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

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 September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnANET vs PANW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ANET +3642.4% (+43.7%/yr)PANW +1281.6% (+30.0%/yr)ANET compounded faster over this window
01k2k3k4kStart $10020182020202220242026$3,742$1,382
ANET PANW

ANET vs PANW: by the numbers

  • PANW is the larger company ($269.48B vs $251.32B market cap).
  • ANET trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (62.96 vs 751.48 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ANET converts more revenue to profit (38.37% vs 2.67% net margin).
  • ANET grew revenue faster over the past five years (32.02% vs 21.95% CAGR).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricANETPANW
P/E ratio62.96751.48
Forward P/E48.60N/A
P/S ratio23.8423.47
P/B ratio16.989.80
EV / EBITDA53.41N/A
FCF yield2.05%N/A

Profitability

MetricANETPANW
Gross margin63.00%70.36%
Operating margin43.14%6.05%
Net margin38.37%2.67%
ROE27.33%1.12%
ROIC21.80%1.03%

Growth (annualized)

MetricANETPANW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)32.02%21.95%
EPS CAGR (5Y)39.94%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)41.77%25.30%
Total return CAGR (5Y)53.85%34.01%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ANET or PANW?
ANET has the lower trailing P/E: ANET trades at 62.96 and PANW at 751.48. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ANET or PANW?
Over the past five years, ANET grew revenue faster — ANET at a 32.02% CAGR versus PANW at 21.95%.
Is ANET or PANW more profitable?
ANET runs the higher net margin — ANET at 38.37% versus PANW at 2.67%.
How have ANET and PANW total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ANET delivered 43.82% and PANW delivered 30.25% annualized total return. 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 September 10, 2026.