CDW Corporation (CDW) vs Gen Digital Inc. (GEN)

A side-by-side comparison of CDW Corporation and Gen Digital Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCDW vs GEN

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CDW +241.2% (+13.1%/yr)GEN +58.5% (+4.7%/yr)CDW compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$341$158
CDW GEN

CDW vs GEN: by the numbers

  • CDW is the larger company ($18.15B vs $17.70B market cap).
  • CDW trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.43 vs 16.65 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • GEN converts more revenue to profit (20.73% vs 4.60% net margin).
  • GEN grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.11% vs 3.60% CAGR).
  • CDW pays the higher dividend yield (1.84% vs 1.75%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCDWGEN
P/E ratio16.4316.65
Forward P/E12.6011.23
P/S ratio0.743.40
P/B ratio7.136.50
EV / EBITDA11.839.45
FCF yield6.37%8.96%

Profitability

MetricCDWGEN
Gross margin21.36%75.86%
Operating margin7.15%42.09%
Net margin4.60%20.73%
ROE44.24%39.65%
ROIC12.13%10.61%

Dividends

MetricCDWGEN
Dividend yield1.84%1.75%
Payout ratio30.93%31.45%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCDWGEN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.60%14.11%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.01%11.08%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-1.21%14.44%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-5.91%4.02%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CDW or GEN?
CDW has the lower trailing P/E: CDW trades at 16.43 and GEN at 16.65. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CDW or GEN?
Over the past five years, GEN grew revenue faster — CDW at a 3.60% CAGR versus GEN at 14.11%.
Does CDW or GEN pay a bigger dividend?
CDW yields 1.84% and GEN yields 1.75% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CDW or GEN more profitable?
GEN runs the higher net margin — CDW at 4.60% versus GEN at 20.73%.
How have CDW and GEN total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CDW delivered 13.06% and GEN delivered 4.33% 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 August 13, 2026.