Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) vs Target Corporation (TGT)
A side-by-side comparison of Cisco Systems, Inc. and Target Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: CSCO is classified in Technology; TGT is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
CSCO
Cisco Systems, Inc.
$115.58TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
TGT
Target Corporation
$144.18Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CSCO vs TGT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yCSCO +3103.2%TGT +3345.1%TGT compounded faster
CSCO TGT
CSCO vs TGT: by the numbers
- •CSCO is the larger company ($455.55B vs $65.49B market cap).
- •TGT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (18.54 vs 38.19 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •CSCO converts more revenue to profit (19.69% vs 3.24% net margin).
- •CSCO grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.58% vs -0.29% CAGR).
- •TGT pays the higher dividend yield (3.25% vs 1.45%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CSCO | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 38.19 | 18.54 |
| Forward P/E | 26.80 | 19.22 |
| P/S ratio | 7.52 | 0.60 |
| P/B ratio | 9.35 | 3.90 |
| PEG ratio | 68.42 | N/A |
| EV / EBITDA | 28.77 | 9.98 |
| FCF yield | 2.76% | 4.89% |
Profitability
| Metric | CSCO | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 64.33% | 28.14% |
| Operating margin | 23.36% | 4.49% |
| Net margin | 19.69% | 3.24% |
| ROE | 24.47% | 21.04% |
| ROIC | 11.66% | 9.76% |
Dividends
| Metric | CSCO | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.45% | 3.25% |
| Payout ratio | 64.84% | 55.88% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CSCO | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 4.58% | -0.29% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 0.50% | -1.34% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -2.45% | -17.01% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 19.58% | -8.75% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CSCO or TGT?
- TGT has the lower trailing P/E: CSCO trades at 38.19 and TGT at 18.54. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CSCO or TGT?
- Over the past five years, CSCO grew revenue faster — CSCO at a 4.58% CAGR versus TGT at -0.29%.
- Does CSCO or TGT pay a bigger dividend?
- CSCO yields 1.45% and TGT yields 3.25% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CSCO or TGT more profitable?
- CSCO runs the higher net margin — CSCO at 19.69% versus TGT at 3.24%.
- How have CSCO and TGT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CSCO delivered 17.77% and TGT delivered 9.69% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Cisco Systems P/E ratioTarget P/E ratioCisco Systems dividend yieldTarget dividend yieldCisco Systems ROETarget ROECisco Systems operating marginTarget operating marginCisco Systems revenue growthTarget revenue growthCisco Systems free cash flowTarget free cash flow
Cisco Systems & Target 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 28, 2026.