Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL) vs Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW)

DELL leads on 8 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Dell Technologies Inc. and Palo Alto Networks, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 27, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — DELL vs PANW

growth of $100 · last 10y
DELL +3209.8%PANW +1241.3%DELL compounded faster
01k2k3k4kStart $10020182020202220242026$3,310$1,341
DELL PANW

DELL vs PANW: by the numbers

  • DELL is the larger company ($265.36B vs $207.32B market cap).
  • DELL trades at the lower earnings multiple (31.73 vs 264.52 P/E).
  • PANW converts more revenue to profit (7.95% vs 6.28% net margin).
  • PANW grew revenue faster over the past five years (21.62% vs 7.14% CAGR).
  • DELL pays a dividend (0.63% yield) while PANW does not currently pay one.

Which is better, DELL or PANW?

Metric tally: DELL 8 · PANW 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueDELL(lower P/E)
GrowthPANW(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityDELL(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricDELLPANW
P/E ratio31.73264.52
Forward P/E21.6874.45
P/S ratio1.9621.34
P/B ratio8.18
PEG ratio0.343.81
EV / EBITDA21.49118.65
FCF yield3.60%1.90%

Profitability

MetricDELLPANW
Gross margin19.16%71.94%
Operating margin7.98%9.65%
Net margin6.28%7.95%
ROE-240.32%3.05%
ROIC15.00%5.67%

Dividends

MetricDELLPANW
Dividend yield0.63%
Payout ratio28.13%

Growth (annualized)

MetricDELLPANW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.14%21.62%
EPS CAGR (5Y)15.44%69.46%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-5.14%25.30%
Total return CAGR (5Y)54.14%37.17%

Frequently asked

Which is better, DELL or PANW?
It depends on your goal. value: DELL (lower P/E); growth: PANW (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: DELL (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, DELL leads 8 to 7.
Is DELL or PANW cheaper?
On trailing earnings, DELL is cheaper: DELL trades at a 31.73 P/E and PANW at 264.52.
Which has grown faster, DELL or PANW?
Over the past five years, PANW grew revenue faster — DELL at a 7.14% CAGR versus PANW at 21.62%.
Does DELL or PANW pay a bigger dividend?
DELL pays a dividend (0.63% yield) while PANW does not currently pay one.
Is DELL or PANW more profitable?
PANW runs the higher net margin — DELL at 6.28% versus PANW at 7.95%.
Which has been the better investment, DELL or PANW?
Over the past 5-year, DELL delivered the higher annualized total return — DELL at 54.14% versus PANW at 31.07%. 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 27, 2026.