Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH) vs Zscaler (ZS)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH) has outperformed Zscaler (ZS) over the past year, losing 12.3% versus a loss of 30.9%. Over five years, CTSH leads with a -23.9% price change compared with -25.9% for ZS. Zscaler is the larger company by market cap ($38.11 billion vs $26.67 billion), about 1.4 times the size.
On valuation, Cognizant Technology Solutions trades at a lower forward P/E (9.3x vs 41.7x for Zscaler). Cognizant Technology Solutions pays a dividend yielding 2.20%, while Zscaler does not currently pay one. Cognizant Technology Solutions converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 10.6% versus -1.9%.
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 | ZS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $59.20 | $233.73 |
| Market cap | $26.67B | $38.11B |
| 1-day change | -1.35% | +7.80% |
| YTD return | -27.70% | -3.61% |
| 1-year return | -12.27% | -30.93% |
| 5-year return | -23.87% | -25.93% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 12.73 | — |
| Forward P/E | 9.34 | 41.72 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.65 | $-0.39 |
| Dividend yield | 2.20% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $1.30 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $21.11B | $3.35B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +6.95% | +25.42% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $2.23B | $-63.18M |
| Gross margin | 33.72% | 76.80% |
| Operating margin | 16.06% | -3.98% |
| Net margin | 10.56% | -1.88% |
| 52-week high | $87.03 | $336.99 |
| 52-week low | $37.08 | $114.63 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -31.98% | -30.64% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +11.32% | -3.16% |
| Average volume | 7.64M | 2.83M |
| Shares outstanding | 450.44M | 163.05M |
| Employees | 356,700 | 8,700 |
| 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
- CTSH has outperformed ZS by 18.7 percentage points over the past year.
- Cognizant Technology Solutions offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.20% vs 0.00%).
- Cognizant Technology Solutions is more profitable, keeping 10.6 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -1.9 cents for Zscaler.
- Zscaler grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+25.42% 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 Zscaler
ZS stock →Zscaler, Inc. operates as a cloud security company worldwide.
Technology · EDP Services · 8,700 employees
CTSH vs ZS FAQ
Which is bigger, Cognizant Technology Solutions or Zscaler?
Zscaler (ZS) is larger, with a market capitalization of $38.11B compared with $26.67B for Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CTSH or ZS?
CTSH returned -12.27% over the past 12 months, compared with -30.93% for ZS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, Cognizant Technology Solutions or Zscaler?
Cognizant Technology Solutions pays a dividend yielding 2.20%, while Zscaler does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Cognizant Technology Solutions and Zscaler in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the EDP Services industry within the Technology sector.