Jump to any asset
844 assets, updated daily
CrowdStrike Holdings vs Palo Alto Networks
VS
Comparative Analysis
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) wins this head-to-head comparison against CrowdStrike (CRWD), primarily driven by its superior revenue growth and stronger profitability metrics. While both companies operate in the high-growth cybersecurity sector, PANW demonstrates a stronger expansion trajectory and a healthier net profit margin. CRWD shows strong earnings beats, but PANW's overall financial health and growth profile present a more compelling investment case at this juncture. Investors seeking aggressive growth with a solid operational foundation will find PANW more attractive.
Key Differentiator
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) distinguishes itself through its superior revenue growth rate and stronger profitability margins. While CrowdStrike (CRWD) has a history of impressive earnings beats and a strong market position, PANW's ability to grow its top line faster while maintaining better net profit margins presents a more compelling financial profile. The lower P/E ratio for PANW also offers a more attractive valuation entry point, making it the preferred choice for investors prioritizing growth efficiency and relative value.
Joint Outlook
The outlook for both CrowdStrike (CRWD) and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) remains positive, driven by the secular growth trend in cybersecurity. Over the next 6-12 months, PANW is expected to continue its strong revenue growth and potentially improve its profitability further, supported by its platform strategy. CRWD will likely maintain its rapid growth, but its high valuation presents a risk if market sentiment shifts or competitive pressures intensify. A scenario where cybersecurity spending accelerates due to increased threats would benefit both, but PANW's current financial strength and valuation may offer a more resilient investment.
Price Analysis Comparison
Valuation Metrics
| Metric | CRWD | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio | 5,224.20 | 937.60 |
| Market Cap | 267.46B | 306.78B |
| Price/Sales | 49.57 | 26.72 |
| Price/Book | 52.42 | 11.12 |
| EV/EBITDA | 2,481.25 | 207.86 |
| Dividend Yield | N/A | N/A |
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) trades at a significantly lower Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 937.6 compared to CrowdStrike's (CRWD) P/E of 5,224.19. This suggests that PANW is comparatively cheaper on an earnings basis, despite its larger market capitalization. CRWD's extremely high P/E ratio indicates a very high growth expectation priced into the stock, potentially leaving less room for upside if growth moderates. PANW's valuation, while still elevated, offers a more reasonable entry point for investors focused on earnings multiples. Both stocks are trading below their 20-day exponential moving averages, indicating short-term weakness, but PANW's P/E multiple is a clear differentiator.
Profitability & Efficiency
| Metric | CRWD | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Rev. Growth (Qtly) | 25.80% | 34.50% |
| Profit Margin | 0.83% | 2.67% |
| Return on Equity | 1.46% | 1.74% |
| Return on Assets | -0.78% | 1.40% |
| Debt/Equity | 0.16 | 0.09 |
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) exhibits superior profitability compared to CrowdStrike (CRWD). PANW boasts a net profit margin of 2.67% and a return on assets of 1.4%, both of which are considerably stronger than CRWD's net profit margin of 0.83% and negative return on assets of -0.78%. While CRWD's return on equity at 1.46% is slightly lower than PANW's 1.74%, the overall profitability picture favors PANW. The company's ability to translate revenue into profit is more efficient, indicating better operational leverage and cost management.
Earnings Reality Check
CRWD
Last 7 Qs: CRWD beat estimates 6x out of 7. Fell 4x after beats. (Sell the news?)
PANW
Last 2 Qs: PANW beat estimates 2x out of 2. Fell 2x after beats. (Sell the news?)
Technical Indicators
| Indicator | CRWD | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| RSI (14) | 45.70 | 46.12 |
| 50-Day MA | $232.74 | $373.46 |
| 200-Day MA | $160.01 | $258.98 |
Both CrowdStrike (CRWD) and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) are currently exhibiting signs of technical weakness, trading below their 20-day exponential moving averages. PANW's 20-day EMA is at $390.83, while its current price is $375.04, and CRWD's 20-day EMA is at $255.11 with its price at $242.82. Both stocks have RSI values in the mid-40s, indicating neutral momentum without being overbought or oversold. PANW's MACD value of 9.17 is slightly higher than CRWD's 7.27, suggesting a marginally stronger underlying trend, though both are positive. PANW is also trading closer to its 50-day moving average ($373.46) than CRWD ($232.74), which could suggest better relative support.
