Cisco Systems vs IBM Which Is Superior?

Cisco Systems and IBM are two of the biggest players in the technology industry, both boasting a strong presence in the market. While Cisco is recognized for its networking solutions and cybersecurity services, IBM is known for its cloud computing and artificial intelligence offerings. When it comes to their stock performance, both companies have experienced fluctuations in recent years, but IBM has historically been considered a safer investment option with consistent dividends. Investors should carefully consider the financial health and growth potential of each company before making a decision.

Cisco Systems or IBM?

When comparing Cisco Systems and IBM, different investors may prioritize various metrics based on their investment strategies and goals. So, ask yourself what type of investor you are. This will guide you in determining which metrics are most important for your investment decision between Cisco Systems and IBM.

Dividend Investors:

Dividend investors look for stable and growing income streams, using dividend metrics to assess potential investments. A company's dividend yield essentially measures the size of its dividend relative to the total market value of the company. Cisco Systems has a dividend yield of 2.71%, while IBM has a dividend yield of 2.89%. Beyond the yield itself, considering the growth and sustainability of these dividends is also crucial. Cisco Systems reports a 5-year dividend growth of 3.90% year and a payout ratio of 68.09%. On the other hand, IBM reports a 5-year dividend growth of 1.32% year and a payout ratio of 95.65%.

Value Investors:

Value investors focus on financial metrics to determine a stock's intrinsic value compared to its market value. The Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio links stock price to a company's earnings per share, with Cisco Systems P/E ratio at 24.90 and IBM's P/E ratio at 33.21. Another crucial valuation metric is the Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio, which compares stock price with book value per share. Cisco Systems P/B ratio is 5.17 while IBM's P/B ratio is 8.69.

Growth Investors:

Growth investors prioritize metrics indicative of a company's expansion potential. Focusing on top-line growth, Cisco Systems has seen a 5-year revenue growth of 0.37%, while IBM's is -0.22%. Return on Equity (ROE) measures how effectively a company uses equity investment to generate earnings, with Cisco Systems's ROE at 20.56% and IBM's ROE at 27.14%.

Retail Investors:

Retail investors often consider stock affordability and company familiarity. For example, day low prices are $58.38 for Cisco Systems and $230.26 for IBM. Over the past year, Cisco Systems's prices ranged from $44.50 to $60.23, with a yearly change of 35.35%. IBM's prices fluctuated between $157.89 and $239.35, with a yearly change of 51.59%. Brand recognition also plays a role, as familiarity with a company can influence investment decisions.