Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsKLA Corporation (KLAC)
CSCO
Cisco Systems Inc
$81.83
+1.20%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $319.49B
KLAC
KLA Corporation
$1,543.82
-1.43%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $205.79B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cisco Systems Inc generates 363% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $12.74B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs 18.8%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. KLAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
CSCO
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
KLAC
Strong Buy70
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
+3.9%
Fair Value
$1605.71
Current Price
$1543.82
$61.89 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 101 in profit
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 41.3%
Earnings expanding 40.9% YoY
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 37.0x book value
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 : KLAC
The strongest argument for KLAC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.8% and operating margin at 41.3%.
Bear Case : CSCO
The primary concerns for CSCO are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : KLAC
The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KLAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — 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.
Monitor COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CSCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. 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 →KLA Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA
KLA Corporation is a capital equipment company based in Milpitas, California. It supplies process control and yield management systems for the semiconductor industry and other related nanoelectronics industries. The company's products and services are intended for all phases of wafer, reticle, integrated circuit (IC) and packaging production, from research and development to final volume manufacturing.
Visit Website →Compare with Other COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?