Core Insights - Rapid7, Inc. announced the winners of its 2026 Partner of the Year Awards, recognizing partners for excellence in enhancing customer security programs and building cyber resilience [1][2] Partner Recognition - A total of 28 partners were recognized across 12 categories in four major geographic regions [2] - The awards highlight the shift from reactive to proactive security approaches facilitated by partners [2] Regional Winners North America - CDW was named North American Partner of the Year, reflecting a commitment to impactful security outcomes [4] - Other notable winners include ThunderCat Technology (Best Customer Retention Partner), SHI (Cloud Security Partner and Exposure Management Partner), GuidePoint Security (Detection & Response Partner), Carahsoft (Distributor of the Year), Novawatch (MSSP Partner), Softchoice (Emerging Partner), and CDW•G (Public Sector Partner) [7] Latin America - Netconn received the Latin America Partner of the Year award, emphasizing the importance of the Rapid7 platform in enhancing customer maturity and strategic decision-making [4] EMEA - Saepio was recognized as EMEA Partner of the Year, highlighting a long-standing partnership with Rapid7 that has delivered critical security outcomes [5] APJ - Orro was named APJ Partner of the Year, focusing on the joint efforts in Continuous Threat Exposure Management to help customers operationalize security measures [6] Company Overview - Rapid7 is a leader in AI-powered managed cybersecurity operations, serving over 11,500 customers globally [8] - The Rapid7 Command Platform integrates security data with AI and threat intelligence to enhance cyber resilience [8]

Core Insights - Goldman Sachs has initiated coverage of Penguin Solutions with a Buy rating and a revised price target of $25, down from $26, while noting the company's FY2026 outlook is uncertain but remains optimistic about its AI infrastructure momentum [1][4] Financial Performance - In FQ1 2026, Penguin Solutions reported revenue of $343 million, reflecting a 1% year-over-year increase, driven by a 41% annual surge in Integrated Memory business revenue to $137 million due to DDR5 technology and AI computing demand [2] - Advanced Computing revenue increased by 9% sequentially to $151 million [2] Challenges and Future Outlook - The company experienced an 18% sequential decline in its Optimized LED business due to weak demand in China and large US OEM sectors [3] - Management indicated challenges with the high-margin Penguin Edge business, which is expected to wind down by the end of fiscal 2026, alongside a 9% decline in services net sales [3] - Penguin Solutions anticipates a stronger second half of the year by focusing on enterprise and sovereign AI opportunities, leveraging partnerships with Dell, CDW, and Nvidia to diversify its customer base beyond traditional hyperscalers [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2026 was $343 million, reflecting a 2% sequential increase and a 1% year-over-year increase, despite not recognizing any hyperscale hardware revenue [5][17] - Non-GAAP gross margins were 30%, which is favorable compared to the midpoint of the full-year outlook [5] - Non-GAAP operating income was $42 million, up 1% year-over-year, leading to Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.49, flat year-over-year [6][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advanced Computing revenue was $151 million, up 9% compared to the previous quarter but down 15% year-over-year [9][18] - Integrated Memory revenue reached $137 million, up 41% year-over-year [11][18] - Optimized LED revenue was $55 million, down 18% sequentially [13][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing a shift from hyperscaler deployments to broader enterprise adoption, with early signs of workloads evolving towards inference-oriented use cases [6][40] - Demand for memory products is strong across various sectors, including networking and telecommunications [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning from a holding company to an AI solutions provider, focusing on customer diversification and new business development [7][15] - Partnerships with ecosystem partners like Nvidia and AMD are being strengthened to support customer success in AI deployments [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position for long-term success, citing a strong balance sheet and a growing customer base [16][28] - The outlook for FY26 anticipates a stronger second half compared to the first half, driven by AI opportunities in the pipeline [25][28] Other Important Information - The company signed an agreement to sell its remaining 19% stake in Zillia Technologies for $46 million, expected to close in Q3 FY26 [14] - Cash flows from operating activities increased by 125% to $31 million compared to Q1 of the previous year [23] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Fiscal first half versus fiscal second half guidance - Management indicated that the second quarter revenue might see a decline, particularly in advanced computing, due to timing issues with new customer agreements [30][32] Question: Challenges or constraints in memory product shipping - Management noted that they are navigating supply constraints effectively, which has