Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of tariffs on financial markets and highlights two stocks, CyberArk Software and Verisign, that are well-positioned to withstand tariff-related uncertainties [1][2][3]. Group 1: CyberArk Software - CyberArk Software is identified as a strong player in the cybersecurity sector, which is likely to be one of the last areas where businesses cut spending during economic uncertainty [4][5]. - The company primarily secures data through software solutions, reducing its direct tariff risk compared to hardware-dependent firms [6]. - CyberArk specializes in Privileged Access Management (PAM), protecting users with access to sensitive information, making it resilient to business uncertainties [7][8]. - Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities notes that CyberArk is expected to outperform other tech stocks amid tariff concerns [9]. Group 2: Verisign - Verisign is a monopolistic tech firm that dominates the generic top-level domain (gTLD) market, particularly with ".com" and ".net" domains [10][11]. - The company operates under exclusive agreements with ICANN, ensuring its strong market position as businesses must pay Verisign to operate websites with these suffixes [11]. - Verisign's services are not directly affected by tariffs since it sells services rather than physical goods, and companies are unlikely to stop paying for domain registrations due to tariffs [12][13]. - The company has shown consistent revenue growth since 2008, with a net income margin of around 48%, and is backed by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, which owns approximately 14% of its shares [14].

Core Viewpoint - CyberArk (CYBR) is positioned well to continue its trend of beating earnings estimates, supported by a strong history of performance in the Zacks Security industry [1]. Earnings Performance - CyberArk has consistently exceeded earnings estimates, with an average surprise of 60.78% over the last two quarters [2]. - In the last reported quarter, CyberArk achieved earnings of $0.80 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.71 per share by 12.68% [3]. - In the previous quarter, the company reported earnings of $0.94 per share against an expected $0.45 per share, resulting in a surprise of 108.89% [3]. Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Estimates for CyberArk have been trending higher, influenced by its history of earnings surprises [6]. - The stock has a positive Zacks Earnings ESP of +3.08%, indicating recent bullish sentiment among analysts regarding the company's earnings prospects [9]. - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) suggests a strong likelihood of another earnings beat in the upcoming report [9]. Statistical Insights - Research indicates that stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) or better have a nearly 70% chance of producing a positive surprise [7]. - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, reflecting the latest analyst revisions [8].

When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about CyberArk (CYBR) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.CyberArk currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR ...

CyberArk (CYBR) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.Shares of this maker of software that detects attacks on privileged accounts have returned -6% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -6.9% change. The Zacks Security industry, to which CyberArk belongs, has lost 4.2% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the ...

CyberArk (CYBR) shares rallied 3% in the last trading session to close at $315.29. This move can be attributable to notable volume with a higher number of shares being traded than in a typical session. This compares to the stock's 2.2% loss over the past four weeks.The optimism surrounding the stock is largely driven by the rapidly growing demand for identity security and privileged access security solutions amid the rising number of Gen AI attacks. CyberArk’s deep security expertise in banking, healthcare, ...

CyberArk Software Ltd. (CYBR) has been on the rise over the past six months, with its stock surging 17%, significantly outperforming both the Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the broader S&P 500.6-Month Price Return PerformanceImage Source: Zacks Investment ResearchThis strong rally has left investors questioning whether to lock in profits or stay the course. However, despite its recent gains, holding the stock remains the best strategy, given its dominant position in identity security, solid financ ...

Michael Wiggins De Oliveira is an inflection investor. This means buying into cheap companies at the moment when their narrative is changing and the business is on a path toward becoming significantly more profitable over the next year.With a focus on tech and “the Great Energy Transition (including uranium)”, Michael runs a concentrated portfolio with approximately 15 to 20 stocks and an average holding period of 18 months. Through his 10+ years analyzing countless companies, Michael has accumulated outsta ...

