Russian hackers breached Polish power grid thanks to bad security, report says https://t.co/ea1AGrPQLF ...

Company Performance - CyberArk's stock closed at $429.47, down 3.63%, underperforming the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.13% [1] - Over the past month, CyberArk shares have depreciated by 0.09%, while the Computer and Technology sector gained 1.88% and the S&P 500 gained 0.78% [1] Upcoming Earnings Report - The upcoming EPS for CyberArk is projected at $1.13, indicating a 41.25% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] - Quarterly revenue is expected to be $355.91 million, up 13.21% from the year-ago period [2] Full Year Estimates - Analysts expect earnings of $4.12 per share and revenue of $1.34 billion for the full year, reflecting changes of +35.97% and 0% respectively from last year [3] - Recent adjustments to analyst estimates indicate positive sentiment regarding CyberArk's business and profitability [3] Valuation Metrics - CyberArk is currently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 91.86, significantly higher than the industry average of 52.09, indicating a premium valuation [6] - The PEG ratio for CyberArk stands at 3.78, compared to the Security industry's average PEG ratio of 2.84 [6] Industry Context - The Security industry, part of the Computer and Technology sector, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 200, placing it in the bottom 19% of all industries [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of industry groups, with the top 50% rated industries outperforming the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]

Core Insights - U.S. enterprises are increasingly adopting managed network services to address network complexity, security exposure, and regulatory pressures, which are essential for business continuity and growth [1][2] Network Management Trends - The 2025 ISG Provider Lens® report indicates that companies require coordinated management of underlay networks, cloud connectivity, software-defined networking, and security functions due to the rapid expansion of hybrid IT environments and distributed work modes [1] - Centralized orchestration and monitoring are becoming crucial for reducing outages and improving service consistency across core, cloud, and edge environments [1] Security and Compliance - Advanced network security architectures are being adopted to address security and regulatory compliance challenges, with enterprises implementing secure access approaches like SASE and SSE to protect users and data [1] - Regulatory requirements related to healthcare, consumer privacy, and data protection are increasing the urgency for stronger integrated controls [1] AI Integration - Enterprises are adopting AI-assisted network operations to manage scale and complexity, improving incident detection, performance optimization, and response times [1] - Automation and analytics are reducing reliance on manual processes, supporting more predictable performance while lowering operational risk [1] Provider Evaluation - The report evaluates 34 providers across three quadrants: Managed Network Services Evolution, Managed Enterprise Connectivity Solutions, and Network as a Service (NaaS) [1] - Accenture, Comcast Business, GTT, Kyndryl, NTT DATA, and Orange Business are recognized as Leaders in all three quadrants [1] - Tata Communications is highlighted as the global ISG CX Star Performer for 2025, achieving the highest customer satisfaction scores in ISG's Voice of the Customer survey [1]

Core Viewpoint - NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc. is set to release its financial results for the Fiscal Second Quarter 2026 on February 2, 2026, before market opening, followed by a conference call for analysts and investors [1]. Company Overview - NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and service provider of high-tech electronic security devices and school safety solutions [3]. - The company operates through four divisions: NAPCO and three wholly owned subsidiaries: Alarm Lock, Continental Instruments, and Marks USA [3]. - NAPCO's products are widely installed by security professionals across various sectors, including commercial, industrial, institutional, residential, and government applications [3]. - The company is recognized for its innovation, technical excellence, and reliability, positioning it for growth in the expanding electronic security market [3].

