Palo Alto Networks Inc vs Paycom Software Inc — how do they compare? Palo Alto Networks Inc trades at $404.31 (market cap $331.76B), while Paycom Software Inc trades at $231.32 (market cap $10.36B). The key difference: Palo Alto Networks Inc is far larger — about 32× Paycom Software Inc's market cap, and Paycom Software Inc pays a 0.65% dividend while Palo Alto Networks Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Palo Alto Networks Inc for 82 Days and Paycom Software Inc for 84 Days on average.
| PANW | PAYC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $331.76B | $10.36B |
Volume | 3,886,927 | 666,294 |
Sector | Technology | Technology |
52-Week High | $419.91 | $240.52 |
52-Week Low | $141.67 | $113.59 |
Typical Hold Time | 82 Days | 84 Days |
Enterprise Value | $331.19B | $11.15B |
Dividend Yield | — | 0.65% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) trades at $405.41, down 3.45% today but maintains a bullish technical outlook with strong moving average signals. The company demonstrates robust revenue growth, reaching $9.22B in 2025, though net margins compressed to 2.67%. Recent AI security initiatives, including Unit 42 AI defense service, position PANW for continued growth in the cybersecurity sector.
PANW presents a mixed investment case with strong AI-driven growth potential offset by premium valuations (P/E 1,013.93, P/S 26.99). Analyst consensus remains strongly bullish (72% buy ratings) with a $398.70 price target. Key risks include valuation sensitivity and competitive pressures in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Paycom Software (PAYC) trades at $223.58, up 0.51% with bullish technical signals and strong fundamental performance. The company has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q2 2026 EPS of $2.78 exceeding expectations by 17%. Recent guidance upgrades and institutional buying activity support positive momentum despite mixed analyst ratings.
PAYC demonstrates robust profitability with 22.78% net margins and 41.09% ROE, though current price exceeds consensus target. Key risks include competitive pressures and labor market sensitivity. The stock offers growth potential through operational leverage and product innovation, but valuation concerns warrant careful monitoring of execution against raised guidance.
Trailing returns across standard periods
What Pluang investors did over the last 30 days
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 →