Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH) vs Toast (TOST)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH) has outperformed Toast (TOST) over the past year, losing 16.0% versus a loss of 17.8%. Over five years, CTSH leads with a -27.6% price change compared with -45.7% for TOST. Cognizant Technology Solutions is the larger company by market cap ($25.44 billion vs $17.51 billion), about 1.5 times the size, while Toast is growing revenue faster (+24.1% vs +7.0%).
On valuation, Cognizant Technology Solutions trades at a lower forward P/E (8.9x vs 17.5x for Toast). Cognizant Technology Solutions pays a dividend yielding 2.30%, while Toast does not currently pay one. Cognizant Technology Solutions converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 10.6% versus 5.6%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CTSH | TOST |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $56.48 | $30.29 |
| Market cap | $25.44B | $17.51B |
| 1-day change | -1.03% | -0.85% |
| YTD return | -31.24% | -13.97% |
| 1-year return | -16.00% | -17.81% |
| 5-year return | -27.60% | -45.65% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 12.15 | 38.34 |
| Forward P/E | 8.91 | 17.46 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.65 | $0.79 |
| Dividend yield | 2.30% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $1.30 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $21.11B | $6.15B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +6.95% | +24.05% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $2.23B | $342.00M |
| Gross margin | 33.72% | 25.89% |
| Operating margin | 16.06% | 4.75% |
| Net margin | 10.56% | 5.56% |
| 52-week high | $87.03 | $39.73 |
| 52-week low | $37.08 | $22.26 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -35.10% | -23.75% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.68% | +28.49% |
| Average volume | 7.70M | 9.18M |
| Shares outstanding | 450.44M | 514.00M |
| Employees | 356,700 | 6,500 |
| Sector | Technology | Technology |
| Industry | EDP Services | EDP Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Toast trades at a higher earnings multiple (38.3x vs 12.1x trailing P/E).
- Cognizant Technology Solutions offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.30% vs 0.00%).
- Cognizant Technology Solutions is more profitable, keeping 10.6 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 5.6 cents for Toast.
- Toast grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+24.05% vs +6.95%).
About Cognizant Technology Solutions
CTSH stock →Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation, a professional services company, provides consulting and technology, and outsourcing services in North America, Europe, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Financial Services; Health Sciences; Products and Resources; and Communications, Media and Technology.
Technology · EDP Services · 356,700 employees
About Toast
TOST stock →Toast, Inc. operates a cloud-based digital technology platform for the restaurant industry in the United States, Ireland, India, and internationally.
Technology · EDP Services · 6,500 employees
CTSH vs TOST FAQ
Which is bigger, Cognizant Technology Solutions or Toast?
Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH) is larger, with a market capitalization of $25.44B compared with $17.51B for Toast (TOST).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CTSH or TOST?
CTSH returned -16.00% over the past 12 months, compared with -17.81% for TOST (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CTSH or TOST?
CTSH has the lower trailing P/E at 12.1, versus 38.3 for TOST. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Cognizant Technology Solutions or Toast?
Cognizant Technology Solutions pays a dividend yielding 2.30%, while Toast does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Cognizant Technology Solutions and Toast in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the EDP Services industry within the Technology sector.