87% of cybersecurity professionals expect AI to enhance their roles, offering efficiency and relief amid cyber skill shortages, but they require upskilling to unlock full potentialSUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- News Summary Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today released its 2025 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, shedding light on the new and persistent challenges organizations face due to the cybersecu ...

Core Insights - Fortinet (FTNT) is focusing on two rapidly growing areas in cybersecurity: Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Security Operations (SecOps) to strengthen its position in integrated network security [1][12] Business Strategy - In late 2025, Fortinet advanced its unified SASE platform and AI-driven SecOps capabilities, being recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms, with increased momentum from multi-product enterprise deals [2] - Fortinet expanded its partnership with Armis to enhance asset visibility and AI-led threat detection, emphasizing automation, scalability, and long-term growth in intelligent security solutions [3] - The company’s unified FortiOS architecture integrates all core SASE elements, simplifying deployment and improving operational efficiency for global customers [5] Financial Performance - Fortinet raised its full-year 2025 billing guidance by $100 million to $7.44 billion, indicating a 14% year-over-year growth driven by strong demand for FortiSASE and SecOps offerings [6][12] - In Q2 2025, SASE and SecOps billings increased by 21% and 31% year-over-year, respectively, showcasing accelerating enterprise adoption [7] Competitive Landscape - Fortinet's main competitor, Palo Alto Networks (PANW), utilizes advanced next-generation firewalls and AI-driven platforms, although its premium pricing may deter cost-sensitive organizations [8][9] - Cisco Systems (CSCO) competes by integrating security across its networking ecosystem, leveraging its scale and infrastructure, though it is less specialized in niche security domains compared to Fortinet [10] Valuation and Earnings Estimates - Fortinet's shares have declined by 8.6% year-to-date, underperforming the Zacks Security industry's 21% growth and the broader Computer and Technology sector's 22.7% increase [13] - The company appears overvalued with a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 8.98, higher than the sector average of 6.94 [15] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Fortinet's earnings is $2.52 per share for 2025 and $2.78 per share for 2026, indicating year-over-year earnings growth of 6.33% for 2025 and 10.18% for 2026 [18]

Fortinet collaborates with industry leaders to share expertise, strengthen global cyber resilience, and expand public-private partnership effortsSUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- News Summary Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced that Fortinet will again participate in the upcoming World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 14-16. Fortinet was t ...

Fortinet Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Fortinet (NasdaqGS:FTNT) - **Date of Conference**: September 11, 2025 Key Industry Insights - **AI and Network Security**: The discussion highlighted the increasing CapEx buildouts for AI and the critical role of network security in this context, particularly with major players like Oracle and Microsoft expanding their data centers for AI applications [3][4] - **AI-Related Security Business**: Fortinet categorizes its AI-related security offerings into three segments: AI Assist, AI Protect, and AI Secure AI, with AI Assist contributing approximately 11% of the business and growing at 35% [4][6] - **Market Dynamics**: The shift from training to inference workloads in AI is expected to change security needs, as enterprise adoption increases [7][8] Financial Performance and Growth Drivers - **Revenue Growth**: Fortinet's secure networking segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8% over the next five years, while unified SASE is expected to grow around 20% [29][30] - **Product Revenue Outlook**: Despite potential short-term fluctuations, the company anticipates product revenue growth of around 10% in a normal market environment, driven by new functions and technology upgrades [32][33] - **Enterprise Engagement**: Fortinet is seeing increased engagement from enterprise customers, particularly in optimizing networks for AI and addressing new security risks [25][35] Strategic Initiatives - **SASE Development**: Fortinet has shifted its strategy to develop its own SASE infrastructure, which has shown rapid growth and shorter sales cycles compared to competitors [44] - **OT Security Market**: The company is focusing on the operational technology (OT) security market, which is expected to grow significantly as more devices connect and require protection [40][41] - **Sales Strategy**: Fortinet is enhancing its sales force to improve cross-selling opportunities, particularly in the enterprise segment, where different buying centers exist [42][43] Technology and Innovation - **ASIC Development**: Fortinet has developed its own ASIC chips, which provide superior computing power for security applications, enhancing the performance of its products [5][15] - **Integration of Functions**: The company is integrating multiple security functions into its FortiOS platform, which is expected to drive growth in network security [13][14] Market Position and Competitive Landscape - **Leadership in Cybersecurity**: Fortinet claims to have more AI-related patents than any other cybersecurity company, positioning itself as a leader in the AI security space [6] - **SASE vs. Traditional Firewalls**: The company believes that while SASE will not replace network security, it will evolve the role of firewalls, necessitating the integration of SASE functions into firewall products [20][21] Financial Management - **Share Buyback Program**: Fortinet has authorized an additional $1 billion for share repurchases, reflecting confidence in its long-term growth and market position [51][52] Conclusion - Fortinet is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-related security solutions and the integration of network security functions. The company is focused on innovation, market expansion, and enhancing customer engagement to drive future growth.

