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.
CSCO
Cisco Systems, Inc.
$114.17TechnologyAt close: Jul 24, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
PANW
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.
$323.79TechnologyAt close: Jul 24, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
Total return — CSCO vs PANW
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 14yCSCO +941.8%PANW +3558.6%PANW compounded faster
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
| Metric | CSCO | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 38.06 | 281.56 |
| Forward P/E | 26.70 | 85.81 |
| P/S ratio | 7.49 | 22.71 |
| P/B ratio | 9.32 | 8.71 |
| PEG ratio | 68.42 | 4.05 |
| EV / EBITDA | 28.67 | 126.30 |
| FCF yield | 2.77% | 1.78% |
Profitability
| Metric | CSCO | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 64.33% | 71.94% |
| Operating margin | 23.36% | 9.65% |
| Net margin | 19.69% | 7.95% |
| ROE | 24.47% | 3.05% |
| ROIC | 11.66% | 5.67% |
Dividends
| Metric | CSCO | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.45% | N/A |
| Payout ratio | 64.84% | N/A |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CSCO | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Cisco Systems P/E ratioPalo Alto Networks P/E ratioCisco Systems dividend yieldPalo Alto Networks dividend yieldCisco Systems ROEPalo Alto Networks ROECisco Systems operating marginPalo Alto Networks operating marginCisco Systems revenue growthPalo Alto Networks revenue growthCisco Systems free cash flowPalo Alto Networks free cash flow
Cisco Systems & Palo Alto Networks 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 26, 2026.