Core Viewpoint - Zscaler has been experiencing a decline in stock performance, with a -5.9% return over the past month, contrasting with the S&P 500's +0.4% and the Zacks Security industry's -1.5% [2] Earnings Estimate Revisions - Zscaler is projected to report earnings of $0.89 per share for the current quarter, reflecting a +14.1% increase year-over-year, although the Zacks Consensus Estimate has decreased by -0.7% in the last 30 days [5] - For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate is $3.8, indicating a +15.9% change from the previous year, with a notable increase of +16.7% in the last month [5] - The next fiscal year's consensus earnings estimate stands at $4.37, showing a +15.1% change from the prior year, with a slight increase of +0.1% over the past month [6] - Zscaler holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating a neutral outlook based on earnings estimate revisions [7] Revenue Growth Forecast - The consensus sales estimate for Zscaler is $798 million for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year growth of +23.2% [11] - For the current fiscal year, the sales estimates are $3.29 billion and $3.94 billion, indicating growth rates of +23.1% and +19.7%, respectively [11] Last Reported Results and Surprise History - In the last reported quarter, Zscaler achieved revenues of $788.11 million, a +25.5% increase year-over-year, and an EPS of $0.96 compared to $0.77 a year ago [12] - The company exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues by +1.91% and for EPS by +12.94% [12] - Zscaler has consistently beaten consensus EPS and revenue estimates in the last four quarters [13] Valuation - Zscaler is currently graded F on the Zacks Value Style Score, indicating it is trading at a premium compared to its peers [17]

Company Performance - CyberArk (CYBR) closed at $438.22, reflecting a -1.02% change from the previous day, underperforming the S&P 500 which gained 0.03% [1] - Over the past month, CyberArk's shares have depreciated by 2.02%, while the Computer and Technology sector gained 0.43% and the S&P 500 gained 0.6% [2] Upcoming Earnings - The upcoming EPS for CyberArk is projected at $1.13, indicating a 41.25% increase compared to the same quarter last year, with a consensus revenue estimate of $359.28 million, representing a 14.28% increase [3] - For the full year, analysts expect earnings of $4.12 per share and revenue of $1.33 billion, marking changes of +35.97% and 0% respectively from last year [4] Analyst Estimates - Recent changes to analyst estimates for CyberArk suggest a positive outlook on near-term business trends, with upward revisions indicating analysts' confidence in the company's performance [5] - The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has shifted 1.86% upward over the past month, and CyberArk currently holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [7] Valuation Metrics - CyberArk is currently traded at a Forward P/E ratio of 91.26, which is significantly higher than the industry average of 51.15, indicating a premium valuation [8] - The company has a PEG ratio of 3.75, compared to the Security industry's average PEG ratio of 2.81, suggesting a higher expected earnings growth trajectory [9] Industry Context - The Security industry, part of the Computer and Technology sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 97, placing it in the top 40% of over 250 industries [9] - The Zacks Industry Rank measures the strength of industry groups, with the top 50% rated industries outperforming the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [10]

Core Viewpoint - Aether Global Innovations Corp. has not completed its acquisition of Arion Defense Inc., and the transaction remains at the letter of intent stage only [1][2]. Group 1: Proposed Transaction Details - The letter of intent (LOI) with Arion involves a potential acquisition for 20,156,994 common shares at a deemed issue price of $0.36 per share [2]. - The LOI is non-binding and does not constitute a definitive agreement, with completion subject to various conditions including due diligence and regulatory approvals [2][4]. - The transaction would be considered a "Fundamental Change" under Canadian Securities Exchange Policy 8, requiring additional approvals from the Exchange and shareholders [2]. Group 2: Company Operations and Focus - Aether Global Innovations does not currently have active business operations or operating assets, focusing instead on identifying potential acquisitions [2]. - The company specializes in drone management and automation, with services in drone and counter-drone solutions, automation for flight planning, and drone base station infrastructure [5]. Group 3: Arion Defense Inc. Overview - Arion is focused on counter-drone technologies and holds an exclusive patent license for a footwear screening platform from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory [3]. - Any information regarding Arion's business activities, including potential contracts and commercialization timelines, is based on third-party relationships and remains uncertain [3].