allowed for a more favorable outlook on memory revenue growth [31][34] Question: Shift from hyperscalers to enterprise deployments - Management observed an evolution towards increased enterprise opportunities, indicating a shift in capital expenditure from large hyperscalers to broader corporate applications [39][40] Question: Inventory levels as a leading indicator for future shipments - Management confirmed that while inventory levels remain elevated, they are turning inventory quickly and do not foresee concerns regarding inventory management [42]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts have raised concerns that MicroStrategy (MSTR.US), a major Bitcoin holder, may face removal from the Nasdaq 100 index due to questions surrounding its business model, which has already pressured its stock price [1][6] Group 1: Company Overview - MicroStrategy initially operated as a software company but shifted its focus to Bitcoin investment in 2020, reaching a market cap peak of $128 billion earlier this year [1] - The company reported a net profit of $2.78 billion for the three months ending September 30, compared to a loss of $340.2 million in the same period last year, largely due to an accounting change that allowed it to recognize Bitcoin appreciation as revenue [1] - Traditional software business revenue was only $128.7 million, indicating a significant reliance on Bitcoin for profitability [1] Group 2: Market Reactions and Analyst Opinions - Concerns about the sustainability of digital asset reserve companies are growing, with MicroStrategy's stock price being highly sensitive to Bitcoin's volatility; it has dropped 65% from its 2024 peak and 36% year-to-date, while Bitcoin has decreased by 3.6% this year [6] - Analysts suggest that if MicroStrategy is viewed as a holding or cryptocurrency company rather than a software company, it becomes more susceptible to removal from the index [1][6] - Jefferies estimates that if MicroStrategy is removed from the Nasdaq 100, it could experience approximately $1.6 billion in passive fund outflows [6] Group 3: Index Composition and Future Outlook - Nasdaq has been tightening its requirements for listing digital asset reserve companies, and the decision regarding MicroStrategy's inclusion in the index is expected to be announced after market close on Friday, with adjustments effective December 22 [2][8] - Other companies, including Biogen and CDW, are also at risk of being removed from the Nasdaq 100 index, with Jefferies noting that these companies currently have the lowest market caps among the 100 constituents [8] - MSCI is set to decide in January whether to exclude MicroStrategy and similar companies from its benchmark index, reflecting broader concerns about the viability of digital asset reserve models [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - MicroStrategy may face the risk of being removed from the Nasdaq 100 index due to concerns over its business model and declining stock price, which has led to skepticism among analysts [1][4][10]. Company Overview - MicroStrategy initially operated as a software company but transformed into a Bitcoin investment entity in 2020. Its stock price surged earlier this year, reaching a market capitalization of $128 billion, and it was included in the Nasdaq 100 index in December last year [1][4]. - The company's third-quarter net profit reached $2.78 billion as of September 30, compared to a loss of $340.2 million in the same period last year, primarily due to accounting changes that allowed it to recognize gains from Bitcoin holdings. However, its traditional software business generated only $128.7 million in revenue [8][10]. Market Concerns - There is growing concern about the sustainability of the business model for companies holding crypto assets, as their stock prices are highly sensitive to Bitcoin price fluctuations. MicroStrategy's stock has dropped 65% from its 2024 peak and 36% year-to-date, while Bitcoin has only decreased by 3.6% during the same period [4][10]. - As of Thursday, MicroStrategy's market capitalization fell to $52.7 billion, while the value of its Bitcoin holdings exceeded $61 billion [10]. Index Inclusion and Analyst Opinions - Analysts have expressed doubts about MicroStrategy's continued inclusion in the Nasdaq 100 index, suggesting that if it is classified as a holding company or cryptocurrency firm rather than a traditional software company, it could be removed from the index [8][10]. - Some analysts believe that MicroStrategy is currently safe due to its relatively high market capitalization, which is above that of approximately 30 other companies in the Nasdaq 100 index [11]. Potential Impact of Removal - If MicroStrategy is removed from the index, it could face an outflow of approximately $1.6 billion in passive funds [10][11]. - The global index provider MSCI has also raised questions about the inclusion of companies holding crypto assets in its benchmark indices, with a decision expected in January regarding MicroStrategy and similar companies [11]. Other Companies in Focus - Besides MicroStrategy, other companies such as Biogen and CDW are also at risk of being removed from the Nasdaq 100 index, as they are among the lowest market capitalization stocks in the index [11][12].

