Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) vs Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL)

A side-by-side comparison of Cisco Systems, Inc. and Dell Technologies Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 23, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCSCO vs DELL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CSCO +389.5% (+17.2%/yr)DELL +3871.2% (+44.5%/yr)DELL compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $10020182020202220242026$490$3,971
CSCO DELL

CSCO vs DELL: by the numbers

  • CSCO is the larger company ($437.66B vs $293.59B market cap).
  • CSCO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (33.35 vs 35.11 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CSCO converts more revenue to profit (20.95% vs 6.28% net margin).
  • DELL grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.14% vs 5.09% CAGR).
  • CSCO pays the higher dividend yield (1.49% vs 0.52%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCSCODELL
P/E ratio33.3535.11
Forward P/E25.9644.34
P/S ratio6.992.16
P/B ratio8.80N/A
EV / EBITDA25.9722.45
FCF yield3.07%3.26%

Profitability

MetricCSCODELL
Gross margin64.52%19.07%
Operating margin24.27%8.02%
Net margin20.95%6.28%
ROE26.38%-240.32%
ROIC12.96%18.63%

Dividends

MetricCSCODELL
Dividend yield1.49%0.52%
Payout ratio49.40%25.78%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCSCODELL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.09%7.14%
EPS CAGR (5Y)6.03%15.44%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-0.58%3.29%
Total return CAGR (5Y)17.01%57.66%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CSCO or DELL?
CSCO has the lower trailing P/E: CSCO trades at 33.35 and DELL at 35.11. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CSCO or DELL?
Over the past five years, DELL grew revenue faster — CSCO at a 5.09% CAGR versus DELL at 7.14%.
Does CSCO or DELL pay a bigger dividend?
CSCO yields 1.49% and DELL yields 0.52% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CSCO or DELL more profitable?
CSCO runs the higher net margin — CSCO at 20.95% versus DELL at 6.28%.
How have CSCO and DELL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CSCO delivered 17.21% and DELL delivered 44.53% 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 23, 2026.