Shares of Palo Alto Networks surged over 14% on Monday morning, extending gains from last week after the cybersecurity firm unveiled robust fiscal fourth-quarter results.
Palo Alto announced an adjusted earnings per share of $1.44, outperforming Refinitiv analysts' projection of $1.28. Despite narrowly missing the revenue consensus estimate by $10 million — reporting $1.95 billion as opposed to the anticipated $1.96 billion for the quarter ending July 31 — the firm highlighted a 26% year-over-year revenue uptick.
Speculation had mounted among analysts regarding a potentially disappointing earnings report from Palo Alto, given its decision to reveal earnings post-market on Friday. This time slot has often been associated with subpar results in the past, leading the company's stock to dip to $208.02 post-announcement of its earnings release schedule.
However, Monday's uptick largely erased those losses. CEO Nikesh Arora whimsically commented on the pre-earnings speculations, mentioning they made for “intriguing perusals” in analytical pieces.
By Sunday night, the apprehensions had dissipated. Deutsche Bank's Brad Zelnick reaffirmed a positive stance on the stock, elevating his price target from $225 to $270. In his Sunday note, Zelnick mentioned, “The company's stellar F4Q performance and long-term guidance were presented devoid of any dramatic interventions; there were no executive changes, mergers, strategy shifts, or downward revisions in growth."
On Monday, Bank of America's Tal Liani recognized Palo Alto's commitment to profitability and superior cost management as key factors in surpassing the earnings consensus by 16 cents. The bank adjusted its stock price prediction from $270 to $290, emphasizing that both the company’s forecasts and outcomes “surpassed expectations, especially considering the unusual timing of the earnings announcement.”