WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsIron Mountain Incorporated (IRM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 738% more annual revenue ($60.75B vs $7.25B). CSCO leads profitability with a 19.7% profit margin vs 3.8%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.78. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

CSCO

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.17

IRM

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 2.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.10
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CSCO.

IRMSignificantly Overvalued (-41.5%)

Margin of Safety

-41.5%

Fair Value

$70.83

Current Price

$124.66

$53.83 premium

UndervaluedFair: $70.83Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSCO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$498.59B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
24.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
25.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.0%

EPS GrowthGrowth
37.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 37.1% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.56B8/10

Generating 3.6B in free cash flow

IRM5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Return on EquityProfitability
225.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 225 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
860.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 860.0% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
-16.2310/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Operating MarginProfitability
21.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
21.6%8/10

Revenue surging 21.6% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

CSCO4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.784/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
9.8x4/10

Trading at 9.8x book value

P/E RatioValuation
42.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

IRM4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.8%3/10

3.8% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.702/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
138.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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 19.7% and operating margin at 25.0%. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : IRM

The strongest argument for IRM centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 21.6% 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 : IRM

The primary concerns for IRM are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 138.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

IRM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.22 — expect wider price swings.

IRM is growing revenue faster at 21.6% — 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 64/100), 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.

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Iron Mountain Incorporated

REAL ESTATE · REIT - SPECIALTY · USA

Iron Mountain Inc. (NYSE: IRM) is an American enterprise information management services company founded in 1951 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

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