WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsHarmonic Inc (HLIT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 14166% more annual revenue ($63.33B vs $443.88M). CSCO leads profitability with a 20.9% profit margin vs -10.6%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.01. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

CSCO

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.30

HLIT

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 7.3Profit: 4.5Value: 3.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -2.31
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CSCO.

HLITSignificantly Overvalued (-56.5%)

Margin of Safety

-56.5%

Fair Value

$7.44

Current Price

$12.00

$4.56 premium

UndervaluedFair: $7.44Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSCO6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$442.08B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

EPS GrowthGrowth
52.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 52.1% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
26.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
20.9%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
27.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.6%8/10

17.6% revenue growth

HLIT2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
53.5%10/10

Revenue surging 53.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.9% YoY

Areas to Watch

CSCO3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
8.8x4/10

Trading at 8.8x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.302/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

HLIT4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.844/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$1.27B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

P/E RatioValuation
48.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
-11.8%2/10

ROE of -11.8% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CSCO

The strongest argument for CSCO centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.9% and operating margin at 27.7%. Revenue growth of 17.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : HLIT

The strongest argument for HLIT centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 53.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : HLIT

The primary concerns for HLIT are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 48.5x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSCO profiles as a growth stock while HLIT is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

HLIT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.32 — expect wider price swings.

HLIT is growing revenue faster at 53.5% — sustainability is the question.

CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (5.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (75/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 20.9% margins and 17.6% 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.

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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.

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