WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsGilead Sciences Inc (GILD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 101% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $29.44B). GILD leads profitability with a 28.9% profit margin vs 18.8%. GILD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. GILD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (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

GILD

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 5.3Profit: 9.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 6/9
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
GILDUndervalued (+53.9%)

Margin of Safety

+53.9%

Fair Value

$299.95

Current Price

$138.26

$161.69 discount

UndervaluedFair: $299.95Overvalued

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

GILD6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3810/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Return on EquityProfitability
40.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
37.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.4%

Market CapQuality
$171.45B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.9%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.4% YoY

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

GILD1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.7%4/10

4.7% revenue growth

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 : GILD

The strongest argument for GILD centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.9% and operating margin at 37.4%. PEG of 0.38 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 : GILD

The primary concerns for GILD are Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSCO profiles as a mature stock while GILD 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.

GILD generates stronger free cash flow (3.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

GILD scores higher overall (72/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 28.9% margins. CSCO offers better value entry with a 37.1% margin of safety. 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.

Visit Website →

Gilead Sciences Inc

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Foster City, California, that focuses on researching and developing antiviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and influenza, including Harvoni and Sovaldi.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?