Software Stock Extends Pullback Despite Earnings Beat

Core Insights - Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW) stock is down 3.5% to $192.99 despite better-than-expected fiscal first-quarter earnings and revenue, with guidance aligning with expectations and plans to acquire Chronosphere for $3.35 billion [1][2] Group 1: Financial Performance - PANW reported fiscal first-quarter earnings and revenue that exceeded expectations [1] - The company's guidance for future performance was in line with market expectations [1] Group 2: Stock Performance - PANW has struggled to maintain positive momentum since reaching a record high of $223.61 on October 23, now showing only a 5% year-to-date gain [2] - The stock is on track for its sixth loss in seven sessions, although the 200-day moving average is providing support during this pullback [2] Group 3: Market Activity - Options traders are actively engaging with PANW, with 29,000 calls and 27,000 puts purchased today, which is six times the average amount typically seen [3] - The most popular options are the November 190 put and 205 call, with sell-to-open activity occurring at both [3] - Short interest in PANW has decreased by 8.1% over the past two reporting periods, now accounting for 6.6% of the stock's total available float, equating to seven days' worth of buying power [3]