Financial Restructuring - SK Shieldus, backed by EQT, has launched a syndicated loan equivalent to approximately $24 billion to refinance its acquisition facility [1] Industry Focus - The company is a South Korean cyber security firm [1]

Market Overview - The market is divided into two segments: stocks that are rising and stocks that are drifting lower, with roughly equal numbers in each group [1] - Sector performance is not always reflected in the averages [1] - The Dow declined by 107 points, the S&P was flat, and the NASDAQ gained 0.31% [2] Sector Focus - Cyber security is a positive area due to increasing threats and abundant business opportunities [3] - The speaker's investment club owns Crowd Strike and Palatoto Networks [3] - Zscaler is also performing well in the cyber security sector [4] Investment Strategy - It's more profitable to follow market trends than to be contrarian [2] - Palo Alto and Crowdstrike are winning significant deals, and their long-term direction is upward [4]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence [1] - The Zacks Style Scores are designed to help investors select stocks with the highest potential to outperform the market in the short term [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - The Style Scores categorize stocks into four types: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score, each focusing on different investment strategies [3][4][5][6] - Value Score emphasizes identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios [3] - Growth Score focuses on a company's financial health and future growth potential [4] - Momentum Score identifies stocks with favorable price trends and earnings outlooks [5] - VGM Score combines all three styles to highlight stocks with the best overall characteristics [6] Zacks Rank and Style Scores Interaction - The Zacks Rank utilizes earnings estimate revisions to assist in portfolio building, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks historically yielding an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988 [7][8] - To optimize returns, investors should target stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B [9] - Stocks with lower ranks, even with high Style Scores, may still face declining earnings forecasts, increasing the risk of price drops [10] Company Spotlight: Gen Digital - Gen Digital is a prominent player in the cybersecurity sector, known for brands like Norton Anti-Virus and Norton Internet Security [11] - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of A, indicating strong investment potential [11] - Gen Digital's Momentum Style Score is B, with a 5.8% increase in share price over the past four weeks [11] - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates have led to a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.43 per share for fiscal 2026, reflecting a $0.04 increase [12] - The company has an average earnings surprise of 0.9%, further enhancing its attractiveness to investors [12]

Stock Picks Overview - The report highlights two Zacks Rank number one strong buy stocks poised for positive returns [1] - The featured stocks are selected by strategists Dave Bartoziaak and Tracy Ryneck [1] - Zacks covers thousands of companies, but only about 240 to 250 receive a Zacks Rank number one [2] Dave's Pick: Fintech "Dave" - Dave operates in the technology services industry, specifically fintech, focusing on banking the underserved [1] - Dave's EPS estimates are north of $10 per share, driving the stock up over 200% [1] - The stock trades at 2384% times earnings, higher than the industry average of 94% but in line with the S&P 500 at 2242% [1] - Current year revenue growth is 36%, with next year projected at 24% [1] - Current year EPS growth is estimated at 66%, slowing to 32% next year, reaching $1156 [1] - The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates by nearly a dollar each quarter [1] Tracy's Pick: CyberArk Software (CYBR) - CyberArk Software (CYBR) is in the cyber security sector, focusing on identity security [1] - Subscription revenue grew 60% in the first quarter [1] - The company gave free cash flow guidance of $300 million to $310 million for the full year, with 30% free cash flow margins in the first quarter [1] - Earnings estimates have been revised upwards, with 12 up in the last 60 days and three even in the last 30 days [2] - Double-digit earnings growth is expected: 257% for this year and 257% for next year [2] - Sales are projected to grow 319% this year and almost 19% next year [2] - The stock's PE is 101 times, with a PEG of 41%, reflecting a willingness to pay for growth [2] - Year-to-date, the stock is up 19% versus 33% for the S&P 500; over the last year, it's up 57% compared to the S&P's 104% [2]

