Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Palo Alto Networks Q4 Preview: Can the Earnings Streak Continue?

Read MoreHide Full Article

The Zacks Computer and Technology Sector has soared over the last month, tacking on nearly 13% in value and marginally outperforming the S&P 500. Still, the sector is down a sizable 20% year-to-date.

A widely-recognized company in the sector, Palo Alto Networks (PANW - Free Report) is on deck to unveil Q4 results on Monday, August 22nd, after the market close.

Palo Alto Networks offers network security solutions to enterprises, service providers, and government entities worldwide.

Currently, the company sports a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with an overall VGM Score of a C. How does the company stack up heading into the print? Let’s take a closer look.

Share Performance & Valuation

Palo Alto Networks shares have displayed a valuable layer of relative strength in 2022, declining 7% and outperforming the general market.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

However, over the last month, PANW shares have lagged the S&P 500’s gain of 8%, increasing by 2.5% in value.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

PANW shares trade at steep valuation multiples, further displayed by its Style Score of a D for Value.

The company’s 7.6X forward price-to-sales ratio is undoubtedly on the high side, above its five-year median of 7.4X and representing a steep 158% premium relative to its Zacks Sector.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Quarterly Estimates

One analyst has upped their earnings outlook for the quarter to be reported over the last 60 days. In addition, the Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate of $2.28 reflects a sizable 42% year-over-year uptick in quarterly earnings.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The company’s top-line appears to be in remarkable shape as well – PANW is forecasted to have generated $1.5 billion in revenue throughout the quarter, good enough for a notable 27% Y/Y uptick.

Quarterly Performance & Market Reactions

PANW has been on a blazing hot earnings streak, exceeding the Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate in each of its previous 23 quarters. Just in its latest print, the company posted a 7% bottom-line beat.

Top-line results have also been remarkable – PANW has chained together nine consecutive top-line beats. Below is a chart illustrating the company’s revenue on a quarterly basis.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

In addition, the market has liked what it’s seen from the company as of late, with shares moving upwards following three of its last four quarterly prints.

Putting Everything Together

PANW shares have provided great relative strength year-to-date, but over the last month, shares have lagged the general market.

The company’s shares trade at steep valuation multiples, above their five-year median and nowhere near their Zacks Sector average.

One analyst has upped their quarterly outlook, and quarterly estimates reflect solid growth within both the top and bottom-line.

Furthermore, PANW has consistently reported quarterly results above estimates, and the market has reacted well following the company’s report as of late.

Heading into the print, Palo Alto Networks (PANW - Free Report) carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with an Earnings ESP Score of 0.1%.


Zacks' 7 Best Strong Buy Stocks (New Research Report)


Valued at $99, click below to receive our just-released report
predicting the 7 stocks that will soar highest in the coming month.


Click Here, It's Really Free

Published in