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.
CSCO
Cisco Systems, Inc.
$109.43TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 9, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
PANW
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.
$335.10TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 9, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CSCO vs PANW
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCSCO +365.7% (+16.6%/yr)PANW +1275.4% (+30.0%/yr)PANW compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | CSCO | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 32.78 | 765.86 |
| Forward P/E | 25.53 | N/A |
| P/S ratio | 6.87 | 22.43 |
| P/B ratio | 8.66 | 9.36 |
| EV / EBITDA | 25.55 | 149.09 |
| FCF yield | 3.12% | 1.71% |
Profitability
| Metric | CSCO | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 64.52% | 70.36% |
| Operating margin | 24.27% | 6.05% |
| Net margin | 20.95% | 2.67% |
| ROE | 26.38% | 1.12% |
| ROIC | 12.96% | 1.03% |
Dividends
| Metric | CSCO | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.52% | N/A |
| Payout ratio | 49.85% | N/A |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CSCO | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Cisco Systems P/E ratioPalo Alto Networks P/E ratioCisco Systems 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 September 9, 2026.