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Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Registers a Bigger Fall Than the Market: Important Facts to Note
ZACKS· 2025-07-29 22:46
Company Performance - Palo Alto Networks (PANW) closed at $193.84, down 5.21% from the previous day, underperforming the S&P 500, which lost 0.3% [1] - The stock has decreased by 0.07% over the past month, while the Computer and Technology sector gained 4.85% and the S&P 500 gained 3.64% [1] Upcoming Earnings - Palo Alto Networks is projected to report earnings of $0.88 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 17.33% [2] - The consensus estimate for revenue is $2.5 billion, indicating a 14.17% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] Annual Forecast - Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast earnings of $3.27 per share and revenue of $9.19 billion for the year, representing increases of 15.14% and 14.42% respectively [3] Analyst Estimates - Recent changes to analyst estimates for Palo Alto Networks are important as they indicate the evolving business trends [4] - Upbeat changes in estimates suggest a favorable outlook on the company's health and profitability [4] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), has a strong track record, with 1 rated stocks averaging a 25% annual return since 1988 [6] - Currently, Palo Alto Networks holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) with no changes in the consensus EPS estimate over the past month [6] Valuation Metrics - Palo Alto Networks has a Forward P/E ratio of 62.46, which is a discount compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 76.62 [7] - The company has a PEG ratio of 3.06, compared to the Security industry's average PEG ratio of 3.15 [7] Industry Context - The Security industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector and holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 32, placing it in the top 13% of over 250 industries [8] - Strong individual industry groups, as measured by the Zacks Industry Rank, tend to outperform weaker groups by a factor of 2 to 1 [8]
Varonis Systems (VRNS) Q2 Earnings and Revenues Top Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-07-29 22:31
Company Performance - Varonis Systems reported quarterly earnings of $0.03 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.01 per share, and compared to earnings of $0.05 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +200.00% [1] - The company posted revenues of $152.16 million for the quarter ended June 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.96%, and compared to year-ago revenues of $130.35 million [2] - Over the last four quarters, Varonis has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times and topped consensus revenue estimates three times [2] Stock Performance - Varonis shares have increased approximately 22.5% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 8.6% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $0.05 on revenues of $161.9 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.16 on revenues of $620.07 million [7] Industry Outlook - The Zacks Security industry, to which Varonis belongs, is currently ranked in the top 13% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook [8] - Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can impact Varonis' stock performance [5][6]
PANW Bets Big on Secure Browsing: Is it Reshaping SASE Strategy?
ZACKS· 2025-07-29 15:36
Core Insights - Palo Alto Networks (PANW) is focusing on secure browsing to enhance its Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) business, with SASE being the fastest-growing segment in Q3 of fiscal 2025, showing a 36% year-over-year increase in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) [1][9] Group 1: Product and Growth - The Prisma Access Browser, a product from the acquisition of Talon, has sold 3 million licenses, growing over 10 times from the previous year, and accounted for one-third of all Prisma Access seats sold in Q3 [2][9] - PANW ended Q3 with approximately 6,000 SASE customers, a 22% increase year over year, with around 40% of new customers being net new to the company [4] Group 2: Partnerships and Integrations - PANW expanded its partnership with Okta by integrating Prisma Access Browser with Okta's Workforce Identity solution, enhancing secure browsing for employees using work applications [3] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Zscaler and Fortinet are key competitors in the SASE space, with Zscaler focusing on browser-based security and Fortinet's Unified SASE billings growing 18% year over year [5][6] Group 4: Financial Performance and Valuation - PANW shares have gained 12.4% year to date, compared to the Security industry's growth of 21.2%, and the company trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 12.98X, lower than the industry's average of 14.42X [7][11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PANW's fiscal 2025 and 2026 earnings implies year-over-year growth of 15.1% and 11.3%, respectively, with estimates for fiscal 2025 remaining unchanged [14]
