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 July 28, 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 28y
CLS +3522.3%POWL +12716.5%POWL compounded faster
05k10k15kStart $10020032008201320182023$3,622$12,817
CLS POWL

CLS vs POWL: by the numbers

  • CLS is the larger company ($40.26B vs $7.32B market cap).
  • CLS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (33.05 vs 42.85 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • POWL converts more revenue to profit (16.51% vs 7.16% net margin).
  • CLS grew revenue faster over the past five years (22.80% vs 19.84% CAGR).
  • POWL pays a dividend (0.16% yield), while CLS has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCLSPOWL
P/E ratio33.0542.85
Forward P/E31.4739.49
P/S ratio2.377.08
P/B ratio14.9111.30
PEG ratio0.391.03
EV / EBITDA26.5832.24
FCF yield1.41%2.40%

Profitability

MetricCLSPOWL
Gross margin11.59%30.10%
Operating margin8.13%19.76%
Net margin7.16%16.51%
ROE45.07%26.36%
ROIC27.74%25.41%

Dividends

MetricCLSPOWL
Dividend yieldN/A0.16%
Payout ratioN/A7.18%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCLSPOWL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)22.80%19.84%
EPS CAGR (5Y)73.33%59.98%
FCF CAGR (5Y)29.00%34.56%
Total return CAGR (5Y)105.32%95.11%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CLS or POWL?
CLS has the lower trailing P/E: CLS trades at 33.05 and POWL at 42.85. 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 19.84%.
Does CLS or POWL pay a bigger dividend?
POWL pays a dividend (0.16% 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 16.51%.
How have CLS and POWL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CLS delivered 40.11% and POWL delivered 43.04% 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 July 28, 2026.