Palo Alto Networks ‘ long-term prospects are improving and could be a catalyst for the stock, according to Bank of America. The firm upgraded the cybersecurity stock to buy from neutral on Tuesday, and reiterated its $215 per share price target. BofA’s forecast calls for more than 22% upside from Monday’s $176.17 close. Shares jumped 6% in premarket trading. PANW YTD mountain Palo Alto Networks stock in 2025. Analyst Tal Liani said he expects the company’s free cash flow to “step up” from here, and added that the firm favors “technological and product leadership which should help to solidify Palo Alto as a cybersecurity leader longer term.” “At a high level, the company’s strategy appears to be working well, with 1400 platform deals, and software is driving up growth, accounting now for 56% of product revenues vs. 44% last year,” he added. The firm’s fourth-quarter results surpassed analyst estimates on the top and bottom line on Monday. Last week, Palo Alto Networks announced plans to purchase Israeli security provider CyberArk in a $25 billion deal. Shares have pulled back more than 3% so far in 2025.
