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Question: 160
Which feature provides real-time analysis using machine learning (ML) to defend against new and unknown threats?
A. Advanced URL Filtering (AURLF)
B. Cortex Data Lake
C. DNS Security
D. Panorama VM-Series plugin Answer: C
Explanation:
DNS Security is the feature that provides real-time analysis using machine learning (ML) to defend against new and
unknown threats. DNS Security leverages a cloud-based service that applies predictive analytics, advanced ML, and
automation to block malicious domains and stop attacks in progress. Advanced URL Filtering (AURLF), Cortex Data
Lake, and Panorama VM-Series plugin are not features that provide real-time analysis using ML, but they are related
solutions that can enhance security and visibility.
Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [DNS Security Datasheet], [Advanced
URL Filtering Datasheet], [Cortex Data Lake Datasheet], [Panorama VM-Series Plugin] Question: 161
Which of the following can provide application-level security for a web-server instance on Amazon Web Services
(AWS)?
A. VM-Series firewalls
B. Hardware firewalls
C. Terraform templates
D. Security groups Answer: A
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Explanation:
VM-Series firewalls can provide application-level security for a web-server instance on Amazon Web Services
(AWS). VM-Series firewalls are virtualized versions of the Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewall that can be
deployed on various cloud platforms, including AWS. VM-Series firewalls can protect web servers from cyberattacks
by applying granular security policies based on application, user, content, and threat information. Hardware firewalls,
Terraform templates, and security groups are not solutions that can provide application-level security for a web-server
instance on AWS, but they are related concepts that can be used in conjunction with VM-Series firewalls.
Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [VM-Series on AWS], [VM-Series
Datasheet], [Terraform for VM-Series on AWS], [Security Groups for Your VPC] Question: 162
Which two statements apply to the VM-Series plugin? (Choose two.)
A. It can manage capabilities common to both VM-Series firewalls and hardware firewalls.
B. It can be upgraded independently of PAN-O
C. It enables management of cloud-specific interactions between VM-Series firewalls and supported public cloud
platforms.
D. It can manage Panorama plugins. Answer: A,B
Explanation:
The two statements that apply to the VM-Series plugin are:
It can be upgraded independently of PAN-OS.
It enables management of cloud-specific interactions between VM-Series firewalls and supported public cloud
platforms.
The VM-Series plugin is a software component that extends the functionality of the PAN-OS operating system to
support cloud-specific features and APIs. The VM-Series plugin can be upgraded independently of PAN-OS to
provide faster access to new cloud capabilities and integrations. The VM-Series plugin enables management of cloud-
specific interactions between VM-Series firewalls and supported public cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, GCP,
Alibaba Cloud, and Oracle Cloud. These interactions include bootstrapping, licensing, scaling, high availability, load
balancing, and tagging. The VM-Series plugin cannot manage capabilities common to both VM-Series firewalls and
hardware firewalls, as those are handled by PAN-OS. The VM-Series plugin cannot manage Panorama plugins, as
those are separate software components that extend the functionality of the Panorama management server to support
cloud-specific features and APIs.
Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [VM-Series Plugin Overview], [VM-
Series Plugin Release Notes] Question: 163
What can software next-generation firewall (NGFW) credits be used to provision?
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A. Remote browser isolation
B. Virtual Panorama appliances
C. Migrating NGFWs from hardware to VMs
D. Enablement of DNS security Answer: C
Explanation:
Software next-generation firewall (NGFW) credits can be used to provision migrating NGFWs from hardware to VMs.
Software NGFW credits are a flexible licensing model that allows customers to purchase and consume software
NGFWs as needed, without having to specify the platform or deployment model upfront. Customers can use software
NGFW credits to migrate their existing hardware NGFWs to VM-Series firewalls on any supported cloud or
virtualization platform, or to deploy new VM-Series firewalls as their needs grow. Software NGFW credits cannot be
used to provision remote browser isolation, virtual Panorama appliances, or enablement of DNS security, as those are
separate solutions that require different licenses or subscriptions.
Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Software NGFW Credits Datasheet],
[Software NGFW Credits FAQ] Question: 164
How is traffic directed to a Palo Alto Networks firewall integrated with Cisco ACI?
