Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the reliability of brokerage recommendations, particularly focusing on SentinelOne (S), and emphasizes the importance of using these recommendations in conjunction with other analytical tools for making investment decisions [1][5]. Brokerage Recommendations - SentinelOne has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.52, indicating a consensus between Strong Buy and Buy, based on recommendations from 33 brokerage firms [2]. - Out of the 33 recommendations, 24 are classified as Strong Buy, accounting for 72.7%, while one is classified as Buy, making up 3% of the total [2]. Limitations of Brokerage Recommendations - Solely relying on brokerage recommendations may not be advisable, as studies indicate they often fail to guide investors effectively towards stocks with high price appreciation potential [5]. - Analysts from brokerage firms tend to exhibit a strong positive bias in their ratings due to vested interests, leading to a disproportionate number of Strong Buy recommendations compared to Strong Sell recommendations [6][10]. Comparison with Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank, which classifies stocks from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), is presented as a more reliable indicator of near-term price performance compared to ABR [8]. - Unlike ABR, which is based solely on brokerage recommendations, Zacks Rank incorporates earnings estimate revisions, showing a strong correlation with stock price movements [11]. - The Zacks Rank is updated more frequently, reflecting timely changes in analysts' earnings estimates, while ABR may not always be current [12]. Earnings Estimates for SentinelOne - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SentinelOne has increased by 0.6% over the past month to $0.19, indicating growing optimism among analysts regarding the company's earnings prospects [13]. - This increase in consensus estimates, along with other factors, has resulted in a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) for SentinelOne, suggesting a positive outlook for the stock [14].

Core Viewpoint - BlackBerry Limited's shares have increased by 21.3% in the past month, outperforming the Computer Software industry and the S&P 500 composite, which grew by 18.7% and 8% respectively [1] Price Performance - BlackBerry's stock closed at $3.92, which is down 37.2% from its 52-week high of $6.24 [4] QNX Business Development - BlackBerry has shifted focus to its QNX platform, having sold its Cylance unit for $80 million in cash and 5.5 million shares, while retaining its AI/ML patent assets and tax losses [5] - The QNX business is experiencing growth, particularly in the automotive sector, with strong demand in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and digital cockpit solutions [6] - QNX revenues reached $65.8 million, exceeding guidance of $60-$65 million, driven by design wins in digital cockpit and ADAS [7] Revenue Guidance and Market Conditions - BlackBerry maintains a revenue guidance of $260-$270 million, with QNX revenues expected between $250 million and $270 million, amid uncertainties from recent tariff changes [9] Secure Communication Division - The Secure Communication division reported fiscal fourth-quarter revenues of $67.3 million, surpassing the forecast of $62-$66 million, driven by strong performance in the AtHoc platform [10] - The division is seeing healthy momentum from government agencies and top banks, with a notable expansion of a deal with the Malaysian government [11] Financial Performance - BlackBerry's adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2025 was $39.3 million, reflecting a $54 million improvement from the previous year, aided by cost-cutting measures [13] - Cash and investments increased by $144 million, supported by strong operating cash flow of $42 million and the initial payment from the Cylance deal [14] Analyst Sentiment and Valuation - Analysts have revised EPS estimates for the current fiscal year upward to 10 cents from 7 cents over the past 60 days, indicating bullish sentiment [17] - BB stock is trading at a trailing 12-month price/book multiple of 3.25, compared to the industry average of 5.87, suggesting it is undervalued [18] Investment Opportunity - The pivot towards the QNX business, improving financials, and strong estimate revisions present a compelling buying opportunity for BlackBerry stock [19]

Core Viewpoint - CrowdStrike is currently facing a regulatory probe related to a $32 million deal with Carahsoft, which has raised concerns among investors despite a recent recovery in stock price due to positive trade news between the U.S. and China [1][2][4]. Group 1: Regulatory Concerns - The DOJ and SEC are investigating the $32 million transaction with Carahsoft, which provided IT solutions for the IRS, specifically for products that were never purchased [3]. - Both CrowdStrike and Carahsoft assert the legality of the transaction, but the involvement of regulators suggests a potentially lengthy resolution process [4]. - Investigators are asking critical questions that indicate the probe may extend beyond just the Carahsoft deal [4]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Forecast - CrowdStrike's stock price forecast is $403.20, indicating an 8.41% downside from the current price of $440.20, based on 45 analyst ratings [6]. - The