PANW beats on AI-driven demand, expands AI push with Console acquisition
Palo Alto Networks topped Q4 expectations with adjusted EPS of $1.02 on revenue of $3.41 billion, up 34% year over year, while posting a $282 million net loss. CEO Nikesh Arora attributed the beat to AI-driven cyber threats prompting faster, stronger defenses, a trend seen as a long-term growth tailwind. The company also announced plans to acquire AI startup Console as part of a broader AI push and highlighted a surge in customer briefings. Guidance was upbeat: Q1 revenue of about $3.30–$3.31 billion and full-year revenue of $14.10–$14.20 billion with adjusted EPS of $4.16–$4.19, following previous large acquisitions like CyberArk and Chronosphere.