Industry Overview - 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] - The surge in demand is driven by a significant rise in data breaches, leading companies to seek comprehensive IT security solutions [1] - The industry encompasses both on-premise and cloud-based security solutions, including identity access management, infrastructure protection, integrated risk management, malware analysis, and Internet traffic management [3] Major Trends - Rising cyber threats are escalating the need for robust security solutions, impacting not only individual companies but also national security [4] - The shift towards digital transformation and cloud migration is driving demand for cybersecurity solutions across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and entertainment [5] - Uncertain macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical issues may lead enterprises to delay significant IT investments, potentially affecting the security market in the short term [6] Company Performance - Companies like Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Okta, and CyberArk are benefiting from the trends in the cybersecurity market [2] - Fortinet is experiencing strong demand from large enterprise customers, with a focus on enhancing its Unified Threat Management portfolio [17] - Okta's identity security solutions are gaining traction as organizations adopt digital transformation strategies, serving 19,650 customers by the end of fiscal Q4 2025 [22] - Palo Alto Networks is benefiting from continuous deal wins and the adoption of next-gen security platforms, with a focus on AI and cloud security [25][26] - CyberArk Software is seeing increased demand for privileged access security solutions, supported by a strong presence in various verticals [29] Financial Outlook - The Zacks Security industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 82, placing it among the top 33% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating solid near-term prospects [8] - The industry's bottom-line estimate for 2025 has increased to $1.43 from $1.29 expected a year ago, reflecting positive earnings outlook [10] - The industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the S&P 500, with a 23.1% increase over the past year compared to 8.2% and 10.2% for the sector and S&P 500, respectively [11] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 13.19, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 4.91 and the sector's 5.81 [13] - Over the last five years, the industry's price-to-sales ratio has ranged from a high of 19.36X to a low of 6.92X, with a median of 12.21X [14] Key Companies to Watch - **Fortinet**: Currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), benefiting from strong demand and a projected market size for SD-WAN solutions reaching $80.91 billion by 2034 [18] - **Okta**: Also holds a Zacks Rank 2, with an upward revision of its fiscal 2026 earnings to $3.14 per share [23] - **Palo Alto Networks**: Holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), with an upward revision of its fiscal 2025 earnings to $3.22 per share [28] - **CyberArk Software**: Holds a Zacks Rank 3, with an upward revision of its 2025 earnings to $3.65 per share [31]

