The Zacks Security industry is experiencing robust demand for cybersecurity products, driven by the increasing need for secure networks and cloud-based applications, especially with the rise of hybrid work environments. This surge in demand is largely due to a significant increase in data breaches, prompting companies to seek comprehensive IT security solutions. The growing need for privileged access security, fueled by digital transformation and cloud migration strategies, is further boosting the demand fo ...

Core Insights - Okta's stock price increased by 2.54% to $81.16, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 0.91% on the same day [1] - Over the past month, Okta's shares have declined by 12.07%, underperforming both the Computer and Technology sector's loss of 0.55% and the S&P 500's loss of 1.24% [1] Earnings Forecast - Okta is expected to report an EPS of $0.75 on December 2, 2025, reflecting an 11.94% increase from the same quarter last year [2] - Revenue is projected to reach $730 million, indicating a 9.77% rise compared to the previous year [2] Annual Estimates - For the entire year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $3.37 per share and revenue of $2.88 billion, representing increases of 19.93% and 10.45% respectively from the prior year [3] Analyst Revisions - Recent adjustments to analyst estimates for Okta are crucial as they indicate changing business trends, with positive revisions suggesting an optimistic outlook [3] Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), has shown a strong track record, with 1 stocks averaging an annual return of 25% since 1988 [5] - Okta currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with no changes in the EPS estimate over the past month [5] Valuation Metrics - Okta's Forward P/E ratio stands at 23.48, which is a discount compared to the industry average of 62.29 [6] - The PEG ratio for Okta is 1.35, while the industry average PEG ratio is 2.56 [6] 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] - Strong industry rankings correlate with better stock performance, with the top 50% rated industries outperforming the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]

Core Insights - Zscaler reported quarterly earnings of $0.96 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.85 per share, and showing an increase from $0.77 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of +12.94% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $788.11 million for the quarter ended October 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.91% and up from $627.96 million year-over-year [2] - Zscaler's stock has increased approximately 55.4% since the beginning of the year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 14% [3] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.88 on revenues of $794.38 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $3.66 on revenues of $3.27 billion [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Zscaler was mixed prior to the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market [6] Industry Context - The Security industry, to which Zscaler belongs, is currently ranked in the top 11% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to lower-ranked industries [8] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can be tracked by investors [5]

Japan's Defense Minister said Tokyo is on guard for any potential security crisis in the region https://t.co/3fdbkOq4kD ...

Core Insights - Palo Alto Networks reported strong growth in its Secured Access Service Edge (SASE) business, with annual recurring revenues (ARR) increasing by 34% year over year, surpassing $1.3 billion, and acquiring approximately 6,800 SASE customers, including nearly one-third of the Fortune 500 [1][9] Group 1: SASE Business Performance - The company is recognized as the fastest-growing SASE vendor at scale, driven by demand from customers seeking to consolidate security tools [2] - A significant contract was secured with a U.S. cabinet agency for $33 million, covering 60,000 seats after switching from a previous provider [2] - The demand for secure browsers is rising, with over 7.5 million licenses sold and bookings growing nearly fourfold compared to the previous year, enhancing the SASE platform [3] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Key competitors in the SASE market include Zscaler and Fortinet, both of which are expanding their offerings in browser-based security and SASE solutions [5][6] - Fortinet's Unified SASE ARR grew by 13% year over year, highlighting its rapid growth and comprehensive SASE capabilities [6] Group 3: Financial Performance and Valuation - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Palo Alto Networks' total revenues in fiscal 2026 is projected at $10.42 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 13% [4] - The company trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 12.61X, slightly below the industry's average of 12.65X [11] - Earnings estimates for fiscal 2026 and 2027 imply year-over-year growth of 13.5% and 13.1%, respectively, with estimates remaining unchanged over the past 60 days [14]

