Palo Alto Networks Slips 1.6% to $162.70 Ahead of 14.8% EPS Growth Forecast

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Palo Alto Networks shares dropped 1.58% to $162.70 on February 12, underperforming the S&P 500’s 1.57% decline. Analysts estimate Q2 EPS of $0.93 and revenue of $2.58 billion, up 14.8% and 14.3% year-over-year, while the stock trades at a forward P/E of 43.1 and PEG of 2.13.

1. Market Performance

Shares of Palo Alto Networks fell 1.58% to $162.70 on February 12, trailing a 1.57% drop in the S&P 500, while the Nasdaq and Dow declined 2.04% and 1.34%, respectively.

2. Recent Underperformance

Prior to February 12, the stock had lost 13.42% year-to-date, compared with a 1.83% decline in the Computer and Technology sector and a 0.29% retreat for the S&P 500.

3. Upcoming Earnings Estimates

Analysts forecast Q2 EPS of $0.93, up 14.8% year-over-year, and revenue of $2.58 billion, a 14.3% increase, ahead of the February 17 earnings release.

4. Valuation Metrics

The stock trades at a forward P/E of 43.1 versus a 43.9 industry average and carries a PEG of 2.13 compared with the sector’s 2.45, while consensus assigns a sell rating and the Security industry ranks in the bottom 29% of all sectors.

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