A. By using contracts between endpoint groups that send traffic to the firewall using a shared policy
B. Through a virtual machine (VM) monitor domain
C. Through a policy-based redirect
D. By creating an access policy Answer: C
Explanation:
Traffic is directed to a Palo Alto Networks firewall integrated with Cisco ACI through a policy-based redirect. Cisco
ACI is a software-defined network (SDN) solution that provides network automation, orchestration, and visibility. A
policy-based redirect is a mechanism that allows Cisco ACI to redirect traffic from one endpoint group (EPG) to
another EPG through a service device, such as a Palo Alto Networks firewall. The firewall can then inspect and
enforce security policies on the redirected traffic before sending it back to Cisco ACI. Traffic is not directed to a Palo
Alto Networks firewall integrated
with Cisco ACI by using contracts between endpoint groups that send traffic to the firewall using a shared policy,
through a virtual machine (VM) monitor domain, or by creating an access policy, as those are not valid methods for
traffic redirection in Cisco ACI.
Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Deploy the VM-Series Firewall on
Cisco ACI], [Cisco ACI Policy-Based Redirect] Question: 165
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Which protocol is used for communicating between VM-Series firewalls and a gateway load balancer in Amazon Web
Services (AWS)?
A. VRLAN
B. Geneve
C. GRE
D. VMLAN Answer: B
Explanation:
Geneve is the protocol used for communicating between VM-Series firewalls and a gateway load balancer in Amazon
Web Services (AWS). A gateway load balancer is a type of network load balancer that distributes traffic across
multiple virtual appliances, such as VM-Series firewalls, in AWS. Geneve is a tunneling protocol that encapsulates the
original packet with an additional header that contains metadata about the source and destination endpoints, as well as
other information. Geneve allows the gateway load balancer to preserve the original packet attributes and forward it to
the appropriate VM-Series firewall for inspection and processing. VRLAN, GRE, and VMLAN are not protocols used
for communicating between VM-Series firewalls and a gateway load balancer in AWS, but they are related concepts
that can be used for other purposes.
Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Deploy the VM-Series Firewall with
AWS Gateway Load Balancer], [Geneve Protocol Specification] Question: 166
Which two elements of the Palo Alto Networks platform architecture enable security orchestration in a software-
defined network (SDN)? (Choose two.)
A. Full set of APIs enabling programmatic control of policy and configuration
B. VXLAN support for network-layer abstraction
C. Dynamic Address Groups to adapt Security policies dynamically
D. NVGRE support for advanced VLAN integration Answer: A,C
Explanation:
The two elements of the Palo Alto Networks platform architecture that enable security orchestration in a software-
defined network (SDN) are:
Full set of APIs enabling programmatic control of policy and configuration
Dynamic Address Groups to adapt Security policies dynamically
The Palo Alto Networks platform architecture consists of four key elements: natively integrated security technologies,
full set of APIs, cloud-delivered services, and centralized management. The full set of APIs enables programmatic
control of policy and configuration across the platform, allowing for automation and integration with SDN controllers
and orchestration tools. Dynamic Address Groups are objects that represent groups of IP addresses based on criteria
such as tags, regions, interfaces, or user-defined attributes. Dynamic Address Groups allow Security policies to adapt
dynamically to changes in the network topology or workload characteristics without requiring manual updates.
VXLAN support for network-layer abstraction and NVGRE support for advanced VLAN integration are not elements
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of the Palo Alto Networks platform architecture, but they are features that support SDN deployments.
Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Palo Alto Networks Platform
Architecture], [API Overview], [Dynamic Address Groups Overview] Question: 167
Which component scans for threats in allowed traffic?
A. Intelligent Traffic Offload
B. TLS decryption
C. Security profiles
D. NAT Answer: C
Explanation:
Security profiles are the components that scan for threats in allowed traffic. Security profiles are sets of rules or
settings that define how the firewall will inspect and handle traffic based on various threat prevention technologies,
such as antivirus, anti-spyware, vulnerability protection, URL filtering, file blocking, data filtering, and WildFire
analysis. Security profiles can be applied to Security policy rules to enforce granular protection against known and
unknown threats in allowed traffic. Intelligent Traffic Offload, TLS decryption, and NAT are not components that scan
for threats in allowed traffic, but they are related features that can enhance security and performance.
Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Security Profiles Overview], [Threat
Prevention Datasheet] Question: 168
Which two deployment modes of VM-Series firewalls are supported across NSX-T? (Choose two.)
A. Prism Central
B. Bootstrap
C. Service Cluster
D. Host-based Answer: A,B,C
Explanation:
The two deployment modes of VM-Series firewalls that are supported across NSX-T are:
Bootstrap
Service Cluster
NSX-T is a software-defined network (SDN) solution that provides network virtualization, automation, and security
for cloud-native applications. Bootstrap is a method of deploying and configuring VM-Series firewalls in NSX-T
using a bootstrap package that contains the initial setup information, such as licenses, certificates, software updates,
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and configuration files. Service Cluster is a mode of deploying VM-Series firewalls in NSX-T as a group of firewalls
that act as a single logical firewall to provide scalability and high availability. Prism Central, Host-based, and Service
Insertion are not deployment modes of VM-Series firewalls in NSX-T, but they are related concepts that can be used
for other purposes.
Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE),
[Deploy the VM-Series Firewall on NSX-T], [Bootstrap the VM-Series Firewall for NSX-T], [Deploy the VM-Series
Firewall as a Service Cluster on NSX-T] Question: 169
A customer in a VMware ESXi environment wants to add a VM-Series firewall and partition an existing group of
virtual machines (VMs) in the same subnet into two groups. One group requires no additional security, but the second
group requires substantially more security.
How can this partition be accomplished without editing the IP addresses or the default gateways of any of the guest
VMs?
A. Edit the IP address of all of the affected VMs. www*
B. Create a new virtual switch and use the VM-Series firewall to separate virtual switches using virtual wire mode.
Then move the guests that require more security into the new virtual switch.
C. Create a Layer 3 interface in the same subnet as the VMs and then configure proxy Address Resolution Protocol
(ARP).
D. Send the VLAN out of the virtual environment into a hardware Palo Alto Networks firewall in Layer 3 mode. Use
the same IP address as the old default gateway, then delete it. Answer: B
Explanation:
The partition can be accomplished without editing the IP addresses or the default gateways of any of the guest VMs by
creating a new virtual switch and using the VM-Series firewall to separate virtual switches using virtual wire mode.
Then move the guests that require more security into the new virtual switch. A virtual switch is a software-based
switch that connects virtual machines (VMs) in a VMware ESXi environment. A virtual wire is a deployment mode of
the VM-Series firewall that allows it to act as a bump in the wire between two network segments, without requiring an
IP address or routing configuration. By creating a new virtual switch and using the VM-Series firewall to separate
virtual switches using virtual wire mode, the customer can isolate the group of VMs that require more security from
the rest of the network, and apply security policies to the traffic passing through the firewall. The partition cannot be
accomplished without editing the IP addresses or the default gateways of any of the guest VMs by editing the IP
address of all of the affected VMs, creating a Layer 3 interface in the same subnet as the VMs and then configuring
proxy Address Resolution Protocol (ARP), or sending the VLAN out of the virtual environment into a hardware Palo
Alto Networks firewall in Layer 3 mode. Use the same IP address as the old default gateway, then delete it, as those
methods would require changing the network configuration of the guest VMs or introducing additional complexity and
latency.
Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Deploying Virtual Switches], [Virtual
Wire Deployment], [Deploying Virtual Wire on VMware ESXi] Question: 170
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How must a Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) be configured in order to secure traffic in a Cisco
ACI environment?
A. It must be deployed as a member of a device cluster
B. It must use a Layer 3 underlay network
C. It must receive all forwarding lookups from the network controller
D. It must be identified as a default gateway Answer: B
Explanation:
A Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) must be configured to use a Layer 3 underlay network in
order to secure traffic in a Cisco ACI environment. A Layer 3 underlay network is a physical network that provides IP
connectivity between devices, such as routers, switches, and firewalls. A Palo Alto Networks NGFW must use a Layer
3 underlay network to communicate with the Cisco ACI fabric and receive traffic redirection from the Cisco ACI
policy-based redirect mechanism. A Palo Alto Networks NGFW does not need to be deployed as a member of a
device cluster, receive all forwarding lookups from the network controller, or be identified as a default gateway in
order to secure traffic in a Cisco ACI environment, as those are not valid requirements or options for firewall
integration with Cisco ACI.
Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Deploy the VM-Series Firewall on
Cisco ACI], [Cisco ACI Underlay Network] Question: 171
Which component allows the flexibility to add network resources but does not require making changes to existing
policies and rules?
A. Content-ID
B. External dynamic list
C. App-ID
D. Dynamic address group Answer: D
Explanation:
Dynamic address group is the component that allows the flexibility to add network resources but does not require
making changes to existing policies and rules. Dynamic address group is an object that represents a group of IP
addresses based on criteria such as tags, regions, interfaces, or user-defined attributes. Dynamic address group allows
Security policies to adapt dynamically to changes in the network topology or workload characteristics without
requiring manual updates. Content-ID, External dynamic list, and App-ID are not components that allow the flexibility
to add network resources but do not require making changes to existing policies and rules, but they are related features
that can enhance security and visibility.
Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Dynamic Address Groups Overview],
[Content-ID Overview], [External Dynamic Lists Overview], [App-ID Overview]
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Which PAN-OS feature allows for automated updates to address objects when VM-Series firewalls are setup as part of
an NSX deployment?
A. Boundary automation
B. Hypervisor integration
C. Bootstrapping
D. Dynamic Address Group Answer: D
Explanation:
Dynamic Address Group is the PAN-OS feature that allows for automated updates to address objects when VM-Series
firewalls are setup as part of an NSX deployment. NSX is a software-defined network (SDN) solution that provides
network virtualization, automation, and security for cloud-native applications. Dynamic Address Group is an object
that represents a group of IP addresses based on criteria such as tags, regions, interfaces, or user-defined attributes.
Dynamic Address Group allows Security policies to adapt dynamically to changes in the network topology or
workload characteristics without requiring manual updates. When VM-Series firewalls are setup as part of an NSX
deployment, they can leverage the NSX tags assigned to virtual machines (VMs) or containers by the NSX manager or
controller to populate Dynamic Address Groups and update Security policies accordingly. Boundary automation,
Hypervisor integration, and Bootstrapping are not PAN-OS features that allow for automated updates to address
objects when VM-Series firewalls are setup as part of an NSX deployment, but they are related concepts that can be
used for other purposes.
Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Dynamic Address Groups Overview],
[Deploy the VM-Series Firewall on VMware NSX] Question: 173
Which two factors lead to improved return on investment for prospects interested in Palo Alto Networks virtualized
next-generation firewalls (NGFWs)? (Choose two.)
A. Decreased likelihood of data breach
B. Reduced operational expenditures
C. Reduced time to deploy
D. Reduced insurance premiums Answer: A,C
Explanation:
The two factors that lead to improved return on investment for prospects interested in Palo Alto Networks virtualized
next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) are: Decreased likelihood of data breach Reduced time to deploy Palo Alto
Networks virtualized NGFWs are virtualized versions of the Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewall that can be
deployed on various cloud or virtualization platforms. Palo Alto Networks virtualized NGFWs provide comprehensive
security and visibility across hybrid and multi-cloud environments, protecting applications and data from cyberattacks.
By using Palo Alto Networks virtualized NGFWs, prospects can decrease the likelihood of data breach by applying
granular security policies based on application, user, content, and threat information, and by leveraging cloud-
delivered services such as Threat Prevention, WildFire, URL Filtering, DNS Security, and Cortex Data Lake. By using
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Palo Alto Networks virtualized NGFWs, prospects can also reduce the time to deploy by taking advantage of
automation and orchestration tools such as Terraform, Ansible, CloudFormation, ARM templates, and Panorama
plugins that simplify and accelerate the deployment and configuration of firewalls across different cloud platforms.
Reduced operational expenditures and reduced insurance premiums are not factors that lead to improved return on
investment for prospects interested in Palo Alto Networks virtualized NGFWs, but they may be potential benefits or
outcomes of using them.
Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [VM-Series Datasheet], [CN-Series
Datasheet], [Cloud Security Solutions] Question: 174
Auto scaling templates for which type of firewall enable deployment of a single auto scaling group (ASG) of VM-
Series firewalls to secure inbound traffic from the internet to Amazon Web Services (AWS) application workloads?
