ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW) vs Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW)

A side-by-side comparison of ServiceNow, Inc. and Palo Alto Networks, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 14, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnNOW vs PANW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
NOW +739.9% (+23.7%/yr)PANW +1652.2% (+33.2%/yr)PANW compounded faster over this window
05001k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$840$1,752
NOW PANW

NOW vs PANW: by the numbers

  • PANW is the larger company ($313.18B vs $128.20B market cap).
  • NOW trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (79.53 vs 344.35 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • NOW converts more revenue to profit (11.34% vs 7.95% net margin).
  • NOW grew revenue faster over the past five years (23.29% vs 21.62% CAGR).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricNOWPANW
P/E ratio79.53344.35
Forward P/E31.25104.95
P/S ratio8.9627.78
P/B ratio10.5410.65
EV / EBITDA50.13154.50
FCF yield3.47%1.46%

Profitability

MetricNOWPANW
Gross margin74.77%71.94%
Operating margin11.40%9.65%
Net margin11.34%7.95%
ROE13.34%3.05%
ROIC8.98%5.67%

Growth (annualized)

MetricNOWPANW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)23.29%21.62%
EPS CAGR (5Y)69.74%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)24.63%25.30%
Total return CAGR (5Y)1.60%44.75%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, NOW or PANW?
NOW has the lower trailing P/E: NOW trades at 79.53 and PANW at 344.35. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, NOW or PANW?
Over the past five years, NOW grew revenue faster — NOW at a 23.29% CAGR versus PANW at 21.62%.
Is NOW or PANW more profitable?
NOW runs the higher net margin — NOW at 11.34% versus PANW at 7.95%.
How have NOW and PANW total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, NOW delivered 23.71% and PANW delivered 34.00% 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 August 14, 2026.