company has announced a 5% reduction in its global workforce, which may raise short-term concerns among investors, although layoffs are generally aimed at improving efficiency [6][7]. - CrowdStrike has reaffirmed its full-year revenue guidance of $4.74 to $4.81 billion, suggesting confidence in its financial outlook [7]. Group 3: Market Position and Analyst Sentiment - The cybersecurity industry is projected to grow to $24 trillion by 2027, with CrowdStrike capturing a significant share and boasting one of the highest operating margins in the sector [8]. - Despite current stock trading above the consensus average, analysts maintain a positive outlook, with Rosenblatt Securities reiterating a Buy rating and a $450 price target [9]. - The options market indicates potential volatility ahead of the earnings report scheduled for June 3, with equal numbers of call and put options purchased [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - High Wire Networks, Inc. reported a 5% increase in revenue from continuing operations for Q1 2025, reaching a record $2.2 million, driven by growth in both Overwatch managed cybersecurity services and SVC telecom services [7]. Financial Highlights - Revenue from continuing operations increased to $2.2 million, a 5% rise compared to the same quarter last year [7]. - Overwatch revenue grew by 2%, while SVC telecom services revenue increased by 9% year-over-year [7]. - Adjusted EBITDA improved by $0.1 million, or 8%, from the same quarter last year [7]. - Operating expenses decreased by 3% to $3.4 million as the company streamlined operations through automation [7]. - Interest expense decreased by $0.1 million or 34% in Q1 2025 [7]. Operational Highlights - Secure Voice Corporation (SVC) achieved an 18% increase in gross profit and 9% revenue growth quarter-over-quarter, attributed to low SG&A costs and increased transaction volume [7]. - The company is focusing on hyper-automation to enhance service delivery speed and partner engagement while reducing operational overhead [6][9]. - Enhanced collaboration with partners like SentinelOne and Kaseya is unlocking new efficiencies and growth potential [7]. Management Commentary - The CEO highlighted that the new leadership team has accelerated progress in automating business processes, which is expected to lead to profitability and cash flow generation as revenue scales [5]. - The focus on hyper-automation and strategic application of AI is driving efficiencies across service delivery and business operations [9]. - The company aims to capitalize on its position within the Enterprise by providing advanced cybersecurity outcomes and creating a persistent defense strategy [8]. Company Overview - High Wire Networks is a global provider of managed cybersecurity services, serving over 1,100 managed security customers worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies and large government agencies [18]. - The company has been recognized as a Top 15 Managed Security Service Provider in the Americas for 2024 by Frost & Sullivan [19].

Core Viewpoint - Akamai Technologies, Inc. plans to offer $1.35 billion in convertible senior notes due 2033, with an option for initial purchasers to buy an additional $202.5 million in notes, aimed at qualified institutional buyers [1] Group 1: Offering Details - The convertible senior notes will mature on May 15, 2033, with interest payable semi-annually starting November 15, 2025 [1] - The notes will be senior unsecured obligations of Akamai, and the interest rate and other terms will be determined at the time of pricing [1] Group 2: Use of Proceeds - Akamai intends to use approximately $250 million of the net proceeds to repay borrowings under its revolving credit facility and a portion of its existing convertible senior notes due 2027 [2] - A portion of the net proceeds will also cover costs related to convertible note hedge transactions and share repurchases, with an expected allocation of $275 million for repurchasing common stock [3][4] Group 3: Repurchase and Conversion Terms - Holders of the notes may require Akamai to repurchase their notes for cash on May 15, 2031, if certain conditions are met, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest [5] - In the event of a fundamental change, holders may also require repurchase at a similar price [5] Group 4: Hedging Transactions - Akamai plans to enter into convertible note hedge and warrant transactions to mitigate potential dilution from the notes [6] - The hedge transactions will cover the same number of shares underlying the notes, and the warrants could have a dilutive effect if the market price exceeds the strike price [6][7] Group 5: Market Impact - The initial hedge transactions may influence the market price of Akamai's common stock, potentially affecting the conversion and repurchase dynamics of the notes [8]

Accelerating the Buildout of a High-Growth Cross-Sector Platform in Technology and Financial ServicesKUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VCI Global Limited (NASDAQ: VCIG) (“VCI Global” or the “Company”), a diversified global holding company with a strategic focus on AI & Robotics, Fintech, Cybersecurity, Renewable Energy, and Capital Market Consultancy, is proud to announce its audited financial results for the financial year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Financial Results”). VCI Global ...

