Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsViavi Solutions Inc (VIAV)
CSCO
Cisco Systems Inc
$121.64
-0.77%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $498.59B
VIAV
Viavi Solutions Inc
$53.21
+1.10%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $13.19B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cisco Systems Inc generates 4348% more annual revenue ($60.75B vs $1.37B). CSCO leads profitability with a 19.7% profit margin vs -4.0%. VIAV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
CSCO
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
VIAV
Hold41
out of 100
Grade: D
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 25.0%
Earnings expanding 37.1% YoY
Generating 3.6B in free cash flow
Revenue surging 42.8% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.8x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 14.7x book value
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -6.5% — below average capital efficiency
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 19.7% and operating margin at 25.0%. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : VIAV
The strongest argument for VIAV centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 42.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : VIAV
The primary concerns for VIAV are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSCO profiles as a mature stock while VIAV is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
VIAV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.
VIAV is growing revenue faster at 42.8% — 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 41/100), backed by strong 19.7% margins and 12.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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 →Viavi Solutions Inc
TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA
Viavi Solutions Inc. provides network testing, monitoring and assurance solutions to communications service providers, enterprises, network equipment manufacturers, government, civil, military and avionics customers worldwide. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
Compare with Other COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?