Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
CSCO
Cisco Systems Inc
$96.57
+4.79%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $364.02B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$355.13
+1.32%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.41B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cisco Systems Inc generates 1466% more annual revenue ($59.05B vs $3.77B). CSCO leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 11.9%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.46. CSCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).
CSCO
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
WAT
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-63.6%
Fair Value
$56.34
Current Price
$96.57
$40.23 premium
Margin of Safety
-63.1%
Fair Value
$201.83
Current Price
$355.13
$153.30 premium
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 24.9%
Earnings expanding 31.2% YoY
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Revenue surging 91.5% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.3x book value
ROE of 5.2% — below average capital efficiency
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 18.8% and operating margin at 24.9%. PEG of 1.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 91.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CSCO
The primary concerns for CSCO are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 44.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSCO profiles as a mature stock while WAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.14 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 91.5% — 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 52/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins. 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 →Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
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