The Analyst Verdict: Palo Alto Networks In The Eyes Of 22 Experts

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Palo Alto Networks PANW has been analyzed by 22 analysts in the last three months, revealing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.

The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.

Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish
Total Ratings 5 11 4 0 2
Last 30D 1 0 0 0 0
1M Ago 2 5 2 0 0
2M Ago 1 5 2 0 2
3M Ago 1 1 0 0 0

The 12-month price targets assessed by analysts reveal further insights, featuring an average target of $208.97, a high estimate of $240.00, and a low estimate of $130.00. Experiencing a 15.66% decline, the current average is now lower than the previous average price target of $247.78.

price target chart

Exploring Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Overview

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
Fatima Boolani Citigroup Raises Buy $220.00 $205.00
Shyam Patil Susquehanna Raises Positive $230.00 $217.50
Roger Boyd UBS Raises Neutral $200.00 $190.00
Trevor Walsh JMP Securities Raises Market Outperform $212.00 $208.00
Catharine Trebnick Rosenblatt Maintains Buy $235.00 $235.00
Jonathan Ruykhaver Cantor Fitzgerald Maintains Overweight $223.00 $223.00
Casey Ryan WestPark Capital Maintains Hold $196.40 $196.40
Eric Heath Keybanc Raises Overweight $240.00 $217.00
Catharine Trebnick Rosenblatt Raises Buy $235.00 $212.50
Matthew Hedberg RBC Capital Maintains Outperform $225.00 $225.00
Patrick Colville Scotiabank Raises Sector Outperform $225.00 $200.00
Hamza Fodderwala Morgan Stanley Raises Overweight $230.00 $223.00
Fatima Boolani Citigroup Lowers Buy $205.00 $216.00
Yun Kim Loop Capital Adjusts Hold $180.00 $385.00
Trevor Walsh JMP Securities Maintains Market Outperform $208.00 $208.00
Brad Zelnick Deutsche Bank Lowers Hold $190.00 $207.00
John Difucci Guggenheim Announces Sell $130.00 -
John Difucci Guggenheim Maintains Sell $130.00 $130.00
Patrick Colville Scotiabank Adjusts Sector Outperform $200.00 $400.00
Peter Levine Evercore ISI Group Adjusts Outperform $230.00 $455.00
Joseph Gallo Jefferies Raises Buy $240.00 $225.00
Saket Kalia Barclays Lowers Overweight $213.00 $425.00

Key Insights:

  • Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Palo Alto Networks. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.
  • Rating: Unveiling insights, analysts deliver qualitative insights into stock performance, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Palo Alto Networks compared to the broader market.
  • Price Targets: Analysts provide insights into price targets, offering estimates for the future value of Palo Alto Networks's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.

Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into Palo Alto Networks's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table.

Stay up to date on Palo Alto Networks analyst ratings.

Discovering Palo Alto Networks: A Closer Look

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 80,000 enterprise customers across the world, including more than three fourths of the Global 2000.

A Deep Dive into Palo Alto Networks's Financials

Market Capitalization: Indicating a reduced size compared to industry averages, the company's market capitalization poses unique challenges.

Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Palo Alto Networks's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 14.29% as of 31 January, 2025, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company stands out with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Information Technology sector.

Net Margin: Palo Alto Networks's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 11.84%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.

Return on Equity (ROE): Palo Alto Networks's ROE is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of 4.35%, the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns for shareholders.

Return on Assets (ROA): Palo Alto Networks's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 1.29% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.

Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 0.14.

Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings

Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.

Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.

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

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