Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) vs Netflix, Inc. (NFLX)
A side-by-side comparison of Cisco Systems, Inc. and Netflix, 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; NFLX 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
NFLX
Netflix, Inc.
$72.39Communication ServicesDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CSCO vs NFLX
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 24yCSCO +954.9%NFLX +58743.2%NFLX compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
CSCO NFLX
CSCO vs NFLX: by the numbers
- •CSCO is the larger company ($455.55B vs $301.43B market cap).
- •NFLX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.14 vs 38.19 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •NFLX converts more revenue to profit (28.22% vs 19.69% net margin).
- •NFLX grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.89% vs 4.58% CAGR).
- •CSCO pays a dividend (1.45% yield), while NFLX has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CSCO | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 38.19 | 22.14 |
| Forward P/E | 26.80 | 19.58 |
| P/S ratio | 7.52 | 6.20 |
| P/B ratio | 9.35 | 9.95 |
| PEG ratio | 68.42 | 1.34 |
| EV / EBITDA | 28.77 | 11.05 |
| FCF yield | 2.76% | 3.66% |
Profitability
| Metric | CSCO | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 64.33% | 49.12% |
| Operating margin | 23.36% | 29.68% |
| Net margin | 19.69% | 28.22% |
| ROE | 24.47% | 45.27% |
| ROIC | 11.66% | 25.22% |
Dividends
| Metric | CSCO | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.45% | N/A |
| Payout ratio | 64.84% | N/A |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CSCO | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 4.58% | 11.89% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 0.50% | 32.58% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -2.45% | 51.23% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 19.58% | 6.29% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CSCO or NFLX?
- NFLX has the lower trailing P/E: CSCO trades at 38.19 and NFLX at 22.14. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CSCO or NFLX?
- Over the past five years, NFLX grew revenue faster — CSCO at a 4.58% CAGR versus NFLX at 11.89%.
- Does CSCO or NFLX pay a bigger dividend?
- CSCO pays a dividend (1.45% yield), while NFLX has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is CSCO or NFLX more profitable?
- NFLX runs the higher net margin — CSCO at 19.69% versus NFLX at 28.22%.
- How have CSCO and NFLX total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CSCO delivered 17.77% and NFLX delivered 22.57% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Cisco Systems P/E ratioNetflix P/E ratioCisco Systems dividend yieldNetflix dividend yieldCisco Systems ROENetflix ROECisco Systems operating marginNetflix operating marginCisco Systems revenue growthNetflix revenue growthCisco Systems free cash flowNetflix free cash flow
Cisco Systems & Netflix 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 July 28, 2026.