Celestica Inc. (CLS) vs Powell Industries, Inc. (POWL)

A side-by-side comparison of Celestica Inc. and Powell Industries, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: CLS is classified in Technology; POWL is classified in Industrials. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnCLS vs POWL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CLS +2914.0% (+40.6%/yr)POWL +2673.0% (+39.4%/yr)CLS compounded faster over this window
01k2k3k4k5kStart $10020182020202220242026$3,014$2,773
CLS POWL

CLS vs POWL: by the numbers

  • CLS is the larger company ($39.85B vs $6.65B market cap).
  • POWL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (34.98 vs 35.99 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • POWL converts more revenue to profit (16.49% vs 7.16% net margin).
  • CLS grew revenue faster over the past five years (22.80% vs 20.49% CAGR).
  • POWL pays a dividend (0.20% yield), while CLS has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCLSPOWL
P/E ratio35.9934.98
Forward P/E30.3833.89
P/S ratio2.555.74
P/B ratio16.078.79
EV / EBITDA27.7525.48
FCF yield1.30%3.67%

Profitability

MetricCLSPOWL
Gross margin11.59%30.08%
Operating margin8.13%19.67%
Net margin7.16%16.49%
ROE45.07%25.24%
ROIC29.75%22.63%

Dividends

MetricCLSPOWL
Dividend yieldN/A0.20%
Payout ratioN/A6.87%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCLSPOWL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)22.80%20.49%
EPS CAGR (5Y)73.33%59.98%
FCF CAGR (5Y)29.00%38.80%
Total return CAGR (5Y)106.10%92.30%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CLS or POWL?
POWL has the lower trailing P/E: CLS trades at 35.99 and POWL at 34.98. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CLS or POWL?
Over the past five years, CLS grew revenue faster — CLS at a 22.80% CAGR versus POWL at 20.49%.
Does CLS or POWL pay a bigger dividend?
POWL pays a dividend (0.20% yield), while CLS has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is CLS or POWL more profitable?
POWL runs the higher net margin — CLS at 7.16% versus POWL at 16.49%.
How have CLS and POWL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CLS delivered 40.78% and POWL delivered 39.56% 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 11, 2026.