A. HA-Series
B. CN-Series
C. IPA-Series
D. VM-Series Answer: D
Explanation:
Auto scaling templates for VM-Series firewalls enable deployment of a single auto scaling group (ASG) of VM-Series
firewalls to secure inbound traffic from the internet to Amazon Web Services (AWS) application workloads. An ASG
is a collection of EC2 instances that share similar characteristics and can be scaled up or down automatically based on
demand or predefined conditions. Auto scaling templates for VM-Series firewalls are preconfigured templates that
provide the necessary resources and configuration to deploy and manage VM-Series firewalls in an ASG on AWS.
Auto scaling templates for VM-Series firewalls can be used to secure inbound traffic from the internet to AWS
application workloads by placing the ASG of VM-Series firewalls behind an AWS Application Load Balancer (ALB)
or a Gateway Load Balancer (GWLB) that distributes the traffic across the firewalls. The firewalls can then inspect and
enforce security policies on the inbound traffic before sending it to the application workloads. Auto scaling templates
for HA-Series, CN-Series, and IPA-Series firewalls do not enable deployment of a single ASG of VM-Series firewalls
to secure inbound traffic from the internet to AWS application workloads, as those are different types of firewalls that
have different deployment models and use cases.
Reference: Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE), [Auto Scaling the VM-Series Firewall
on AWS], [VM-Series Datasheet], [HA-Series Datasheet], [CN-Series Datasheet], [IPA-Series Datasheet]
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https://killexams.com/exam_list/Palo-AltoIf You Invested $1000 in Palo Alto Networks a Decade Ago, This is How Much It'd Be Worth NowNo result found, try new keyword!What if you'd invested in Palo Alto Networks (PANW) ten years ago? It may not have been easy to hold on to PANW for all that time, but if you did, how much would your investment be worth today?Sun, 17 Dec 2023 23:30:00 -0600https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/if-you-invested-$1000-in-palo-alto-networks-a-decade-ago-this-is-how-much-itd-be-worth-2Palo Alto Networks: Valuation Concerns Overshadow 2024 Bullish Commercial Momentum
da-kuk
Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW) stock is poised to be a commercial winner in 2024: As suggested by various CIO surveys, Cybersecurity demand is expected to accelerate momentum in 2024, likely setting up Palo Alto for a close to 20% topline expansion. On that note, investors should consider that Palo Alto's incremental revenue should be highly value accretive for shareholders, as the cybersecurity giant is generating about 0.33 cents of free cash flow for every dollar of incremental sales. However, despite the favorable business backdrop, PANW shares are trading too expensive to warrant an investment, in my opinion. On updated valuation estimates, I now estimate PANW's intrinsic worth at about $162/ share.
Last time I covered Palo Alto stock, I mistakenly argued that a guidance cut would be incoming, following a negative cross read from Fortinet's (FTNT)Q2 results.In this article, I adjust my view to a stronger-than expected commercial backdrop.
For context, Palo Alto stock has strongly outperformed the broad equities market YTD, also when compared to the "Tech" benchmark. Since the start of the year, PANW shares are up about 113%, compared to a gain of approximately 25% for the S&P 500 (SP500) and a gain of close to 55% for the Nasdaq tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 (QQQ).
Seeking Alpha
2024 May Support A Cybersecurity Bull Market
As we approach 2024, I see a supportive backdrop for IT budgets. This perspective anchors on various Q3 conference call discussions about gradual shortening sales cycles for new clients and the compression of billing cycles for existing customer base. The set-up going into 2024 looks especially attractive for Cybersecurity spending. Investors should consider that not only is the year 2024 likely seeing geopolitical tensions, but also by emerging security challenges anchored on the evolution of GenAI, e.g. deep-fakes, data poisoning, adversarial attacks, etc. Moreover, Palo Alto management has previously highlighted that as of first quarter FY 2024, ransomware attacks have increased 37% YoY, while attack speed on data exfiltration has accelerated from 9 days two years ago to 2 days as of today.
