Cash

Accumulate

Arora

Equal

Security

<h3 id="key-highlights">Key Highlights</h3>
<ul>
 <li>Wedbush Securities boosted PANW’s price target to $340 from $300, keeping an Outperform rating following fiscal Q3 2026 results</li>
 <li>Third-quarter revenue reached $3 billion, marking 31% year-over-year growth and surpassing the $2.94 billion analyst consensus; earnings per share of $0.85 exceeded the $0.80 forecast</li>
 <li>Next-Generation Security annual recurring revenue surged 60% to top $8 billion; deferred revenue climbed 36% to $18.4 billion</li>
 <li>Wall Street analysts broadly increased their price targets after the earnings print, with the mean target reaching $306.59 and a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating</li>
 <li>Institutional investors increased positions while company executives offloaded more than $17.9 million worth of shares last quarter; PANW traded at $272.05 Friday, falling 2.6%</li>
</ul>
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) reported impressive fiscal third-quarter 2026 results that exceeded both top and bottom-line expectations, prompting Wall Street firms to issue a series of bullish price target increases.
<a href="https://knockoutstocks.com/stock/PANW" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> <img src="https://knockoutstocks.com/api/stocks/PANW/embed" alt="PANW Stock Card"> Palo Alto Networks, Inc., PANW </a>
Shares of PANW began Friday’s session at $272.05, declining 2.6% despite strong fundamentals, retreating after a spectacular May 2026 rally that pushed the stock up over 65% in a single month. The cybersecurity giant trades within a 52-week band of $139.57 to $302.95, commanding a market valuation of $221.72 billion.
The third-quarter performance was impressive across key metrics. Total revenue hit $3 billion, representing 31.1% annual growth and exceeding Wall Street’s $2.94 billion estimate. Adjusted earnings per share of $0.85 topped the $0.79 consensus forecast. Chief Executive Nikesh Arora attributed the strength to accelerating demand as companies rush to protect their <a href="https://knockoutstocks.com/stocks/ai" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">AI infrastructure.</a>
The company’s Next-Generation Security annual recurring revenue exploded 60% higher to surpass $8 billion. Meanwhile, remaining performance obligations expanded 36% to $18.4 billion — a robust indicator of future revenue streams.
However, the GAAP picture was murkier. <a href="https://coincentral.com/palo-alto-networks-panw-stock-drops-6-after-strong-earnings-heres-why/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">PANW</a> posted a net loss of $177 million, a stark reversal from the $262 million profit recorded in the same period last year. The shortfall stemmed primarily from acquisition-related expenses connected to CyberArk and Chronosphere deals. On an adjusted basis, net income totaled $684 million.
Looking ahead, PANW issued full fiscal year 2026 EPS guidance of $3.770 to $3.790. Fourth-quarter earnings are projected between $0.960 and $0.980 per share.
<h3 id="wall-street-raises-the-bar">Wall Street Raises the Bar</h3>
Wedbush Securities led the charge, elevating its price objective from $300 to $340 while reaffirming its Outperform stance. The firm emphasized PANW’s AI-focused platform as a critical differentiator and added the stock to its exclusive “AI 30” watchlist.
BNP Paribas Exane adjusted its target upward from $220 to $330 with an Outperform designation. Scotiabank increased its forecast from $180 to $320. Barclays upgraded from $220 to $315, maintaining an Overweight rating. <a href="https://coincentral.com/is-amd-stock-a-buy-after-evercores-price-target-hike/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Evercore</a> retained its Outperform view with a Street-high $375 price target. Stephens increased to $300 while holding an Equal Weight stance.
Among 48 covering analysts, the rating split shows 2 Strong Buy, 37 Buy, 8 Hold, and 1 Sell. The mean price objective stands at $306.59.
<h3 id="institutions-accumulate-as-insiders-exit">Institutions Accumulate as Insiders Exit</h3>
Institutional investors demonstrated confidence by expanding their holdings. BI Asset Management increased its position by 47.8% during the fourth quarter, purchasing 19,242 additional shares to reach 59,468 total shares valued at approximately $10.95 million. Pinebridge Investments initiated a fresh stake worth roughly $74.6 million. Collectively, institutional holders control 79.82% of outstanding shares.
Insider transactions painted a contrasting picture. Executive Vice President Lee Klarich disposed of 62,904 shares at $258.65 each on May 22, generating proceeds of $16.27 million and trimming his holdings by 21.05%. Chief Accounting Officer Josh D. Paul sold 1,100 shares at $285.08 on June 1. Combined insider sales over the past quarter totaled 72,076 shares worth $17.93 million.
FBN Securities elevated PANW from Outperform to Strong Buy in response to the quarterly results. The company’s fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings report is scheduled next.
The post <a href="https://blockonomi.com/palo-alto-networks-panw-stock-wall-street-upgrades-while-executives-cash-out/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Stock: Wall Street Upgrades While Executives Cash Out</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blockonomi.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Blockonomi</a>.

Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Stock: Wall Street Upgrades While Executives Cash Out

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