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 July 30, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnIBM vs PANW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 14y
IBM +115.7%PANW +3449.7%PANW compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $1002015201820212024$216$3,550
IBM PANW

IBM vs PANW: by the numbers

  • PANW is the larger company ($261.11B vs $208.82B market cap).
  • IBM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.04 vs 273.17 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • IBM converts more revenue to profit (15.52% vs 7.95% net margin).
  • PANW grew revenue faster over the past five years (21.62% vs 1.13% CAGR).
  • IBM pays a dividend (2.97% yield), while PANW has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricIBMPANW
P/E ratio20.04273.17
Forward P/E18.3683.25
P/S ratio3.1222.04
P/B ratio6.268.45
PEG ratio0.353.93
EV / EBITDA16.91122.54
FCF yield6.76%1.84%

Profitability

MetricIBMPANW
Gross margin58.43%71.94%
Operating margin17.86%9.65%
Net margin15.52%7.95%
ROE31.13%3.05%
ROIC10.37%5.67%

Dividends

MetricIBMPANW
Dividend yield2.97%N/A
Payout ratio59.24%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricIBMPANW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)1.13%21.62%
EPS CAGR (5Y)12.59%69.46%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-5.01%25.30%
Total return CAGR (5Y)15.24%36.42%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, IBM or PANW?
IBM has the lower trailing P/E: IBM trades at 20.04 and PANW at 273.17. 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 21.62%.
Does IBM or PANW pay a bigger dividend?
IBM pays a dividend (2.97% 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 7.95%.
How have IBM and PANW total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, IBM delivered 8.41% and PANW delivered 30.58% 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 July 30, 2026.