International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) vs SAP SE (SAP)

A side-by-side comparison of International Business Machines Corporation and SAP SE across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 4, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnIBM vs SAP

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
IBM +135.6% (+8.9%/yr)SAP +185.3% (+11.1%/yr)SAP compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$236$285
IBM SAP

IBM vs SAP: by the numbers

  • SAP is the larger company ($250.65B vs $221.30B market cap).
  • IBM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.77 vs 27.46 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • SAP converts more revenue to profit (20.40% vs 15.52% net margin).
  • SAP grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.60% vs 1.13% CAGR).
  • IBM pays the higher dividend yield (2.87% vs 1.35%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricIBMSAP
P/E ratio20.7727.46
Forward P/E19.0630.57
P/S ratio3.245.67
P/B ratio6.494.92
EV / EBITDA16.0618.77
FCF yield6.10%4.00%

Profitability

MetricIBMSAP
Gross margin58.43%72.75%
Operating margin17.86%26.78%
Net margin15.52%20.40%
ROE31.13%17.70%
ROIC10.12%13.02%

Dividends

MetricIBMSAP
Dividend yield2.87%1.35%
Payout ratio59.33%41.45%

Growth (annualized)

MetricIBMSAP
Revenue CAGR (5Y)1.13%6.60%
EPS CAGR (5Y)12.59%5.95%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-1.28%5.34%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.36%9.48%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, IBM or SAP?
IBM has the lower trailing P/E: IBM trades at 20.77 and SAP at 27.46. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, IBM or SAP?
Over the past five years, SAP grew revenue faster — IBM at a 1.13% CAGR versus SAP at 6.60%.
Does IBM or SAP pay a bigger dividend?
IBM yields 2.87% and SAP yields 1.35% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is IBM or SAP more profitable?
SAP runs the higher net margin — IBM at 15.52% versus SAP at 20.40%.
How have IBM and SAP total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, IBM delivered 8.86% and SAP delivered 10.94% 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 4, 2026.