Group 1 - Madison Mid Cap Fund's Class Y returned 5.2% in Q2 2025, underperforming the Russell Midcap Index which increased by 8.5% [1] - The fund's top five holdings were highlighted, indicating its best picks for 2025 [1] Group 2 - Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:FND) is a multi-channel specialty retailer of hard surface flooring, with a one-month return of 0.48% and a 52-week loss of 30.37% [2] - As of September 18, 2025, Floor & Decor's stock closed at $83.37, with a market capitalization of $8.978 billion [2] - The Madison Mid Cap Fund increased its holdings in Floor & Decor during Q2 2025, despite declining investor sentiment in housing-related stocks, maintaining a positive long-term earnings outlook for the company [3] - Floor & Decor's sales grew by 7.1% to $1.214 billion in Q2 2025, with 46 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock, an increase from 44 in the previous quarter [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 2025 was $38 million, an increase from $36 million in the same period last year [35] - Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2025, was $72.1 million, up from $70.2 million in the same period last year [35] - Net loss for Q2 2025 was $618,000, or a loss of $0.06 per share, compared to a net loss of $500,000, or a loss of $0.05 per share for the same period last year [42] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $183,000, marking the thirty-second consecutive quarter of adjusted EBITDA [42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Carrier services revenue for Q2 2025 was $22.2 million, an increase of $1.8 million compared to the same period in 2024 [36] - Managed services fees for Q2 2025 were $9.2 million, consistent with the same period in 2024 [36] - Billable services fees for Q2 2025 were $1.3 million, also consistent with the same period in 2024 [36] - Reselling and other services for Q2 2025 were $5.1 million, a slight increase compared to the same period last year [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The federal backlog stood at $265 million as of June 30, 2025 [35] - The CWMS 3.0 contract ceiling increased to $3 billion from the previous $500 million, indicating growing demand from DHS [8] - The Spiral 4 contract has a total value of $2.6 billion, with WidePoint winning four task orders to date [54] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on securing the CWMS 3.0 recompete, leveraging its status as a two-time incumbent and FedRAMP authorized status [10][45] - Investments are being made in high-impact initiatives, including the CWMS 3.0 preparation and the Device as a Service (DAS) program [22][45] - The company aims to diversify its revenue streams by expanding into large commercial DAS deals and deepening partnerships with firms like CDW [24][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the CWMS 3.0 opportunity, viewing it as a critical pillar for long-term growth [11][21] - The company anticipates that the final RFQ for CWMS 3.0 could be released soon, with contract awards expected by September 2025 [10] - Management acknowledged that while some opportunities have shifted in timing, the underlying strength of the business remains intact [21][22] Other Important Information - The company has achieved FedRAMP authorized status, enhancing its competitive advantage in securing government contracts [16][17] - The investment in DAS infrastructure is seen as foundational for long-term growth, despite delays in closing some key deals [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the timeframe for the $3 billion DHS contract? - The CWMS 3.0 contract will extend from a five-year to a ten-year contract [49] Question: How do the requirements for the contract differ from five years ago? - FedRAMP authorization is now a requirement, which was not the case previously [51][52] Question: Update on Spiral 4 contract awards? - WidePoint has won four contracts under the Spiral 4 contract, which has a total value of $2.6 billion [54][55] Question: What is the current backlog and its components? - The backlog is $265 million, with $47 million expected to be received in the rest of the year [67][69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales for Q2 2025 were $6 billion, up 10% year-over-year [8] - Gross profit was $1.2 billion, an increase of 5% [8] - Non-GAAP operating income rose to $520 million, up 2% [8] - Non-GAAP net income per share was $2.60, reflecting a 4% increase [9] - Adjusted free cash flow for the quarter was $210 million [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Corporate net sales increased by 18%, while small business sales rose by 13% [12] - Health care sales surged by 24%, while education saw an 11% decline [13] - Hardware sales grew by 9%, driven by infrastructure solutions and client devices [17] - Software sales increased by 16%, with strong growth across all markets except K-12 [18] - Services revenue was up 8%, with professional managed services growing by 13% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial market showed strong performance, offsetting declines in federal and education sectors [12][14] - UK and Canadian operations reported a combined top line increase of 12% [16] - Federal market performance was mixed, with a 3% increase in government sales but declines in federal purchases [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a focus on full stack, full life cycle solutions to address customer needs [6][19] - Strategic investments in services capabilities are seen as key differentiators in the market [19] - The company aims to navigate market dislocations in government and education while leveraging its scale and expertise [24][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects continued challenges in the government and education sectors for the remainder of the year [23][24] - The outlook for 