Is Microsoft a Better Buy Than Palo Alto Networks?
Palo Alto Networks fell -18% during the past Month. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer Microsoft gives you more. Microsoft (MSFT) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Palo Alto Networks (PANW) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in MSFT
- MSFT’s quarterly revenue growth was 16.7%, vs. PANW’s 15.7%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 16.7%, ahead of PANW’s 15.3%.
- MSFT leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 46.7% and 3-year average of 45.3%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how PANW’s fundamentals stack up against those of MSFT on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| PANW | MSFT | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 81.0 | 20.8 | MSFT |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 15.7% | 16.7% | MSFT |
| Last 12 Months | 15.3% | 16.7% | MSFT |
| Last 3 Year Average | 18.1% | 14.4% | PANW |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 13.2% | 46.7% | MSFT |
| Last 3 Year Average | 10.2% | 45.3% | MSFT |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 78.4% | 58.1% | PANW |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: PANW Revenue Comparison | MSFT Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: PANW Operating Income Comparison | MSFT Operating Income Comparison
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See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell MSFT Stock and Buy or Sell PANW Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| PANW Return | 57% | -25% | 111% | 23% | 1% | -17% | 157% | <=== | |
| MSFT Return | 52% | -28% | 58% | 13% | 16% | -17% | 87% | ||
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 1% | 83% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| PANW Win Rate | 83% | 42% | 58% | 58% | 67% | 0% | 51% | ||
| MSFT Win Rate | 75% | 25% | 67% | 58% | 42% | 0% | 44% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 50% | 62% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| PANW Max Drawdown | -11% | -26% | -4% | -11% | -16% | -17% | -14% | ||
| MSFT Max Drawdown | -5% | -36% | -7% | -2% | -16% | -19% | -14% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -1% | -7% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 2/19/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read PANW Dip Buyer Analyses to see how the stock has fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about PANW or MSFT? Consider portfolio approach.
Why HNI Portfolios Choose Multi-Asset Over Stock Picking
In an environment of fear and greed, individual picks expose you to unnecessary risk. A comprehensive wealth approach positions you effectively to manage risk and capitalize on global trends.
Are you positioned to outperform over the next 1-3 years? We analyzed if adding allocations like 10% commodities and 10% gold to a standard stock-bond portfolio boosts returns. The results are clear: real assets matter. Our wealth management partner builds these robust portfolios to capture growth, while leveraging the Trefis High Quality Portfolio, which has returned > 105% since inception.