Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW) has been analyzed by 23 analysts in the last three months, revealing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
| Bullish | Somewhat Bullish | Indifferent | Somewhat Bearish | Bearish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Ratings | 4 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Last 30D | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1M Ago | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2M Ago | 3 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 3M Ago | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Insights from analysts' 12-month price targets are revealed, presenting an average target of $356.74, a high estimate of $385.00, and a low estimate of $285.00. Marking an increase of 1.97%, the current average surpasses the previous average price target of $349.86.
Deciphering Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Analysis
The standing of Palo Alto Networks among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Turits | Keybanc | Lowers | Overweight | $380.00 | $384.00 |
| Shrenik Kothari | Baird | Raises | Outperform | $360.00 | $340.00 |
| Yi Fu Lee | Cantor Fitzgerald | Maintains | Overweight | $350.00 | $350.00 |
| Rudy Kessinger | DA Davidson | Announces | Buy | $380.00 | - |
| Hamza Fodderwala | Morgan Stanley | Maintains | Overweight | $360.00 | $360.00 |
| Joseph Bonner | Argus Research | Raises | Buy | $348.00 | $336.00 |
| Matthew Hedberg | RBC Capital | Maintains | Outperform | $360.00 | $360.00 |
| Fatima Boolani | Citigroup | Raises | Buy | $345.00 | $335.00 |
| Trevor Walsh | JMP Securities | Maintains | Market Outperform | $380.00 | $380.00 |
| Daniel Ives | Wedbush | Maintains | Outperform | $375.00 | $375.00 |
| Alex Henderson | Needham | Maintains | Buy | $345.00 | $345.00 |
| Sarah Hindlian | Macquarie | Raises | Neutral | $285.00 | $270.00 |
| Hamza Fodderwala | Morgan Stanley | Maintains | Overweight | $360.00 | $360.00 |
| Keith Bachman | BMO Capital | Raises | Outperform | $334.00 | $327.00 |
| Ittai Kidron | Oppenheimer | Maintains | Outperform | $330.00 | $330.00 |
| Matthew Hedberg | RBC Capital | Lowers | Outperform | $360.00 | $365.00 |
| Shyam Patil | Susquehanna | Raises | Positive | $340.00 | $325.00 |
| Peter Weed | Bernstein | Raises | Outperform | $364.00 | $335.00 |
| Brian Essex | JP Morgan | Raises | Overweight | $340.00 | $330.00 |
| Michael Turits | Keybanc | Raises | Overweight | $384.00 | $355.00 |
| Hamza Fodderwala | Morgan Stanley | Maintains | Overweight | $360.00 | - |
| Trevor Walsh | JMP Securities | Maintains | Market Outperform | $380.00 | $380.00 |
| Peter Levine | Evercore ISI Group | Lowers | Outperform | $385.00 | $405.00 |
Key Insights:
- Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Palo Alto Networks. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.
- Rating: Gaining insights, analysts provide qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Palo Alto Networks compared to the broader market.
- Price Targets: Analysts explore the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Palo Alto Networks's stock. This examination reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.
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.
Palo Alto Networks: Financial Performance Dissected
Market Capitalization: With restricted market capitalization, the company is positioned below industry averages. This reflects a smaller scale relative to peers.
Revenue Growth: Palo Alto Networks's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 30 April, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 15.33%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Information Technology sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.
Net Margin: Palo Alto Networks's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 14.05%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
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 6.32%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health.
Return on Assets (ROA): Palo Alto Networks's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROA, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROA of 1.54%, the company showcases efficient use of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: Palo Alto Networks's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of 0.34.
How Are Analyst Ratings Determined?
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.
Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.