Core Insights - Whales have adopted a bullish stance on Zscaler, with 55% of trades reflecting bullish expectations and 11% bearish [1] - Analysts have set an average target price of $327.8 for Zscaler, with individual targets ranging from $264 to $365 [10][11] Options Activity - A total of 9 trades were detected for Zscaler, with 5 puts amounting to $264,851 and 4 calls totaling $159,802 [1] - The average open interest for Zscaler options is 356, with total volume reaching 528 [3] Price Targets - Whales have been targeting a price range for Zscaler between $120.0 and $270.0 over the last 3 months [2] Company Overview - Zscaler is a SaaS firm providing cloud-native cybersecurity solutions, focusing on enterprise customers [8] - The company offers Zscaler Internet Access for secure external application access and Zscaler Private Access for secure internal application access [8] Analyst Ratings - Citigroup maintains a Buy rating with a target price of $350, while Bernstein has lowered its rating to Market Perform with a target of $264 [11] - Stifel and UBS also maintain Buy ratings with target prices of $320 and $340, respectively [11]

Industry Overview - Cybercrime costs are rapidly increasing as reliance on digital systems grows, leading to more opportunities for cybercriminals to attack [1][4] - 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 of 14.4% [2] - Cybercrime is expected to cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, a significant increase from $3 trillion in 2015, indicating the escalating financial impact of cyber threats [5] Cybercrime Trends - Cybercrime encompasses various attacks, including ransomware, data theft, online fraud, identity theft, and email scams, affecting not only large companies but also small businesses and individuals [3] - The complexity of digital networks and the growing number of connected devices have expanded the attack surface, making security management more challenging [4][6] Key Cybersecurity Players - CrowdStrike Holdings offers its solutions through the Falcon platform, which is a cloud-native security solution that protects various environments and endpoints [8][10] - Fortinet is a leader in network security, providing solutions through its unified FortiOS platform, which integrates security across multiple systems [13][14] - Zscaler specializes in cloud-based security solutions, with significant growth in areas such as AI Security, Zero Trust, and Data Security, each surpassing $1 billion in annual recurring revenue [17][19] Company Performance - CrowdStrike's Falcon Flex subscription model has driven significant growth, with annual recurring revenue from Flex customers reaching $1.35 billion in Q3 fiscal 2026, more than tripling from the previous year [9][12] - Fortinet's FortiSASE billings grew over 100% year over year in Q3 2025, indicating strong momentum in its security offerings [15] - Zscaler's AI Security segment alone reached $400 million in annual recurring revenue, with expectations to exceed $500 million in fiscal 2026 [18]

