Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO)
A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and Cisco Systems, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
AAPL
Apple Inc.
$340.08TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
CSCO
Cisco Systems, Inc.
$115.58TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AAPL vs CSCO
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yAAPL +202236.7%CSCO +3103.2%AAPL compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
AAPL CSCO
AAPL vs CSCO: by the numbers
- •AAPL is the larger company ($4.99T vs $455.55B market cap).
- •CSCO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (38.19 vs 40.74 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •AAPL converts more revenue to profit (27.15% vs 19.69% net margin).
- •AAPL grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.76% vs 4.58% CAGR).
- •CSCO pays the higher dividend yield (1.45% vs 0.31%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAPL | CSCO |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 40.74 | 38.19 |
| Forward P/E | 38.46 | 26.80 |
| P/S ratio | 11.02 | 7.52 |
| P/B ratio | 46.72 | 9.35 |
| PEG ratio | 1.51 | 68.42 |
| EV / EBITDA | 31.40 | 28.77 |
| FCF yield | 2.60% | 2.76% |
Profitability
| Metric | AAPL | CSCO |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 47.86% | 64.33% |
| Operating margin | 32.64% | 23.36% |
| Net margin | 27.15% | 19.69% |
| ROE | 115.10% | 24.47% |
| ROIC | 51.97% | 11.66% |
Dividends
| Metric | AAPL | CSCO |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.31% | 1.45% |
| Payout ratio | 14.02% | 64.84% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAPL | CSCO |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.76% | 4.58% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.73% | 0.50% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.38% | -2.45% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 18.69% | 19.58% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or CSCO?
- CSCO has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 40.74 and CSCO at 38.19. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AAPL or CSCO?
- Over the past five years, AAPL grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.76% CAGR versus CSCO at 4.58%.
- Does AAPL or CSCO pay a bigger dividend?
- AAPL yields 0.31% and CSCO yields 1.45% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AAPL or CSCO more profitable?
- AAPL runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.15% versus CSCO at 19.69%.
- How have AAPL and CSCO total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.55% and CSCO delivered 17.77% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Apple P/E ratioCisco Systems P/E ratioApple dividend yieldCisco Systems dividend yieldApple ROECisco Systems ROEApple operating marginCisco Systems operating marginApple revenue growthCisco Systems revenue growthApple free cash flowCisco Systems free cash flow
Apple & Cisco Systems appear in these rankings
Highest ROE StocksHighest ROIC StocksHighest Operating Margin StocksHighest 10-Year Total Return Stocks
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Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 28, 2026.