Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) vs Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW)

A side-by-side comparison of Cisco Systems, Inc. and Palo Alto Networks, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 9, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCSCO vs PANW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CSCO +365.7% (+16.6%/yr)PANW +1275.4% (+30.0%/yr)PANW compounded faster over this window
05001k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$466$1,375
CSCO PANW

CSCO vs PANW: by the numbers

  • CSCO is the larger company ($431.31B vs $273.11B market cap).
  • CSCO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (32.78 vs 765.86 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CSCO converts more revenue to profit (20.95% vs 2.67% net margin).
  • PANW grew revenue faster over the past five years (21.95% vs 5.09% CAGR).
  • CSCO pays a dividend (1.52% yield), while PANW has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCSCOPANW
P/E ratio32.78765.86
Forward P/E25.53N/A
P/S ratio6.8722.43
P/B ratio8.669.36
EV / EBITDA25.55149.09
FCF yield3.12%1.71%

Profitability

MetricCSCOPANW
Gross margin64.52%70.36%
Operating margin24.27%6.05%
Net margin20.95%2.67%
ROE26.38%1.12%
ROIC12.96%1.03%

Dividends

MetricCSCOPANW
Dividend yield1.52%N/A
Payout ratio49.85%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricCSCOPANW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.09%21.95%
EPS CAGR (5Y)6.03%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)-0.58%25.30%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.44%34.14%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CSCO or PANW?
CSCO has the lower trailing P/E: CSCO trades at 32.78 and PANW at 765.86. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CSCO or PANW?
Over the past five years, PANW grew revenue faster — CSCO at a 5.09% CAGR versus PANW at 21.95%.
Does CSCO or PANW pay a bigger dividend?
CSCO pays a dividend (1.52% yield), while PANW has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is CSCO or PANW more profitable?
CSCO runs the higher net margin — CSCO at 20.95% versus PANW at 2.67%.
How have CSCO and PANW total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CSCO delivered 16.66% and PANW delivered 29.97% 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 September 9, 2026.