Compliance and Regulatory Risks - The company faces significant risks related to compliance with privacy, data protection, and AI laws, which could impact its operations and market performance[31]. - Compliance with privacy and data protection laws, such as GDPR and CCPA, imposes significant capital and resource expenditures, potentially affecting revenue and operational efficiency[74]. - The EU AI Act, effective August 1, 2024, will impose a comprehensive governance framework for AI, with fines for breaches of up to 7% of worldwide annual turnover[84]. - The dynamic regulatory environment around privacy and AI may require modifications to offerings, increasing operational expenses and limiting customer attraction[73]. - The company may face regulatory scrutiny and potential fines for non-compliance with privacy and data protection laws, which could adversely affect its reputation and financial results[85]. - Compliance with multiple privacy laws may necessitate changes in services and business practices, potentially leading to increased costs and reduced efficiency[76]. - The company is subject to various regulatory and geopolitical risks that could materially affect its business and profitability[108]. - The evolving legal and regulatory framework surrounding AI technologies may expose the company to claims of copyright infringement or intellectual property misappropriation[93]. Financial Performance and Profitability - The company has a history of incurring net losses and must generate sufficient revenue to achieve and sustain profitability, with a focus on cash flow from operating activities[31]. - The company incurred net losses of $66.5 million and $93.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively[107]. - Operating expenses are expected to increase due to hiring additional personnel and enhancing solutions, which may hinder profitability[107]. - Economic uncertainties, including rising interest rates and inflation, could lead to decreased corporate spending on cybersecurity software[105]. - The company may raise additional capital through equity or debt financing, which could dilute existing shareholders and potentially reduce the market price of its ordinary shares[130]. - Changes in tax laws could adversely affect the company's tax position, with potential increases in the effective tax rate due to corporate tax reforms[135]. - The recent Inflation Reduction Act introduced a 15% corporate minimum tax, which may impact the company's financial results[136]. Customer Retention and Sales Growth - Customer renewals are critical for the company's performance targets, and any failure to retain existing customers could negatively impact financial results[40]. - The company is dependent on acquiring new customers and expanding sales to existing customers to achieve revenue growth and meet investor expectations[41]. - The company may face challenges in expanding its customer base due to competition and unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, which could prolong sales cycles[37]. - Transitioning existing customers to SaaS solutions may result in customer churn if not managed effectively[39]. - Significant turnover in sales and marketing organizations may adversely affect customer retention and revenue generation goals[72]. - The number of sales personnel increased from 272 as of December 31, 2023, to 345 as of December 31, 2024, indicating a growth of approximately 26.8%[71]. - It takes an average of approximately six to nine months for a new sales force member to reach target performance levels, which may impact business operations[72]. Cybersecurity Threats and Challenges - Any security vulnerabilities or breaches could significantly harm the company's reputation and financial condition, leading to potential legal and regulatory consequences[49]. - The company acknowledges the persistent threat landscape and the ongoing risk of cyberattacks, including phishing attempts targeting employees[51]. - Cyberattacks are expected to increase in frequency and impact due to the expansion of cloud-based solutions and the use of AI, which enables more sophisticated attack methods[52]. - The company faces risks from third-party software and supply chain vulnerabilities, which could lead to significant operational disruptions[54]. - The company has acquired firms with cybersecurity vulnerabilities, increasing exposure to potential cyberattacks[55]. - The company is vulnerable to IT system failures and service outages caused by various factors, including natural disasters and cyberattacks, which could significantly damage market position and lead to costly remediation[56]. - Increased cybersecurity insurance premiums may require the company to assume higher liabilities regarding security and data breaches[57]. - The skills gap in cybersecurity is a significant challenge, prompting organizations to consolidate vendors and increase automation to enhance security initiatives[183]. Market Competition and Innovation - The information security market is characterized by intense competition, constant innovation, and evolving customer requirements, which may challenge the company's growth[58]. - Competitors may leverage greater resources and advanced technologies, potentially commoditizing the company's offerings and reducing demand[62]. - The introduction of new technologies, such as AI, may expand the company's addressable market, but failure to capitalize on these opportunities could hinder innovation[35]. - The company plans to continue strategic acquisitions, such as Venafi Holdings, Inc. and Zilla Security Inc., but faces risks related to integration and realization of expected benefits[66]. - Partnerships and strategic alliances involve significant investments and risks, including potential misalignment of goals and increased long-term expenditures[67]. Technology and Product Development - The company must continually invest in and enhance its solutions to adapt to the evolving cyber threat landscape and meet customer demands[34]. - The company plans to continue integrating AI technology into its operations, which presents various risks and challenges that could negatively impact business[90]. - The integration of generative AI into IT infrastructure presents both opportunities and security challenges, necessitating robust identity security measures[172]. - CyberArk's Identity Security Platform aims to secure all identities, including human and machine, with appropriate privilege controls[161]. - The company’s Privileged Access Management solutions secure, manage, and monitor privileged access across hybrid and multi-cloud environments[196]. - The company’s Secure Cloud Access service offers secure, native access to cloud consoles and services with zero standing privileges, reducing the risk of compromised access[203]. Customer Base and Revenue Distribution - As of December 31, 2024, the company had over 9,700 customers across various industries, including financial services, healthcare, and technology[216]. - In 2024, the company generated 50.3% of its revenues from the United States, 31.1% from the EMEA region, and 18.6% from the rest of the world[217]. - The majority of annualized software bookings in 2024 were subscriptions or recurring revenue, with only a declining single-digit percentage from perpetual licenses[99]. - A significant portion of quarterly bookings is generated through large transactions, with potential adverse impacts on financial performance from delays or slippage in deals[100]. Strategic Initiatives and Future Plans - The company aims to strengthen its Identity Security leadership by enhancing solutions and developing new offerings, including AI utilization[170]. - The company plans to make its Managed Service Provider SaaS Solution generally available in 2025 to enhance operations and security for managed service provider tenants[223]. - The company executed a hybrid sales model, generating approximately 19% of revenues from direct sales in 2024, with a global network of over 1,500 channel partners[221]. - The company hosted its 18th annual CyberArk IMPACT Conference in May 2024, attracting over 8,000 attendees, making it the largest Identity Security conference worldwide[220].

Company Performance - CyberArk's stock closed at $335.45, reflecting a -0.66% change from the previous day's closing price, underperforming the S&P 500 which gained 0.55% [1] - The stock has decreased by 11.79% over the past month, compared to the Computer and Technology sector's loss of 8.51% and the S&P 500's loss of 5.56% [1] Upcoming Earnings - CyberArk is expected to report an EPS of $0.80, representing a 6.67% increase from the same quarter last year [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projected at $305.71 million, which is a 37.99% increase from the year-ago period [2] Fiscal Year Estimates - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are estimated at $3.64 per share, indicating a +20.13% change from the previous year [3] - Revenue is projected to be $1.32 billion, reflecting a +31.46% increase from the prior year [3] Analyst Projections - Recent shifts in analyst projections for CyberArk are important to monitor, as upward revisions indicate positive sentiment regarding the company's business operations [4] - The Zacks Rank system, which assesses these estimate changes, currently ranks CyberArk at 3 (Hold) [6] Valuation Metrics - CyberArk has a Forward P/E ratio of 92.75, which is higher than the industry's average Forward P/E of 61.65 [7] - The company also has a PEG ratio of 4.64, compared to the Security industry's average PEG ratio of 3.11 [7] Industry Context - The Security industry, part of the Computer and Technology sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 60, placing it in the top 24% of over 250 industries [8] - Research indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [8]