We came across a bullish thesis on NetApp, Inc. on CompoundingLab’s Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on NTAP. NetApp, Inc.'s share was trading at $103.68 as of February 9th. NTAP’s trailing and forward P/E were 18.06 and 12.12 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. Applied Digital (APLD) Jumps 14% on AI Optimism NetApp, Inc. provides a range of enterprise software, systems, and services that customers use to transform their data infrastructures in the United States and int ...

Core Insights - NetApp, Inc. (NTAP) is expected to report third-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings on February 26, with non-GAAP earnings per share projected between $2.01 and $2.11, and a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.07, reflecting an 8.4% year-over-year growth [1][10] Financial Performance - Anticipated net sales for the quarter are between $1.615 billion and $1.765 billion, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.69 billion, indicating a 2.9% increase from the previous year [2] - NTAP has beaten earnings estimates in three of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 2.68% [2] Demand and Product Performance - There is increasing demand for NetApp's modern all-flash arrays, particularly the C-series and ASA products, with All-Flash Array revenues rising 9% year-over-year to $1 billion in the fiscal second quarter, equating to an annualized run rate of $4.1 billion [3][10] - The company is also seeing growth in its cloud storage and AI solutions, having launched AFX and AIDE, and closed around 200 AI-related deals [4] Public Cloud Segment - The Public Cloud segment's revenues increased by 2% to $171 million, with an 18% growth year-over-year when excluding the divested Spot business; first-party and marketplace cloud storage services grew by 32% [5] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the Public Cloud segment revenues is $179 million for the fiscal third quarter [5] Recent Developments - On December 9, 2025, NetApp and F5 expanded their collaboration to deliver AI data solutions, integrating NetApp's data infrastructure with F5's security platform [7] - On December 2, 2025, NetApp introduced a new capability to connect AWS AI and Analytics services directly to its data across cloud and on-premises environments [8]

Key Takeaways Pure Storage lifted fiscal 2026 revenue view to $3.63-$3.64B amid flash and hyperscaler strength.NetApp posted 3% revenue growth, with AI and cloud gains tempered by U.S. public sector softness.PSTG expects continued hyperscaler momentum, while NTAP guides to similar 3% growth next quarter.The explosion of data from AI, cloud computing and digital transformation has driven demand for data storage/management solutions.In this evolving landscape, two prominent names stand out: Pure Storage (PSTG ...

Company Performance - NetApp (NTAP) closed at $101.07, down 1.32% from the previous trading session, underperforming the S&P 500's gain of 0.1% [1] - Over the past month, NetApp shares have decreased by 1.37%, while the Computer and Technology sector and the S&P 500 have lost 4.05% and 1.43%, respectively [1] Upcoming Earnings Report - NetApp is scheduled to release its earnings on February 26, 2026, with an expected EPS of $2.07, reflecting an 8.38% growth year-over-year [2] - Revenue is anticipated to be $1.69 billion, indicating a 2.86% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] Annual Estimates - For the annual period, Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of $7.9 per share and revenue of $6.75 billion, representing increases of 8.97% and 2.68%, respectively, from the previous year [3] Analyst Revisions - Recent modifications to analyst estimates for NetApp are crucial as they indicate evolving short-term business trends, with positive revisions suggesting analyst optimism [3][4] Zacks Rank - NetApp currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), with a recent 0.17% decline in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate [5] - The Zacks Rank system has a strong track record, with stocks rated 1 producing an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [5] Valuation Metrics - NetApp's Forward P/E ratio stands at 12.96, which is below the industry average of 18.39 [6] - The PEG ratio for NetApp is 1.81, aligning with the industry average for the Computer-Storage Devices sector [6] Industry Overview - The Computer-Storage Devices industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector, currently holding a Zacks Industry Rank of 43, placing it in the top 18% of over 250 industries [7] - Research indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]

Core Viewpoint - NetApp's stock performance is being closely monitored ahead of its upcoming earnings report, with expectations for growth in earnings and revenue [2][3]. Company Performance - In the latest trading session, NetApp (NTAP) increased by 1.89% to $105.64, outperforming the S&P 500, which fell by 0.33% [1]. - Over the past month, NetApp shares declined by 3.13%, underperforming the Computer and Technology sector's loss of 1.09% and the S&P 500's flat performance [1]. Earnings Expectations - Analysts anticipate NetApp will report earnings of $2.08 per share on February 26, 2026, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 8.9% [2]. - The consensus estimate for revenue is $1.7 billion, indicating a 3.32% increase from the same quarter last year [2]. Full Year Projections - For the full year, analysts expect earnings of $7.92 per share and revenue of $6.76 billion, representing increases of 9.24% and 2.89% respectively from the previous year [3]. Analyst Revisions - Recent revisions to analyst forecasts for NetApp are important as they indicate short-term business trends, with positive revisions suggesting analyst optimism [4]. Valuation Metrics - NetApp is currently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 13.1, which is below the industry average of 18.27, indicating a valuation discount [7]. - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.83, aligning with the industry average, which also reflects anticipated earnings growth [8]. Industry Context - The Computer-Storage Devices industry, part of the Computer and Technology sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 18, placing it in the top 8% of over 250 industries [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses potential investment opportunities in NTAP, indicating a possible long position within the next 72 hours [1]. Group 1 - The author has no current stock or derivative positions in the companies mentioned but may initiate a beneficial long position in NTAP [1]. - The article expresses the author's personal opinions and is not receiving compensation for it, aside from Seeking Alpha [1]. - There is an emphasis on the importance of conducting due diligence and research prior to any investment decisions [2]. Group 2 - The article clarifies that past performance is not indicative of future results and does not provide specific investment recommendations [3]. - It highlights that the views expressed may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole, indicating a diversity of opinions among analysts [3]. - The article notes that analysts may include both professional and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified [3].

