Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsLam Research Corp (LRCX)
CSCO
Cisco Systems Inc
$96.57
+4.79%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $364.02B
LRCX
Lam Research Corp
$294.05
+2.63%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $358.31B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cisco Systems Inc generates 172% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $21.68B). LRCX leads profitability with a 30.9% profit margin vs 18.8%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.46. LRCX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
CSCO
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
LRCX
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-63.6%
Fair Value
$56.34
Current Price
$96.57
$40.23 premium
Margin of Safety
+16.5%
Fair Value
$343.11
Current Price
$294.05
$49.06 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 67 in profit
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.0%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Revenue surging 23.8% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 34.8x 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 1.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : LRCX
The strongest argument for LRCX centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.9% and operating margin at 35.0%. Revenue growth of 23.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CSCO
The primary concerns for CSCO are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : LRCX
The primary concerns for LRCX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 54.1x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSCO profiles as a mature stock while LRCX is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
LRCX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.82 — expect wider price swings.
LRCX is growing revenue faster at 23.8% — sustainability is the question.
CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LRCX scores higher overall (74/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 30.9% margins and 23.8% 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 →Lam Research Corp
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA
Lam Research Corporation is an American corporation that engages in the design, manufacture, marketing, and service of semiconductor processing equipment used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. Its products are used primarily in front-end wafer processing, which involves the steps that create the active components of semiconductor devices (transistors, capacitors) and their wiring (interconnects). The company also builds equipment for back-end wafer-level packaging (WLP), and for related manufacturing markets such as for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The company is headquartered in Fremont, California, in the Silicon Valley.
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