WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsFidelity National Information Services Inc (FIS)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 453% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $10.68B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 3.6%. FIS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.28. 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

FIS

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.02
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
FISSignificantly Overvalued (-41.4%)

Margin of Safety

-41.4%

Fair Value

$34.16

Current Price

$47.60

$13.44 premium

UndervaluedFair: $34.16Overvalued

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

FIS4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2810/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
88.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 88.1% YoY

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
24.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.6%

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

FIS4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
2.6%3/10

ROE of 2.6% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

3.6% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
67.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.022/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : FIS

The strongest argument for FIS centers on PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Price/Book. PEG of 0.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : FIS

The primary concerns for FIS are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 67.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

FIS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.

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

CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. 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.

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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Fidelity National Information Services Inc

TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA

FIS is an American Fortune 500 company which offers a wide range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, FIS employs approximately 63,000 people worldwide. FIS is most known for its development of Financial Technology, or FinTech, and as of Q2 2020 it offers its solutions in three primary segments: Merchant Solutions, Banking Solutions, and Capital Market Solutions.

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