PANW FY24Q1 reporting
On that note, I point out insights derived from the Piper Sandler 2024 CIO Survey (research note dated 11th December), which suggests that Security spending is the top investment priority for 2024, with 89% of respondents expecting an increased spend, and 22% expecting material (>25%) increases in spending over the coming year. Moreover, within the Security spending vertical the top spending categories were Cloud Security, Endpoint Security, Threat Intelligence, as well as Network Detection & Response -- capabilities that play into Palo Alto's strengths.
A similar takeaway about a bullish spending backdrop for Cybersecurity was confirmed by UBS Evidence Lab AI Survey (research note dated 17th December). According to the survey's insights, the advent of GenAI will result in expanding IT budgets, with Security being a key concern in relation to GenAI applications:
It was clear from the survey results that it wasn’t just Microsoft that was being used to secure AI applications, most were using multiple vendors. Among the “pure-play” security firms, Zscaler and Palo Alto Networks were by far the most frequently-cited, and they both screened well on forward adoption plans as well. Nearly a quarter of our respondents plan to use Zscaler to secure access to GenAI applications and 19% plan to use Palo Alto.
Lastly, there's an emerging trend indicating a desire among software buyers to streamline their vendor relationships. This trend hints at the likelihood of a consolidation wave within the SaaS enterprise sector in 2024, including Cybersecurity. In fact, the Cybersecurity vendor landscape looks quite fragmented, with Palo Alto Networks, Zscaler, SentinelOne, CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Microsoft, Cisco, Okta, etc. While Palo Alto may not necessarily be a major buyer in 2024, with only about $1.7 billion of net cash on the balance sheet, I argue that a consolidation should be supportive for the industry's competitive backdrop.
20% Revenue Growth Looks Reasonable
Palo Alto Networks' portfolio of cloud security solutions aligns seamlessly with the 2024 escalating demand for cloud protection; and I broadly agree with analyst consensus projections that Palo Alto's topline in FY 2024 should expand at about 20% YoY vs FY 2023.
Seeking Alpha
On revenue, analyst consensus broadly aligns with PANW management guidance, who sees revenues for FY 2024 in the range of $8.15 to 8.2 billion. Moreover, management has projected that operating income growth will outpace topline expansion, with operating margin estimated +190 to 240 basis points. If this projection would materialize, PANW's earnings per share could be up 22-25% YoY, reaching about $5.46 at midpoint.
PANW FY24Q1 reporting
Adjust Target Price to $162.22
Reflecting a bullish backdrop, and in line with updated analyst consensus EPS estimates for PANW through 2025, I adjust my residual earnings model for the company's stock: For FY 2024, I now estimate that Palo Alto's EPS will likely fall within the range of between $5.3 and 5.7 (non-GAAP). For FY 2025, and FY 2026 I set my EPS expectation at $26.4 and $7.8, respectively. Lastly, while I maintain my terminal growth rate input at about 150 basis point above expected nominal U.S. GDP growth, at 4.25%, I reduce my cost of equity assumption by 50 basis points, mostly as a consequence of the pending Fed rate cut projections.
On the backdrop of the adjustments highlighted above, I now calculate a fair implied stock price for PANW stock equal to $162.22, suggesting approximately 38% downside based on fundamentals.
Note: the table enclosed references calendar year, not financial year!
PANW financials, author's estimates and calculation
Below also the sensitivity table, which tests different assumptions for cost of equity (row) as well as terminal growth rate (column).
PANW financials, author's estimates and calculation
Investor Takeaway
Going into 2024, Palo Alto is seen leveraging strong momentum in Cybersecurity budgets to achieve strong topline and earnings growth, estimated at 20% and 23.5% YoY respectively. However, although I like the commercial backdrop, it is impossible for me to justify either a "Buy" or "Hold" rating for a stock that is trading at a 11x FY 2024 EV/Sales and 43x FY 2024 EV/EBIT. On updated valuation estimates, I now estimate PANW's intrinsic worth at $162; and as a function of valuation, I assign an Underweight/ Sell rating.
Wed, 03 Jan 2024 23:50:00 -0600entext/htmlhttps://seekingalpha.com/article/4661132-palo-alto-networks-valuation-concerns-overshadow-bullish-momentumPalo Alto Networks Inc PANW
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Thu, 28 Dec 2023 23:00:00 -0600entext/htmlhttps://www.morningstar.com/stocks/xnas/PANW/quoteExclusive: Palo Alto investigation reveals disturbing details in charged dog trainer case
A Palo Alto police report, obtained exclusively by NBC Bay Area's Investigative Unit, reveals disturbing details about the California probe of a dog trainer charged in the disappearance of a Peninsula German shepherd and linked to the death of a French bulldog in North Reading, Massachusetts.
