WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsValmont Industries Inc (VMI)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cisco Systems Inc generates 1339% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $4.10B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 8.5%. 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

VMI

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 3/9
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
VMIUndervalued (+39.1%)

Margin of Safety

+39.1%

Fair Value

$785.30

Current Price

$406.39

$378.91 discount

UndervaluedFair: $785.30Overvalued

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

VMI3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
135.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 135.3% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Return on EquityProfitability
21.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

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

VMI3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : VMI

The strongest argument for VMI centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : VMI

The primary concerns for VMI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

VMI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.

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

CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CSCO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. VMI offers better value entry with a 39.1% 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.

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Valmont Industries Inc

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

Valmont Industries, Inc. produces and sells metal products manufactured in the United States, Australia, Denmark, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.

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