Fortinet vs Palo Alto Networks (FTNT vs PANW)

Fortinet (FTNT) vs Palo Alto Networks (PANW) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Fortinet (FTNT) and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) compete in software and cloud. Here are Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Fortinet or Palo Alto Networks.

Fortinet vs Palo Alto Networks: the figures

Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Fortinet or Palo Alto Networks figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks

1. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Fortinet keeps 29.0 as net profit and Palo Alto Networks keeps 2.7.
2. Growth: Palo Alto Networks grew sales +34.5% year on year in its latest quarter, against +20.5% for Fortinet.
3. Debt: Palo Alto Networks owes -0.3x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Fortinet holds more cash than debt.

Fortinet or Palo Alto Networks: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Palo Alto Networks is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you prefer caution: Fortinet has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.

Neither Fortinet nor Palo Alto Networks wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks make money

Fortinet (FTNT)

Fortinet sells FortiGate firewalls, powered by its own custom chips, plus the security services that run on them. Revenue is split between product, meaning the hardware, and service, its larger line, which covers security subscriptions and technical support. Customers include enterprises, carriers and governments across the Americas, Europe and Asia. Full Fortinet analysis.

Palo Alto Networks (PANW)

Palo Alto Networks sells cybersecurity to companies and governments: next-generation firewalls, Prisma Access and Prisma Cloud to secure networks and cloud workloads, and Cortex for security operations centers. Revenue comes from product sales and, mostly, from recurring subscriptions and support, with the United States as its largest market. Full Palo Alto Networks analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Fortinet vs Palo Alto Networks

Is Fortinet or Palo Alto Networks the better stock?

Choosing between Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks depends on what you are looking for. Palo Alto Networks is growing faster right now. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Fortinet or Palo Alto Networks: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Fortinet or Palo Alto Networks?

Neither pays a dividend as of November 4, 2026: Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks put what they earn into growth or other forms of shareholder return.

Can I own both Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Fortinet or Palo Alto Networks.

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More companies like Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks: software and cloud stocks. Educational content about Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks, not investment advice.