If you are looking into the cybersecurity world, Palo Alto Networks (PANW) is a name you cannot ignore. As more businesses move online, the need to protect data is growing, making PANW a hot topic among investors.
PANW Stock Price Forecast 2026 Based on recent data from major platforms like Public, HeyGoTrade, and Robinhood, here is a breakdown of what to expect from this stock.
1. What are the Experts Saying? (Analyst Ratings)
Most market experts are very optimistic about PANW. It is currently one of the most trusted stocks in the tech sector.
- Strong Buy Signal: On Public.com, about 83% of analysts recommend a “Buy” or “Strong Buy.”
- Robinhood Data: Out of 55 expert ratings, 80% suggest buying the stock, while only a tiny fraction (less than 2%) suggest selling.
- The Verdict: The general consensus is that PANW is a “Buy.”
2. PANW Stock Price Forecast 2026-2027
The stock has seen some ups and downs recently, but the future targets look promising:
- Current Trading Zone: The stock has been moving between $144 and $223 over the last 52 weeks.
- Average Target Price: Analysts have set an average price target of approximately $220.06.
- Future Outlook: If the company continues its current growth, experts believe the stock could challenge its previous high of $223 and potentially move higher by 2026.
3. Why is PANW Growing?
There are three main reasons why investors are excited about this company:
- Software Focus: PANW is successfully moving from selling hardware to selling software services. Software now makes up 44% of their total business.
- Massive Backlog: The company has $15.5 billion in “Remaining Performance Obligations” (RPO). This means they already have a huge amount of guaranteed work and income lined up for the future.
- Next-Gen Security: Their new security tools are growing at a rapid rate of 29% per year.
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Market Cap History
| Year | Market Cap (USD) | Change (%) |
| 2026 | $113.96 Billion | -11.24% |
| 2025 | $128.39 Billion | +7.53% |
| 2024 | $119.41 Billion | +29.08% |
| 2023 | $92.51$ Billion | +119.29% |
| 2022 | $42.19 Billion | -23.24% |
| 2021 | $54.96 Billion | — |
4. Things to Watch Out For (Risks)
No investment is without risk. Here is what you should keep in mind:
- High Valuation: With a P/E ratio of over 100, the stock is considered “expensive.” Investors are paying a premium price for its future growth.
- Lower Guidance: The company recently gave a slightly lower growth estimate for the next quarter, which caused some short-term nervousness in the market.
5. Financial Quick Facts
- Market Cap: Over 121.68B
- Dividend: PANW does not pay a dividend yet. They reinvest all their profits to grow the company faster.
- Industry: Cybersecurity Software.
Also Read: Suzlon Energy Share Price Target 2026 to 2030-Long term forcast and Analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the 7% rule in stocks?
The 7% rule is a disciplined risk management strategy popularized by famous investor William O’Neil (founder of Investor’s Business Daily).
The Rule: It suggests that you should automatically sell a stock if its price falls 7% to 8% below your purchase price.
The Goal: This is a “stop-loss” plan to protect your capital. It prevents a small 7% loss from turning into a massive 50% loss. Experts believe that if a good stock drops more than 7%, something might be wrong with the timing or the market trend.
2. Is PANW a good long-term investment?
Yes, most trusted sources like Morningstar and Zacks consider PANW a strong long-term play.
Strong Moat: Morningstar gives PANW a “Wide Moat” rating, which means the company has a massive competitive advantage.
Growth Potential: Its shift to high-margin software and its huge backlog of $16 billion in contracts (RPO) provide very stable long-term visibility. However, because it is a high-growth tech stock, it can be volatile (jumpy) in the short term.
3. Should I buy PANW now?
Based on recent analyst consensus from February 2026:
The Consensus: It is currently rated as a “Moderate Buy.” * Buying the Dip: The stock recently saw a price drop after its Q2 earnings report (down to around $153-$163). Many analysts see this as a “buying opportunity” because the company’s fundamentals (profit and revenue) actually improved.
Tip: If you are a long-term investor, buying during these “dips” is often recommended by Wall Street experts.
4. What is the price target for PANW?
Analysts have set the following targets for the next 12 months (as of Feb 2026)
(i)Average Price Target: Approximately $216.17 to $222.89.
(ii)High Target: Some experts at Piper Sandler have a target as high as $265.
(iii)Upside Potential: At the current price of around $163, these targets suggest a potential growth of 32% to 36% in the coming year.
Trusted Sources:
PANW Stock Price Quote & News – Palo Alto Networks
PANW Stock Forecast & Price Target
Final Thoughts for Investors
Palo Alto Networks is a leader in a world that is becoming more digital every day. While the stock might be volatile in the short term due to its high price, its long-term setup looks strong because of its massive contract backlog and shift to software.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor before investing.