HomeMarket analysisPalo Alto Networks stock split: what it means for traders

Palo Alto Networks stock split: what it means for traders

Palo Alto Networks has completed several stock splits in recent years as its share price has increased, drawing interest from traders who track developments across the cybersecurity sector.
By Dan Mitchell
Palo Alto Networks
Photo: Shutterstock.com

Palo Alto Networks (PANW) is one of the largest cybersecurity companies listed in the US. Stock splits have been part of its corporate history, with the most recent actions in 2022 and 2024 aimed at lowering the per-share trading price and keeping the stock accessible to a broader market.

This article outlines Palo Alto Networks’ stock split history, explains how stock splits work, summarises the company’s latest reported earnings, and reviews key points from its publicly communicated outlook.

Palo Alto Networks (PANW) live share price

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

What is a stock split?

A stock split is a corporate action that increases the number of a company’s shares by issuing additional shares to existing shareholders at a set ratio. Shareholders hold more shares after the split, but the price per share adjusts downward in proportion to that ratio. The company’s market capitalisation remains unchanged at the time of the split because the action does not affect business fundamentals or the total value of shares in circulation.

Companies may choose to split their stock for several reasons. A lower nominal share price can make the stock appear more accessible to a broader pool of investors, particularly those who trade in smaller quantities. Increasing the number of shares in circulation may also support liquidity. Although these factors can influence trading behaviour, a split does not change a company’s revenue, profitability or long-term prospects.

Palo Alto Networks’ 3-for-1 (2022) and 2-for-1 (2024) stock splits

Palo Alto Networks has carried out two stock splits in recent years:

  • 3-for-1 split in September 2022
  • 2-for-1 split in December 2024

The 2022 split followed a period of strong operating performance and a rising share price. The company stated that the split was intended to make the stock more accessible to a wider group of investors. Management also emphasised broadening participation while maintaining confidence in the company’s long-term direction.

The 2024 split occurred in similar conditions. As the share price increased again, the company opted to reduce the trading price per share to keep it within a range it viewed as suitable for day-to-day trading and overall liquidity. As with any split, neither action changed the company’s underlying financial position or total market capitalisation at the time.

Why did Palo Alto Networks conduct a share split?

The company has stated that both splits were designed to improve share accessibility and maintain an affordable nominal price as the stock appreciated. This reasoning is common among technology companies experiencing sustained demand, growing subscription pipelines or expanding recurring revenue streams. By lowering the share price without altering valuation, splits can help broaden participation and support smoother trading conditions.

Management also noted continued operational momentum during both periods. Palo Alto Networks reported solid revenue growth across its network security, cloud security and security operations platforms, alongside increasing adoption of subscription-based services. Although these factors formed part of the company’s rationale, a share split itself does not signal or guarantee future performance.

Will Palo Alto Networks split again in 2026?

As of early 2026, Palo Alto Networks has not announced plans for another stock split. Any future decision would depend on factors such as share price levels, liquidity conditions and board approval. Stock splits cannot be assumed, and companies typically assess them based on prevailing market conditions and internal considerations.

Palo Alto Networks stock split history

Palo Alto Networks’ stock split activity to date consists of:

Date Split ratio Description
14 September 2022 3-for-1 Increased the number of outstanding shares while reducing the per-share price in line with the split ratio. The action aimed to keep the stock accessible during a period of rising prices.
16 December 2024 2-for-1 Doubled the number of shares and adjusted the price per share proportionally. Introduced after further share-price appreciation to support accessibility and trading liquidity.

Both splits occurred after sustained share-price increases. Before 2022, Palo Alto Networks had not completed any stock splits since listing. In each case, total market value remained unchanged on the effective date, as only the share count and price per share were adjusted.

Latest earnings: Palo Alto Networks FY2025 results

The company’s most recent full-year figures are for fiscal year 2025, which ended in mid-2025. Palo Alto Networks reported:

  • Fiscal Q4 2025 revenue: about $2.5bn, up roughly 16% year on year
  • Full-year 2025 revenue: approximately $9.2bn, an increase of around 15%
  • Next-Generation Security annual recurring revenue (ARR): about $5.6bn, up roughly 32%
  • Remaining performance obligation (RPO): around $15.8bn, up about 24%

These results point to continued demand across the company’s core platforms. Growth in ARR and RPO also suggests increased uptake of subscription-based security services, which form an important part of the company’s long-term commercial model.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Outlook and upcoming developments (do not include analyst commentary)

Palo Alto Networks has communicated several priority areas across earnings materials and investor updates. These points outline management’s expectations at the time but do not indicate or guarantee future performance.