Core Insights - Fortinet has been recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Hybrid Mesh Firewall, achieving the highest position for Ability to Execute [1][2][3] Company Overview - Fortinet is a global leader in cybersecurity, focusing on the convergence of networking and security, and has been acknowledged in 12 different Gartner Magic Quadrant reports [2][12] - The company offers a comprehensive cybersecurity portfolio with over 50 enterprise-grade products, serving more than half a million customers [12] Product and Technology Highlights - Fortinet's solutions are powered by custom-built ASICs for enhanced performance and utilize FortiOS, a unified operating system for both hardware and virtual deployments [2][3] - The Fortinet Security Fabric integrates FortiOS, FortiGuard Labs intelligence, and AI-driven security, reducing complexity and operational overhead while enhancing threat detection and response [6] - Innovations such as FortiAI-Assist leverage AI technologies to improve network operations and response times, while early adoption of post-quantum cryptography ensures future-proof data protection [6] Strategic Vision - Fortinet's recognition in both the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Hybrid Mesh Firewalls and SASE Platforms reflects its vision for a new-generation SASE firewall that simplifies operations and reduces costs [4] - The company aims to provide consistent, hybrid secure access across various environments, including data centers, cloud, and remote edges, to keep pace with evolving network complexities [4] Licensing and Flexibility - The FortiFlex licensing model offers usage-based security licensing, allowing customers to transition seamlessly between hardware, virtual, and cloud firewall options, optimizing costs and accelerating time to value [6]

Core Insights - Fortinet reported strong financial results for Q2 2025, with revenue growth of 14% year-over-year to $1.63 billion and billings growth of 15% year-over-year to $1.78 billion, leading to an increase in full-year billings guidance by $100 million [5][6][3] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $1.63 billion, up from $1.43 billion in Q2 2024 [20] - Billings for Q2 2025 reached $1.78 billion, compared to $1.54 billion in Q2 2024 [27] - Non-GAAP operating margin was 33% for Q2 2025, while GAAP operating margin was 28% [5][24] - Net income for Q2 2025 was $440.1 million, an increase from $379.8 million in Q2 2024 [21] Market Leadership - Fortinet was recognized as a leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms and ranked 1 in the Critical Capabilities for SASE Platforms report for Secure Branch Network Modernization [6] - The company has over 1,400 issued patents worldwide, including more than 500 related to AI, reflecting significant R&D investment [6] Guidance - For Q3 2025, Fortinet expects revenue in the range of $1.67 billion to $1.73 billion and billings between $1.76 billion and $1.84 billion [5] - For the full fiscal year 2025, revenue is projected to be between $6.675 billion and $6.825 billion, with service revenue expected to be between $4.55 billion and $4.65 billion [5] Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) - Unified SASE ARR increased by 22% year-over-year, while Security Operations ARR grew by 35% year-over-year [5]

Core Viewpoint - Fortinet has introduced enhanced features in its FortiOS operating system to protect organizations from quantum computing threats, enabling them to transition to post-quantum security without performance impact [1][4]. Group 1: Fortinet's Innovations - Fortinet's latest FortiOS capabilities include quantum-safe encryption algorithms and key distribution methods that can withstand quantum attacks, allowing organizations to secure highly sensitive data [1][3]. - The new features are available at no additional cost for FortiGate NGFW and Fortinet Secure SD-WAN customers, including NIST-approved algorithms like ML-KEM and emerging algorithms such as BIKE, HQC, and Frodo [4][7]. - Fortinet's approach integrates quantum key distribution (QKD) to ensure secure key exchange and detect eavesdropping attempts, enhancing network security [7]. Group 2: Industry Context - Quantum computers can break current encryption standards, posing a significant threat to industries handling sensitive data, such as telecommunications, financial services, government, and healthcare [3]. - Cybercriminals are already storing encrypted traffic to decrypt later, highlighting the urgency for organizations to adopt quantum-safe encryption now [3]. Group 3: Future-Proofing Security - Fortinet's unified operating system allows for the deployment of cutting-edge updates, including quantum-safe innovations, helping customers future-proof their security postures [5]. - The introduction of a hybrid mode facilitates a gradual transition to post-quantum security, enabling seamless integration of traditional public-key cryptography and QKD [7].

