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.

Compare

Total returnCRM vs PANW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CRM +248.1% (+13.3%/yr)PANW +1301.4% (+30.2%/yr)PANW compounded faster over this window
05001k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$348$1,401
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

MetricCRMPANW
P/E ratio23.44746.55
Forward P/E21.82N/A
P/S ratio4.8023.38
P/B ratio5.509.76
EV / EBITDA18.35180.10
FCF yield7.18%1.76%

Profitability

MetricCRMPANW
Gross margin77.28%70.36%
Operating margin21.39%6.03%
Net margin21.99%2.67%
ROE25.18%1.12%
ROIC8.78%1.03%

Dividends

MetricCRMPANW
Dividend yield0.67%N/A
Payout ratio21.81%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricCRMPANW
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.

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.