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CRWD vs PANW
Which Stock Would AI Choose? CrowdStrike (CRWD) vs. Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both CRWD and PANW are cybersecurity leaders that have roughly doubled over the past year on surging AI-driven security demand.
- CrowdStrike is a higher-growth, cloud-native endpoint platform, while Palo Alto Networks is a larger, more diversified security consolidator spanning network, cloud, identity, and observability.
- Palo Alto Networks is significantly more profitable and cash-generative, whereas CrowdStrike trades on a substantially richer valuation.
- Both stocks saw volatility in recent weeks as investors weighed competition from emerging AI developer security tools.
- Relative performance has converged, with both names near record highs and elevated price-to-earnings (P/E) multiples.
Introduction
Investors evaluating the cybersecurity sector frequently weigh CRWD (CrowdStrike Holdings) against PANW (Palo Alto Networks). These two companies represent distinct approaches to the same powerful theme: rising enterprise spending to defend against increasingly sophisticated, AI-enabled cyber threats. CrowdStrike leads in cloud-native endpoint and platform security, while Palo Alto Networks has built a broad security portfolio through both organic growth and acquisitions. This stock comparison is most relevant to traders and investors seeking to understand relative performance, market positioning, and risk profiles within one of technology's fastest-growing subsectors.
CRWD Overview and Recent Performance
CrowdStrike Holdings is a cloud-native cybersecurity company centered on its Falcon platform, which protects endpoints, identities, cloud workloads, and data through a single lightweight sensor. Its business model emphasizes platform adoption, with a growing share of customers purchasing multiple modules and committing through the Falcon Flex subscription structure.
In recent market activity, CRWD has been among the strongest performers in the software sector, roughly doubling over the past year. Revenue has continued to grow at a low-to-mid 20% annual rate, supported by record net new annual recurring revenue (ARR, the predictable recurring revenue from subscriptions) and rapid adoption of its AI-focused offerings. The company has deepened ties with leading AI labs, positioning Falcon as a layer that secures AI agents and models. Sentiment has been lifted by strong enterprise demand, though recent weeks have brought bouts of volatility tied to broader AI-stock selloffs and questions about whether its premium valuation leaves room for further gains.
PANW Overview and Recent Performance
Palo Alto Networks is a diversified cybersecurity platform provider spanning network security (including firewalls and Secure Access Service Edge, or SASE), cloud security, AI-powered security operations, identity, and observability. The company has pursued an aggressive "platformization" strategy, consolidating multiple security tools under unified offerings and expanding through major acquisitions.
Recent performance for PANW has been similarly strong, with the shares also roughly doubling over the trailing year. Revenue has accelerated, growing in the low-30% range in the latest quarter and surpassing $11 billion annually, while next-generation security ARR (recurring revenue from its newer products) has grown even faster. The company generates substantial adjusted free cash flow (FCF, cash remaining after capital spending) and maintains healthy operating margins. However, acquisition-related costs have pressured reported earnings on a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) basis, and recent weeks have seen the stock pull back alongside sector-wide AI concerns despite a strong earnings report.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies differ most sharply in business model and maturity. CRWD is a pure-play, cloud-native growth story focused on endpoints and platform expansion, with higher revenue growth and a larger long-term market opportunity in AI security, but it remains unprofitable on a reported basis and carries a forward P/E multiple roughly double that of its peer. PANW is larger, more diversified, and more profitable, generating billions in adjusted free cash flow, though its growth is partially acquisition-driven and its margins face pressure from a hardware-to-software mix shift.
On market sentiment, both have benefited from the same tailwind—escalating AI-enabled cyber threats—yet both have also been affected by the same headwind: investor concern that emerging AI developer security tools could disrupt traditional vendors. Risk profiles differ as well; CrowdStrike's valuation leaves little room for error, while Palo Alto's acquisition-heavy strategy carries integration and balance-sheet considerations.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward PANW on a stability and quality-adjusted basis, given its stronger profitability, substantial free cash flow, diversified revenue base, and more moderate valuation. However, on pure trend momentum and growth trajectory, CRWD has demonstrated more consistent upward momentum and a sharper AI-native growth narrative. The AI's preference would ultimately depend on the strategy selected: a momentum-oriented model might favor CRWD's relative strength, while a quality-and-value model might favor PANW's financial durability. Neither outcome should be interpreted as a definitive prediction.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CRWD is a Hold and PANW is a Hold.
CRWD in downward trend: price dove below 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026
CRWD moved below its 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 28 of 33 similar past instances, the stock price decreased further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 85%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for CRWD moved out of overbought territory on October 07, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 42 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 22 of the 42 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 52%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CRWD as a result. In 66 of 91 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 73%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CRWD turned negative on October 08, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 49 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 35 of the 49 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 71%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CRWD declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 3 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +3.27% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CRWD advanced for three days, in 287 of 350 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 82%.
