Palo Alto Networks Q2 Earnings Preview: Spotlight On Platformization Strategy

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. PANW is set to release its second-quarter earnings after Thursday's closing bell. Here's what to watch in the report. 

What To Watch: The Street will be eager for updates on the Palo Alto Networks' shift from single-focus product delivery to its "platformization" approach. 

Palo Alto CEO Nikesh Arora said the company's first-quarter results reinforced "conviction in our differentiated platformization strategy."

"We see a growing market realization that platformization is the game changer that will solve security and enable better AI outcomes. I expect this will be a multiyear trend for which we are best positioned to deliver to our customers," Arora added.

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RBC Capital analyst Matthew Hedberg sees the platformization strategy as an "accelerator to consolidating cyber spend" and potentially bringing more market share to Palo Alto in a refresh cycle. 

However, WestPark Capital analyst Casey Ryan expects revenue to come in below consensus estimates due to the strategy's impacts on gross margin and operating margin. WestPark's estimates look for revenue of $2.28 billion and EPS of 79 cents.

What Else: Investors will also be looking for updates on Palo Alto's Next-Generation Security annual recurring revenue and AI ARR. 

According to estimates from Benzinga Pro, analysts expect the company to report quarterly earnings of 78 cents on revenue of $2.24 billion. 

Several analysts updated coverage on Palo Alto Networks shares this week: 

• RBC Capital analyst Matthew Hedberg reiterated an Outperform rating and maintained a $225 price target on the stock. 
• Rosenblatt analyst Catharine Trebnick maintained a Buy rating and raised the price target from $212.50 to $235.
• Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Jonathan Ruykhaver reiterated Palo Alto Networks with an Overweight and maintained a $223 price target.
• Keybanc analyst Eric Heath maintained an Overweight rating and raised the price target on Palo Alto shares from $217 to $240.
• WestPark Capital analyst Casey Ryan reiterated a Hold and $196.40 price target on the stock. 

PANW Price Action: According to Benzinga Pro, Palo Alto Networks shares are flat at $196.74 at the time of publication Thursday. 

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