Palo Alto Networks Inc vs Paycom Software Inc — how do they compare? Palo Alto Networks Inc trades at $335.36 (market cap $278.85B), while Paycom Software Inc trades at $139 (market cap $6.72B). The key difference: Palo Alto Networks Inc is far larger — about 41.5× Paycom Software Inc's market cap, and Paycom Software Inc pays a 1.04% dividend while Palo Alto Networks Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| PANW | PAYC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $278.85B | $6.72B |
Sector | Technology | Technology |
52-Week High | $358.68 | $238.80 |
52-Week Low | $141.67 | $113.59 |
Enterprise Value | $277.81B | $7.33B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.04% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
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.
Paycom Software (PAYC) trades at $144.22, down 2.51% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong fundamentals including 22.44% net margin and 37.15% ROE. Recent earnings beat expectations in Q1 2026, and the company launched a new Asset Management tool. Cash flow from operations grew to $679M in 2025, though net cash flow declined from 2024's peak.
Outlook remains positive with analyst consensus near current price ($144.60 target) and 47% buy ratings. Risks include high P/B of 8.6 and reliance on HR software demand. The stock offers value with a reasonable P/E of 17.33 but faces execution risks in maintaining growth against competition.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Paycom is a fast-growing provider of payroll and human capital management, or HCM, software primarily targeting clients with 50-10,000 employees in the United States. Paycom was established in 1998 and services about 18,000 clients as of 2021, based on parent company grouping. Alongside its core payroll software, Paycom offers various HCM add-on modules, including time and attendance, talent management, and benefits administration.
Read more on PAYC →