Core Insights - Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and Allot Ltd. (ALLT) are significant players in the network security sector, with PANW focusing on next-generation firewalls and cloud security, while ALLT specializes in network intelligence for service providers and enterprises [1][2] Industry Trends - The network security market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.47% from 2025 to 2030, driven by increasing complex cyberattacks such as credential theft and social engineering [2] Company Analysis: Palo Alto Networks (PANW) - PANW is recognized as a cybersecurity leader, providing comprehensive solutions for network and cloud security, with a strong customer base and innovative products [4][5] - In Q1 of fiscal 2026, PANW's Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) segment saw a 34% year-over-year increase in Annual Recurring Revenues (ARR), driven by demand for streamlined security tools [6] - However, PANW's revenue growth has slowed to the mid-teen percentage range, with a forecast of 14-15% growth for the full fiscal year 2026, down from mid-20s in fiscal 2023 [7] Company Analysis: Allot Ltd. (ALLT) - ALLT is experiencing robust growth in its Cybersecurity-as-a-Service (SECaaS) business, with ARR increasing approximately 60% year-over-year in Q3 2025 [8][12] - SECaaS accounted for about 28% of ALLT's total revenues in Q3, with expectations to rise to 30%, indicating a shift towards more predictable subscription-based revenues [9] - ALLT's sales and non-GAAP EPS grew 14% and 233.3% year-over-year in Q3 2025, prompting an upward revision of revenue guidance for the year [12] Comparative Valuation and Performance - Over the past six months, ALLT shares have increased by 33.8%, while PANW shares have decreased by 6.1% [18] - ALLT is trading at a forward sales multiple of 4.37X, significantly lower than PANW's 11.71X, making ALLT more attractive for value-seeking investors [19] - Analysts are increasingly bullish on ALLT, reflected in the positive earnings estimate revisions compared to PANW [13][16] Conclusion - The analysis suggests a preference for ALLT over PANW due to its strong growth in SECaaS, improving revenue quality, and more favorable valuation metrics [22][23]

Core Insights - Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and Qualys (QLYS) are leading companies in the cybersecurity sector, focusing on different areas of security solutions [1][2] - The cybersecurity market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.45% from 2025 to 2030, driven by increasing cyber threats [2] Palo Alto Networks Overview - Palo Alto Networks is recognized for its comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, including next-generation firewalls and cloud security [4] - The company is experiencing growth in areas like Zero Trust and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), with SASE annual recurring revenues increasing by 35% year over year [5][6] - In Q4 of fiscal 2025, Palo Alto Networks reported a revenue growth rate of 16% and a non-GAAP EPS growth of 27% year over year [8] - However, the company faces challenges such as shortened contract durations and a shift from multi-year to annual payments, impacting revenue stability [7][8] Qualys Overview - Qualys specializes in Vulnerability Management, Detection and Response (VMDR) solutions, with a growing customer base and a net dollar retention rate of 104% [9][10] - The company has expanded its product offerings and enhanced its portfolio, including the launch of the Risk Operations Center and advanced AI security capabilities [10] - Qualys reported a sales growth of 10% and non-GAAP EPS growth of 11% year over year in Q2 of 2025 [13] - The company is also expanding internationally, with a 15% year-over-year growth rate in international revenue, representing 43% of total revenues [12] Valuation and Performance Comparison - Year-to-date, Palo Alto Networks shares have appreciated by 13.9%, while Qualys shares have decreased by 6.5% [14] - Qualys is currently trading at a forward 12-month sales multiple of 6.86X, which is significantly lower than Palo Alto Networks' 12.99X [17] - Qualys holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), making it a more attractive investment compared to Palo Alto Networks, which has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [20][21]

Industry Overview - The cybersecurity industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by complex attacks such as credential theft and social engineering. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.63% from 2025 to 2030, with a robust CAGR of 9.4% expected during the same period [2]. Company Analysis: Palo Alto Networks (PANW) - Palo Alto Networks is a leader in cybersecurity, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions including network security, cloud security, and endpoint protection [4]. - The company is focusing on innovative product offerings, such as the enhanced Prisma Cloud platform with Prisma Cloud Copilot, which utilizes generative AI to improve security analysts' efficiency [6]. - PANW's strategic expansion in the APAC region and its focus on Zero Trust and private 5G security solutions are expected to drive growth [5][7]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PANW's 2025 earnings is $3.22, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 13.4% [7][8]. - Over the past year, PANW shares have returned 14%, and the stock is trading at a forward sales multiple of 10.01X, above its three-year median of 9.35X [14][15]. Company Analysis: Qualys (QLYS) - Qualys specializes in Vulnerability Management, Detection, and Response (VMDR) solutions, with 73% of its customers using four or more modules, up from 63% the previous year [9]. - The company has launched several new products, including the Risk Operations Center and Qualys TotalAI, which focus on enhancing cloud-based offerings [10]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Qualys' 2025 earnings is $5.75, indicating a year-over-year decline of 6.2% [12][13]. - Qualys shares have lost 29.8% over the past year, and the stock is trading at a forward sales multiple of 6.43X, significantly below its three-year median of 11.41X [14][15]. Comparative Analysis - Palo Alto Networks is viewed as a stronger investment opportunity due to its leadership position, robust growth prospects, and strong financial execution, despite its premium valuation [18]. - In contrast, Qualys faces challenges from increased competition and a declining growth trajectory, raising concerns about its ability to capitalize on the cybersecurity market [17][18]. - Currently, Palo Alto holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), while Qualys has a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating a more favorable outlook for PANW compared to QLYS [19].