WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsPhilip Morris International Inc (PM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 45% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $40.65B). PM leads profitability with a 27.9% profit margin vs 18.8%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. PM 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

PM

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.5Value: 9.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.18
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
PMUndervalued (+17.9%)

Margin of Safety

+17.9%

Fair Value

$201.54

Current Price

$165.50

$36.04 discount

UndervaluedFair: $201.54Overvalued

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

PM4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$255.09B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
32.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.9%

Profit MarginProfitability
27.9%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.26B8/10

Generating 4.3B 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

PM2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.864/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

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 : PM

The strongest argument for PM centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.9% and operating margin at 32.9%.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : PM

The primary concerns for PM are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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.

PM generates stronger free cash flow (4.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. PM offers better value entry with a 17.9% 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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Philip Morris International Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA

Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) is a Swiss-American multinational cigarette and tobacco manufacturing company, with products sold in over 180 countries. The most recognized and best selling product of the company is Marlboro.

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