Core Viewpoint - Zscaler is expected to report strong financial results, with anticipated earnings growth and revenue increase, despite recent stock performance lagging behind broader market indices [2][3]. Financial Performance - Analysts expect Zscaler to post earnings of $0.89 per share, marking a year-over-year growth of 14.1% [2]. - The consensus estimate for revenue is $798 million, reflecting a 23.17% increase from the prior-year quarter [2]. - Full-year estimates project earnings of $3.8 per share and revenue of $3.29 billion, representing year-over-year changes of +15.85% and +23.14%, respectively [3]. Analyst Sentiment - Recent changes in analyst estimates for Zscaler indicate a positive outlook for the business [3]. - Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has increased by 16.67% [5]. Valuation Metrics - Zscaler has a Forward P/E ratio of 54.34, which is higher than the industry average of 51.12, suggesting it is trading at a premium [6]. - The PEG ratio for Zscaler is 2.98, compared to the industry average of 2.66, indicating a higher valuation relative to expected earnings growth [6]. Industry Context - The Security industry, part of the Computer and Technology sector, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 100, placing it in the top 41% of over 250 industries [7]. - Historically, the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [7].

Group 1 - CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) stock closed at $442.73, down 2.46% from the previous day, underperforming the S&P 500, which fell 2.06% [1] - Over the past month, CRWD shares declined by 6.06%, lagging behind the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 1.71% and the S&P 500's gain of 1.63% [1] Group 2 - Analysts expect CrowdStrike to report earnings of $1.1 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 6.8%, with revenue anticipated at $1.3 billion, up 22.42% from the prior-year quarter [2] - For the entire year, Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast earnings of $3.71 per share and revenue of $4.8 billion, indicating changes of -5.6% and +21.43%, respectively, compared to the previous year [3] Group 3 - Recent changes in analyst estimates for CrowdStrike are crucial as they indicate shifts in near-term business trends, with upward revisions suggesting positive sentiment towards the company's operations [4] - Adjustments in estimates are linked to stock price performance, and investors can leverage the Zacks Rank model to make informed decisions [5] Group 4 - The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), has historically outperformed, with 1 stocks returning an average annual gain of +25% since 1988; currently, CrowdStrike holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6] - The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate for CrowdStrike has decreased by 0.93% in the past month [6] Group 5 - CrowdStrike has a Forward P/E ratio of 122.24, significantly higher than the industry average of 52.6, and a PEG ratio of 6.21, compared to the industry average of 2.75 [7] - The Security industry, part of the Computer and Technology sector, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 102, placing it in the top 42% of over 250 industries, indicating strong performance potential [8]

Core Viewpoint - Palo Alto Networks (PANW) shares have underperformed in the market, raising concerns about its slowing sales growth and future revenue projections [2][5][7]. Financial Performance - PANW shares have declined by 13.6% over the past three months, compared to a 12% decline in the Zacks Security industry [2]. - The company's revenue growth rate has slowed to the mid-teens percentage range, down from mid-20s in fiscal 2023 [5][6]. - For fiscal 2026, PANW forecasts revenue growth of 14-15%, with first-quarter fiscal 2026 revenues growing 16% year over year [6][8]. Key Metrics - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PANW's revenues is projected at $2.58 billion for the current quarter and $10.52 billion for the current year, reflecting a year-over-year growth estimate of 14.34% [8]. - NGS ARR growth has decelerated for six consecutive quarters, with fiscal 2026 expected to show 26-27% growth, down from 32% in fiscal 2025 [6][8]. Market Position and Opportunities - The global cybersecurity market is projected to grow from $218.98 billion in 2025 to $699.39 billion by 2034, indicating a significant addressable market for PANW [12]. - PANW's Cortex XSIAM platform has gained 470 customers, with an average customer spending over $1 million in ARR, highlighting its appeal to large enterprises [14][15]. - The company has signed a record $85 million deal with a U.S. telecom firm, indicating strong demand for its solutions [15]. Strategic Developments - PANW is expanding its partnership with Google Cloud, integrating its Prisma AIRS with Google services to enhance security for AI models and data [16]. - The company has also integrated Prisma AIRS with other AI agent platforms, enhancing its product offerings [17]. Valuation - PANW is currently trading at a lower price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 11.24X compared to the industry average of 12.22X, providing valuation support despite growth concerns [18][22]. Conclusion - Despite slowing revenue growth, PANW remains a leader in cybersecurity with a strong long-term growth trajectory and continued innovation in AI [22][23].