Cemtrex's Vicon Developing Blockchain-Based Video Integrity Layer to Combat Deepfakes and Evidence Tampering
Globenewswire· 2025-07-29 13:00
Core Insights - Vicon Industries is developing a framework to integrate blockchain technology into its video surveillance platforms to combat the manipulation of video evidence using generative AI [1][2] - The initiative aims to provide cryptographic proof of authenticity for video recordings, ensuring data integrity and chain-of-custody [2][3] - The company has secured several major contracts in 2025, indicating its growing presence in global security markets [4][7] Company Developments - The project is currently in internal development and technical evaluation, with plans to engage pilot customers soon [3] - Future applications may include blockchain-anchored verification layers for Vicon's Anavio cloud video platform and Valerus on-premise VMS [3] - Cemtrex expects to provide updates on pilot deployments and commercial rollout plans as development progresses [5] Industry Context - The rise of generative AI has led to concerns about the authenticity of visual evidence, necessitating solutions that restore trust in video surveillance [2][5] - Vicon's blockchain initiative is positioned to address issues of tampering and corruption of video evidence, which have led to public confusion and institutional distrust [3][5] - The company aims to establish an indisputable chain-of-custody for various types of footage, including bodycam and patrol footage, enhancing accountability in law enforcement and public safety [6]
NAPCO Security Technologies CEO & Founder Richard Soloway Named 2025 Security Innovator
Prnewswire· 2025-07-29 11:30
Core Insights - NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc. announced that its CEO Richard "Dick" Soloway has been named a 2025 Security Innovator by Security Business magazine, recognizing his contributions to security technology and safety improvements in the industry [1][2][8] Company Overview - NAPCO is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-tech electronic security devices, including solutions for intrusion, fire alarm, access control, and locking systems, as well as school safety solutions [1][9] - The company operates four divisions: NAPCO, Alarm Lock, Continental Instruments, and Marks USA, and is headquartered in Amityville, New York [9] Leadership and Innovation - Soloway has over five decades of leadership at NAPCO, where he has been instrumental in designing and commercializing trusted security solutions [2][6] - His focus on Recurring Monthly Revenue (RMR) has helped security dealers enhance life safety and build long-term business value, expanding NAPCO's offerings into access control and locking systems [3][4] Business Model and Growth - NAPCO's recurring revenue service model has contributed to its strong and steady growth, creating lasting value for customers and investors [4] - The company is positioned for growth in the rapidly expanding multi-billion dollar electronic security market, with a reputation for innovation and technical excellence [9] Recognition and Future Direction - Soloway's recognition as a Security Innovator highlights his impact on the industry and NAPCO's mission to provide advanced security solutions [8] - The company continues to focus on innovation, integrity, and safety, driven by Soloway's vision and commitment to quality [6][8]
Okta (OKTA) Stock Sinks As Market Gains: Here's Why
ZACKS· 2025-07-28 22:51
Core Viewpoint - Okta is expected to report strong earnings and revenue growth in its upcoming earnings report, with analysts showing confidence in the company's performance based on recent estimate revisions [2][4]. Financial Performance - Okta's expected EPS for the upcoming quarter is $0.84, reflecting a 16.67% increase from the prior-year quarter [2]. - The anticipated quarterly revenue is $711.04 million, which represents a 10.07% increase from the same period last year [2]. - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are projected at $3.28 per share, indicating a 16.73% increase, while revenue is expected to reach $2.86 billion, marking a 9.44% increase from the previous year [3]. Analyst Estimates and Rankings - Recent changes in analyst estimates for Okta are being closely monitored, as they often indicate shifts in near-term business trends [4]. - Okta currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), with the consensus EPS estimate remaining unchanged over the last 30 days [6]. - The Zacks Rank system has a history of outperforming, with 1 stocks averaging a 25% annual gain since 1988 [6]. Valuation Metrics - Okta's Forward P/E ratio is 30.8, which is a discount compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 75.98 [6]. - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.82, which is significantly lower than the average PEG ratio of 3.15 for security stocks [7]. Industry Context - The Security industry, part of the Computer and Technology sector, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 27, placing it in the top 11% of over 250 industries [7]. - Research indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [8].
