12:03 PM EST, 02/10/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Palo Alto Networks ( PANW ) fiscal Q2 probably will be better than expected on strong performance in its security systems, improved success rates and successful platform trials, RBC Capital Markets said Monday in a report.

The focus will mainly be on updates to the platform strategy, potential for market share change during a firewall upgrade cycle and progress with next-generation sequencing, RBC said. Results are due Thursday.

A possible firewall refresh cycle among competitors, including Check Point Software Technologies ( CHKP ) and Fortinet ( FTNT ) , may trigger share-shift opportunities for Palo Alto Networks ( PANW ), RBC said.

RBC kept its outperform rating on Palo Alto's stock with a price target of $225.

Palo Alto shares rose 1.1% in recent Monday trading, Check Point Software ( CHKP ) gained 0.8% and Fortinet ( FTNT ) climbed 2.9%.

Price: 196.09, Change: +2.15, Percent Change: +1.11