The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Palo Alto, Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund, Juniper Networks and Check Point Software

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – November 19, 2024 – Zacks.com announces the list of Stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Palo Alto Networks, Inc. PANW, Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund XLK, Juniper Networks JNPR and Check Point Software Technologies CHKP.Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:Should Palo Alto Networks Be Part of Your Portfolio Ahead of Earnings This Week?Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is scheduled to report its first-quarter fiscal 2025 results on Nov. 20.Palo Alto Networks projects its fiscal first-quarter revenues in the range of $2.10-$2.13 billion, which suggests a year-over-year increase of 12-13%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $2.12 billion, which implies growth of 12.8% from the year-ago reported figure.Stay up-to-date with all quarterly releases: See Zacks Earnings Calendar.For the fiscal first quarter, the company expects non-GAAP earnings in the range of $1.47-$1.49 per share. The consensus mark for PANW’s non-GAAP earnings has remained unchanged at $1.41 over the past 60 days, which calls for a 7.3% increase from the year-ago quarter’s earnings of $1.38.Palo Alto Networks’ earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 12.4%.Palo Alto Networks, Inc. price-eps-surprise | Palo Alto Networks, Inc. QuoteEarnings Whispers for PANWOur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Palo Alto Network this time. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat, which is not the case here. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Though PANW currently carries a Zacks Rank #2, it has an Earnings ESP of 0.00%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.Factors Likely to Influence Palo Alto’s Q1 ResultsPalo Alto Networks’ first-quarter performance is likely to have benefited from the strong momentum stemming from deal wins, which is expected to boost its top line. The strong demand for form factor hardware products, particularly machine learning-powered models that ensure zero-trust network security for organizations, is expected to have contributed to the quarterly performance.The growing and accelerated migration to the cloud is likely to have boosted the adoption of the aforementioned platforms. Moreover, the increased use of the cloud and remote networks in a hybrid working environment has resulted in escalating cyberattacks. This is leading to a rise in the demand for cybersecurity solutions. PANW’s fiscal first-quarter performance is likely to have benefited from this demand surge.Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) recognitions are boosting the adoption of Palo Alto Networks’ products by government organizations. The company’s Prisma Access, Cortex XDR, Cortex Data Lake, Prisma Cloud and WildFire received FedRAMP recognitions. This FedRAMP recognition reflects the U.S. public sector’s trust in PANW’s IoT security solutions. This is anticipated to have encouraged the adoption of its products during the period in discussion.A higher software mix, normalization in the supply-chain environment and efficiencies in customer support are anticipated to have aided the gross margin in the to-be-reported quarter.PANW’s Price Performance & ValuationYear to date, shares of Palo Alto Networks have risen 31.2%, outperforming the Zacks Internet – Software industry’s increase of 25.1% and the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund ETF’s gain of 18.8%. The PANW stock has also outperformed its peers, including Juniper Networks and Check Point Software Technologies, which have registered increases of 23.8% and 14%, respectively, YTD.Now, let’s look at the value Palo Alto Networks offers investors at the current levels. PANW is trading at a premium with a forward 12-month P/S of 13.21X compared with the industry’s 2.71X, reflecting a stretched valuation.Investment Consideration for PANW StockPalo Alto Networks is a leader in cybersecurity, offering solutions that address network security, cloud security and endpoint protection. Its next-generation firewall and advanced threat detection technologies are widely recognized and adopted globally.PANW’s innovative product offerings, strong customer base and expanding market opportunities in areas like Zero Trust and private 5G security solutions drive its growth potential. Palo Alto Networks' strategic vision and continuous technological advancements make it a compelling long-term investment opportunity.Palo Alto Networks’ platformization strategy, which integrates various cybersecurity tools into a seamless offering, has been a game-changer. By focusing on annual recurring revenues rather than traditional one-time sales, the company has secured a more predictable and stable revenue stream, which is attractive to investors. This shift has allowed Palo Alto Networks to grow its market share among enterprises making large, long-term commitments.Conclusion: Buy PANW Stock for NowPalo Alto Networks has strong fundamentals and a bright future ahead. Its leadership in the rapidly expanding cybersecurity space, coupled with consistent growth in annual recurring revenues and innovative partnerships, makes it a strong long-term investment. The company is likely to continue benefiting from the growing need for advanced cybersecurity solutions.Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.0 average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +44.9%, +48.4% and +55.2% per year.Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.See Stocks Free >>Media ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. 9339support@zacks.comhttps://www.zacks.comPast performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 DaysJust released: Experts distill 7 elite stocks from the current list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. They deem these tickers "Most Likely for Early Price Pops."Since 1988, the full list has beaten the market more than 2X over with an average gain of +23.7% per year. So be sure to give these hand picked 7 your immediate attention. See them now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Juniper Networks, Inc. (JNPR): Free Stock Analysis Report Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (CHKP): Free Stock Analysis Report Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW): Free Stock Analysis Report Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK): ETF Research ReportsTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks