Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsLumentum Holdings Inc (LITE)
CSCO
Cisco Systems Inc
$121.64
+1.88%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $473.64B
LITE
Lumentum Holdings Inc
$945.08
-2.30%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $74.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cisco Systems Inc generates 2341% more annual revenue ($60.75B vs $2.49B). CSCO leads profitability with a 19.7% profit margin vs 17.7%. LITE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.63. LITE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
CSCO
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
LITE
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
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 90.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 71.1% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 21.8%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.8x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 79.7x book value
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 19.7% and operating margin at 25.0%. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : LITE
The strongest argument for LITE centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.7% and operating margin at 21.8%. Revenue growth of 90.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CSCO
The primary concerns for CSCO are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 40.1x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : LITE
The primary concerns for LITE are Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 169.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSCO profiles as a mature stock while LITE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
LITE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.48 — expect wider price swings.
LITE is growing revenue faster at 90.1% — sustainability is the question.
CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (3.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LITE scores higher overall (74/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 17.7% margins and 90.1% revenue growth. 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 →Lumentum Holdings Inc
TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA
Lumentum Holdings Inc. manufactures and sells optical and photonic products in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
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