Industry Overview - Cybersecurity has evolved into a major business priority due to the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, which can result in significant financial losses and brand damage [1] - The global cybersecurity market is projected to grow from $193.7 billion in 2024 to nearly $563 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4% [2] Technological Advancements - Traditional security tools are becoming inadequate against modern threats, leading to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity to enable proactive threat detection and response [3] - Companies are leveraging AI to analyze large volumes of data, allowing for faster detection and remediation of security threats [7] Key Players and Strategies - **Qualys** focuses on vulnerability management and cloud security, enhancing its AI capabilities to strengthen its market position [6] - **Palantir Technologies** combines its Foundry and Gotham platforms with a comprehensive AI strategy, targeting both government and commercial sectors to improve operational efficiency [10][12] - **Cloudflare** is integrating AI into its services, offering an edge computing platform that enhances security and performance, with significant adoption of its AI-powered solutions [14][15] - **SailPoint** provides AI and machine learning-enabled identity security solutions, automating processes to improve efficiency and security for enterprise customers [17][18] Market Dynamics - The demand for advanced cybersecurity solutions is driven by the increasing complexity of digital networks and new compliance requirements [2] - Companies that effectively integrate AI into their cybersecurity offerings are positioned to capture significant market share and drive long-term revenue growth [8][12]

Core Insights - Qualys, Inc. (QLYS) stock has increased by 8.3% since the last analysis, indicating positive market sentiment towards the company [1] Group 1: Company Strategy - The company is actively repositioning itself as a risk operations workflow platform rather than just a vulnerability management provider, suggesting a strategic shift to enhance its market appeal and product offerings [1]

Industry Overview - The AI-driven bull run that began in 2023 and 2024 has continued into 2025, with strong momentum in the AI infrastructure segment [2] - The demand for AI infrastructure remains robust, supported by a bullish market scenario [2] Capital Expenditure Trends - Four of the "magnificent 7" stocks are set to invest $380 billion in 2025 for AI infrastructure development, representing a 54% year-over-year increase in capital spending [3] - Projections indicate that AI infrastructure capital expenditure will exceed $1 trillion by 2028, with estimates reaching a cumulative total of $5 trillion by 2030 [4] Investment Recommendations - Five small and mid-cap stocks are highlighted as potential beneficiaries of the AI boom in 2026: Calix Inc. (CALX), Qualys Inc. (QLYS), Innodata Inc. (INOD), Five9 Inc. (FIVN), and UiPath Inc. (PATH) [5][10] Company Profiles Calix Inc. (CALX) - CALX provides cloud and software platforms for communications service providers, integrating AI to enhance operations and subscriber engagement [8][9] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for CALX are 12.4% and 35.3%, respectively, for the next year [11] Qualys Inc. (QLYS) - QLYS specializes in cloud-based cybersecurity solutions, benefiting from increased demand amid rising cyber threats [12][15] - The company has a projected revenue growth rate of 7.7% and earnings growth of 6.5% for the next year [16] Innodata Inc. (INOD) - INOD plays a crucial role in the AI ecosystem by providing high-quality data for training language models, with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 24.1% and 35.6%, respectively [18][21] - The company supports five of the seven major hyperscalers and is expanding its capabilities in AI services [19][20] Five9 Inc. (FIVN) - FIVN offers intelligent cloud software for contact centers, with a focus on AI-driven solutions that enhance customer interactions [22][25] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for FIVN are 9.5% and 8.3%, respectively, for the next year [26] UiPath Inc. (PATH) - PATH provides a robotic process automation platform that leverages AI to streamline operations, with new generative AI features enhancing its offerings [27][28] - The company anticipates revenue and earnings growth rates of 9.3% and 14.2%, respectively, for the next year [30]

