WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsPepsiCo Inc (PEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PepsiCo Inc generates 59% more annual revenue ($93.92B vs $59.05B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 8.8%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (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

PEP

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.26
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
PEPUndervalued (+45.9%)

Margin of Safety

+45.9%

Fair Value

$280.33

Current Price

$151.73

$128.60 discount

UndervaluedFair: $280.33Overvalued

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

PEP4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$205.91B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
42.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
67.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 67.5% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.70B8/10

Generating 4.7B in free cash flow

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

PEP4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
10.2x4/10

Trading at 10.2x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.012/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : PEP

The strongest argument for PEP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : PEP

The primary concerns for PEP are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSCO profiles as a mature stock while PEP is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CSCO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.83 — expect wider price swings.

CSCO is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.

PEP generates stronger free cash flow (4.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. PEP offers better value entry with a 45.9% margin of safety. 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 →

PepsiCo Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA

PepsiCo, Inc. is an American based multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation headquartered in Harrison, New York, in the hamlet of Purchase. PepsiCo's business encompasses all aspects of the food and beverage market. It oversees the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of its products.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?