Core Insights - Fortinet announced the passing of William H. "Bill" Neukom, a board member since 2013, who provided significant leadership and guidance during the company's growth [1][2] - The Fortinet Board expressed deep sadness over Neukom's passing, highlighting his immeasurable contributions to the company and the technology industry [2] - Neukom's legacy includes his role as Microsoft's first general counsel and founder of the World Justice Project, emphasizing corporate responsibility and technology's societal role [2] Company Overview - Fortinet is a leader in cybersecurity, focusing on the convergence of networking and security, with a mission to secure people, devices, and data globally [3] - The company offers an extensive portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade cybersecurity products, trusted by more than half a million customers [3] - Fortinet's commitment to enhancing global cyber resilience includes collaboration with public and private sectors and a robust training program through the Fortinet Training Institute [3]

Core Insights - Fortinet (FTNT) stock has shown resilience with a 10.5% gain over six months, outperforming the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector's 6.8% return, indicating underlying strength in a challenging market environment [1][9] - The company reported record operating margins of 34% and billing growth of 14% year-over-year in Q1 2025, with total revenues reaching $1.54 billion, driven by strong demand for its cybersecurity products and services [2][15] - Fortinet's competitive positioning has been enhanced by its recognition as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms, which is expected to drive significant growth [6] Financial Performance - Total revenues grew 14% to $1.54 billion, with product revenue growth of 12% and service revenues of $1.08 billion growing 14%, making up 70% of total revenues [2] - The company achieved record free cash flow of $783 million with a margin of 51%, and total gross margin increased by 380 basis points to 81.9% [14] - Management expects full-year billings between $7.2 billion and $7.4 billion, indicating a 12% growth at the midpoint, with revenue growth of 13% and service revenue growth of 15% [15] Market Position and Growth Catalysts - Fortinet's SASE strategy is gaining traction, with unified SASE building growth of 18%, accounting for 25% of total business, and security service edge building growth exceeding 110% [7] - The upcoming firewall refresh cycle is anticipated to accelerate in the second half of 2025, representing a substantial revenue opportunity as organizations upgrade their security infrastructure [12] - The introduction of the FortiGate 700G series showcases Fortinet's ability to leverage the refresh cycle, offering a performance advantage of 5x to 10x over competitors [13] Innovation and Strategic Advantages - Fortinet holds over 500 issued and pending AI patents, more than any competitors, with AI technology integrated into a dozen products, creating a competitive edge in performance and cost of ownership [10] - The Security Fabric platform strategy is resonating with enterprise customers, with AI-driven secure operations growing by 29% and deals over $1 million rising by 30% [11] - The convergence of growth catalysts, including the firewall refresh cycle, SASE market expansion, and AI-driven solutions, positions Fortinet for accelerated growth in the latter half of 2025 [20] Investment Outlook - Despite a high Price/Book ratio of 40.34, Fortinet's strategic positioning in high-growth cybersecurity segments justifies its premium valuation [17] - The company's leadership in SASE, AI integration, and platform convergence creates multiple avenues for sustained growth and market share expansion [17] - Fortinet is recommended as a core holding for investors seeking exposure to the cybersecurity boom, supported by its comprehensive platform approach and proven market execution [21]

Core Insights - Fortinet has been recognized as a Leader in both the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms and the 2024 Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN, validating its long-term vision of converging networking and security [1][3][7] - The company emphasizes its unified, AI-powered platform that integrates secure SD-WAN, universal ZTNA, and AI-driven threat protection, aiming for simplicity and faster ROI [2][4] Company Strategy - Fortinet's strategy focuses on a unified platform for secure digital acceleration, which has led to its recognition in multiple Gartner reports, including being positioned highest for Ability to Execute in SD-WAN [3][6] - The company aims to replace legacy architectures with high-performance branch experiences, enabling rapid deployment and reduced operational overhead [5][6] Market Position - The SASE market is projected to exceed $28.5 billion by 2028, and Fortinet is investing in its global SASE infrastructure to capitalize on this growth [6] - Fortinet has been acknowledged in 11 Gartner Magic Quadrant reports across various cybersecurity domains, reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry [7][6] Product Features - Fortinet Unified SASE is built on FortiOS, providing consistent security and user experience across different environments through a single-vendor platform [4] - The platform includes over 160 points-of-presence (PoPs) and offers simplified licensing tiers, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency [4][5]