Company Overview - NetApp provides enterprise storage and data management software and hardware products and services, assisting enterprises in managing multi-cloud environments and adopting next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and Kubernetes [12]. Investment Ratings - NetApp is currently rated 3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B, indicating a solid position but not a strong buy [13]. - The company has a Value Style Score of B, supported by attractive valuation metrics such as a forward P/E ratio of 12.64, which may appeal to value investors [13]. Earnings Estimates - One analyst has revised their earnings estimate higher for fiscal 2026, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.02 to $7.88 per share [13]. - NetApp has demonstrated an average earnings surprise of +2.7%, indicating a potential for positive performance relative to expectations [13]. Investment Considerations - With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, NetApp is suggested to be on investors' short lists for potential investment opportunities [14].

Core Viewpoint - NetApp Inc. (NASDAQ:NTAP) is currently priced at $97.36, reflecting a 1.05% increase in the current market session, but has experienced a decline of 8.68% over the past month and 19.81% over the past year, raising questions about whether the stock is undervalued despite the company's performance [1]. Group 1: Past Year's Performance - Over the past year, NetApp's stock has decreased by 19.81% [1]. - The stock price has shown a significant decline, with a notable drop over the past month of 8.68% [1]. Group 2: Valuation Comparison - NetApp has a lower price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio compared to the industry average P/E of 35.69 for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals sector, suggesting that the stock may be undervalued [6].

Company Performance - NetApp's stock closed at $98.33, down 1.01%, underperforming the S&P 500's loss of 0.13% on the same day [1] - Over the past month, NetApp's stock has decreased by 7.25%, contrasting with the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 1.88% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.78% [1] Upcoming Earnings - NetApp is expected to report an EPS of $2.07, reflecting an increase of 8.38% from the same quarter last year [2] - Revenue is anticipated to reach $1.7 billion, indicating a 3.32% increase compared to the previous year [2] Fiscal Year Estimates - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are projected at $7.88 per share, representing an 8.69% increase year-over-year [3] - Revenue estimates for the fiscal year stand at $6.76 billion, showing a 2.89% rise from the prior year [3] Analyst Estimates - Recent changes to analyst estimates for NetApp are crucial as they reflect the evolving business landscape [4] - Upward revisions in estimates indicate analysts' positive outlook on the company's operations and profit generation capabilities [4] Zacks Rank and Valuation - The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), currently rates NetApp at 3 (Hold) [6] - NetApp's Forward P/E ratio is 12.61, which is a discount compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 23.29 [6] PEG Ratio - NetApp has a PEG ratio of 1.77, aligning with the industry average PEG ratio of 1.77 [7] Industry Overview - The Computer-Storage Devices industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector and holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 24, placing it in the top 10% of over 250 industries [8] - Research indicates that industries in the top 50% outperform those in the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [8]

Group 1 - Major US hardware tech companies experienced significant stock sell-offs, with NetApp down over 9%, HP down nearly 3%, Dell down nearly 5%, and Logitech down about 4.5% [1] - Morgan Stanley downgraded the hardware tech sector rating, citing economic uncertainty and rising component costs leading to reduced hardware spending and slowing industry demand [1] - Morgan Stanley's report predicts that global enterprise hardware budgets will grow by only 1% year-on-year by 2026, marking the weakest growth in nearly 15 years, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic period [1] Group 2 - A survey indicated that 30% to 60% of customers might reduce their planned purchases of PCs, servers, and storage devices if component inflation persists [1] - The International Workplace Group's report shows that 95% of CEOs are optimistic about market performance in 2026, but all respondents prioritize cost control as a core focus [2] - Companies are reducing their 2026 budgets by an average of 10%, with many leaders adopting AI technologies and flexible work arrangements to enhance operational efficiency [2] Group 3 - IDC forecasts that global PC shipments could decline by up to 9% in 2026, with a moderate scenario predicting a 5% decrease [2] - The current industry landscape is expected to concentrate market share among leading manufacturers like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Asus, which have better risk management capabilities compared to smaller firms [2] - Despite some growth support from AI-driven demand, uncertainties from US tariff policies add to the concerns surrounding the hardware tech sector [3]