The Palo Alto Police Department launched an investigation early this year into Josephine Ragland, 28, after Carolina Bruchilari reported that a dog trainer, she hired through Thumbtack had not returned Scott, her 7-year-old purebred German shepherd on the scheduled date and attempted to return an imposter instead.
On that same day, Bruchilari says Ragland left behind the AirTag that was originally hanging from Scott’s collar.
On Jan. 2, when Ragland was supposed to return Scott to his family in Palo Alto, Ragland texted the owner, saying she had a family emergency, had to leave the dog with a third party and couldn’t facilitate the return, said Bruchilari when NBC Bay Area first interviewed her in January.
NBC Bay Area’s Investigative Unit looked into the bizarre case of a missing dog in the Peninsula. A trainer is accused of losing a German shepard, then trying to cover it up by giving the family another dog. Hilda Gutierrez has an update to a story we exposed earlier this year.
Investigators now say that on the day Ragland was supposed to return Scott, she was busy dropping off and picking up five other dogs from clients all over the Bay Area and passing through Palo Alto, where Bruchilari lives.
Another dog owner, who was also interviewed by police, shared a Ring camera video of that same day showing who appears to be Ragland picking up their dog in the North Bay.
Palo Alto’s report said that investigators reviewed Ragland’s activities around the time she was hired to train Scott, between Dec. 2022 and Jan. 2023 by tracking her phone location, Google accounts, Venmo, Zelle and bank transactions.
This is how they discovered that on the day Ragland did not return Scott. She was actively searching, for what police call “Scott’s substitute,” by sending a “flurry of emails” responding to Craigslist posters who advertised German Shepherds up for adoption.
The very next day, the report states Ragland traveled some 800 miles to Seattle, Washington to pick up the imposter dog and then back to Palo Alto. The Craigslist poster later told police that Ragland arrived solo in a black Tesla and had no idea she intended to deliver the dog to someone else.
This version of events contradicts what Bruchilari says Ragland told her about the substitute dog when she confronted her.
“She told me that she didn't know that it was another dog, that this man gave her another dog," said Bruchilari.
A Humboldt County police report from January indicated that Ragland's boyfriend had come forward, saying Scott was under his care and had broken through a window, leaving a blood trail. He also asked to take the charges linked to his disappearance.
According to the Palo Alto report, the boyfriend promised to send a picture of the broken window to police, but never did. Humboldt County told NBC Bay Area's Investigative Unit that they did not verify the story before forwarding the information to Palo Alto police.
In their report, Palo Alto detectives suggest Ragland and her boyfriend were keeping the dogs in Myers Flat in Humboldt County, more than four hours north of the Peninsula.
A German shepard from Palo Alto disappeared while in the care of a dog trainer. NBC Bay Area’s Investigative Unit has learned the trainer is now facing charges in two different states. Hilda Gutierrez has more.
During a two-month period, Ragland allegedly took in 18 dogs, charging over $2,700 each for two weeks of training, continuing her business as usual even after Scott disappeared.
Clients reported to police and NBC Bay Area that Ragland refused to disclose her training location because of safety concerns, and those who did get their pets back say they received emaciated and visibly neglected dogs.
The Palo Alto report also notes that Ragland had expanded her dog training business to the East Coast under a different name.
In September, Ragland was charged with larceny and misleading police after a Massachusetts French Bulldog died in her care. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
In both states, clients told police and NBC Bay Area, they hired Ragland through the online service advertising app Thumbtack because she was verified, had a high rating and dozens of great reviews.
Thumbtack removed Ragland’s profile five days after the initial complaint from Bruchilari and told police they refunded some of Ragland’s clients. But they required them to sign non-disclosure agreements as a condition, something authorities said caused some hesitancy in working with law enforcement, according to the police report.
