WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsLumentum Holdings Inc (LITE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 2001% more annual revenue ($63.33B vs $3.01B). CSCO leads profitability with a 20.9% profit margin vs -230.1%. LITE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.63. 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

LITE

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 9.3Profit: 5.0Value: 6.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -2.99

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

LITE5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
109.3%10/10

Revenue surging 109.3% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
71.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 71.1% YoY

Market CapQuality
$83.93B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.638/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
28.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.0%

Areas to Watch

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

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
8.6x4/10

Trading at 8.6x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.302/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

LITE4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Price/BookValuation
17.8x4/10

Trading at 17.8x book value

Return on EquityProfitability
-149.3%2/10

ROE of -149.3% — below average capital efficiency

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-2.992/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Profit MarginProfitability
-230.1%1/10

Currently unprofitable

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 : LITE

The strongest argument for LITE centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 109.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.63 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : LITE

The primary concerns for LITE are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

LITE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.54 — expect wider price swings.

LITE is growing revenue faster at 109.3% — 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 57/100), 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.

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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?