L3Harris Technologies Inc vs Palo Alto Networks Inc — how do they compare? L3Harris Technologies Inc trades at $277.71 (market cap $52.27B), while Palo Alto Networks Inc trades at $341.5 (market cap $284.16B). The key difference: Palo Alto Networks Inc is far larger — about 5.4× L3Harris Technologies Inc's market cap, and L3Harris Technologies Inc pays a 1.78% dividend while Palo Alto Networks Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| LHX | PANW | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $52.27B | $284.16B |
Sector | Industrials | Technology |
52-Week High | $378.48 | $358.68 |
52-Week Low | $263.09 | $141.67 |
Enterprise Value | $63.03B | $283.12B |
Dividend Yield | 1.78% | — |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
LHX trades at $277.71, down 1.52% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamental performance. The company has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $2.72 exceeding the $2.53 expectation. Recent contract wins, including a U.S. Space Force satellite award and U.S. Army communication system orders, highlight ongoing defense sector strength. The stock's valuation includes a P/E of 30.46 and a net income margin of 7.71% for 2025.
The outlook for LHX is positive, supported by a robust $40.7 billion backlog and 75% analyst buy ratings with a $367.50 consensus price target, implying significant upside. Key risks include execution on major contracts, defense budget fluctuations, and competitive pressures. The recent dividend of $1.25 per share underscores financial health, but investors should monitor debt levels and geopolitical factors affecting defense spending.
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) trades at $342.15, down 4.61% today, yet maintains a bullish technical trend with strong analyst support. Recent earnings consistently beat expectations, with Q1 2026 EPS of $0.85 surpassing the $0.793 estimate. The company shows robust revenue growth, reaching $9.22B in 2025, and positive cash flow trends, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 303.18 remain elevated. News highlights focus on AI-driven cybersecurity demand and strategic acquisitions, such as the intent to enhance its observability platform announced on July 21, 2026.
Outlook is positive due to strong market positioning in cybersecurity and AI integration, but high valuations and competitive pressures pose risks. Investment opportunity lies in sustained earnings growth and sector tailwinds, while investors should monitor execution on guidance and margin sustainability.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
L3Harris Technologies was created in 2019 from the merger of L3 Technologies and Harris, two defense contractors that provide products for the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) market. The firm also has smaller operations serving the civil government, particularly the Federal Aviation Administration's communication infrastructure, and produces various avionics for defense and commercial aviation.
Read more on LHX →Palo Alto Networks is a pure-play cybersecurity vendor that sells security appliances, subscriptions, and support into enterprises, government entities, and service providers. The company's product portfolio includes firewall appliances, virtual firewalls, endpoint protection, cloud security, and cybersecurity analytics. The Santa Clara, California, firm was established in 2005 and sells its products worldwide.
Read more on PANW →