Okta (OKTA) Soars 3.3%: Is Further Upside Left in the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-07-28 17:10
Company Overview - Okta (OKTA) shares increased by 3.3% to $101.1 in the last trading session, with a higher-than-average trading volume, contrasting with a 0.2% loss over the past four weeks [1] - The company is experiencing growth due to an expanding partner base, a strong backlog, and an innovative product portfolio [1] Earnings Expectations - Okta is projected to report quarterly earnings of $0.84 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 16.7% [2] - Expected revenues for the upcoming quarter are $711.04 million, which is a 10.1% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] Stock Performance Insights - The consensus EPS estimate for Okta has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating that stock price movements may not sustain without trends in earnings estimate revisions [3] - Okta currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting positive market sentiment [3] Industry Comparison - Okta is part of the Zacks Security industry, where another company, SentinelOne (S), closed 0.5% higher at $19.56, with an 8.1% return over the past month [3] - SentinelOne's consensus EPS estimate for its upcoming report is $0.03, representing a significant year-over-year increase of 200%, and it holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [4]
High-tech drone system to protect schools
NBC News· 2025-07-28 10:37
The co-founders of Texas-based company Campus Guardian Angel hope this is the future of school safety. >> Our job is if somebody comes in a school with a gun, we respond in 5 seconds. >> This is how it would work.Silent alarms in the school alert the company. Then drones strategically placed on campus get deployed. And these drone pilots would navigate remotely from their headquarters in Austin, working in tandem with the school and police, inflicting non-lethal damage to the suspect or dummy in this demo w ...
OKTA Trades 25% Below 52-Week High: Right Time to Buy the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-07-24 17:00
Core Insights - Okta shares closed at $95.63, approximately 25% below the 52-week high of $127.57, with a year-to-date appreciation of 21.3%, outperforming the Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the Zacks Security industry [1][9] - The company has a strong liquidity position with $2.73 billion in cash and investments, and a free cash flow margin guidance raised to roughly 27% for fiscal 2026 [7][9] - Okta's innovative product portfolio and extensive partner base are driving customer growth and revenue, with over 20,000 customers and a significant increase in high-value contracts [15][16] Performance Comparison - Okta has outperformed peers such as CyberArk, Cisco, and Microsoft year to date, with respective share price appreciations of 12.9%, 15.9%, and 20% [2] - In terms of valuation, Okta is trading at a forward Price/Cash Flow of 22.51X, which is higher than the broader sector's 22.03X but lower than CyberArk's 73.58X and Microsoft’s 28.88X [8][10] Product and Market Position - The company is benefiting from strong demand for its new products, including Identity Governance and AI-powered capabilities, which enhance security and user experience [3][9] - Okta's new protocol, Cross App Access, aims to secure AI agents and improve security compliance, reflecting the company's commitment to protecting customers deploying AI [14] Financial Guidance - For fiscal 2026, Okta expects revenues between $2.85 billion and $2.86 billion, indicating a growth of 9-10% from fiscal 2025, with non-GAAP earnings guidance raised to $3.23-$3.28 per share [17][18] - The second-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue guidance is between $710 million and $712 million, suggesting a 10% year-over-year growth [19][20] Conclusion - Despite facing macroeconomic challenges and a competitive landscape, Okta's innovative portfolio and expanding customer base position it favorably for growth, supported by a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) and a Growth Score of A [21]
PANW's AI Threat Defense Expands: Will Protect AI be the Game Changer?
ZACKS· 2025-07-24 16:21
Core Insights - Palo Alto Networks (PANW) is addressing emerging risks associated with the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by enterprises, as traditional security tools are inadequate for securing AI systems end-to-end [1] - The company recently completed a $700 million acquisition of Protect AI, which aims to enhance its capabilities in securing AI workloads from development to deployment [2] - Protect AI's tools will strengthen PANW's Prisma AI-Ready Security (Prisma AIRS) platform, providing enterprises with visibility and control over their AI assets across hybrid and multi-cloud environments [3] Financial Projections - Prisma AIRS has already established an eight-figure sales pipeline shortly after its launch, with AI infrastructure spending expected to exceed $300 billion in the next 12 months, presenting a significant opportunity for PANW [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects PANW's revenues to grow in the mid-teen percentage range, with fiscal 2025 and 2026 revenues estimated at $9.19 billion and $10.45 billion, respectively [5] Competitive Landscape - Competitors like CrowdStrike (CRWD) and SentinelOne (S) are also expanding their platforms and innovating with AI [6] - CrowdStrike is leveraging its Charlotte AI for automated cybersecurity, enhancing its competitive edge [7] - SentinelOne reported a 24% year-over-year growth in its annual recurring revenue (ARR) due to the adoption of its AI-first Singularity platform [8] Valuation and Performance - PANW shares have increased by 9.3% year to date, compared to a 20% growth in the security industry [9] - The company trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 12.59X, which is lower than the industry's average of 14.31X [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates year-over-year earnings growth of 15.14% for fiscal 2025 and 11.27% for fiscal 2026, with recent estimates for fiscal 2026 revised downward slightly [16]