WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Morgan Stanley generates 19% more annual revenue ($70.30B vs $59.05B). MS leads profitability with a 24.0% profit margin vs 18.8%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (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

MS

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9
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
MSUndervalued (+59.3%)

Margin of Safety

+59.3%

Fair Value

$407.18

Current Price

$165.65

$241.53 discount

UndervaluedFair: $407.18Overvalued

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

MS6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$263.03B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%

Profit MarginProfitability
24.0%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.7% YoY

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

MS3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.834/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-4.60B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : MS

The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.0% and operating margin at 38.6%. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : MS

The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.

MS is growing revenue faster at 11.0% — 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

MS scores higher overall (76/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 24.0% margins and 11.0% 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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Morgan Stanley

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered at 1585 Broadway in the Morgan Stanley Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

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