Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsHarmonic Inc (HLIT)
CSCO
Cisco Systems Inc
$121.64
-0.77%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $498.59B
HLIT
Harmonic Inc
$14.61
+0.94%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $1.72B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cisco Systems Inc generates 15188% more annual revenue ($60.75B vs $397.34M). CSCO leads profitability with a 19.7% profit margin vs -10.6%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.78. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
CSCO
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
HLIT
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
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 25.0%
Earnings expanding 37.1% YoY
Generating 3.6B in free cash flow
Revenue surging 43.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 31.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.8x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of -11.8% — below average capital efficiency
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 19.7% and operating margin at 25.0%. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : HLIT
The strongest argument for HLIT centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 43.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CSCO
The primary concerns for CSCO are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : HLIT
The primary concerns for HLIT are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 197.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSCO profiles as a mature stock while HLIT is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
HLIT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.
HLIT is growing revenue faster at 43.4% — sustainability is the question.
CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (3.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CSCO scores higher overall (68/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 19.7% margins and 12.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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 →Harmonic Inc
TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA
Harmonic Inc. provides global video delivery software, products, system solutions and services. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
Visit Website →Compare with Other COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT Stocks
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