Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) vs Lam Research Corporation (LRCX)
A side-by-side comparison of Cisco Systems, Inc. and Lam Research Corporation 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.
CSCO
Cisco Systems, Inc.
$112.13TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
LRCX
Lam Research Corporation
$298.22TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CSCO vs LRCX
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCSCO +359.4% (+16.5%/yr)LRCX +3551.9% (+43.3%/yr)LRCX compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
CSCO LRCX
CSCO vs LRCX: by the numbers
- •CSCO is the larger company ($441.95B vs $372.94B market cap).
- •CSCO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (33.67 vs 51.77 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •LRCX converts more revenue to profit (31.27% vs 20.95% net margin).
- •LRCX grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.25% vs 5.09% CAGR).
- •CSCO pays the higher dividend yield (1.55% vs 0.35%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CSCO | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 33.67 | 51.77 |
| Forward P/E | 21.91 | 31.43 |
| P/S ratio | 6.98 | 16.05 |
| P/B ratio | 8.79 | 29.91 |
| EV / EBITDA | 25.93 | 42.99 |
| FCF yield | 2.93% | 1.21% |
Profitability
| Metric | CSCO | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 64.52% | 50.47% |
| Operating margin | 24.27% | 35.29% |
| Net margin | 20.95% | 31.27% |
| ROE | 26.38% | 58.26% |
| ROIC | 12.96% | 40.77% |
Dividends
| Metric | CSCO | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.55% | 0.35% |
| Payout ratio | 49.85% | 18.06% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CSCO | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 5.09% | 11.25% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 6.03% | 16.30% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -0.58% | 12.22% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 16.38% | 39.31% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CSCO or LRCX?
- CSCO has the lower trailing P/E: CSCO trades at 33.67 and LRCX at 51.77. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CSCO or LRCX?
- Over the past five years, LRCX grew revenue faster — CSCO at a 5.09% CAGR versus LRCX at 11.25%.
- Does CSCO or LRCX pay a bigger dividend?
- CSCO yields 1.55% and LRCX yields 0.35% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CSCO or LRCX more profitable?
- LRCX runs the higher net margin — CSCO at 20.95% versus LRCX at 31.27%.
- How have CSCO and LRCX total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CSCO delivered 16.70% and LRCX delivered 43.62% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Cisco Systems P/E ratioLam Research P/E ratioCisco Systems dividend yieldLam Research dividend yieldCisco Systems ROELam Research ROECisco Systems operating marginLam Research operating marginCisco Systems revenue growthLam Research revenue growthCisco Systems free cash flowLam Research free cash flow
Cisco Systems & Lam Research appear in these rankings
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.