Microsoft vs Palo Alto Networks: Fair Value & Quality
Both stocks run through our valuation models. Here is how Microsoft (MSFT) and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) compare, as of Sep 25, 2026.
Head-to-head numbers
Green is the better side of a row, red the weaker one (for valuation multiples: lower = cheaper). Grey rows are for reference only and are not scored.
betterweakerfor reference, not scored
Microsoft leads: 8 to 5 metric wins.
n/a = not meaningfully computable, for example with negative equity.
Quality in detail
The quality score, broken down into the same factor families as on the stock page, 0 to 100 per family.
What the models say
How far the median fair value (base case) per model family sits from the current price, in percent. The amount in the currency of the trading venue is shown underneath.
▲above the price, more than 15% above ●close to the price, 85% to 115% of the price ▼below the price, more than 15% below
| Model family | MicrosoftPrice $498 | Palo Alto NetworksPrice $390 |
|---|---|---|
| DCF Models | ▼-24%below the price$376 | ▼-79%below the price$82.60 |
| Earnings-Based | ▼-49%below the price$252 | ▼-89%below the price$41.50 |
| Dividend Discount | ▼-86%below the price$68.03 | n/a |
| Multiples | ▼-22%below the price$387 | ▼-92%below the price$29.26 |
| Asset-Based | ▼-92%below the price$39.92 | ▼-98%below the price$6.43 |
| Growth DCF | ▼-47%below the price$264 | ▼-75%below the price$96.87 |
| Economic Profit | ▼-54%below the price$231 | ▼-96%below the price$14.26 |
| Growth Earnings | ●-12%close to the price$440 | ▼-85%below the price$57.25 |
| Minimum | ▼-92%below the price$39.92 | ▼-98%below the price$6.43 |
| Maximum | ●-12%close to the price$440 | ▼-75%below the price$96.87 |
| Median | ▼-48%below the price$258 | ▼-89%below the price$41.50 |
| Geometric mean | ▼-60%below the price$201 | ▼-91%below the price$33.86 |
Minimum, maximum, median and geometric mean refer to the family values in this table. Geometric because deviations are ratios: half the price and twice the price average to 100%, not 125%.
Microsoft: 21 of 26 models see the stock below the current price.
Palo Alto Networks: 24 of 24 models see the stock below the current price.
Scenario ranges
From our cautious bear scenario to the optimistic bull scenario. The white tick is the current price (value above it), the green tick the fair value (value below it): if the price sits left of the fair value, there is room to rise.
Compare two other stocks
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Ranked within their sector
Where each stock sits within its sector peer group. Band = middle 50% of peers, tick = median, dot = this stock.
Microsoft · Information Technology
Palo Alto Networks · Information Technology
Bottom line
As of Sep 25, 2026, Fair Value Calculator sees Microsoft as the more attractively valued of the two: Microsoft trades at $498 versus a fair value of $551 (+11%), while Palo Alto Networks trades at $390 versus $115 (-71%).
Microsoft has the higher quality score (66/100).
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A model-based valuation snapshot from 26 models. Values change with price and fundamentals; the date shown above applies.