Quick verdict: CLS vs NOK in 2026

In the head-to-head comparison of CLS vs NOK stock in 2026, Nokia (NOK) shows an overall edge across key financial metrics, winning on 7 out of 11 comparable data points in our scorecard. However, Celestica (CLS) stands out as the clear growth leader with significantly higher revenue expansion and a stronger net profit margin. For investors prioritizing potential upside based on analyst sentiment, CLS currently holds the advantage, but for a more favorable valuation and dividend yield, NOK presents a compelling case. Not investment advice.

CLS vs NOK: key metrics side by side

Full side-by-side comparison of CLS and NOK across valuation, profitability, growth and analyst sentiment. Data updated 2026-05-07.

CLS vs NOK valuation comparison

When conducting a `cls vs nok valuation` assessment, a nuanced picture emerges for 2026. Celestica (CLS) currently trades at a P/E ratio of 49.55x, which is somewhat lower than Nokia’s (NOK) P/E of 58.44x, suggesting CLS might be slightly less expensive based on current earnings. However, the Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio tells a different story entirely, with NOK boasting a significantly more attractive P/B of 2.84x compared to CLS’s remarkably high 23.22x. This vast difference in P/B indicates that Nokia’s market capitalization is more closely aligned with its tangible assets, potentially offering a stronger margin of safety for value investors.

Further scrutinizing the `cls vs nok fundamentals and valuation`, the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model provides crucial insights into intrinsic value. CLS registers a DCF upside of -108.5%, implying a substantial overvaluation by this metric. While Nokia (NOK) also shows a negative DCF upside at -44.7%, it represents a much less severe overvaluation compared to Celestica. This suggests that NOK’s current share price is considerably less stretched from an intrinsic value perspective. Therefore, despite CLS having a lower P/E, for investors prioritizing asset-backed valuation and a less pessimistic DCF outlook, NOK presents itself as the more conservatively valued stock in this `cls vs nok stock comparison 2026`.

CLS vs NOK growth comparison

In terms of pure growth metrics, Celestica (CLS) clearly demonstrates superior momentum in this `cls vs nok growth potential comparison`. CLS has reported an impressive year-over-year revenue growth of 30.7%, indicating a robust expansion phase and a strong ability to capture market opportunities. This significant top-line acceleration highlights Celestica’s dynamism within its market segments. In stark contrast, Nokia (NOK) has shown a more modest revenue growth of 3.5% over the same period. While positive, NOK’s growth rate pales in comparison to CLS’s rapid expansion, making CLS the undeniable leader for investors focused on revenue growth.

Beyond top-line expansion, an examination of margins provides further detail for the `cls vs nok earnings growth comparison`. While CLS boasts a healthier net margin of 6.95% compared to NOK’s 5.15%, Nokia edges out Celestica on the EBITDA margin front, achieving 10.36% against CLS’s 9.56%. Furthermore, according to the provided scorecard data, NOK also demonstrates a considerably higher gross margin of 44.23% compared to CLS’s 11.61%. Despite Nokia’s stronger performance in gross and EBITDA margins, Celestica’s exceptionally high revenue growth rate unequivocally positions it as the stronger contender for investors seeking companies with aggressive growth trajectories and powerful momentum in this `cls vs nok stock comparison 2026`.

CLS vs NOK profitability

A detailed `cls vs nok profitability comparison` reveals interesting differences between these two technology giants. Celestica (CLS) exhibits a superior net margin of 6.95%, demonstrating greater efficiency in converting its revenue into profit for shareholders after all operational expenses, interest, and taxes are accounted for. This compares favorably to Nokia’s (NOK) net margin of 5.15%. While both companies report “N/A%” for Return on Equity (ROE), which limits a direct comparison on shareholder return efficiency, the net margin provides a clear indicator of bottom-line performance.

However, when examining other profitability metrics, Nokia (NOK) shows strengths in different areas. The scorecard highlights NOK’s significantly higher gross margin of 44.23% versus CLS’s 11.61%, indicating better control over its cost of goods sold. Additionally, NOK slightly outperforms on EBITDA margin at 10.36% compared to CLS’s 9.56%. Furthermore, Nokia’s Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield stands at 2.28%, which is considerably higher than Celestica’s 1.04%. A higher FCF yield suggests that NOK generates more cash relative to its market cap, offering greater financial flexibility for reinvestment, debt reduction, or shareholder returns. This comprehensive view is essential for a thorough `cls vs nok dividend and margins analysis`.

Analyst ratings: CLS vs NOK

Analyst sentiment offers a forward-looking perspective, crucial for any `cls vs nok stock comparison 2026`. Celestica (CLS) is covered by 27 analysts, and an impressive 63.0% of them recommend a “Buy” rating, contributing to a strong overall “Buy” consensus. More significantly, the consensus price target for CLS is $459, which represents a potential upside of +10.9% from its current price of $413.87. This positive outlook from a majority of analysts underscores confidence in CLS’s future performance and potential for capital appreciation, positioning it favorably in the `cls vs nok analyst ratings and recommendations`.

In contrast, Nokia (NOK) is covered by a larger pool of 52 analysts, with a healthy 61.5% also issuing a “Buy” rating, resulting in a “Buy” consensus, similar to CLS. However, the `cls vs nok target price comparison 2026` reveals a key difference: NOK’s consensus price target is $11.52, which, unfortunately, implies a downside of -12.7% from its current price of $13.19. This suggests that while analysts generally view Nokia positively, they may perceive the stock as currently overvalued at its market price, limiting immediate upside potential. Therefore, for investors weighing `cls vs nok top analysts opinions`, Celestica appears to be the more favored stock in terms of projected price appreciation.

Should I buy CLS or NOK stock in 2026?

For investors deliberating `should i buy cls or nok stock in 2026` with a focus on growth, Celestica (CLS) presents a compelling argument. Its remarkable 30.7% year-over-year revenue growth far outpaces Nokia’s (NOK) 3.5%, signaling strong market demand and expansion capabilities. CLS also boasts a superior net margin of 6.95%, indicating efficient profit generation. If your strategy prioritizes aggressive top-line expansion and analyst-backed potential for stock appreciation (+10.9% target upside), then CLS emerges as the leading choice for growth-oriented portfolios.

Conversely, if your investment philosophy leans towards value and financial stability, then Nokia (NOK) might be the better investment in this `cls vs nok fundamentals and valuation` review. While its P/E ratio is higher than CLS, NOK’s Price-to-Book ratio of 2.84x is significantly lower than CLS’s 23.22x, suggesting a more attractive valuation relative to its tangible assets. Furthermore, NOK’s DCF upside of -44.7% implies less severe overvaluation compared to CLS’s -108.5%, and it offers a stronger Free Cash Flow yield of 2.28%. These metrics highlight NOK as a potentially more stable and fundamentally sound choice for value investors concerned about `cls vs nok risk vs reward analysis`.

When considering `which is better investment cls or nok` for income, Nokia (NOK) offers a marginal dividend yield of 0.01%, whereas Celestica (CLS) currently provides no dividend (0%). This makes NOK the only option for income-focused investors, albeit with a minimal yield. Ultimately, the decision for `should i buy cls or nok stock 2026` hinges on your individual investment objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon. CLS offers strong growth and analyst-projected upside, while NOK provides a more favorable valuation on several key metrics and a modest dividend. This is not investment advice; always conduct your own comprehensive research before making any investment decisions.

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FAQ: CLS vs NOK