KLA Corporation (KLAC) vs Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW)
KLAC leads on 9 of 15 compared metrics.
A side-by-side comparison of KLA Corporation and Palo Alto Networks, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 9, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
Total return — KLAC vs PANW
growth of $100 · last 14yKLAC +4386.4%PANW +3522.5%KLAC compounded faster
KLAC PANW
KLAC vs PANW: by the numbers
- •KLAC is the larger company ($299.82B vs $230.56B market cap).
- •KLAC trades at the lower earnings multiple (62.64 vs 278.77 P/E).
- •KLAC converts more revenue to profit (35.66% vs 7.95% net margin).
- •PANW grew revenue faster over the past five years (21.62% vs 15.21% CAGR).
- •KLAC pays a dividend (0.42% yield) while PANW does not currently pay one.
Which is better, KLAC or PANW?
Metric tally: KLAC 9 · PANW 6It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueKLAC(lower P/E)
GrowthPANW(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityKLAC(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | KLAC | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 62.64● | 278.77 |
| Forward P/E | 59.66● | 84.97 |
| P/S ratio | 22.25 | 22.49 |
| P/B ratio | 49.98 | 8.62● |
| PEG ratio | 0.59● | 4.01 |
| EV / EBITDA | 50.56● | 125.05 |
| FCF yield | 1.38% | 1.80%● |
Profitability
| Metric | KLAC | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 61.45% | 71.94%● |
| Operating margin | 41.68%● | 9.65% |
| Net margin | 35.66%● | 7.95% |
| ROE | 80.11%● | 3.05% |
| ROIC | 36.46%● | 5.67% |
Dividends
| Metric | KLAC | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.42% | — |
| Payout ratio | 30.13% | — |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | KLAC | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 15.21% | 21.62%● |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 31.52% | 69.46%● |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 15.49% | 25.30%● |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 50.32%● | 37.85% |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, KLAC or PANW?
- It depends on your goal. value: KLAC (lower P/E); growth: PANW (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: KLAC (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, KLAC leads 9 to 6.
- Is KLAC or PANW cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, KLAC is cheaper: KLAC trades at a 62.64 P/E and PANW at 278.77.
- Which has grown faster, KLAC or PANW?
- Over the past five years, PANW grew revenue faster — KLAC at a 15.21% CAGR versus PANW at 21.62%.
- Does KLAC or PANW pay a bigger dividend?
- KLAC pays a dividend (0.42% yield) while PANW does not currently pay one.
- Is KLAC or PANW more profitable?
- KLAC runs the higher net margin — KLAC at 35.66% versus PANW at 7.95%.
- Which has been the better investment, KLAC or PANW?
- Over the past 10-year, KLAC delivered the higher annualized total return — KLAC at 42.82% versus PANW at 31.34%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
KLA P/E ratioPalo Alto Networks P/E ratioKLA dividend yieldPalo Alto Networks dividend yieldKLA ROEPalo Alto Networks ROEKLA operating marginPalo Alto Networks operating marginKLA revenue growthPalo Alto Networks revenue growthKLA free cash flowPalo Alto Networks free cash flow
KLA & 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 July 9, 2026.