Company Overview - Evolv Technologies provides AI-based touchless security screening systems designed to detect firearms, improvised explosive devices, and tactical knives as visitors walk through at a normal pace [5][8] - The company generates revenue through the sale and subscription of hardware and software solutions for security screening, analytics, and visitor management, serving sectors such as entertainment, education, healthcare, and other public spaces [8] Financial Performance - As of November 20, 2025, Evolv Technologies had a market capitalization of $987.46 million, with a revenue of $136.50 million and a net income of -$59.74 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [4] - In the most recent quarter, sales grew by 57%, and annual recurring revenue increased by 25%, with management expecting to generate positive operating cash flows in the upcoming quarter [11] Investment Position - Mittelman Wealth Management initiated a new position in Evolv Technologies, acquiring 1,511,866 shares valued at $11.41 million, representing a 7.47% allocation of the fund's $152.74 million in reportable U.S. equity assets [2][3] - Evolv Technologies has become the sixth-largest position for Mittelman Wealth Management, indicating strong institutional interest in the stock [9] Market Performance - As of November 20, 2025, Evolv's shares were priced at $5.66, reflecting a 107.0% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 by 97 percentage points [3] - The stock is trading at 7 times sales, which is comparatively lower than a peer like Axon Enterprise, which trades at 16 times sales, suggesting a potentially attractive investment opportunity [11]

Core Viewpoint - Xtract One Technologies Inc. is set to release its fiscal 2026 first quarter results on December 3, 2025, with a subsequent conference call scheduled for December 4, 2025, to discuss the financial outcomes and future outlook [1][2]. Company Overview - Xtract One Technologies is a leader in technology-driven threat detection and security solutions, utilizing AI to enhance patron access experiences [3]. - The company specializes in unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems aimed at improving safety while facilitating smooth access for patrons [3]. - Xtract One's AI-powered Gateway solutions are designed to discreetly screen for weapons and threats at entry and exit points, catering to various sectors including schools, hospitals, and stadiums [3]. Industry Context - The threat detection solutions provided by Xtract One are part of a multilayered approach to physical security, acknowledging that no single system can guarantee 100% effectiveness against all potential threats [4].

Core Insights - Okta's stock closed at $80.11, reflecting a -1.14% change from the previous day, underperforming compared to the S&P 500's 0.38% gain [1] - The stock has decreased by 9.41% over the past month, significantly lagging behind the Computer and Technology sector's loss of 1.1% and the S&P 500's loss of 0.64% [1] Earnings Forecast - Okta's upcoming earnings report is scheduled for December 2, 2025, with an expected EPS of $0.75, representing an 11.94% increase year-over-year [2] - Revenue is projected to be $729.17 million, indicating a 9.65% growth compared to the same quarter last year [2] Fiscal Year Estimates - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are estimated at $3.37 per share and revenue at $2.88 billion, reflecting increases of +19.93% and +10.38% respectively from the previous year [3] Analyst Revisions - Recent revisions to analyst forecasts for Okta are crucial as they indicate changing business trends, with upward revisions suggesting positive sentiment towards the company's operations [4] Zacks Rank and Valuation - Okta currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with a Forward P/E ratio of 24.04, which is a discount compared to the industry average of 66.53 [6] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.38, lower than the Security industry's average PEG ratio of 2.69 [7] Industry Context - The Security industry, part of the Computer and Technology sector, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 51, placing it in the top 21% 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]

Security startup Guardio nabs $80M from ION Crossover Partners https://t.co/bSztsokBBU ...

Core Insights - NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc. will showcase its latest innovations at the International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC East 2025) in New York City, expected to attract over 7,000 participants [1][2][3] Company Overview - NAPCO is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-tech electronic security devices and wireless communication services, focusing on intrusion, commercial fire alarm, access control, and school safety solutions [1][5] - The company operates four divisions, including Alarm Lock, Continental Instruments, and Marks USA, and is headquartered in Amityville, New York [5] Product Innovations - At ISC East, NAPCO will unveil a suite of advanced products as part of its unified MVP ecosystem, which includes access control panels, electronic locks, and credential readers integrated with the MVP Cloud Platform [3][4] - The MVP Cloud Platform is designed for scalable performance and supports various security applications across education, healthcare, commercial, and government sectors [3] Market Strategy - NAPCO aims to meet rising market demand and empower its dealer network by creating new hardware sales opportunities and enabling recurring monthly revenue (RMR) with every installed system [4][5] - The company emphasizes its leadership in unified cloud-based access control and advanced communications technology, focusing on delivering connected and scalable security solutions [5] Upcoming Products - NAPCO will showcase new TriCarrier Cellular StarLink Intrusion Communicators, which provide an easy migration path from legacy POTS lines, and the XK5 slimline keypad and 2R touchscreen for system upgrades [6]