Palo Alto Networks (PANW.US) Price Target 2026/2027: 15% Upside – Rating and Stock Analysis

342.00
Price history for Palo Alto Networks (PANW.US) – stock price at $342.00, October 2026
Palo Alto Networks stock price – price development 2026. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
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Palo Alto Networks Price Target 2026: Analysts See 16% Upside

The average price target for Palo Alto Networks is $396.92. This price target represents the analysts' view of the stock price over the next 12 months. The stock may be undervalued, because the price target is higher than the current price. The stock is 16.06% below the target, which can point to potential returns within the next 12 months if the analysts' view proves right. Also consider the stock's valuation ratios such as P/E, P/S and P/B, plus the technical analysis further down the page, for the full picture.

Is Palo Alto Networks overvalued or undervalued?

Palo Alto Networks is currently undervalued with a gap of 16.1% relative to the price target.


The current price is $342.00, which places Palo Alto Networks in the undervalued category. The stock is considered undervalued when the price is below $357.23, and overvalued when the price exceeds $436.61.


The fair value range is defined as ±10% of the price target, because price targets are estimates rather than exact values. For Palo Alto Networks, the fair value range lies between $357.23 and $436.61.


See the full price target analysis for Palo Alto Networks →

Analyst Ratings for Palo Alto Networks stock in 2026: Buy

55 analysts cover Palo Alto Networks. The majority is positive, with 76.4% recommending Buy, while 20% recommend Hold. The average price target is $396.92, which gives an upside of 16.1% from the current price.

Consensus: Buy (4.29/5)
Strong Buy
32 (58.2%)
Buy
10 (18.2%)
Hold
11 (20%)
Sell
1 (1.8%)
Strong Sell
1 (1.8%)
Strong Sell Sell Hold Buy Strong Buy
4.29 out of 5 based on 55 analysts

About Palo Alto Networks – Software - Infrastructure

Palo Alto Networks makes cybersecurity products. It earns money by protecting company networks and cloud systems from hacking and other attacks.

The company is known for two main products. Prisma Cloud protects data and systems that run in the cloud, meaning on remote computer servers rather than on a company's own hardware. The Cortex product line uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically handle security tasks. One key tool, Cortex XDR, helps find and respond to complicated attacks. Palo Alto Networks also sells virtual firewalls, which are software tools that block unwanted or harmful traffic from reaching a company's computer systems, including large systems that use several cloud providers at once.

The company was founded in 2005 and now does business in many countries around the world. Its customers are mainly businesses and organizations that need to protect their computer systems and data. Palo Alto Networks also has a team called Unit 42, which studies new threats and gives advice to customers on how to stay safe.

In short, Palo Alto Networks offers a wide range of products, from basic network protection to advanced tools for spotting and managing security threats.
Read more about the company

Key Figures for Palo Alto Networks

$343B Market cap
$11.5B Revenue
Software - Infrastructure Industry
1,046.95 P/E
29.84 P/S
11.70 P/B
United States Listed on exchange

What kind of stock is Palo Alto Networks?

Growth stock Momentum stock

Palo Alto Networks is classified as a growth stock and momentum stock. This means the stock combines several attractive traits, and strong price momentum.

Score Overview for Palo Alto Networks

💰 Value Score 5/100 (Very Low)
⭐ Quality Score 23/100 (Low)
🚀 Momentum Score 80/100 (Very High)
📊 Total Score 36/100

⚠️ 2 red flags identified

Our analysis has identified 2 potential risk factors in Palo Alto Networks that investors should be aware of.

⚠️ High debt: The debt-to-equity ratio is 201% – the company carries considerably more debt than equity, which raises the financial risk.
⚠️ Weak financial health: The Piotroski score is only 3/9 – the company shows signs of weakened profitability, liquidity or capital structure.

📈 Valuation

Palo Alto Networks trades at a P/E ratio of 1,047.0, which is above the market average. The forward P/E is 94.3 (91% lower), which suggests the market expects rising earnings. The P/S ratio is 29.8 (high — the market pays a premium for the revenue). The P/B ratio is 11.7. The PEG ratio is 2.01 — above 2.0 suggests the stock is expensive relative to its growth rate.

💵 Profitability & Growth

Palo Alto Networks has a profit margin of 2.7% (moderate) and an operating margin of 5.4%. Return on equity (ROE) is 1.7%. Return on assets (ROA) is 1.4%. The latest quarterly earnings grew 60.5% year over year — strong growth.

🏦 Financial Health

The Piotroski score is 3 out of 9 — weak financial health, be careful. Altman Z2 is 1.47 (middle zone — moderate). The debt-to-equity ratio (D/E) is 201.3% — high debt, which raises the risk.

