Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) vs Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO)

A side-by-side comparison of Applied Materials, Inc. and Cisco Systems, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAMAT vs CSCO

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AMAT +1567.0% (+32.5%/yr)CSCO +359.4% (+16.5%/yr)AMAT compounded faster over this window
05001k2k2k3kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,667$459
AMAT CSCO

AMAT vs CSCO: by the numbers

  • CSCO is the larger company ($441.95B vs $362.43B market cap).
  • CSCO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (33.67 vs 39.35 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AMAT converts more revenue to profit (30.05% vs 20.95% net margin).
  • AMAT grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.81% vs 5.09% CAGR).
  • CSCO pays the higher dividend yield (1.55% vs 0.54%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAMATCSCO
P/E ratio39.3533.67
Forward P/E35.6221.91
P/S ratio11.756.98
P/B ratio14.148.79
EV / EBITDA36.5325.93
FCF yield1.55%2.93%

Profitability

MetricAMATCSCO
Gross margin49.40%64.52%
Operating margin30.50%24.27%
Net margin30.05%20.95%
ROE36.16%26.38%
ROIC23.58%12.96%

Dividends

MetricAMATCSCO
Dividend yield0.54%1.55%
Payout ratio21.03%49.85%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAMATCSCO
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.81%5.09%
EPS CAGR (5Y)17.13%6.03%
FCF CAGR (5Y)5.66%-0.58%
Total return CAGR (5Y)28.17%16.38%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AMAT or CSCO?
CSCO has the lower trailing P/E: AMAT trades at 39.35 and CSCO at 33.67. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AMAT or CSCO?
Over the past five years, AMAT grew revenue faster — AMAT at a 8.81% CAGR versus CSCO at 5.09%.
Does AMAT or CSCO pay a bigger dividend?
AMAT yields 0.54% and CSCO yields 1.55% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AMAT or CSCO more profitable?
AMAT runs the higher net margin — AMAT at 30.05% versus CSCO at 20.95%.
How have AMAT and CSCO total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AMAT delivered 33.13% and CSCO delivered 16.70% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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 September 10, 2026.