WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsS&P Global Inc (SPGI)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 285% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $15.34B). SPGI leads profitability with a 29.1% profit margin vs 18.8%. 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

SPGI

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.97
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
SPGIUndervalued (+40.5%)

Margin of Safety

+40.5%

Fair Value

$687.02

Current Price

$408.48

$278.54 discount

UndervaluedFair: $687.02Overvalued

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

SPGI5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
38.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.3%

Market CapQuality
$124.51B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.1%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
32.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 32.0% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.70B8/10

Generating 1.7B 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

SPGI2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.974/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

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 : SPGI

The strongest argument for SPGI centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.1% and operating margin at 38.3%.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : SPGI

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SPGI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.22 — expect wider price swings.

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

SPGI generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. SPGI offers better value entry with a 40.5% 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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S&P Global Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

S&P Global Inc. is an American publicly traded corporation headquartered in Manhattan, New York City. Its primary areas of business are financial information and analytics.

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