🚀 Momentum & Short Interest

Short interest is 2.69%.

Insider Trading in Palo Alto Networks 2026: The Signal Is negative

In 2026, insiders at Palo Alto Networks have made 20 transactions, all of which were sales. On a net basis, insiders took $7,352,735 out of the stock. Active insiders include Bawa Aparna, Paul Josh D., Golechha Dipak and others. In the short term (last 3 months), the insider signal is negative.

Short-Term Signal (3 months): Negative

Insiders have exclusively sold shares over the last 3 months.

Over the last 3 months: 0 purchases and 10 sales. A net $3,548,577 out of the stock.

Long-Term Signal (all transactions): Negative

Insiders have exclusively sold shares in the recent period. This can suggest management sees limited opportunity.

Across the last 20 transactions: 0 purchases and 20 sales. A net $7,352,735 out of the stock.

Latest sale: Bawa Aparna sold 170 shares at $417.13 each on 2026-10-09.

Who is selling: Bawa Aparna, Paul Josh D., Golechha Dipak, GOETZ JAMES J, Key John P. and others.

Latest Insider Trades in Palo Alto Networks (2026)

The table shows the last 20 reported insider transactions in Palo Alto Networks. Green rows are purchases, red rows are sales. The data is based on official filings.

Transaction date Name Type Number of shares Price per share ($) Total amount ($)
2026-10-09 Bawa Aparna Sell 170 417 70,912
2026-10-01 Paul Josh D. Sell 1,308 396 517,576
2026-09-24 Golechha Dipak Sell 900 396 356,589
2026-09-24 Bawa Aparna Sell 260 393 102,099
2026-09-17 GOETZ JAMES J Sell 900 383 344,421
2026-09-15 Bawa Aparna Sell 500 377 188,590
2026-09-14 Key John P. Sell 2,500 376 940,075
2026-09-14 Bawa Aparna Sell 1,000 374 373,610
2026-09-01 Paul Josh D. Sell 900 374 336,312
2026-08-25 Paul Josh D. Sell 900 354 318,393

Who is buying and selling Palo Alto Networks shares in 2026?

The following insiders have sold shares: Bawa Aparna, Paul Josh D., Golechha Dipak, GOETZ JAMES J, Key John P. and others. In total, $7,352,735 was sold across 20 transactions. Insider trades are legal transactions in which executives and board members buy or sell shares of their own company. These transactions are reported to the SEC and are publicly available.

Palo Alto Networks Short Selling 2026: 2.7% Sold Short

Moderate short interest: 2.7% of the free float
Short % of free float
2.7%
Assessment
Moderate short interest
Short squeeze risk
Low
Data source
EODHD
Reported about twice a month

Short interest over time: Palo Alto Networks

0.0%2.0%4.0%
Peak 3.5% · 5/31
5/307/309/29
2.7% today (moderate)Peaked at 3.5% on May 31, 2026Essentially unchanged over the last 30 daysMeasured over 122 days
What does the trend tell you?
Short interest in Palo Alto Networks has been fairly stable at 2.7% over the period. Neither many new short sellers have arrived nor many positions been closed.

What matters is when the curve starts to move. This is how shorting works: whoever shorts has borrowed the share and sold it, and to close the position again they must buy the share back. When short interest falls, shares are being bought back. So it is worth watching the trend, not just today's number.
The stock has a moderate share of short selling. Between 2-5% of the freely traded shares are sold short, which is within the normal range for most stocks.

Short interest comes from our data provider EODHD. The figure is reported about twice a month; we check it every trading day.
Short Interest Scale
0% 2% 5% 10% 20%+
Low Moderate High Very High Extreme
▲
2.7%

When Does Palo Alto Networks Report Earnings – Next Date: Nov 18, 2026

The next earnings report from Palo Alto Networks is scheduled for November 18, 2026. This report covers the fourth quarter (Q4), which ended on October 31, 2026.



Technical Analysis of Palo Alto Networks 2026 – Signal: Buy

Overall Technical Signal: Buy

Based on trend analysis (SMA50/SMA200) and MACD trend (positive/negative on a daily + weekly basis). Updated October 17, 2026.

Technical analysis of Palo Alto Networks (PANW.US) – RSI 37, MACD positive (bullish), daily candlestick chart October 2026
Palo Alto Networks technical analysis – candlestick chart with RSI, MACD and volume profile. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Trend Analysis of Palo Alto Networks, Inc

Palo Alto Networks, Inc is in a short-term downtrend. The price of $342.00 is 12.5% below the 20-day average ($390.96). Medium term, the picture is negative: the price is 8.4% below the 50-day average ($373.27). Long term, the stock is 31.2% above the 200-day average ($260.68), which confirms a long-term uptrend.