Core Insights - HUB Cyber Security Ltd. has appointed Mr. Paul Parisi as Global Chief Revenue Officer to enhance its North American expansion and institutional market execution [1][3] - The appointment is part of HUB's long-term strategy to strengthen its enterprise presence and cater to the increasing demand from Fortune 1000 clients and financial institutions [1][3] Company Overview - HUB Cyber Security Ltd. specializes in zero-trust confidential computing and advanced secured data fabric technology, established in 2017 by veterans of the Israeli Defense Forces [4] - The company operates in over 30 countries, providing innovative cybersecurity solutions and secured data infrastructure for financial institutions, governments, and regulated enterprises [4] Leadership Background - Mr. Parisi brings over 25 years of experience in leading commercial organizations in regulated sectors, having previously served as President of PayPal Canada and held senior roles at American Express and Silicon Valley Bank [2][3] - His track record includes doubling transaction volumes at PayPal Canada and transforming Silicon Valley Bank into its fastest-growing market [2] Strategic Focus - Mr. Parisi will lead HUB's global revenue strategy with a focus on establishing enterprise sales frameworks and expanding compliance-aligned partner ecosystems [3] - The company aims to build a scalable, enterprise-grade business that drives long-term shareholder value through enhanced customer success infrastructure [3]

Core Viewpoint - HUB Cyber Security Ltd. has achieved full compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements, marking a significant milestone following strategic restructuring and improved financial execution [1][2]. Company Overview - HUB Cyber Security Ltd. is a global leader in confidential computing and advanced secured data fabric technology, established in 2017 by veterans of the Israeli Defense Forces [5]. - The company specializes in secured data infrastructure, providing solutions for secure AI operations, compliance automation, and digital asset protection for financial institutions and governments [5]. Compliance and Financial Performance - Nasdaq confirmed that HUB meets the minimum bid price and market value of listed securities thresholds, indicating successful compliance with Listing Rules [2]. - The company has undergone a period of strategic restructuring, which has led to improved financial execution and strengthened corporate governance [2]. Business Strategy and Growth - HUB has been executing a focused commercial expansion strategy, significantly growing its contracted revenue base and accelerating deployments across banking, government, and digital asset sectors [3]. - The company continues to sign new multi-year agreements with leading financial institutions and sovereign entities, expanding its presence in North America and Europe [4]. Product Development - HUB has introduced new AI-powered and quantum-resilient infrastructure solutions in response to rising client demand for secure and compliant solutions [3]. - The Secured Data Fabric platform, developed in partnership with BlackSwan Technologies, is emerging as a leader in highly secure data management and unification [5].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2026 increased by approximately 16% year over year to $95.5 million [7] - Non-GAAP gross profit rose by about 17% year over year [7] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was approximately $10.3 million, more than double the $5 million generated in Q1 last year [19] - Non-GAAP operating income was $7.6 million, over four times higher than the $1.8 million generated in Q1 last year [19] - Cash flow from operations was approximately $1.7 million, with negative free cash flow of $2.5 million [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Software revenue was $37.4 million, an increase of $5.9 million or 19% year over year [16] - Total software revenue for the quarter was approximately $82 million, representing about 86% of total revenue [16] - Professional service revenue in Q1 was $13.5 million, an increase of $6.6 million over last year [17] - Recurring revenue for Q1 was $47.2 million, representing 49% of total revenue [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total remaining performance obligations (RPO) at the end of Q1 was $597.8 million, up $52 million versus the end of fiscal 2025 [22] - Short-term RPO increased to $346.9 million, providing solid visibility into revenue over the next twelve months [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its presence in the U.S. market through the acquisition of GroupSense, a cyber threat intelligence company [12][21] - The strategic priorities include enhancing operational agility and ensuring customers can respond to emerging threats [10][15] - The company aims to drive long-term growth and expand profitability through innovation and strong customer engagement [13][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in healthy demand and continued validation of technology through customer wins [13] - The company updated its guidance for fiscal 2026, expecting revenue of approximately $395 million, representing about 13% year-over-year growth [25] - Management noted that the demand environment remains favorable, with ongoing customer engagement and positive feedback across the portfolio [28] Other Important Information - The company executed a share repurchase program, buying about 952,000 ordinary shares for approximately $9 million [20] - The GroupSense acquisition closed on May 20, 2025, for approximately $4 million in cash, with an earnout of up to $5 million contingent on performance targets [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: How did the quarter itself play out versus plan? - Management indicated that Q1 top line came a little ahead of expectations, with strong demand and customer traction [32] Question: Why isn't the recent contract value impacting fiscal 2026 to a greater extent? - Management explained that some large deals were already included in guidance, and the deployment of a significant subscription deal is planned for Q1 fiscal 2027 [35] Question: What is the revenue impact of the GroupSense acquisition? - The acquisition is expected to add approximately $3 million to the top line, with a breakeven business model [38]

Cybersecurity Industry Analysis - Cyber Arc is a leader in privileged access management, focusing on identity security [2] - The cybersecurity war is being fought with AI against AI in 2025, emphasizing the need to own cybersecurity companies [5] - Nation-state enterprises are heavily involved in hacking, making cybersecurity a big business [6][7] - Cyber Arc's main competitor is Crowd Strike, which specializes in dealing with nation-state threat actors [12] Cyber Arc Financials and Valuation - Cyber Arc is approaching $1.5 billion in revenue, with a projected 32% growth this year if they reach $1.3 billion [13] - Cyber Arc's market cap is $20 billion, resulting in a 13x price-to-sales ratio [13] - Cyber Arc is projecting 20% revenue growth for next year [14] - Cyber Arc's EPS is growing at approximately 25% [17] Robotics Industry Analysis - ABB, a Swiss industrial giant, will spin off its thriving robotics division next year [19] - The robotics industry is predicted to be the next multi-trillion dollar industry [25][31] - There are numerous private robotics companies vying for funding and success, with many looking to IPO [22][23] - Figure Robots is identified as a significant private player in the robotics industry [30]

Core Insights - The implementation of a zero trust architecture could potentially reduce global annual economic losses from cyber incidents by up to $465 billion, representing a reduction of up to 31% in overall cyber losses [1][8] - North America has experienced significantly more cyber incidents compared to Europe, with nearly four times the number of incidents, yet a higher percentage of European incidents (41%) could have been mitigated by zero trust compared to North America (31%) [2] - The rise in ransomware incidents, which increased by 126% in one year, has heightened the proportion of events that zero trust could have mitigated globally [3] Company Insights - Zscaler's Risk360 service provides organizations with a comprehensive cyber risk profile, enabling them to quantify business risk and potentially receive more favorable cyber insurance policies [5][6] - The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform is designed to protect users, devices, and applications from cyberattacks, leveraging a large network of over 160 data centers globally [9] Industry Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of zero trust as a fundamental cybersecurity control that enhances cyber hygiene and reduces risk exposure by requiring continuous verification of users, applications, and devices [4] - Companies with over $1 billion in annual revenue are identified as standing to benefit the most from zero trust implementation, with 60% of attacks deemed mitigable [3]

Market Overview & Investment Strategy - The podcast focuses on growth stocks, noting a potential breakout in the S&P 500 in the summer of 2025 following a trade war selloff [1] - Zacks' premium screens, which utilize the Zacks Rank, are highlighted as a tool for identifying promising growth stocks [3][4] - The podcast aims to explore growth stocks using Zacks' screening tools, offering insights into both basic and premium screening options [2][3] Featured Stocks & Analysis - **Apploving (AP)**: A technology platform in the advertising sector with a market cap of $136 billion, showing strong earnings growth and positive analyst revisions [22][37][43] - **Anglo Gold Ashanti (AU)**: A gold mining company with a market cap of $19.9 billion, benefiting from rising gold prices and showing significant earnings growth [23][49] - **Birkenstock (BIRK)**: A shoe manufacturer with a market cap of $10 billion, demonstrating strong sales and earnings growth despite potential tariff concerns [23][57] - **Cyber Arc Software (CYBR)**: A cyber security company with a market cap of $19.5 billion, experiencing robust growth in a booming industry [25][63] - **European Wax Center (EWCZ)**: A personal care franchise with a smaller market cap of $284 million, showing potential for growth and value combination [26][67] - **NB Bankore (NBBK)**: A regional bank with a market cap of $676 million, exhibiting growth in earnings and revenue, and considered undervalued with a low price-to-book ratio [28][73] Key Metrics & Financial Highlights - Apploving's sales are expected to grow by 243% in 2025, with earnings up by 852% [43] - Anglo Gold Ashanti's 2025 estimates show a 95% increase, driven by rising gold prices [50] - Birkenstock's PEG ratio is 11%, indicating reasonable growth at 28 times earnings [57] - Cyber Arc Software's earnings growth is projected at 170% for 2025, with sales also in double digits [63] - European Wax Center's forward PE is 84%, with a PEG of 46, indicating a value PEG [71] - NB Bankore has a price-to-book ratio of 094, suggesting it is undervalued [77]