C3.ai, Inc. (AI) vs Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW)

PANW leads on 7 of 9 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of C3.ai, Inc. and Palo Alto Networks, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — AI vs PANW

growth of $100 · last 6y
AI -88.2%PANW +455.2%PANW compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
1101001kStart $100202120222023202420252026$12$555
AI PANW

AI vs PANW: by the numbers

  • PANW is the larger company ($190.56B vs $1.55B market cap).
  • PANW is profitable (7.95% net margin) while AI runs a net loss (-187.95%).
  • PANW grew revenue faster over the past five years (21.62% vs 6.44% CAGR).

Which is better, AI or PANW?

Metric tally: AI 2 · PANW 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthPANW(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityPANW(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricAIPANW
P/E ratio243.15
Forward P/E68.62
P/S ratio6.3719.61
P/B ratio2.447.52
PEG ratio3.50
EV / EBITDA117.46
FCF yield2.06%

Profitability

MetricAIPANW
Gross margin30.92%71.94%
Operating margin-194.86%9.65%
Net margin-187.95%7.95%
ROE-71.95%3.05%
ROIC-68.71%5.67%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAIPANW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.44%21.62%
EPS CAGR (5Y)69.46%
FCF CAGR (5Y)25.30%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-29.02%35.59%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AI or PANW?
It depends on your goal. growth: PANW (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: PANW (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, PANW leads 7 to 2.
Which has grown faster, AI or PANW?
Over the past five years, PANW grew revenue faster — AI at a 6.44% CAGR versus PANW at 21.62%.
Is AI or PANW more profitable?
PANW runs the higher net margin — AI at -187.95% versus PANW at 7.95%.
Which has been the better investment, AI or PANW?
Over the past 5-year, PANW delivered the higher annualized total return — AI at -29.02% versus PANW at 29.01%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 13, 2026.