The primary concerns for CM are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

CM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.

CM is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.

CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (3.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CM scores higher overall (73/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 33.5% margins and 16.7% 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.

Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, offers a variety of financial products and services to personal, commercial, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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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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