CRWD may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 262 of 317 cases where CRWD Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 83%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 3 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 8 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 91, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. CRWD’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 89 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 100 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (45.781) is normal, around the industry mean (15.452). CRWD's P/E Ratio (6082.667) is considerably higher than the industry average of (54.610). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (8.296) is also within normal values, averaging (3.648). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.212) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (45.662) is also within normal values, averaging (103.889).
PANW's RSI Indicator leaves overbought zone
The 10-day RSI Oscillator for PANW moved out of overbought territory on October 07, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. Traders may want to look at selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 39 instances where the indicator moved out of the overbought zone. In 28 of the 39 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move down at 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on PANW as a result. In 54 of 78 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 69%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for PANW turned negative on October 13, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 45 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 30 of the 45 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 67%.
PANW moved below its 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where PANW declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 68%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 3 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
The 10-day moving average for PANW crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on September 18, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 15 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
Following a +4.13% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PANW advanced for three days, in 271 of 353 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
PANW may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 203 of 275 cases where PANW Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 74%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 1 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 6 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 91, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. PANW’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 89 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 100 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (10.323) is normal, around the industry mean (15.452). PANW has a moderately high P/E Ratio (846.219) as compared to the industry average of (54.610). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.002) is also within normal values, averaging (3.648). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.212) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (25.000) is also within normal values, averaging (103.889).
CRWD | PANW | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 81 | 72 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 100 Overvalued | 100 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 8 | 6 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 89 | 89 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 3 | 1 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CRWD's Valuation (100) in the null industry is in the same range as PANW (100) in the Computer Communications industry. This means that CRWD’s stock grew similarly to PANW’s over the last 12 months.
PANW's Profit vs Risk Rating (6) in the Computer Communications industry is in the same range as CRWD (8) in the null industry. This means that PANW’s stock grew similarly to CRWD’s over the last 12 months.
PANW's SMR Rating (89) in the Computer Communications industry is in the same range as CRWD (89) in the null industry. This means that PANW’s stock grew similarly to CRWD’s over the last 12 months.
PANW's Price Growth Rating (50) in the Computer Communications industry is in the same range as CRWD (50) in the null industry. This means that PANW’s stock grew similarly to CRWD’s over the last 12 months.
PANW's P/E Growth Rating (1) in the Computer Communications industry is in the same range as CRWD (3) in the null industry. This means that PANW’s stock grew similarly to CRWD’s over the last 12 months.
| CRWD | PANW | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 52% | 2 days ago 72% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 84% | 2 days ago 77% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 69% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 67% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 66% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 77% | 2 days ago 61% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 15 days ago 82% | 15 days ago 77% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 72% | 5 days ago 68% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 78% | 2 days ago 82% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 83% | 2 days ago 74% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CRWD’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while PANW’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- CRWD’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- PANW’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CRWD’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while PANW’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CRWD’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- PANW’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
CRWD (@Computer Communications) experienced а -13.27% price change this week, while PANW (@Computer Communications) price change was -14.09% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Computer Communications industry was +2.99%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.74%, and the average quarterly price growth was +7.03%.
Reported Earning Dates
CRWD is expected to report earnings on Dec 01, 2026.
PANW is expected to report earnings on Nov 12, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Computer Communications (+2.99% weekly)Computer communications industry develops technology that allows computing devices to exchange data with each other using connections/data links between nodes. Common types of computer network include Cloud (IAN), Internet, Wide (WAN, Local (LAN)/Wireless(WLAN) etc. The industry is an ever-more important part of technology, and is set to become even bigger as the Internet of Things (IoT) rapidly forays into the various aspects of our lives. Cisco Systems, Inc., Palo Alto Networks, Inc. and Arista Networks, Inc., Fortinet, Inc. are some of the major computer communications companies.
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CRWD and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CRWD has been closely correlated with PANW. These tickers have moved in lockstep 85% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if CRWD jumps, then PANW could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CRWD | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRWD | 100% | +0.31% | ||
| PANW - CRWD | 85% Closely correlated | +1.45% | ||
| OKTA - CRWD | 78% Closely correlated | +1.43% | ||
| FTNT - CRWD | 75% Closely correlated | +1.40% | ||
| RBRK - CRWD | 72% Closely correlated | +0.89% | ||
| TENB - CRWD | 71% Closely correlated | +4.65% | ||
More | ||||
PANW and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, PANW has been closely correlated with CRWD. These tickers have moved in lockstep 85% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if PANW jumps, then CRWD could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To PANW | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PANW | 100% | +1.45% | ||
| CRWD - PANW | 85% Closely correlated | +0.31% | ||
| FTNT - PANW | 77% Closely correlated | +1.40% | ||
| OKTA - PANW | 71% Closely correlated | +1.43% | ||
| TENB - PANW | 64% Loosely correlated | +4.65% | ||
| RBRK - PANW | 63% Loosely correlated | +0.89% | ||
More | ||||