Golden Cross: The 50-day average (373.27) is above the 200-day average (260.68), which is a classic bullish signal for Palo Alto Networks, Inc.

Is Palo Alto Networks, Inc overbought or oversold?

Palo Alto Networks, Inc has an RSI of 37.0. The stock sits in the lower part of the neutral zone, which points to weak momentum without being oversold.

MACD Analysis for Palo Alto Networks, Inc

Daily MACD: MACD is positive (1.977), which means the short-term trend is bullish (the 12-day EMA is above the 26-day EMA). MACD is below the signal line (8.851) by 6.874, which suggests the positive momentum is fading – the trend could be turning.

Weekly MACD: MACD5 is positive (42.541), which indicates a broader bullish long-term trend. MACD5 is above the signal line (42.371) by 0.170, which confirms rising long-term momentum.

Overall MACD assessment: Both the daily and weekly trend are bullish (MACD positive). However, momentum shows signs of weakening on a daily basis. Watch whether the trend holds.

Risk Profile for Palo Alto Networks, Inc

Palo Alto Networks, Inc has an annual standard deviation of 48.1%, which classifies the stock as medium risk. The price can swing noticeably when the market moves.

Overall Technical Conclusion for Palo Alto Networks, Inc

Trend: Neutral/mixed.

MACD trend (zero line): Daily bullish (1.977). Weekly bullish (42.541).

MACD momentum (signal): Daily falling. Weekly rising.

RSI: 37.0 – neutral.

Technical signal: Buy

The broader trend is positive and MACD supports the picture. Consider buying with a stop-loss below the nearest support level.