Core Thesis - Qualys, Inc. is positioned as a leading provider in the cybersecurity market, leveraging its cloud-based IT security solutions to address increasing cyber threats and regulatory demands [2][3][5] Company Overview - Founded in 1999, Qualys offers a comprehensive cloud-native platform that includes services such as Vulnerability Management, Detection and Response, and Cloud Security Posture Management, which help organizations manage cybersecurity risks [2] - As of November 28th, Qualys shares were trading at $140.85, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 27.30 and 19.23 respectively [1] Market Dynamics - The cybersecurity market is valued at $273.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $600 billion by 2030, driven by factors such as rising cyber threats, cloud adoption, and a shortage of skilled professionals [3] - Qualys is well-positioned to benefit from these trends through its subscription-based revenue model, which promotes stable income and strong customer retention [3] Financial Performance - In 2024, Qualys generated $608 million in revenue, reflecting a 12% growth, with gross margins exceeding 80% and operating and net income margins at 28% [4] - The company achieved free cash flow of $232 million, representing 38% of revenue, indicating strong operational efficiency and capacity for investment in R&D and shareholder returns [4] Investment Opportunity - Qualys' strong profitability, cash generation, and integrated platform present a compelling investment case in a rapidly growing industry, despite competitive pressures [5] - The current market conditions are seen as an attractive entry point for investors looking for long-term growth in cybersecurity [5][6]

Core Insights - The Zacks Security industry is experiencing strong demand for cybersecurity products due to the increasing need for secure networks and cloud-based applications, particularly in hybrid work environments [1] - Companies such as CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Okta, and Qualys are benefiting from these trends, although short-term growth may be hindered by economic slowdown and increased operating expenses [2] Industry Overview - The Zacks Security industry includes companies providing on-premise and cloud-based security solutions, addressing needs like identity access management, infrastructure protection, and malware analysis [3] - The industry is categorized into Computer Security, Cybersecurity, and Information Security, each focusing on different aspects of data protection [3] Major Trends - Rising cyber threats are driving demand for IT security solutions, with an increase in cyberattacks impacting both individual companies and national security [4] - Accelerated digital transformation and cloud migration are fueling growth, as various sectors become more reliant on technology, increasing their vulnerability to cyberattacks [5] - Macroeconomic headwinds may lead to delayed IT spending, as organizations conserve cash amid economic uncertainties [6] - High operating expenses related to R&D and sales efforts could pressure profit margins in the near term [7] Industry Performance - The Zacks Security industry ranks 56, placing it in the top 23% of nearly 250 Zacks industries, indicating solid near-term prospects [8] - The industry's earnings outlook is positive, with aggregate earnings estimates for 2025 revised up to $1.61 from $1.40 a year ago [10] - Over the past year, the industry has underperformed the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the S&P 500, gaining only 8.6% compared to 29.5% and 16.5% respectively [11] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 12, higher than the S&P 500's 5.3 and the sector's 6.69 [14] Company Highlights - **Qualys**: A leading provider of information security solutions, benefiting from demand for cloud-based cybersecurity solutions. The consensus estimate for its 2025 earnings has been revised upward by approximately 8% to $6.91 per share [21][24] - **CrowdStrike**: A leader in endpoint protection and cyberattack response services, with a strong portfolio and growth driven by digital transformation. The consensus mark for its fiscal 2026 earnings remains at $3.67 per share [27][29] - **Fortinet**: Provides network security solutions and is benefiting from strong demand from large enterprises. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2025 earnings has been revised upward by 13 cents to $2.65 per share [32][35] - **Okta**: A leading provider of identity security, experiencing increased traction in its solutions. The consensus mark for its fiscal 2026 earnings remains at $3.37 per share [38][40]

