Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in PANW usually suggests something big is about to happen.

We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 40 extraordinary options activities for Palo Alto Networks. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.

The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 42% leaning bullish and 55% bearish. Among these notable options, 11 are puts, totaling $1,610,011, and 29 are calls, amounting to $2,759,376.

What's The Price Target?

Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $200.0 to $410.0 for Palo Alto Networks over the recent three months.

Insights into Volume & Open Interest

Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Palo Alto Networks's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Palo Alto Networks's significant trades, within a strike price range of $200.0 to $410.0, over the past month.

Palo Alto Networks Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview

Largest Options Trades Observed:

About Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks is a platform-based cybersecurity vendor with product offerings covering network security, cloud security, and security operations. The California-based firm has more than 85,000 customers across the world, including more than three fourths of the Global 2000.

Having examined the options trading patterns of Palo Alto Networks, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance

Palo Alto Networks's Current Market Status

• Trading volume stands at 1,003,376, with PANW's price down by -1.7%, positioned at $285.95.
• RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.
• Earnings announcement expected in 20 days.

Expert Opinions on Palo Alto Networks

A total of 3 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $345.0.

• An analyst from Oppenheimer has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on Palo Alto Networks, which currently sits at a price target of $330.
• An analyst from Keybanc has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on Palo Alto Networks, which currently sits at a price target of $355.
• An analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald downgraded its action to Overweight with a price target of $350.

Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Palo Alto Networks options trades with real-time alerts from Benzinga Pro.