Earnings preview: Subscription growth to weigh Palo Alto Networks’ Q2 results

Palo Alto Networks (PANW) is slated to publish its Q2 earnings results on February 26, Tuesday, after the bell. For the second quarter of 2019, Palo Alto had guided non-GAAP net income per share to be in the range of $1.20 to $1.22. Revenue is touted to be in the range of $675 million to $685 million, representing year-over-year growth of 24% to 26%.

On average, analysts expect the Santa Clara, California-based cybersecurity firm to earn $1.22 per share on revenue of $682.1 million for Q2 2019.

When Palo Alto reported its Q1 earnings results, the company surpassed the earnings and revenue estimates. Revenue grew 31% year-over-year to $656 million, while billings grew 27% to $758.5 million. Both product and subscription revenue jumped more than 30%. GAAP net loss narrowed to 41 cents per share from a net loss of 70 cents per share in the prior-year quarter. Non-GAAP net income per share rose to $1.17 from $0.75 a year earlier.

Also read: Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Q1 2019 earnings conference call transcript

The company’s plans to launch a next-generation firewall for expanded 5G networks and its bet on cloud offerings are expected to bring in more subscription growth. Also, Palo Alto’s recent acquisitions like Redlock and Demisto will beef up its cybersecurity offerings.

On February 19, Palo Alto announced its intention to acquire security start-up firm Demisto for $560 million in a cash and stock transaction. This acquisition is expected to accelerate Palo Alto Networks Application Framework strategy and the company targets to close this deal during its third quarter of 2019.

On January 31, 2019, Palo Alto’s peer Symantec (SYMC) reported better-than-expected earnings and revenues for its third quarter. The Mountainview, California-based cybersecurity firm’s shares rose 8% since its earnings announcement.

PANW stock had gained 22% year-to-date and 38% in the past 90 days. The stock ended Friday’s session up 1.73% at $230.10.