Cisco vs Dell (CSCO vs DELL)

Cisco (CSCO) vs Dell (DELL) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Cisco (CSCO) and Dell (DELL) compete in hardware and devices. Here are Cisco and Dell side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Cisco or Dell.

Cisco vs Dell: the figures

Cisco and Dell figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Cisco or Dell figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Cisco and Dell

1. Growth: Dell grew sales +57.7% year on year in its latest quarter, against +17.6% for Cisco.
2. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Cisco keeps 21.0 as net profit and Dell keeps 7.5.
3. Valuation: Cisco trades at 31.1x its annual earnings and Dell at 21.6x; the market pays more for each dollar of Cisco profit, usually because it expects more growth.

Cisco or Dell: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Dell is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): Cisco pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Cisco has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Dell trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Cisco nor Dell wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How Cisco and Dell make money

Cisco (CSCO)

Cisco sells networking hardware and software to businesses, telecom carriers and governments. Networking, including switches, routers and Wi-Fi, is its largest product category, followed by Security, Collaboration with Webex, and Observability, featuring Splunk and ThousandEyes, plus support services. It reports the Americas, its largest region, EMEA and Asia Pacific. Full Cisco analysis.

Dell (DELL)

Dell Technologies reports two main segments. Infrastructure Solutions Group sells servers, including AI servers, plus storage and networking, while Client Solutions Group sells laptops, desktops and monitors to businesses and consumers. Customers range from large companies and governments to individuals worldwide, with the Americas as its largest region. Full Dell analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Cisco vs Dell

Is Cisco or Dell the better stock?

Choosing between Cisco and Dell depends on what you are looking for. Dell is growing faster right now, and Dell trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Cisco or Dell: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Cisco or Dell?

As of November 4, 2026, Cisco yields 1.63% and Dell yields 0.62%. Also check how much of their profit Cisco and Dell pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Cisco or Dell?

On P/E, Cisco (31.1x) is more expensive than Dell (21.6x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both Cisco and Dell?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Cisco and Dell, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Cisco or Dell.

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More companies like Cisco and Dell: hardware and devices stocks. Educational content about Cisco and Dell, not investment advice.