WallStSmart

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Wells Fargo & Company generates 36% more annual revenue ($80.04B vs $59.05B). WFC leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 18.8%. CSCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (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

WFC

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.43
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
WFCUndervalued (+53.8%)

Margin of Safety

+53.8%

Fair Value

$173.78

Current Price

$80.26

$93.52 discount

UndervaluedFair: $173.78Overvalued

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

WFC6 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$245.65B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
26.7%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
29.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.9%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.12B8/10

Generating 4.1B 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

WFC2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.664/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.432/10

Distress zone — elevated 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 : WFC

The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 29.9%.

Bear Case : CSCO

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

Bear Case : WFC

The primary concerns for WFC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

WFC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.07 — expect wider price swings.

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

WFC generates stronger free cash flow (4.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WFC scores higher overall (72/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 26.7% margins. CSCO offers better value entry with a 37.1% 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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Wells Fargo & Company

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California, operational headquarters in Manhattan, and managerial offices throughout the United States and overseas.

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