MetaCap

Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH) vs Workday (WDAY)

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 Workday (WDAY) over the past year, losing 12.3% versus a loss of 21.0%. Over five years, CTSH leads with a -23.9% price change compared with -32.0% for WDAY. Workday is the larger company by market cap ($45.26 billion vs $27.03 billion), about 1.7 times the size.

On valuation, Cognizant Technology Solutions trades at a lower forward P/E (9.5x vs 14.2x for Workday). Cognizant Technology Solutions pays a dividend yielding 2.17%, while Workday does not currently pay one. Cognizant Technology Solutions converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 10.6% versus 7.3%.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

CTSH-16.00%WDAY-20.98%
+32%-12%-56%
Oct 7, 20251 yearOct 7, 2026
CTSH-20.51%WDAY-28.00%
+25%-17%-60%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

CTSH versus WDAY key metrics
MetricCTSHWDAY
Share price$60.01$187.81
Market cap$27.03B$45.26B
1-day change+5.15%+1.93%
YTD return-27.70%-14.21%
1-year return-12.27%-20.98%
5-year return-23.87%-32.00%
P/E ratio (TTM)12.9138.25
Forward P/E9.4714.19
EPS (TTM)$4.65$4.91
Dividend yield2.17%0.00%
Annual dividend$1.30$0.00
Revenue (latest FY)$21.11B$9.55B
Revenue growth (YoY)+6.95%+13.09%
Net income (latest FY)$2.23B$693.00M
Gross margin33.72%—
Operating margin16.06%7.55%
Net margin10.56%7.26%
52-week high$87.03$247.40
52-week low$37.08$110.36
Distance from 52-week high-31.05%-24.09%
Analyst consensusbuybuy
Avg. price target upside+9.82%+10.89%
Average volume7.70M3.89M
Shares outstanding450.44M196.00M
Employees356,70020,896
SectorTechnologyTechnology
IndustryEDP ServicesEDP 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

  • Workday trades at a higher earnings multiple (38.3x vs 12.9x trailing P/E).
  • Cognizant Technology Solutions offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.17% vs 0.00%).
  • Workday grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+13.09% 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 Workday

WDAY stock →

Workday, Inc. provides enterprise cloud applications in the United States and internationally.

Technology · EDP Services · 20,896 employees

CTSH vs WDAY FAQ

Which is bigger, Cognizant Technology Solutions or Workday?

Workday (WDAY) is larger, with a market capitalization of $45.26B compared with $27.03B for Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, CTSH or WDAY?

CTSH returned -12.27% over the past 12 months, compared with -20.98% for WDAY (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, CTSH or WDAY?

CTSH has the lower trailing P/E at 12.9, versus 38.3 for WDAY. 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 Workday?

Cognizant Technology Solutions pays a dividend yielding 2.17%, while Workday does not currently pay a regular dividend.

Are Cognizant Technology Solutions and Workday in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the EDP Services industry within the Technology sector.

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