MSFT vs PANW
Microsoft (MSFT) and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) compared side by side. Microsoft (MSFT) is larger, with a market cap of $3.9T versus $311.3B for Palo Alto Networks, about 12.5 times the size. On trailing earnings, MSFT is cheaper at 29.2x versus 951.4x for PANW.
Head to head
| Metric | MSFT | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $3.9T | $311.3B |
| P/E (TTM) | 29.2x | 951.4x |
| Forward P/E | 22.1x | 78.0x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $331.8B | $11.5B |
| Revenue growth | 17.7% | 34.5% |
| Gross margin | 67.9% | 70.4% |
| Operating margin | 45.1% | 5.4% |
| Free cash flow | $67.0B | $4.1B |
| Dividend yield | 0.75% | None |
| 1-year return | +1.6% | +77.0% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +12.1% | +35.3% |
| Max drawdown | -69% | -48% |
| FI Handbook grade | B- | C |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
MSFT vs PANW FAQ
Which is bigger, MSFT or PANW?
Microsoft (MSFT) is larger, with a market cap of $3.9T versus $311.3B for Palo Alto Networks, about 12.5 times the size.
Is MSFT or PANW cheaper?
On trailing earnings, MSFT is cheaper at 29.2x versus 951.4x for PANW. A lower P/E can reflect slower expected growth, so compare growth and margins too.
Which stock performed better over the past year, MSFT or PANW?
PANW returned +77.0% over the past year including dividends, versus +1.6% for MSFT, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSFT or PANW?
MSFT yields 0.75%; PANW does not pay a dividend.
Full pages: Microsoft · Palo Alto Networks