This Cloud Company's CEO Just Sold $1.2 Million Worth of Shares

Core Insights - The article discusses the recent insider sale of shares by Sumedh S Thakar, CEO of Qualys, highlighting the context and implications of this transaction in relation to the company's performance and market conditions [6][8]. Company Overview - Qualys is a leading provider of cloud-based security and compliance solutions, enabling organizations to identify, manage, and remediate IT vulnerabilities at scale [7]. - The company's SaaS platform integrates asset discovery, vulnerability management, and compliance monitoring, supporting evolving cybersecurity requirements [7]. Transaction Details - Sumedh S Thakar sold 8,500 shares on November 14, 2025, following the exercise of 6,500 stock options, as disclosed in a SEC Form 4 filing [6][4]. - The shares were sold at a weighted average price of $142.68, with the market closing at $143.57 on the transaction date [2]. - After this transaction, Thakar's direct holdings decreased to 254,800 shares, valued at approximately $36.6 million, representing a reduction of 3.23% in direct share count [3]. Market Context - As of November 14, 2025, the stock had declined 3.9% over the prior year, with the current price standing at $143.07, slightly above the transaction price [2]. - The sale of 8,500 shares exceeds the recent median insider sale of 7,000 shares from June 14, 2024, through November 14, 2025, accounting for 3.23% of pre-transaction direct holdings [5]. Financial Performance - Qualys reported a 14% increase in GAAP gross profit in its fiscal third-quarter results, with an increased GAAP gross margin to 84% compared to 81% for the same quarter in 2024 [9]. - The company also experienced a 33% increase in GAAP operating income and a 9% increase in GAAP net income [9]. Valuation Metrics - Qualys currently trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of about 28, which is below the broader software industry average of roughly 33 [10]. - The stock is considered slightly overvalued with a proprietary Fair Ratio of 25.1, indicating potential concerns regarding the company's earnings growth and overall risk [10].