Summary of the 2026 Year Ahead Outlook: Securing The Agentic Wave Industry Overview - **Industry**: Security Software - **Key Analysts**: Brian Essex, CFA; John Lee; Alex Isaac from J.P. Morgan Securities LLC Core Insights 1. **Favorable Outlook for Security Software in 2026** - The demand backdrop is healthy with reasonable expectations and attractive setups for better-than-expected execution - Top picks include PANW, CLBT, NTSK, and ZS, while FTNT is moved to Underweight due to competitive disadvantages [13][25] 2. **Market Dynamics in 2025** - 2025 was marked by macro uncertainty, leading to a slight contraction in average multiples across the coverage - Security software benefitted from a rotation towards stronger thematic names, particularly those with AI tailwinds [14][22] 3. **Budget Pressures and Spending Trends** - IT Security budgets are expected to grow at a slower pace compared to previous years, with a lower percentage of IT spending allocated to Security - Most budget pressure will impact headcount-related spending, while software spending remains healthy [22][62] 4. **AI's Impact on Security** - AI has increased the volume and sophistication of threats, necessitating a focus on Network Security, Endpoint, and Identity - Demand for SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) remains elevated, driven by AI adoption [23][24] 5. **Platformization and Vendor Performance** - Spending is expected to favor platform vendors that can consolidate across multiple high-priority categories - Established platforms are well-positioned for margin expansion and free cash flow growth [24][27] Key Company Insights 1. **Top Picks for 2026** - **PANW**: Comprehensive end-to-end platform with strong share consolidation capabilities; expected FCF margin expansion to 40% or better [27] - **CLBT**: Positioned for reacceleration driven by government demand; attractive valuation for potential 20%+ y/y growth [28] - **NTSK**: High-growth vendor with improving market traction; well-positioned for demand in Network, Data, and AI security [29] - **ZS**: Benefitting from a shift in Network Security spending; expected to gain from an expanding attack surface [30] 2. **Underweight Ratings** - **FTNT**: Facing challenges as a platform consolidator; current market conditions are unfavorable for stock performance [25] Additional Insights 1. **Consolidation Trends** - M&A activity is expected to accelerate, with private companies driving innovation in the security software space - Notable acquisitions include CyberArk by PANW and several others across the industry [105] 2. **Emerging Threats and Security Needs** - Cyber risks remain a top concern for C-suite executives, with a growing need for solutions to secure AI and machine identities - The market for securing AI is fragmented but expected to grow as larger players invest in this area [145][148] 3. **Growth Projections** - Security software is projected to remain a high-growth sector, with significant opportunities in Cloud Security, Data Privacy, and Endpoint Security - Expected CAGRs from 2024-2029 include Cloud Security at 24% and Data/Privacy at 13% [83] 4. **Valuation and Fundamentals** - Average multiples have contracted, but high-growth vendors are beginning to see multiple appreciation as interest rates stabilize - Companies that can reaccelerate growth while improving profitability will be favored in the market [111][116] This summary encapsulates the key points from the 2026 Year Ahead Outlook for the Security Software industry, highlighting the anticipated trends, company performances, and market dynamics.

分组1 - Zscaler is a leading provider of cloud-based security solutions, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of B [12] - The company is projected to experience year-over-year earnings growth of 15.6% for the current fiscal year, making it an attractive option for growth investors [12] - In the last 60 days, 13 analysts have revised their earnings estimates higher for fiscal 2026, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.16 to $3.79 per share [13] 分组2 - Zscaler has an average earnings surprise of +12.3%, indicating a strong performance relative to expectations [13] - With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, Zscaler is recommended for investors' consideration [13]

Core Insights - Brown Advisory Mid-Cap Growth Strategy underperformed its benchmark, the Russell Midcap® Growth Index, which increased approximately 3% in Q3 2025 [1] - The investor letter highlighted Zscaler, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZS) as a key stock, which experienced a one-month return of -15.97% but gained 23.33% over the last 52 weeks [2] Company Performance - Zscaler, Inc. closed at $231.09 per share on December 18, 2025, with a market capitalization of $36.852 billion [2] - Brown Advisory exited its position in Zscaler, citing valuation concerns despite the company's strong execution and margin expansion [3] Hedge Fund Activity - Zscaler, Inc. was held by 50 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, a decrease from 60 in the previous quarter [3] - The company is not listed among the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds, indicating a potential shift in investor sentiment [3]

Core Insights - Wall Street is shifting focus from AI narratives to cybersecurity, with JPMorgan predicting that 2026 will favor practical cybersecurity investments over generative AI monetization [1] - Cyber risk has become a top priority for companies, ranking among the top three threats according to PwC's CEO survey, which drives necessary cybersecurity spending [2] - The urgency of cybersecurity spending creates resilience in the sector, as it remains a non-negotiable budget item tied to operational and reputational risks [3] Cybersecurity Market Dynamics - Many cybersecurity companies have improved their growth-plus-margin profiles while maintaining valuation premiums, as indicated by JPMorgan's Rule of 40 and Rule of X analyses [3][4] - Cybersecurity leaders have largely maintained their market positions despite a general compression of multiples in the software sector [4] Key Players - Palo Alto Networks (PANW) is positioned as a long-term consolidator in SecOps, SASE, and cloud security, with expected free cash flow margins trending toward 40% [5] - Zscaler is benefiting from a shift away from legacy network architectures, showing accelerating growth, improving backlog, and rising sales productivity [5] - The appeal of cybersecurity as 2026 approaches lies in its growth potential that meets quality standards [6]

瑞穗将Zscaler的评级从"中性"上调至"跑赢大市"，维持目标价为310美元不变。(格隆汇) ...

