Lam Research Corporation (LRCX) vs Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW)
A side-by-side comparison of Lam Research Corporation and Palo Alto Networks, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 9, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
LRCX
Lam Research Corporation
$315.84TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 9, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
PANW
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.
$335.10TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 9, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — LRCX vs PANW
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yLRCX +3809.7% (+44.3%/yr)PANW +1275.4% (+30.0%/yr)LRCX compounded faster over this window
LRCX PANW
LRCX vs PANW: by the numbers
- •LRCX is the larger company ($394.98B vs $273.11B market cap).
- •LRCX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (55.63 vs 765.86 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •LRCX converts more revenue to profit (31.27% vs 2.67% net margin).
- •PANW grew revenue faster over the past five years (21.95% vs 11.25% CAGR).
- •LRCX pays a dividend (0.32% yield), while PANW has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | LRCX | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 55.63 | 765.86 |
| Forward P/E | 56.26 | N/A |
| P/S ratio | 17.39 | 22.43 |
| P/B ratio | 32.40 | 9.36 |
| EV / EBITDA | 46.59 | 149.09 |
| FCF yield | 1.21% | 1.71% |
Profitability
| Metric | LRCX | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 50.47% | 70.36% |
| Operating margin | 35.29% | 6.05% |
| Net margin | 31.27% | 2.67% |
| ROE | 58.26% | 1.12% |
| ROIC | 40.77% | 1.03% |
Dividends
| Metric | LRCX | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.32% | N/A |
| Payout ratio | 18.06% | N/A |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | LRCX | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 11.25% | 21.95% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 16.30% | N/A |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 12.22% | 25.30% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 42.05% | 34.14% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, LRCX or PANW?
- LRCX has the lower trailing P/E: LRCX trades at 55.63 and PANW at 765.86. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, LRCX or PANW?
- Over the past five years, PANW grew revenue faster — LRCX at a 11.25% CAGR versus PANW at 21.95%.
- Does LRCX or PANW pay a bigger dividend?
- LRCX pays a dividend (0.32% yield), while PANW has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is LRCX or PANW more profitable?
- LRCX runs the higher net margin — LRCX at 31.27% versus PANW at 2.67%.
- How have LRCX and PANW total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, LRCX delivered 44.31% and PANW delivered 29.97% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Lam Research P/E ratioPalo Alto Networks P/E ratioLam Research dividend yieldLam Research ROEPalo Alto Networks ROELam Research operating marginPalo Alto Networks operating marginLam Research revenue growthPalo Alto Networks revenue growthLam Research free cash flowPalo Alto Networks free cash flow
Lam Research & 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 September 9, 2026.