Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsServiceNow Inc (NOW)
CSCO
Cisco Systems Inc
$81.83
+1.20%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $319.49B
NOW
ServiceNow Inc
$103.06
-1.52%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $110.42B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cisco Systems Inc generates 345% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $13.28B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 13.2%. NOW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.06. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).
CSCO
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
NOW
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+37.1%
Fair Value
$130.10
Current Price
$81.83
$48.27 discount
Margin of Safety
-404.2%
Fair Value
$20.44
Current Price
$103.06
$82.62 premium
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
Large-cap with strong market position
Revenue surging 20.7% year-over-year
Generating 2.0B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 8.3x book value
3.4% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Weak financial health signals
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 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : NOW
The strongest argument for NOW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow. Revenue growth of 20.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.06 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CSCO
The primary concerns for CSCO are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : NOW
The primary concerns for NOW are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 62.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSCO profiles as a mature stock while NOW is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
NOW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.
NOW is growing revenue faster at 20.7% — sustainability is the question.
NOW generates stronger free cash flow (2.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CSCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. 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 →ServiceNow Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA
ServiceNow is an American software company based in Santa Clara, California that develops a cloud computing platform to help companies manage digital workflows for enterprise operations.
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