Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) vs Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR)

PLTR leads on 9 of 15 compared metrics, though CSCO is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Cisco Systems, Inc. and Palantir Technologies Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 14, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — CSCO vs PLTR

growth of $100 · last 6y
CSCO +210.0%PLTR +1247.3%PLTR compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100202120222023202420252026$310$1,347
CSCO PLTR

CSCO vs PLTR: by the numbers

  • CSCO is the larger company ($477.31B vs $293.87B market cap).
  • CSCO trades at the lower earnings multiple (40.37 vs 142.21 P/E).
  • PLTR converts more revenue to profit (43.67% vs 19.69% net margin).
  • PLTR grew revenue faster over the past five years (34.11% vs 4.58% CAGR).
  • CSCO pays a dividend (1.36% yield) while PLTR does not currently pay one.

Which is better, CSCO or PLTR?

Metric tally: CSCO 6 · PLTR 9

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueCSCO(lower P/E)
GrowthPLTR(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityPLTR(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricCSCOPLTR
P/E ratio40.37142.21
Forward P/E28.3361.52
P/S ratio7.9562.99
P/B ratio9.8838.94
PEG ratio68.411.13
EV / EBITDA29.07139.60
FCF yield2.61%0.82%

Profitability

MetricCSCOPLTR
Gross margin64.33%84.07%
Operating margin23.36%38.13%
Net margin19.69%43.67%
ROE24.47%27.00%
ROIC11.66%17.95%

Dividends

MetricCSCOPLTR
Dividend yield1.36%
Payout ratio64.45%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCSCOPLTR
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.58%34.11%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-0.69%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-2.45%94.15%
Total return CAGR (5Y)20.60%38.98%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CSCO or PLTR?
It depends on your goal. value: CSCO (lower P/E); growth: PLTR (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: PLTR (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, PLTR leads 9 to 6.
Is CSCO or PLTR cheaper?
On trailing earnings, CSCO is cheaper: CSCO trades at a 40.37 P/E and PLTR at 142.21.
Which has grown faster, CSCO or PLTR?
Over the past five years, PLTR grew revenue faster — CSCO at a 4.58% CAGR versus PLTR at 34.11%.
Does CSCO or PLTR pay a bigger dividend?
CSCO pays a dividend (1.36% yield) while PLTR does not currently pay one.
Is CSCO or PLTR more profitable?
PLTR runs the higher net margin — CSCO at 19.69% versus PLTR at 43.67%.
Which has been the better investment, CSCO or PLTR?
Over the past 5-year, PLTR delivered the higher annualized total return — CSCO at 18.88% versus PLTR at 38.98%. 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 June 14, 2026.