Core Insights - CyberArk reported revenue of $317.6 million for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 43.4% [1] - The company's EPS was $0.98, up from $0.75 in the same quarter last year, indicating a strong performance [1] - Revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $305.66 million by 3.91%, and EPS surpassed the consensus estimate of $0.79 by 24.05% [1] Financial Metrics - Total Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) reached $1.22 billion, exceeding the nine-analyst average estimate of $1.19 billion [4] - Maintenance ARR was reported at $188 million, slightly above the five-analyst average estimate of $183.14 million [4] - Subscription ARR stood at $1.03 billion, surpassing the five-analyst average estimate of $989.08 million [4] - Subscription revenues were $250.61 million, compared to the average estimate of $241.62 million, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 170.3% [4] - Revenues from maintenance and professional services totaled $66.99 million, exceeding the estimated $61.53 million, with a year-over-year change of 2.9% [4] Stock Performance - CyberArk shares have returned +7.1% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite increased by +9.1% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved total Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of $1,215 million and revenue of $318 million, with an 18% operating margin [7][30] - Free cash flow generated was $96 million, reflecting strong operational performance [8][38] - Net new ARR increased to $46 million, up from $37 million in Q1 of the previous year [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subscription ARR grew to $1,028 million, with subscription net new ARR of $51 million compared to $39 million in Q1 of last year [34] - Maintenance ARR was reported at $188 million, with a slight uptick in conversion activity noted [32][36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the Americas was $193.5 million, EMEA revenue was $93.8 million, and APJ revenue was $30.4 million, indicating strong growth across all regions [35] - Approximately 200 new logos were signed in Q1, with about half purchasing two or more solutions [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes the importance of identity security as a critical investment for organizations, especially in the current threat landscape [10][28] - The strategy focuses on a unified platform for securing every identity, including human, machine, and AI identities, with a strong emphasis on innovation [12][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that despite macroeconomic uncertainties, demand for identity security solutions remains robust [9][39] - The company is taking a prudent approach in its guidance for the full year, considering potential macroeconomic impacts [41][42] Other Important Information - The integration of Venafi and Zillow is progressing ahead of expectations, contributing positively to the company's performance [33][39] - The company has a strong balance sheet with approximately $776 million in cash, accounting for recent acquisitions [38][44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Customer willingness to buy multiple products - Management highlighted that customer conversations are increasingly focused on multi-product solutions, with many customers seeking comprehensive identity security strategies [53][55] Question: Maintenance business outlook - Management expects a gradual decline in maintenance ARR as customers transition to SaaS and subscription solutions, with an anticipated decrease of about $15 million [58][59] Question: Macro headwinds and guidance - Management confirmed no current macro headwinds but adopted a conservative approach in guidance due to broader economic uncertainties [66][67] Question: Sales capacity and Venafi integration - Management reported strong sales momentum for Venafi across various regions, indicating a positive reception from customers [68][69] Question: Adoption trends for Venafi and Zillow - Management noted universal interest in Venafi's solutions, while Zillow is in earlier stages of adoption with positive customer engagement [74][75] Question: Pricing strategy for nonhuman identities - Management indicated that pricing models may evolve as the number of nonhuman identities increases, but total deal size remains a key focus [82][84] Question: Competitive environment changes - Management observed no significant changes in competitive positioning, emphasizing the company's unique ability to address comprehensive identity security needs [95][98]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved total Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of $1,215 million, with revenue of $318 million, an 18% operating margin, and generated $96 million in free cash flow [6][30][38] - Net new ARR was $46 million, up from $37 million in Q1 of the previous year [30] - Subscription ARR grew to $1,028 million, with subscription net new ARR of $51 million compared to $39 million in Q1 of last year [32] - Total revenue reached $317.6 million, significantly beating guidance, with recurring revenue at $298.2 million, representing 94% of total revenue [33][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The integration of Venafi and Zillow contributed positively to Q1 results, with Venafi included in nine of the top ten deals [31] - The company reported strong organic and inorganic revenue growth across all regions, with approximately 200 new logos signed in Q1 [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas revenue was $193.5 million, EMEA revenue was $93.8 million, and APJ revenue was $30.4 million, indicating strong growth across all regions [34] - The company experienced a year-over-year double-digit percent increase in new business deal sizes in Q1 [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes the importance of identity security as a critical investment for organizations, especially in the current elevated threat landscape [7][27] - The strategy focuses on a unified platform for securing every identity, including human, machine, and AI identities, with a strong emphasis on innovation [12][19] - The company aims to consolidate fragmented security tools and modernize legacy systems, addressing the growing challenges of machine identities [11][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, there has been no impact on business performance, and demand for solutions remains robust [8][39] - The company is taking a prudent approach in its guidance for the full year 2025, considering potential macroeconomic impacts [39][64] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with approximately $776 million in cash, reflecting a strong balance sheet [38] - Adjusted free cash flow for the full year 2025 is expected to be in the range of $300 million to $310 million, representing a margin of 23% at the midpoint [43] Q&A Session Summary Question: Customer willingness to buy multiple products - Management indicated that conversations with customers are increasingly focused on multi-product solutions, with about 50% of new logos purchasing two or more solutions [50][55] Question: Maintenance business outlook - Management expects a slight decline in maintenance ARR but sees opportunities for growth as customer readiness increases [56][57] Question: Macro headwinds and guidance - Management clarified that there have been no observed macro headwinds, but a conservative approach was taken in guidance due to broader macroeconomic uncertainties [62][64] Question: Adoption trends for Venafi and Zillow - Management noted universal interest in Venafi across segments, while Zillow is in early stages with positive discussions about modern governance and administration [69][73] Question: Pricing strategy for nonhuman identities - Management discussed that as the number of machine identities increases, pricing models will evolve, but total deal size remains the key focus [78][80] Question: Competitive environment changes - Management stated that the competitive landscape remains stable, with CyberArk uniquely positioned to address comprehensive identity security needs [85][91]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 41% to US$27.8 million, with net income rising to US$7.6 million, reflecting a US$0.4 million increase compared to the previous fiscal year [3][8][12] - EBITDA rose by 13% to US$8.3 million, representing a 30% margin on revenue, while earnings per share increased by 143% to US$0.51 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from Business Strategy Consultancy increased by 1% from US$14.7 million in 2023 to US$14.8 million in fiscal year 2024, indicating consistent performance [9] - The Technology Development Solutions and Consultancy segment saw a remarkable growth of 155%, with revenue surging to US$11.4 million from US$4.5 million the previous year [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding its regional footprint with new offices in Singapore and Hong Kong to enhance its cybersecurity and capital market advisory services [5][19] - The upcoming carve-out IPO of V Capital Consulting Group Limited (VCCG) is expected to take place in Q3 2025, reflecting confidence in the long-term potential of the Capital Market Advisory space [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to accelerate the development of a cross-sector platform strategy that integrates AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, fintech solutions, renewable energy assets, and capital market advisory [6][14] - The strategy focuses on creating synergies across sectors to drive sustainable growth and maximize shareholder value [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging macroeconomic environment but emphasized the importance of strategic investments in talent and infrastructure for long-term growth [4][13] - The company is positioned to capitalize on emerging trends and high-growth sectors, with a commitment to building future-ready infrastructure [26][27] Other Important Information - The company has developed a proprietary cybersecurity as a service solution, CyberSecure, which offers comprehensive real-time protection and automated backup capabilities [23][24] - VGalant's AI infrastructure is designed to navigate geopolitical tensions by providing a flexible solution that minimizes dependency on any single supply chain [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key financial highlights for fiscal year 2024 - The company reported a 41% increase in revenue and a rise in net profit to US$7.6 million, driven by strong performance in technology and cybersecurity services [12][13] Question: Benefits of cross-sector offerings for shareholders - The cross-sector strategy aims to create synergies that enhance customer lifetime value and reduce acquisition costs, ultimately maximizing shareholder value [14][15] Question: Carve-out IPO of VCCG and broader strategy - The carve-out IPO is part of a strategy to unlock value in high-potential business units, with plans to replicate this model across other fast-growing segments [16][17] Question: International expansion strategy - The company is expanding into the Middle East and has established offices in Singapore and Hong Kong to tap into high-growth markets [19] Question: VGalant's navigation of geopolitical challenges - VGalant offers a flexible AI infrastructure that integrates Eastern and Western technologies, ensuring resilience against geopolitical risks [20][21] Question: Competitive landscape of cybersecurity services - The proprietary CyberSecure solution differentiates the company by providing comprehensive protection and rapid recovery capabilities, along with military-grade encryption [23][24]