WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsOptical Cable Corporation (OCC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 77391% more annual revenue ($60.75B vs $78.39M). CSCO leads profitability with a 19.7% profit margin vs 1.3%. CSCO trades at a lower P/E of 42.2x. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

CSCO

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.17

OCC

Avoid

32

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 5.3Profit: 4.0Value: 4.0Quality: 5.0

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSCO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Market CapQuality
$498.59B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
24.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
25.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.0%

EPS GrowthGrowth
37.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 37.1% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.56B8/10

Generating 3.6B in free cash flow

OCC1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
26.6%8/10

Revenue surging 26.6% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

CSCO4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.784/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
9.8x4/10

Trading at 9.8x book value

P/E RatioValuation
42.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.172/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

OCC4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$185.46M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
1.3%3/10

1.3% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
175.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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 19.7% and operating margin at 25.0%. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : OCC

The strongest argument for OCC centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 26.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CSCO

The primary concerns for CSCO are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.2x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : OCC

The primary concerns for OCC are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin. A P/E of 175.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

CSCO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.

OCC is growing revenue faster at 26.6% — sustainability is the question.

CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (3.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (68/100 vs 32/100), backed by strong 19.7% margins and 12.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" 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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Optical Cable Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Optical Cable Corporation manufactures and sells fiber optic and copper data communications cabling and connectivity solutions primarily for the enterprise market in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia.

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