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 July 26, 2026. . Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCSCO vs PANW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 14y
CSCO +941.8%PANW +3558.6%PANW compounded faster
01k2k3k4kStart $1002015201820212024$1,042$3,659
CSCO PANW

CSCO vs PANW: by the numbers

  • CSCO is the larger company ($449.99B vs $263.89B market cap).
  • CSCO trades at the lower earnings multiple (38.06 vs 281.56 P/E).
  • CSCO converts more revenue to profit (19.69% vs 7.95% net margin).
  • PANW grew revenue faster over the past five years (21.62% vs 4.58% CAGR).
  • CSCO pays a dividend (1.45% yield), while PANW has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCSCOPANW
P/E ratio38.06281.56
Forward P/E26.7085.81
P/S ratio7.4922.71
P/B ratio9.328.71
PEG ratio68.424.05
EV / EBITDA28.67126.30
FCF yield2.77%1.78%

Profitability

MetricCSCOPANW
Gross margin64.33%71.94%
Operating margin23.36%9.65%
Net margin19.69%7.95%
ROE24.47%3.05%
ROIC11.66%5.67%

Dividends

MetricCSCOPANW
Dividend yield1.45%N/A
Payout ratio64.84%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricCSCOPANW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.58%21.62%
EPS CAGR (5Y)0.50%69.46%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-2.45%25.30%
Total return CAGR (5Y)18.91%37.04%

Frequently asked

Is CSCO or PANW cheaper?
On trailing earnings, CSCO is cheaper: CSCO trades at a 38.06 P/E and PANW at 281.56.
Which has grown faster, CSCO or PANW?
Over the past five years, PANW grew revenue faster — CSCO at a 4.58% CAGR versus PANW at 21.62%.
Does CSCO or PANW pay a bigger dividend?
CSCO pays a dividend (1.45% 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 19.69% versus PANW at 7.95%.
How have CSCO and PANW total returns compared?
Over the past 10-year, CSCO delivered 17.46% and PANW delivered 31.09% 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 July 26, 2026.