2025 remains cautious, with low single-digit growth anticipated for the IT market [23][38] - Management emphasizes a commitment to delivering customer value and executing with precision [25] Other Important Information - Non-GAAP SG&A expenses totaled $722 million, up 7.2% year-over-year [30] - The company returned approximately $150 million in share repurchases and $82 million in dividends during the quarter [33] - The liquidity position remains strong, with cash and revolver availability of approximately $1.7 billion [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Performance vs. Market Expectations - Analyst inquired about the company's outperformance relative to market expectations and share gain [43] - Management confirmed confidence in outperforming the market by 200 to 300 basis points, attributing recent performance to strong execution and customer demand [44][45] Question: Product Segment Performance - Analyst asked about the performance of hardware segments and market cycles [46] - Management noted mid-cycle strength in client devices and an uptick in infrastructure hardware demand [47][48] Question: Corporate Market Strength - Analyst sought clarification on the motivating factors behind strong corporate market performance [54] - Management highlighted pent-up demand and strategic investments as key drivers [57][59] Question: Free Cash Flow Conversion - Analyst questioned the subdued free cash flow conversion rate [67] - Management attributed this to timing effects and expects improvement in the second half of the year [68] Question: AI Impact on Revenues - Analyst asked about the influence of AI on client device upgrades and data center demand [97] - Management indicated a growing urgency around AI, with increased conversations and demand across all product lines [99][100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales for Q2 2025 were $6 billion, up 10% year-over-year [6] - Gross profit was $1.2 billion, an increase of 5% [6] - Non-GAAP operating income rose to $520 million, up 2% [6] - Non-GAAP net income per share was $2.60, reflecting a 4% increase [7] - Adjusted free cash flow for the quarter was $210 million [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Corporate net sales increased by 18%, while small business sales rose by 13% [10] - Health care sales surged by 24%, while education saw an 11% decline [11][12] - Hardware sales grew by 9%, driven by infrastructure solutions and client devices [15] - Software sales increased by 16%, with strong growth across all markets except K-12 [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. IT market growth is expected to be in the low single digits, with CDW targeting a growth premium of 200 to 300 basis points [22] - Federal and education markets are facing ongoing challenges, impacting overall performance [22] - UK and Canadian operations reported a combined top line increase of 12% [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a diversified portfolio of products and services to navigate market complexities [6] - Focus on full stack, full life cycle solutions to enhance customer relationships and drive growth [18] - Continued investment in AI capabilities to support customer needs across various sectors [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects continued challenges in government and education sectors, impacting growth [22] - The company remains committed to executing its strategy and maximizing its business model strengths [23] - Anticipated gross profit growth for the full year 2025 is expected to be low to mid single digits [37] Other Important Information - Non-GAAP SG&A expenses totaled $722 million, up 7.2% year-over-year [29] - The company returned approximately $150 million in share repurchases and $82 million in dividends [32] - The cash conversion cycle was 16 days, reflecting effective working capital management [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding outperformance versus market expectations - Management confirmed that the outperformance is driven by market conditions and customer demand, expecting to maintain a growth premium [44] Question: Insights on hardware market cycles - Management indicated that the client device refresh cycle is mid-cycle, with positive trends in infrastructure hardware [47][50] Question: Factors behind corporate market strength - The corporate market's strength is attributed to pent-up demand and strategic investments in mission-critical technology [57] Question: Guidance for Q4 earnings - Management expressed conservatism in Q4 guidance due to expected softness in federal and education segments [82] Question: Impact of AI on revenues - AI is becoming a significant part of customer conversations, with increasing demand for AI-driven solutions across client devices and infrastructure [96] Question: M&A opportunities - The company is focused on growing capabilities in high-relevance areas, particularly in services-led capabilities [102]

Core Insights - Nvidia Corp has become the world's most valuable company in history, with shares reaching a record high of $160.98, reflecting a 19.1% increase since the start of 2025 [1] - Historically, Nvidia has performed well in the third quarter, finishing positively in eight out of the last ten years, with an average return of 14.4% during this period [3] Company Performance - Nvidia's stock performance in the third quarter has averaged a return of 14.4%, and if it continues this trend, shares could potentially reach $184.16 [3] - The Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) for Nvidia is at 32%, indicating low volatility expectations among options traders, ranking in the low 1st percentile of its annual range [4] Comparative Analysis - Among S&P 500 stocks, Nvidia has a return of 14.38% in the third quarter, making it one of the best performers in the Technology Hardware & Equipment sector [4]