Palo Alto Networks Inc (NYSE:PANW, ETR:5AP) reported better-than-expected first-quarter adjusted earnings on Wednesday, though revenue narrowly missed estimates, prompting its stock to drop during after-hours trading.
The cybersecurity company posted adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.56, exceeding Wall Street’s consensus estimate of $1.48.
Revenue rose 14% year-over-year to $2.14 billion, just shy of the $2.12 billion forecast.
The firm also announced a 2-for-1 stock split.
In terms of the balance sheet, product revenue rose 3.7% year-over-year to $353.8 million, beating estimates of $344 million, while subscription and support revenue climbed 16% to $1.79 billion, slightly exceeding the $1.78 billion forecast.
Deferred revenue, a key indicator of future performance, increased 16% to $5.51 billion but missed the $5.59 billion consensus. Meanwhile, research and development expenses surged 17% to $480.4 million, surpassing expectations of $467.3 million.
For the second quarter, Palo Alto Networks projects adjusted EPS of $1.54 to $1.56, just in line with the consensus estimate of $1.55, and revenue of $2.22 billion to $2.25 billion, compared to an expected $2.23 billion.
The company also issued full-year fiscal 2025 guidance, forecasting EPS of $6.26 to $6.39, slightly above the $6.28 consensus, and revenue of $9.12 billion to $9.17 billion, near analysts’ estimate of $9.13 billion.
“Our Q1 results reinforced our conviction in our differentiated platformization strategy,” said chairman and CEO Nikesh Arora. “We see a growing market realization that platformization is the game changer that will solve security and enable better AI outcomes.”
Despite the positive earnings surprise, investor concerns over the revenue shortfall and rising expenses weighed on the stock, which was down 5.8% in extended trading.