Microsoft Corporation vs Palo Alto Networks, Inc. — Stock Comparison

Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) and Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW) are both listed on US exchanges. This page compares their Q·Score ratings, key fundamentals (P/E, margins, growth), and Wall Street analyst consensus side by side. Data sourced from Yahoo Finance and updated on each page load.

Q·Score Winner
Microsoft Corporation
MSFT8.6/10vs 6.3/10

Microsoft Corporation clearly outscores Palo Alto Networks, Inc. on Q·Score (8.6 vs 6.3 out of 10), led by Quality (9 vs 3.6) and Valuation (8.6 vs 5.4). Analyst consensus targets imply greater upside for MSFT (+43.7%) than for PANW (+11.0%).

Price Performance

Normalised to 100 at period start — shows relative performance.

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MSFTPANW

Q·Score Breakdown

8.6
Very Bullish
Overall
6.3
Neutral
9
Quality
3.6
8.5
Health
7.9
8
Growth
7.8
8.6
Valuation
5.4
9
Sentiment
8.1
MSFT

High-quality business with 34% return on equity and 39% profit margins.

PANW

80% of 55 covering analysts have a positive rating.

low return on equity (5%).

Analyst Consensus

Bullish
+43.7%
Target $561.39
55 analysts
Bullish
+11.0%
Target $310.32
50 analysts

Fundamentals

MSFT
PANW
23.3×
Trailing P/E
243.1×
20.2×
Forward P/E
67.9×
39.34%
Profit Margin
7.95%
68.31%
Gross Margin
71.96%
34.01%
ROE
4.83%
18.30%
Revenue Growth
31.10%
23.40%
Earnings Growth
1.10
Beta
0.94
0.93%
Dividend Yield
$2.90T
Market Cap
$227.9B
52-Week Range
MSFT
$35617% of range$555
PANW
$14086% of range$303

Frequently Asked Questions

MSFT vs PANW: which stock scores better overall?

Based on Q·Score, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) scores 8.6/10 versus Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW) at 6.3/10. The Q·Score measures five dimensions: Quality, Health, Growth, Valuation, and Sentiment. For informational purposes only — not financial advice.

Which has better revenue growth: MSFT or PANW?

Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) scores higher on Growth (8/10 vs 7.8/10). Microsoft Corporation reports revenue growth (18.3% YoY) while Palo Alto Networks, Inc. reports (31.1% YoY). Growth scores reflect revenue and earnings momentum relative to sector peers.

Is MSFT or PANW more attractively valued?

Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) scores higher on Valuation (8.6/10 vs 5.4/10). MSFT trades at 20.2× P/E versus PANW at 67.9×. Valuation is assessed using P/E ratio, analyst price targets, and 52-week range positioning relative to sector peers.

What do analysts say about MSFT vs PANW?

There are 55 analysts covering MSFT with a consensus price target of $561.39, and 50 analysts covering PANW with a consensus target of $310.32. Analyst consensus ratings are aggregated from Wall Street research and do not constitute investment advice.

Which is more profitable: MSFT or PANW?

Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) scores higher on Quality (9/10 vs 3.6/10). Net profit margin: MSFT at 39.3%, PANW at 7.9%. Quality scores reflect profit margins, return on equity, and free cash flow generation.

Which has stronger financial health: MSFT or PANW?

Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) scores higher on Financial Health (8.5/10 vs 7.9/10). Market beta: MSFT at 1.10, PANW at 0.94. Health scores consider beta, debt-to-equity, and current ratio. All investments carry risk — this is not investment advice.

What are the market caps of MSFT and PANW?

Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) has a market capitalisation of $2.90T, while Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW) has a market cap of $227.9B. Market cap data is sourced from Yahoo Finance and reflects the most recent available figures.

Do MSFT or PANW pay dividends?

MSFT pays a dividend yield of 0.93%, while PANW does not currently pay a dividend. Dividend yields fluctuate with share price and company payout decisions.

Q·Score is an educational tool and is not financial advice. Data provided by Yahoo Finance. Updated on each page load. How it's calculated →

Data provided by Yahoo Finance ·  Updated on each page load ·  For informational purposes only · Not financial advice · Quantify.biz © 2026