Zero-Trust Model

Search documents
Okta Emphasizes AI-Driven Security: Can PANW Advance Its Lead?
ZACKSยท 2025-07-17 17:41
Group 1: Company Strategy and Developments - Okta is enhancing its identity protection efforts by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its security strategy, enabling real-time detection and response to identity-based threats [1] - The company's AI approach supports a growing portfolio that includes Identity Governance, Privileged Access, Fine-Grained Authorization, Device Access, and Identity Security Posture Management, while also expanding tools to protect non-human identities like service accounts and bots [2] - A significant boost to Okta's AI-driven vision comes from a new partnership with Palo Alto Networks, creating a unified security architecture for automated threat detection and response [3][4] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Okta faces increasing competition in the identity and access management (IAM) space from CyberArk Software and Microsoft [5] - CyberArk has shown strong growth with a 43% revenue increase in Q1 2025, bolstered by acquisitions and a robust position in identity security [6] - Microsoft's Entra ID presents a significant challenge with over 900 million monthly active users and advanced IAM tools, reinforcing its dominance in secure identity solutions [7] Group 3: Financial Performance and Valuation - Okta's shares have appreciated 18.8% year to date, outperforming the Zacks Security industry's return of 15.6% [8] - The company is trading at a forward Price/Cash Flow ratio of 21.44, slightly below the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector's 21.7X, with a Value Score of D [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Okta's Q2 fiscal 2026 earnings is 84 cents per share, indicating a 16.67% year-over-year growth, while the fiscal 2026 earnings estimate is $3.28 per share, suggesting a 16.73% growth over fiscal 2025 [13][15]