WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsChevron Corp (CVX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Chevron Corp generates 213% more annual revenue ($184.65B vs $59.05B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 6.7%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

CSCO

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.17

CVX

Hold

40

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.0Value: 4.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 1/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSCOUndervalued (+37.1%)

Margin of Safety

+37.1%

Fair Value

$130.10

Current Price

$81.83

$48.27 discount

UndervaluedFair: $130.10Overvalued
CVXSignificantly Overvalued (-358.0%)

Margin of Safety

-358.0%

Fair Value

$45.15

Current Price

$205.15

$160.00 premium

UndervaluedFair: $45.15Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

CVX3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Market CapQuality
$403.33B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$5.38B8/10

Generating 5.4B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CSCO2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

CVX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
30.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
7.2%3/10

ROE of 7.2% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
6.7%3/10

6.7% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : CVX

The strongest argument for CVX centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : CVX

The primary concerns for CVX are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSCO profiles as a mature stock while CVX is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CSCO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.83 — expect wider price swings.

CSCO is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.

CVX generates stronger free cash flow (5.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 40/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. 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.

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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Chevron Corp

ENERGY · OIL & GAS INTEGRATED · USA

Chevron Corporation is an American multinational energy corporation. One of the successor companies of Standard Oil, it is headquartered in San Ramon, California, and active in more than 180 countries. Chevron is engaged in every aspect of the oil and natural gas industries, including hydrocarbon exploration and production; refining, marketing and transport; chemicals manufacturing and sales; and power generation.

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