Core Viewpoint - Qualys, Inc. (QLYS) shows potential as a stock pick due to a recent "golden cross" event, indicating a bullish trend reversal [1][4]. Technical Analysis - A "golden cross" occurs when a short-term moving average (50-day) crosses above a long-term moving average (200-day), suggesting a potential bullish breakout [2]. - The successful golden cross event consists of three stages: a price decline bottoming out, the shorter moving average crossing above the longer moving average, and the stock maintaining upward momentum [3]. Performance Metrics - Over the past four weeks, QLYS has gained 7.8%, indicating positive price movement [4]. - The stock currently holds a 1 (Strong Buy) rating on the Zacks Rank, suggesting it may be poised for further breakout [4]. - Earnings expectations for QLYS have improved, with 8 upward revisions and no downward changes in the last 60 days, leading to an increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [4]. Investment Consideration - Given the significant technical indicator and positive earnings estimate movement, QLYS should be considered for the watchlist [6].

Group 1: DraftKings and Flutter Entertainment - Wells Fargo initiated coverage of DraftKings (DKNG) with an Equal Weight rating and a price target of $31, expressing a bullish outlook on domestic online sports betting growth but indicating a wait for a better entry point due to near-term pressures and competition [1] - Flutter Entertainment (FLUT) was also initiated with an Overweight rating by Wells Fargo [1] Group 2: Carnival and Cruise Line Industry - Carnival (CCL) received an Overweight rating and a price target of $37 from Wells Fargo, which views the cruise sector as the most compelling within its gaming, leisure, and lodging coverage [1] - Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) and Royal Caribbean (RCL) were similarly initiated with Overweight ratings by Wells Fargo [1] Group 3: Cybersecurity Companies - Berenberg initiated coverage of Okta (OKTA) with a Buy rating and a price target of $145, considering both Okta and SentinelOne (S) as misunderstood stories with potential for re-rating [1] - CrowdStrike (CRWD) was initiated with a Hold rating and a price target of $600, with Berenberg noting that the market has already priced in its position at the top of the revenue duration curve [1] - Berenberg also started coverage of Rapid7 (RPD) and Qualys (QLYS) with Hold ratings [1] Group 4: Optical Communications - Mizuho initiated coverage of Lumentum (LITE) with an Outperform rating and a price target of $290, highlighting its role as a leading supplier in optical communications and lasers, benefiting from surging demand in artificial intelligence [1]

Core Insights - Qualys Inc (NASDAQ:QLYS) is recognized as one of the best AI stocks to buy, particularly noted for its Agentic AI solutions in cybersecurity [1] - The company recently experienced a stock price increase following positive financial results and raised guidance, leading to multiple upgrades from Wall Street analysts [2] Company Overview - Qualys provides cybersecurity and compliance solutions that help clients identify, prioritize, and remediate IT infrastructure risks [3] - The company operates on a software-as-a-service model with renewable annual subscriptions, which supports sustainable growth in the cybersecurity sector [3] Financial Performance - Qualys has demonstrated high operating margins and growing cash flow generation, alongside a strong balance sheet [3] - The Managed Risk Operation Center is reportedly seeing faster commercial deployments than previously anticipated by management [2] Market Position - Qualys is considered well-managed within the industry, with strategic decisions that have enhanced product quality, margins, and competitive advantages [3] - The company's products are viewed as critical yet low-cost relative to overall security budgets, contributing to high retention rates and resilience during economic downturns [3]

Core Insights - Donovan Jones is an IPO research specialist with 15 years of experience in identifying high-quality IPO opportunities [1] - He leads the investing group IPO Edge, which provides actionable information on growth stocks, including first-look IPO filings and an IPO calendar [1] Company and Industry Summary - IPO Edge offers a comprehensive guide to IPO investing, covering the entire lifecycle from filing to listing and lockup expiration dates [1]

Core Insights - Donovan Jones is an IPO research specialist with 15 years of experience in identifying high-quality IPO opportunities [1] - He leads the investing group IPO Edge, which provides actionable information on growth stocks, including first-look IPO filings and an IPO calendar [1] Company and Industry Summary - IPO Edge offers a comprehensive guide to IPO investing, covering the entire lifecycle from filing to listing and lockup expiration dates [1]