International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) vs Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW)

A side-by-side comparison of International Business Machines Corporation and Palo Alto Networks, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnIBM vs PANW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
IBM +132.5% (+8.8%/yr)PANW +1269.3% (+29.9%/yr)PANW compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $10020182020202220242026$233$1,369
IBM PANW

IBM vs PANW: by the numbers

  • PANW is the larger company ($269.48B vs $229.21B market cap).
  • IBM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (21.53 vs 751.48 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • IBM converts more revenue to profit (15.52% vs 2.67% net margin).
  • PANW grew revenue faster over the past five years (21.95% vs 1.13% CAGR).
  • IBM pays a dividend (2.77% yield), while PANW has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricIBMPANW
P/E ratio21.53751.48
Forward P/E19.76N/A
P/S ratio3.3223.47
P/B ratio6.659.80
EV / EBITDA16.38N/A
FCF yield5.95%N/A

Profitability

MetricIBMPANW
Gross margin58.43%70.36%
Operating margin17.86%6.05%
Net margin15.52%2.67%
ROE31.13%1.12%
ROIC10.12%1.03%

Dividends

MetricIBMPANW
Dividend yield2.77%N/A
Payout ratio59.65%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricIBMPANW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)1.13%21.95%
EPS CAGR (5Y)12.59%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)-1.28%25.30%
Total return CAGR (5Y)17.62%34.01%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, IBM or PANW?
IBM has the lower trailing P/E: IBM trades at 21.53 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, IBM or PANW?
Over the past five years, PANW grew revenue faster — IBM at a 1.13% CAGR versus PANW at 21.95%.
Does IBM or PANW pay a bigger dividend?
IBM pays a dividend (2.77% yield), while PANW has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is IBM or PANW more profitable?
IBM runs the higher net margin — IBM at 15.52% versus PANW at 2.67%.
How have IBM and PANW total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, IBM delivered 9.51% 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 13, 2026.