Frequently Asked Questions About Palo Alto Networks stock in 2026

Should you buy Palo Alto Networks stock now?
Yes, the technical signal for Palo Alto Networks is currently Buy. Palo Alto Networks trades at $342.00 as of Oct 17, 2026. The technical analysis shows the following: MACD is positive (bullish trend) at 1.977 with falling momentum (signal: 8.851); RSI is at 37.0 (neutral zone); the stock is in a short-term downtrend (price below the 20-day average); the analyst price target of $396.92 points to 16.1% upside. This is a technical observation based on current data, not investment advice.
What is the price target for Palo Alto Networks stock?
The average analyst price target for Palo Alto Networks is $396.92. The current price is $342.00, which gives an upside of 16.1%. Based on this, the stock is considered undervalued. The fair value range (±10% of the price target) is between $357.23 and $436.61.
Is Palo Alto Networks a dividend stock?
No, Palo Alto Networks does not currently pay a dividend to shareholders. The company reinvests its profits in growth instead of paying dividends.
What is the risk of Palo Alto Networks stock?
Palo Alto Networks is rated as a stock in the risk category Moderate. the annual standard deviation is 48.1%, which classifies the stock as Moderate.
Is Palo Alto Networks overvalued?
No, Palo Alto Networks is considered undervalued based on the analyst price target (16.1% upside). Palo Alto Networks has the following valuation ratios: a P/E ratio of 1,047.0 (highly valued), a P/S ratio of 29.8, a P/B ratio of 11.7. The analyst price target suggests that the stock is undervalued by 16.1%.
Is Palo Alto Networks overbought?
No, Palo Alto Networks is not overbought. RSI is at 37.0 (neutral zone). The technical indicators show: RSI is at 37.0 (neutral zone between 30-70), which signals neither overbought nor oversold. In addition, the price is 12.5% below the 20-day average (short-term downtrend). In addition, MACD is positive, but momentum is falling.
When is the next Palo Alto Networks earnings report?
Palo Alto Networks reports its next earnings on November 18, 2026. The stock currently trades at $342.00. With a P/E ratio of 1,047.0, the market will be watching closely whether earnings meet expectations.
Is Palo Alto Networks shorted?
Yes, Palo Alto Networks is shorted with 2.7% of the free float sold short. This is a moderate level of short selling, within the normal range for most stocks. The figure comes from our data provider EODHD, is reported about twice a month, and we check it every trading day.
Are insiders buying Palo Alto Networks stock?
No, insiders are not buying Palo Alto Networks shares – they are net sellers. Over the last 3 months, insiders have made 0 purchases and 10 sales. On a net basis, 3,548,577 $ worth of shares were sold. Across the last 20 reported transactions, the split is 0 purchases and 20 sales, with a net 7,352,735 $ sold. Active sellers include Bawa Aparna, Paul Josh D., Golechha Dipak and others. Insider selling can have several explanations (e.g. planned 10b5-1 sales, portfolio diversification or taxes), but sustained selling by several insiders is worth watching closely.
Is Palo Alto Networks a good stock?
Based on our total score, Palo Alto Networks is rated as a poor stock with a total score of 36 out of 100. The stock scores below average on value, quality and momentum – it sits at the lower end of the market. The score is made up of Value: 5/100, Quality: 23/100, Momentum: 80/100. In addition: analysts see 16.1% upside to the price target. Whether now is the time to buy is a separate question: the technical signal is Buy. Whether Palo Alto Networks is a good investment depends on your time horizon, risk profile and portfolio. This is a data-driven observation, not investment advice.
What is the outlook for Palo Alto Networks stock?
The outlook for Palo Alto Networks based on current data: the average analyst price target is $396.92 (+16.1%); the next earnings report is due on Nov 18, 2026, which can move the price; the P/E ratio is 1,047.0 (high – the market expects growth). Keep in mind that stock prices are affected by many factors, including earnings reports, the economy and market sentiment. Past returns are no guarantee of future returns.
Why is Palo Alto Networks stock falling?
Palo Alto Networks is falling right now. The technical indicators show: the price is 12.5% below the 20-day average; insiders have mostly been selling the stock recently. For the latest context, see our technical analysis and insider section above.
How high can Palo Alto Networks go?
The average analyst price target for Palo Alto Networks is $396.92, which corresponds to a potential gain of 16.1% from the current price of $342.00. The stock has traded between $139.57 and $432.33 over the last 52 weeks. The price is 20.9% below the 52-week high, which can indicate potential if the underlying fundamentals are intact. Keep in mind that price targets are estimates, not guarantees. Actual price moves depend on earnings, market conditions and unexpected events.
How low can Palo Alto Networks fall?
The stock has traded as low as $139.57 over the last 52 weeks — that is 59.2% below the current price of $342.00. The biggest decline (drawdown) in the same period was 67.7% from high to low. Within a year, the price typically swings about ±48.1% (standard deviation — a measure of price swings). A difficult year could therefore mean a further decline of that size. Remember: past price swings are no guarantee for the future — a stock can fall further than the last 52 weeks suggest, especially on profit warnings, sector crises or a market crash. Use stop-loss orders and spread your portfolio to limit losses in single stocks.
What does Palo Alto Networks do?
Palo Alto Networks makes cybersecurity products. It earns money by protecting company networks and cloud systems from hacking and other attacks. The company is known for two main products. Prisma Cloud protects data and systems that run in the cloud, meaning on remote compute... The company belongs to the Technology sector, more specifically the Software - Infrastructure industry, is headquartered in United States, and is traded on the USA Stocks. See the key figures, earnings history and price development above to evaluate Palo Alto Networks as an investment.
Did Palo Alto Networks raise or lower its guidance?
Over the last 60 days we have not registered a guidance raise or cut from Palo Alto Networks. The company can still adjust its guidance at quarterly reports or between reports — see the earnings history above.
Is Palo Alto Networks making money or losing money?
Yes, Palo Alto Networks is making money, not losing it. The company has a profit margin (the share of revenue left over as profit) of 2.7% — which is modest. The operating margin (profit before interest and taxes) is 5.4%. At a P/E ratio of 1,047.0, you currently pay 1,047.0 dollars for every dollar of the company's annual earnings. A consistently profitable company is usually more resilient than growth stocks that are not yet making money.
Can Palo Alto Networks go bankrupt?
The bankruptcy risk of Palo Alto Networks is rated as moderate. Altman Z2 (a model for assessing financial distress) is 1.47 — that places the company in the middle zone. The Piotroski score (financial health 0-9, higher is better) is 3 — which is weak. Debt relative to equity is 201% (high). Remember: models like Altman Z2 are statistical — unexpected shocks (fraud, a sector collapse, lawsuits) can always happen. Spread your portfolio.
Does Palo Alto Networks have a lot of debt?
Yes, Palo Alto Networks has elevated debt relative to equity. The debt-to-equity ratio (D/E — interest-bearing debt to equity) is 201%. For the technology sector, anything above 120% counts as elevated — that raises the financial risk, especially if interest rates rise or earnings fall. Tech companies are usually asset-light and need little borrowed capital — anything below 60% counts as low in this sector. Note: D/E levels are highly sector-specific — a bank at 300% debt is normal, a tech stock at 300% is extremely leveraged. Always compare with similar companies in the same sector.

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