AI Analyst Sentiment
AI rating: CleaRank Financial AI's overall score for each asset, the same score shown on its own analysis page. It combines price trend and momentum with valuation, analyst and insider data where they exist.
CRWD
AI Score: 73/100
PANW
AI Score: 55/100
Analyst sentiment leans positive for both cybersecurity leaders, with PANW receiving 10 'Strong Buy' ratings out of 55 analysts, and CRWD garnering 10 'Strong Buy' ratings from 53 analysts. PANW's median analyst target price of $412.50 offers a greater potential upside from its current price of $375.04 compared to CRWD's median target of $245, which is only slightly above its current price of $242.82. This suggests analysts see more room for appreciation in PANW. Both stocks have a notable number of 'Hold' ratings, indicating some caution among the analyst community.
Note: While CRWD has the higher AI score (Buy 73/100), the AI comparative analysis favors PANW (Hold 55/100) based on its overall trend structure, fundamentals, and risk-adjusted outlook.
Risk Stratification
| Metric | CRWD | PANW |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (Volatility) | 1.20 | 0.93 |
| Sharpe Ratio | 1.47 | 1.10 |
A primary risk for both CrowdStrike (CRWD) and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) is the intensely competitive cybersecurity landscape, where rapid innovation and pricing pressures are constant. For CRWD, its extremely high P/E ratio of over 5,000 presents a significant valuation risk; any slowdown in its projected growth could lead to a sharp correction. PANW, while having a lower P/E, still trades at a premium and faces the risk of execution challenges as it integrates acquisitions and expands its platform. Both companies are also subject to broader macroeconomic shifts that could impact IT spending, and a slowdown in enterprise spending would directly affect their revenue growth.
Comparative ProTips
- Consider PANW for its superior growth efficiency and more reasonable valuation compared to CRWD.
- Monitor CRWD's ability to sustain its high growth expectations; a slowdown could trigger significant downside given its valuation.
- Both companies are strong players in cybersecurity; diversification within the sector might be prudent for long-term exposure.
Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)
Simulated growth of $10,000 in each asset, from its own historical volatility and trend. Statistical outcomes, not forecasts.
Actionable Trade Plans
Compare entry, exit, and risk management levels for both assets
Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative
3%
Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$
✎
Position Size: $200 - $300 per asset
CRWD
Current: $242.82
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$230.68
Aggressive
$242.82
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$223.76
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5% from current
$254.96
+10% from current
$267.10
+15% from current
$279.24
PANW
Current: $375.04
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$356.29
Aggressive
$375.04
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$345.60
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5% from current
$393.79
+10% from current
$412.54
+15% from current
$431.30
Calculate Your Trade
Disclaimer
This comparison involves assets with varying risk profiles. The content is for educational purposes only. Comparison includes a higher-volatility asset (PANW). Correlations between assets with different volatility profiles can break down rapidly during market stress. Liquidity risks may prevent execution at displayed prices. Note: The AI favored PANW based on growth trajectory. This is valid for the specified timeframe only. While CRWD currently shows the stronger short-term technical score (73 vs 55), the AI favors PANW on the factors above rather than today's technical setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do CRWD and PANW compare on valuation?+
PANW trades at a P/E of 937.6, considerably lower than CRWD's P/E of 5,224.19. This makes PANW appear more attractively valued on an earnings basis, suggesting CRWD's growth expectations are priced in at a much higher premium.
What is the revenue growth difference between CRWD and PANW?+
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) shows stronger revenue growth at 34.5% compared to CrowdStrike's (CRWD) 25.8%. This indicates PANW is expanding its market share and customer base at a faster rate.
How do their profitability metrics compare?+
PANW is more profitable, with a net profit margin of 2.67% and a return on assets of 1.4%, both outperforming CRWD's net profit margin of 0.83% and negative return on assets of -0.78%.
What is the technical outlook for CRWD and PANW?+
Both stocks are currently trading below their 20-day EMAs, indicating short-term weakness. PANW shows slightly stronger momentum on MACD and is trading closer to its 50-day SMA, suggesting better relative technical support.
How have CRWD and PANW performed over the past year?+
Over the 12 months to October 15, 2026, CRWD's price rose 98.6% and PANW's rose 81.4%. These are price changes; dividends are not included.
Which is more volatile, CRWD or PANW?+
They have been about equally volatile. Over the 30 days to October 15, 2026, CRWD's annualized volatility was 48.7% and PANW's 48.5%, measured from daily closing prices.