Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) vs Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL)
A side-by-side comparison of Cisco Systems, Inc. and Alphabet 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.
Different business models: CSCO is classified in Technology; GOOGL is classified in Communication Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
CSCO
Cisco Systems, Inc.
$115.58TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
GOOGL
Alphabet Inc.
$333.71Communication ServicesDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CSCO vs GOOGL
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 22yCSCO +754.8%GOOGL +13026.4%GOOGL compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
CSCO GOOGL
CSCO vs GOOGL: by the numbers
- •GOOGL is the larger company ($4.04T vs $455.55B market cap).
- •GOOGL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.40 vs 38.19 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •GOOGL converts more revenue to profit (54.76% vs 19.69% net margin).
- •GOOGL grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.15% vs 4.58% CAGR).
- •CSCO pays the higher dividend yield (1.45% vs 0.26%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CSCO | GOOGL |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 38.19 | 16.40 |
| Forward P/E | 26.80 | 16.71 |
| P/S ratio | 7.52 | 9.01 |
| P/B ratio | 9.35 | 6.28 |
| PEG ratio | 68.42 | 0.84 |
| EV / EBITDA | 28.77 | 23.57 |
| FCF yield | 2.76% | 1.05% |
Profitability
| Metric | CSCO | GOOGL |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 64.33% | 60.90% |
| Operating margin | 23.36% | 33.12% |
| Net margin | 19.69% | 54.76% |
| ROE | 24.47% | 38.13% |
| ROIC | 11.66% | 21.82% |
Dividends
| Metric | CSCO | GOOGL |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.45% | 0.26% |
| Payout ratio | 64.84% | 7.79% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CSCO | GOOGL |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 4.58% | 15.15% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 0.50% | 29.81% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -2.45% | 11.33% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 19.58% | 20.10% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CSCO or GOOGL?
- GOOGL has the lower trailing P/E: CSCO trades at 38.19 and GOOGL at 16.40. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CSCO or GOOGL?
- Over the past five years, GOOGL grew revenue faster — CSCO at a 4.58% CAGR versus GOOGL at 15.15%.
- Does CSCO or GOOGL pay a bigger dividend?
- CSCO yields 1.45% and GOOGL yields 0.26% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CSCO or GOOGL more profitable?
- GOOGL runs the higher net margin — CSCO at 19.69% versus GOOGL at 54.76%.
- How have CSCO and GOOGL total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CSCO delivered 17.77% and GOOGL delivered 24.08% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Cisco Systems P/E ratioAlphabet P/E ratioCisco Systems dividend yieldAlphabet dividend yieldCisco Systems ROEAlphabet ROECisco Systems operating marginAlphabet operating marginCisco Systems revenue growthAlphabet revenue growthCisco Systems free cash flowAlphabet free cash flow
Cisco Systems & Alphabet appear in these rankings
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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.