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

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 September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCSCO vs PLTR

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 6y
CSCO +229.6% (+22.0%/yr)PLTR +1684.5% (+61.7%/yr)PLTR compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $100202120222023202420252026$330$1,785
CSCO PLTR

CSCO vs PLTR: by the numbers

  • CSCO is the larger company ($441.95B vs $383.97B market cap).
  • CSCO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (33.67 vs 141.72 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • PLTR converts more revenue to profit (49.00% vs 20.95% net margin).
  • PLTR grew revenue faster over the past five years (35.90% vs 5.09% CAGR).
  • CSCO pays a dividend (1.55% yield), while PLTR has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCSCOPLTR
P/E ratio33.67141.72
Forward P/E21.91104.86
P/S ratio6.9862.37
P/B ratio8.7939.28
EV / EBITDA25.93143.52
FCF yield2.93%0.87%

Profitability

MetricCSCOPLTR
Gross margin64.52%84.80%
Operating margin24.27%31.59%
Net margin20.95%49.00%
ROE26.38%30.86%
ROIC12.96%25.60%

Dividends

MetricCSCOPLTR
Dividend yield1.55%N/A
Payout ratio49.85%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricCSCOPLTR
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.09%35.90%
EPS CAGR (5Y)6.03%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)-0.58%122.48%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.38%45.36%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CSCO or PLTR?
CSCO has the lower trailing P/E: CSCO trades at 33.67 and PLTR at 141.72. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CSCO or PLTR?
Over the past five years, PLTR grew revenue faster — CSCO at a 5.09% CAGR versus PLTR at 35.90%.
Does CSCO or PLTR pay a bigger dividend?
CSCO pays a dividend (1.55% yield), while PLTR has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is CSCO or PLTR more profitable?
PLTR runs the higher net margin — CSCO at 20.95% versus PLTR at 49.00%.
How have CSCO and PLTR total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, CSCO delivered 16.38% and PLTR delivered 45.36% 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 11, 2026.