What Analysts Are Saying About Palo Alto Networks Stock

In the latest quarter, 34 analysts provided ratings for Palo Alto Networks PANW, showcasing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.

The following table summarizes their recent ratings, shedding light on the changing sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.

Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish
Total Ratings 11 19 4 0 0
Last 30D 1 0 0 0 0
1M Ago 7 11 4 0 0
2M Ago 1 6 0 0 0
3M Ago 2 2 0 0 0

Insights from analysts' 12-month price targets are revealed, presenting an average target of $352.03, a high estimate of $450.00, and a low estimate of $265.00. Observing a 1.87% increase, the current average has risen from the previous average price target of $345.56.

price target chart

Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown

An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive Palo Alto Networks. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.

Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target
Nina Marques Redburn Atlantic Raises Buy $350.00 $275.00
Adam Borg Stifel Maintains Buy $330.00 -
Shyam Patil Susquehanna Lowers Positive $325.00 $400.00
Michael Turits Keybanc Lowers Overweight $380.00 $390.00
Andrew Nowinski Wells Fargo Lowers Overweight $385.00 $450.00
Patrick Colville Scotiabank Lowers Sector Outperform $337.00 $363.00
Trevor Walsh JMP Securities Maintains Market Outperform $380.00 -
Nehal Chokshi Northland Capital Markets Announces Market Perform $275.00 -
Gabriela Borges Goldman Sachs Raises Buy $310.00 $274.00
Keith Bachman BMO Capital Lowers Outperform $327.00 $378.00
Matthew Hedberg RBC Capital Lowers Outperform $365.00 $420.00
Saket Kalia Barclays Lowers Overweight $345.00 $400.00
Ittai Kidron Oppenheimer Lowers Outperform $305.00 $310.00
Gregg Moskowitz Mizuho Lowers Buy $350.00 $405.00
Yi Fu Lee Cantor Fitzgerald Lowers Overweight $350.00 $400.00
Rob Owens Piper Sandler Lowers Neutral $300.00 $350.00
Adam Borg Stifel Lowers Buy $330.00 $410.00
Anthony Hau Truist Securities Lowers Buy $350.00 $385.00
Daniel Ives Wedbush Lowers Outperform $375.00 $425.00
Alex Henderson Needham Maintains Buy $345.00 -
Catharine Trebnick Rosenblatt Lowers Neutral $265.00 $290.00
Yun Kim Loop Capital Announces Hold $300.00 -
Anthony Hau Truist Securities Raises Buy $385.00 $330.00
Andrew Nowinski Wells Fargo Raises Overweight $450.00 $280.00
Daniel Ives Wedbush Raises Outperform $425.00 $350.00
Adam Borg Stifel Raises Buy $410.00 $280.00
Yi Fu Lee Cantor Fitzgerald Maintains Overweight $400.00 -
Yi Fu Lee Cantor Fitzgerald Raises Overweight $400.00 $280.00
Trevor Walsh JMP Securities Raises Market Outperform $380.00 $300.00
Peter Levine Evercore ISI Group Raises Outperform $405.00 $315.00
Michael Turits Keybanc Raises Overweight $390.00 $315.00
Anthony Hau Truist Securities Raises Buy $330.00 $275.00
Jonathan Ruykhaver Cantor Fitzgerald Maintains Overweight $280.00 -
Fatima Boolani Citigroup Raises Buy $335.00 $280.00

Key Insights:

  • Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Palo Alto Networks. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.
  • Rating: Analysts assign qualitative assessments to stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey the analysts' expectations for the relative performance of Palo Alto Networks compared to the broader market.
  • Price Targets: Understanding forecasts, analysts offer estimates for Palo Alto Networks's future value. Examining the current and prior targets provides insight into analysts' changing expectations.

Assessing these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators can provide a comprehensive overview of Palo Alto Networks's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.

Stay up to date on Palo Alto Networks analyst ratings.

Unveiling the Story Behind Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks is a platform-based cybersecurity vendor with product offerings covering network security, cloud security, and security operations. The California-based firm has more than 85,000 customers across the world, including more than three fourths of the Global 2000.

Understanding the Numbers: Palo Alto Networks's Finances

Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization is below the industry average, suggesting that it is relatively smaller compared to peers. This could be due to various factors, including perceived growth potential or operational scale.

Revenue Growth: Palo Alto Networks displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 31 January, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 19.33%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Information Technology sector.

Net Margin: Palo Alto Networks's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 88.45%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.

Return on Equity (ROE): Palo Alto Networks's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROE, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROE of 53.52%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health.

Return on Assets (ROA): Palo Alto Networks's ROA stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 10.56%, the company demonstrates effective utilization of assets and strong financial performance.

Debt Management: Palo Alto Networks's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of 0.5.

The Core of Analyst Ratings: What Every Investor Should Know

Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions.

Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.

This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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