Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW) vs QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)

A side-by-side comparison of Palo Alto Networks, Inc. and QUALCOMM Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnPANW vs QCOM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
PANW +1263.2% (+29.9%/yr)QCOM +266.0% (+13.9%/yr)PANW compounded faster over this window
05001k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,363$366
PANW QCOM

PANW vs QCOM: by the numbers

  • PANW is the larger company ($269.48B vs $191.07B market cap).
  • QCOM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.77 vs 751.48 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • QCOM converts more revenue to profit (21.01% vs 2.67% net margin).
  • PANW grew revenue faster over the past five years (21.95% vs 6.23% CAGR).
  • QCOM pays a dividend (2.05% yield), while PANW has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricPANWQCOM
P/E ratio751.4820.77
Forward P/EN/A17.26
P/S ratio23.474.34
P/B ratio9.806.91
EV / EBITDAN/A17.11
FCF yieldN/A5.45%

Profitability

MetricPANWQCOM
Gross margin70.36%54.23%
Operating margin6.05%23.19%
Net margin2.67%21.01%
ROE1.12%33.48%
ROIC1.03%17.42%

Dividends

MetricPANWQCOM
Dividend yieldN/A2.05%
Payout ratioN/A41.32%

Growth (annualized)

MetricPANWQCOM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)21.95%6.23%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A2.02%
FCF CAGR (5Y)25.30%2.09%
Total return CAGR (5Y)34.01%6.80%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, PANW or QCOM?
QCOM has the lower trailing P/E: PANW trades at 751.48 and QCOM at 20.77. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, PANW or QCOM?
Over the past five years, PANW grew revenue faster — PANW at a 21.95% CAGR versus QCOM at 6.23%.
Does PANW or QCOM pay a bigger dividend?
QCOM pays a dividend (2.05% yield), while PANW has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is PANW or QCOM more profitable?
QCOM runs the higher net margin — PANW at 2.67% versus QCOM at 21.01%.
How have PANW and QCOM total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, PANW delivered 30.25% and QCOM delivered 14.33% 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 11, 2026.