Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET) vs Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW)

ANET leads on 12 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Arista Networks, 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 — ANET vs PANW

growth of $100 · last 12y
ANET +4645.3%PANW +2050.9%ANET compounded faster
01k2k3k4k5kStart $100201620182020202220242026$4,745$2,151
ANET PANW

ANET vs PANW: by the numbers

  • ANET is the larger company ($205.55B vs $190.56B market cap).
  • ANET trades at the lower earnings multiple (55.90 vs 243.15 P/E).
  • ANET converts more revenue to profit (38.32% vs 7.95% net margin).
  • ANET grew revenue faster over the past five years (31.58% vs 21.62% CAGR).

Which is better, ANET or PANW?

Metric tally: ANET 12 · PANW 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueANET(lower P/E)
GrowthANET(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityANET(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricANETPANW
P/E ratio55.90243.15
Forward P/E44.9868.62
P/S ratio21.4119.61
P/B ratio15.427.52
PEG ratio2.053.50
EV / EBITDA44.36117.46
FCF yield2.54%2.06%

Profitability

MetricANETPANW
Gross margin63.54%71.94%
Operating margin42.79%9.65%
Net margin38.32%7.95%
ROE27.59%3.05%
ROIC22.64%5.67%

Growth (annualized)

MetricANETPANW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)31.58%21.62%
EPS CAGR (5Y)39.94%69.46%
FCF CAGR (5Y)46.68%25.30%
Total return CAGR (5Y)48.29%35.59%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ANET or PANW?
It depends on your goal. value: ANET (lower P/E); growth: ANET (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: ANET (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ANET leads 12 to 4.
Is ANET or PANW cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ANET is cheaper: ANET trades at a 55.90 P/E and PANW at 243.15.
Which has grown faster, ANET or PANW?
Over the past five years, ANET grew revenue faster — ANET at a 31.58% CAGR versus PANW at 21.62%.
Is ANET or PANW more profitable?
ANET runs the higher net margin — ANET at 38.32% versus PANW at 7.95%.
Which has been the better investment, ANET or PANW?
Over the past 10-year, ANET delivered the higher annualized total return — ANET at 42.96% 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.