WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsGoldman Sachs Group Inc (GS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Goldman Sachs Group Inc generates 1% more annual revenue ($59.40B vs $59.05B). GS leads profitability with a 28.9% profit margin vs 18.8%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. GS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (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

GS

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9
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
GSUndervalued (+52.4%)

Margin of Safety

+52.4%

Fair Value

$1768.48

Current Price

$841.84

$926.64 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1768.48Overvalued

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

GS6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$250.66B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.3%

Profit MarginProfitability
28.9%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.2%8/10

15.2% revenue growth

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

GS1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-16.81B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : GS

The strongest argument for GS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.9% and operating margin at 38.3%. Revenue growth of 15.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : GS

The primary concerns for GS are Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

GS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.

GS is growing revenue faster at 15.2% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

GS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 28.9% margins and 15.2% revenue growth. 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.

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Goldman Sachs Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered in New York City. It offers services in investment management, securities, asset management, prime brokerage, and securities underwriting. It also provides investment banking to institutional investors.

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