WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsMeta Platforms Inc. (META)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Meta Platforms Inc. generates 240% more annual revenue ($200.97B vs $59.05B). META leads profitability with a 30.1% profit margin vs 18.8%. META appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.97. META earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

CSCO

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.17

META

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 8.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.88
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSCOUndervalued (+37.1%)

Margin of Safety

+37.1%

Fair Value

$130.10

Current Price

$81.83

$48.27 discount

UndervaluedFair: $130.10Overvalued
METAOvervalued (-5.4%)

Margin of Safety

-5.4%

Fair Value

$562.36

Current Price

$594.89

$32.53 premium

UndervaluedFair: $562.36Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSCO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$319.49B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
23.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
24.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.9%

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.2% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.50B8/10

Generating 1.5B in free cash flow

META6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$1.50T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
30.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
30.1%10/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$14.83B10/10

Generating 14.8B in free cash flow

PEG RatioValuation
0.978/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

CSCO2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

META2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 18.8% and operating margin at 24.9%. PEG of 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : META

The strongest argument for META centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.1% and operating margin at 41.3%. 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 : META

The primary concerns for META are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

META carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — expect wider price swings.

META is growing revenue faster at 23.8% — sustainability is the question.

META generates stronger free cash flow (14.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

META scores higher overall (77/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 30.1% margins and 23.8% revenue growth. CSCO offers better value entry with a 37.1% margin of safety. 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.

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Meta Platforms Inc.

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · INTERNET CONTENT & INFORMATION · USA

Meta Platforms, Inc. develops products that enable people to connect and share with friends and family through mobile devices, PCs, virtual reality headsets, wearables and home devices around the world. The company is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.

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