In a statement, Thumbtack in part said, they were able to verify Ragland’s prior reviews, meaning they were able to confirm they came from genuine Thumbtack customers, and added, "[They] actively encourage all affected customers to speak to the police [and] reached out to those who had engaged with Ragland [going back six months] to let them know she had been banned and that they should not work with her.”
Investigators suggest a possible motive for Ragland's actions, citing at least 10 visits to the Bear River Casino in Loleta during her stay in California, where they say she gambled thousands of dollars during the two-month period.
Police in the East Coast case also noted Ragland's admission of "issues with gambling."
Ragland now faces multiple theft felonies and a warrant for her arrest was issued in Santa Clara County on Nov. 10.
Despite the extensive investigation, the missing German Shepherd has not been located. The Palo Alto Police Department emphasize that the time taken for the investigation is not uncommon and the search for the dog continues.
Mon, 11 Dec 2023 05:34:00 -0600en-UStext/htmlhttps://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/palo-alto-investigation-dog-trainer-case/3394390/Palo Alto police investigating robbery at Taco Bell
PALO ALTO, Calif. - Palo Alto police are investigating a robbery that occurred at a Taco Bell restaurant in the city this week.
According to the Palo Alto Police Department, their officers were alerted to a report of armed robbery at the Taco Bell restaurant on 910 East Charleston Road around 12:46 a.m. last Wednesday.
Detectives learned that an employee was alone inside the store and about to close up for the night around 12:30 a.m. when someone entered, confronted him with a handgun, and demanded money from the registers.
The employee was forced to comply, but the suspect demanded additional money. The employee said he would get more from the back. When he went to the restaurant's back door, he ran to safety instead, police said.
The employee said he saw the suspect enter a dark sedan and drive off on San Antonio Road towards U.S. Highway 101. He then contacted his supervisor, who called for help from the police.
The suspect was described as a male in his late teens or early 20s, either white or Hispanic, and was wearing a ski mask. The employee said the suspect spoke to him in English.
There were no surveillance images available, according to police.
Those with relevant information are asked to call the Palo Alto police at (650) 329-2413.
Anonymous tips can be sent to paloalto@tipnow.org or via text or voice mail at (650) 383-8984.
Sat, 23 Dec 2023 06:43:00 -0600entext/htmlhttps://www.ktvu.com/news/palo-alto-police-investigating-robbery-at-taco-bellPostal worker robbed of postal keys, phone in Palo Alto attack
Mailbox keys targeted in series of postal worker holdups
PALO ALTO – Police in Palo Alto are investigating after a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier was injured and robbed on Wednesday by two suspects who took her postal keys and cell phone.
The strong-arm robbery took place about 2 p.m. in the 3400 block of Alma Street.
The mail carrier, a woman in her 50s, was delivering mail when two men approached and demanded her postal keys, according to Palo Alto police.
When she refused, one of the suspects pushed her to the ground. The suspects took her keys and phone and then fled on foot.
The mail carrier suffered a chipped tooth, facial swelling and pain to her wrist as a result of being shoved to the ground, police said.
She was treated at the scene by paramedics from the Palo Alto Fire Department.
A detailed description of the suspects was not available. Both were wearing all black clothing and face masks, police said.
Police detectives are working with the United States Postal Inspection Service to investigate the robbery.
"Unauthorized possession of a postal key is a federal crime, a conviction of which can land someone in prison for up to ten years," police said in a news release.
The United States Postal Inspection Service encourages anyone who knows the location of any stolen postal keys or who has information about any robberies of mail carriers to contact their 24-hour hotline at (877) 876-2455. They offer a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any suspects.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Palo Alto police 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413. Anonymous tips can be e-mailed to paloalto@tipnow.org or sent via text message or voice mail to (650) 383-8984.
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Thu, 07 Dec 2023 16:23:00 -0600en-UStext/htmlhttps://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/palo-alto-postal-worker-attack-keys-phone-stolen-3400-alma-street/Mail carrier robbed of postal keys in Palo AltoNo result found, try new keyword!The victim called police just before 2 p.m. to report she had been robbed roughly 10 minutes earlier in the 3400 block of Alma Street, the Palo Alto Police Department said in a news release.Thu, 07 Dec 2023 16:54:00 -0600en-ustext/htmlhttps://www.msn.com/Palo Alto Networks Inc
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