F5 vs Cisco Systems: Which Is the Stronger Buy Today?
Cisco Systems surged 33% during the past Month. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer F5 gives you more. F5 (FFIV) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Cisco Systems (CSCO) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in FFIV
- FFIV’s Last 12 Months revenue growth was 9.7%, vs. CSCO’s 9.2%.
- In addition, its Last 3-Year Average revenue growth came in at 5.2%, ahead of CSCO’s 3.5%.
- FFIV leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 25.1% and 3-year average of 24.4%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how CSCO’s fundamentals stack up against those of FFIV on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| CSCO | FFIV | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 32.5 | 27.8 | FFIV |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 12.0% | 11.0% | CSCO |
| Last 12 Months | 9.2% | 9.7% | FFIV |
| Last 3 Year Average | 3.5% | 5.2% | FFIV |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 23.7% | 25.1% | FFIV |
| Last 3 Year Average | 24.0% | 24.4% | FFIV |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 157.9% | 167.9% | FFIV |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell FFIV Stock and Buy or Sell CSCO Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| CSCO Return | 46% | -22% | 9% | 21% | 33% | 58% | 215% | <=== | |
| FFIV Return | 39% | -41% | 25% | 41% | 2% | 54% | 124% | ||
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 9% | 99% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| CSCO Win Rate | 75% | 33% | 58% | 67% | 67% | 80% | 63% | ||
| FFIV Win Rate | 58% | 25% | 58% | 83% | 50% | 80% | 59% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 60% | 64% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| CSCO Max Drawdown | -10% | -36% | -17% | -13% | -17% | -14% | -18% | ||
| FFIV Max Drawdown | -19% | -45% | -17% | -16% | -35% | -10% | -24% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -5% | -25% | -10% | -8% | -19% | -9% | -13% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 5/26/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read FFIV Dip Buyer Analyses to see how the stock has fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about CSCO or FFIV? Consider portfolio approach.
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