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.
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation
$234.89TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 4, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
SAP
SAP SE
$215.11TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 4, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — IBM vs SAP
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yIBM +135.6% (+8.9%/yr)SAP +185.3% (+11.1%/yr)SAP compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | IBM | SAP |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 20.77 | 27.46 |
| Forward P/E | 19.06 | 30.57 |
| P/S ratio | 3.24 | 5.67 |
| P/B ratio | 6.49 | 4.92 |
| EV / EBITDA | 16.06 | 18.77 |
| FCF yield | 6.10% | 4.00% |
Profitability
| Metric | IBM | SAP |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 58.43% | 72.75% |
| Operating margin | 17.86% | 26.78% |
| Net margin | 15.52% | 20.40% |
| ROE | 31.13% | 17.70% |
| ROIC | 10.12% | 13.02% |
Dividends
| Metric | IBM | SAP |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.87% | 1.35% |
| Payout ratio | 59.33% | 41.45% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | IBM | SAP |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
International Business Machines P/E ratioSAP SE P/E ratioInternational Business Machines dividend yieldSAP SE dividend yieldInternational Business Machines ROESAP SE ROEInternational Business Machines operating marginSAP SE operating marginInternational Business Machines revenue growthSAP SE revenue growthInternational Business Machines free cash flowSAP SE free cash flow
International Business Machines & SAP SE 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 4, 2026.