Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsHCA Holdings Inc (HCA)
CSCO
Cisco Systems Inc
$81.83
+1.20%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $319.49B
HCA
HCA Holdings Inc
$484.02
-0.35%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $108.62B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HCA Holdings Inc generates 28% more annual revenue ($75.60B vs $59.05B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 9.0%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).
CSCO
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
HCA
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+37.1%
Fair Value
$130.10
Current Price
$81.83
$48.27 discount
Margin of Safety
+59.9%
Fair Value
$1326.31
Current Price
$484.02
$842.29 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 24.9%
Earnings expanding 31.2% YoY
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 136 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 44.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : HCA
The strongest argument for HCA centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. PEG of 1.35 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 : HCA
The primary concerns for HCA are Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSCO profiles as a mature stock while HCA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — 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 69/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. HCA offers better value entry with a 59.9% 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 →HCA Holdings Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA
HCA Healthcare is an American for-profit operator of health care facilities that was founded in 1968. It is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and, as of May 2020, owns and operates 186 hospitals and approximately 2,000 sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care centers and physician clinics in 21 states and the United Kingdom.
Visit Website →Compare with Other COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?