Salesforce, Inc. (CRM) vs Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW)
A side-by-side comparison of Salesforce, Inc. and Palo Alto Networks, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 3, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CRM
Salesforce, Inc.
$264.43TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 3, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
PANW
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.
$331.94TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 3, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CRM vs PANW
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCRM +248.1% (+13.3%/yr)PANW +1301.4% (+30.2%/yr)PANW compounded faster over this window
CRM PANW
CRM vs PANW: by the numbers
- •PANW is the larger company ($270.53B vs $216.57B market cap).
- •CRM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (23.44 vs 746.55 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •CRM converts more revenue to profit (21.99% vs 2.67% net margin).
- •PANW grew revenue faster over the past five years (21.95% vs 13.30% CAGR).
- •CRM pays a dividend (0.67% yield), while PANW has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CRM | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 23.44 | 746.55 |
| Forward P/E | 21.82 | N/A |
| P/S ratio | 4.80 | 23.38 |
| P/B ratio | 5.50 | 9.76 |
| EV / EBITDA | 18.35 | 180.10 |
| FCF yield | 7.18% | 1.76% |
Profitability
| Metric | CRM | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 77.28% | 70.36% |
| Operating margin | 21.39% | 6.03% |
| Net margin | 21.99% | 2.67% |
| ROE | 25.18% | 1.12% |
| ROIC | 8.78% | 1.03% |
Dividends
| Metric | CRM | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.67% | N/A |
| Payout ratio | 21.81% | N/A |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CRM | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 13.30% | 21.95% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 11.87% | N/A |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 22.61% | 25.30% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -0.21% | 33.63% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CRM or PANW?
- CRM has the lower trailing P/E: CRM trades at 23.44 and PANW at 746.55. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CRM or PANW?
- Over the past five years, PANW grew revenue faster — CRM at a 13.30% CAGR versus PANW at 21.95%.
- Does CRM or PANW pay a bigger dividend?
- CRM pays a dividend (0.67% yield), while PANW has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is CRM or PANW more profitable?
- CRM runs the higher net margin — CRM at 21.99% versus PANW at 2.67%.
- How have CRM and PANW total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CRM delivered 13.29% and PANW delivered 29.80% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Salesforce P/E ratioPalo Alto Networks P/E ratioSalesforce dividend yieldSalesforce ROEPalo Alto Networks ROESalesforce operating marginPalo Alto Networks operating marginSalesforce revenue growthPalo Alto Networks revenue growthSalesforce free cash flowPalo Alto Networks free cash flow
Salesforce & Palo Alto Networks appear in these rankings
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 3, 2026.