Revenue trajectory

Management has guided to continued double-digit revenue growth into fiscal 2026, supported by subscription momentum and a growing base of recurring revenue. RPO levels provide visibility into contracted demand, although conversions depend on broader market conditions and client needs.

Platform strategy

The company continues to promote a platform-based approach that consolidates customer cybersecurity operations across three core areas: network security, cloud security and security operations. This strategy aims to streamline deployments and support multi-platform contracts, though outcomes depend on customer adoption.

Next-Generation Security (NGS) and ARR

NGS remains central to the company’s model. Management has highlighted increased adoption of software-delivered security, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) offerings and tools designed to support security operations teams.

AI and cloud security

The company has emphasised its role in securing cloud workloads and supporting organisations that deploy AI-related technologies. Enhancements across cloud firewalls, identity protection and automation are positioned as key components of its offer, but the pace of adoption varies across industries.

Upcoming milestones

Palo Alto Networks is expected to report its next quarterly results in early 2026, based on dates indicated on market data platforms. These updates typically include revenue trends, margin developments, subscription metrics and guidance.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Summary

  • As of 8 December 2025, Palo Alto Networks has completed two stock splits: 3-for-1 in 2022 and 2-for-1 in 2024.
  • Both aimed to enhance share accessibility and support trading liquidity.
  • There is no confirmed plan for another split in 2026.
  • FY2025 results showed double-digit revenue growth, alongside increases in ARR and RPO.
  • The company continues to focus on platform consolidation, subscription expansion, cloud security and AI-related tooling.

FAQ

When did Palo Alto Networks stock split?

Palo Alto Networks has completed two forward stock splits. The first was a 3-for-1 split in September 2022, and the second was a 2-for-1 split in December 2024. Both increased the number of shares in circulation while reducing the price per share, without changing the company’s underlying market value at the time.

When did the Palo Alto Networks stock split take effect?

The 3-for-1 split took effect for trading on 14 September 2022, following a shareholder record date of 6 September 2022. The 2-for-1 split became effective on 16 December 2024, with the adjusted share count and price applying from that trading session onwards.

Did Palo Alto Networks have a stock split before?

Yes. Although the company did not conduct any stock splits between its 2012 IPO and 2022, it has since completed two forward stock splits.

How many times has Palo Alto Networks stock split?

Palo Alto Networks has split its stock twice. After both splits, one share held before September 2022 now corresponds to six shares.

How much was Palo Alto Networks stock after the split?

After the 2022 3-for-1 split, the price adjusted from the mid-$540 range to the low-$180 range, reflecting the one-third proportional change. Following the 2024 2-for-1 split, the price adjusted from around $400 to roughly $200. These levels illustrate the mechanical effect of the splits. Actual post-split trading prices can vary from session to session.

Why did Palo Alto Networks split its stock?

The company stated that both splits were intended to keep the share price at a more accessible nominal level and to support trading liquidity. In both periods, Palo Alto Networks reported continued operational growth and increased adoption of its security platforms. While these factors formed part of the company’s rationale, a stock split does not change business fundamentals or indicate future performance.

Will Palo Alto Networks split again?

As of early 2026, Palo Alto Networks has not announced any plans for another stock split. Future decisions would depend on share-price movements, liquidity considerations and board approval, and cannot be assumed.

What was the most recent Palo Alto Networks stock split date?

The most recent split was the 2-for-1 forward split that became effective on 16 December 2024. The updated share price and share count applied from that date.

How can I trade Palo Alto Networks CFDs on Capital.com?

You can trade Palo Alto Networks CFDs on Capital.com, which lets you speculate on price movements without owning the underlying shares. Contracts for difference (CFDs) are traded on margin – leverage amplifies both profits and losses. Understand how CFDs work and how to use risk-management tools such as take-profit and stop-loss orders before opening a position. Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future results.*

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