Core Viewpoint - Zscaler Inc. is experiencing strong performance driven by robust demand for its cybersecurity solutions, leading to a positive outlook from analysts [1][2]. Financial Performance - Zscaler delivered strong fiscal Q1 2026 results, outperforming both estimates and management's guidance [2]. - The company has raised its revenue and earnings forecasts for FY2026 following the Q1 outperformance, while medium and long-term projections remain largely unchanged [4]. Revenue Growth Drivers - Revenue growth is primarily attributed to the expansion of the Zero Trust Everywhere initiative and the cloud-native security platform Zero Trust Exchange [3]. - Additional growth catalysts include the expansion of the AI security stack and enhanced data protection modules [3]. Strategic Focus - The company is making strategic trade-offs to capture market share in high-growth areas such as AI safety and expanded Zero Trust architectures [4]. - Management's guidance for Q2 FY2026 aligns with market consensus, indicating confidence in continued growth [4]. Analyst Sentiment - Freedom Capital Markets analyst Almas Almaganbetov reiterated a Buy rating on Zscaler with a price target of $320.00, reflecting optimism about the company's strategic execution [1].

Core Viewpoint - Mizuho upgraded Zscaler to Outperform from Neutral with a price target of $310, citing an improved risk-reward profile after a significant stock decline [1] Group 1: Stock Performance and Analyst Insights - Zscaler shares have weakened significantly despite a solid fiscal first-quarter performance, with fiscal second-quarter net new ARR guidance slightly below prior levels [2] - The recent acquisition of Red Canary did not contribute to the guidance, indicating a need for greater transparency regarding Zscaler's organic growth outlook [2] - The stock has declined approximately 31% since the end of October and 21% since the fiscal first-quarter earnings, suggesting that investors are now well compensated for the uncertainty [3] Group 2: Market Position and Valuation - Mizuho remains confident in Zscaler's strong positioning within the SASE and Zero Trust markets [3] - Zscaler is trading at a peak year-to-date EV-to-ARR discount relative to peers, highlighting a favorable valuation [3] - The company has a superior Rule of 50 score compared to many other high-growth software companies, reinforcing its competitive advantage [3]

Core Viewpoint - BTIG identifies Zscaler as the top large-cap pick and Netskope as the top small-cap pick in the security and infrastructure software sector for the first half of 2026, with other recommended stocks including Snowflake, SailPoint, and Datadog [1] 2025 Review - The security and infrastructure software sector faced challenges in 2025, with a median return of -0.8%, significantly lagging behind the Nasdaq index, which rose by 22% [2] - The best-performing companies included Cloudflare, MongoDB, CrowdStrike, Snowflake, and CyberArk Software, all expected to benefit from AI in various ways [2] - Poor performers were typically single-solution providers in commoditized markets or those facing adverse AI-related factors [2] 2026 Outlook - The cybersecurity sector is expected to stabilize, with projected growth of 16% in 2025 and similar growth anticipated for 2026 [4] - Key areas of focus include cloud security, security services, and identity authentication, with ongoing market disruption opportunities in the SIEM sector [4] - Despite the importance of AI security, most organizations are expected to rely on existing vendor solutions for AI workload protection in the next 12 to 18 months [4] - Top AI-related picks include Netskope, SailPoint, Cloudflare, Zscaler, Palo Alto Networks, and CrowdStrike [4] - The integration of platforms remains a primary theme, with a preference for companies with strong multi-product portfolios that can drive adoption across similar or adjacent procurement centers [4] Observability Sector - There is optimism in the observability space, with clients prioritizing vendor integration, benefiting companies like Datadog and Dynatrace [5] - The influx of AI-related workloads is expected to create favorable conditions for vendors [5] Competitive Landscape - Palo Alto's acquisition of Chronosphere introduces a potential disruptive catalyst in the observability market, although previous aggressive pricing strategies in other verticals did not significantly impact market leader CrowdStrike [6] - Similar competitive dynamics are observed in the observability sector with Datadog and Dynatrace [6]