TULSA, Okla., Nov. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kinetic, a leading provider of residential and business internet, today announced that it has passed 25,000 homes with high-speed multi-gigabit fiber internet in the greater Broken Arrow area. And officials say there’s no slowing in construction planned anytime soon. This build, fully funded by Kinetic, accelerates the company's ability to provide a next-generation internet experience for residents and businesses across Broken Arrow and surrounding communities ...

Group 1 - Cloudflare's stock has experienced a significant decline of 20.2%, dropping from $253.30 on October 31, 2025, to $202.25 currently, with potential for further decline due to its very high valuation [2] - A price target of $142 is considered plausible, as the stock has previously reached this level within the last five years [2] - Historical data indicates that after significant dips of 30% or more within a 30-day period, the median return over the following 12 months is 13%, with a peak return of 36% [3][9] Group 2 - Cloudflare has met the dip criterion of a 30% decline within 30 days five times since January 1, 2010 [5] - To assess the risk of a dip indicating declining business conditions, factors such as revenue growth, profitability, cash flow, and balance sheet strength should be evaluated [6] - A multi-asset portfolio approach is suggested to mitigate risks associated with individual stocks, providing more consistent returns [7]

Core Insights - Kinetic has completed a $3 million fiber network expansion project in China Grove, providing multi-gig internet speeds to an additional 3,060 locations [1][2] - The project aims to enhance connectivity, support local economic growth, and improve the quality of life for residents [3][4] Company Commitment - The project was fully funded by Kinetic, highlighting the company's dedication to high-quality connectivity [2] - Kinetic emphasizes its role as a long-term partner in the community, aiming to create digital equity and bridge the digital divide [5] Economic Impact - Communities with fiber internet experience significant benefits, including 213% higher business growth, 10% higher self-employment rates, and a 14-17% increase in home values [4] - The expansion is expected to bolster local businesses, enhance educational opportunities, and improve access to telehealth services [5][9] Service and Customer Engagement - Kinetic is committed to customer satisfaction, actively monitoring service performance and encouraging user feedback for improvements [6] - The company is also hiring in the communities it serves, indicating growth and investment in local employment [6] Community Recognition - China Grove is now recognized as a 'Gig-Ready' community, with over 75% of the town having access to Kinetic's Next Generation Gigabit Internet [3]

Core Points - Kinetic has received preliminary approval for federal grants under the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, which will provide multi-gigabit fiber connections to approximately 52,000 rural homes and businesses across four states, with nearly 50,000 in Georgia [1][2] - The total amount of the grants is $156.6 million, pending final approval by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration [2][7] - Kinetic's expansion efforts are supported by public-private partnerships, which have been crucial for extending fiber services to economically challenging areas [2][4] Company Expansion Plans - Kinetic currently offers gigabit and multi-gigabit broadband services to over 370,000 homes and businesses in Georgia, with about 20% of these locations benefiting from public-private partnerships [3] - The company is executing a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar network modernization project aimed at expanding fiber broadband service throughout its 18-state footprint, with fiber now passing over 1.7 million homes and serving an additional 2.1 million locations [4][5] - Kinetic aims to extend fiber to over 3.5 million homes by 2029, which will cover approximately 75% of its operational footprint [6] Financial and Operational Context - The BEAD awards for Georgia include $147.3 million for 49,346 locations, $5 million for 1,395 locations in Arkansas, $2 million for 280 locations in New Mexico, and $2.3 million for 943 locations in North Carolina [7] - The merger between Windstream and Uniti Group, Inc. has positioned Kinetic to accelerate its fiber broadband build plans across all 18 states [5]

Core Points - Kinetic is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in the theft or vandalism of its copper and fiber infrastructure in North Carolina [1][8] - Recent incidents of copper and fiber optic cable theft have disrupted services for over 50 customers in Moore County, affecting their ability to access emergency services [2][3] - The company emphasizes the serious implications of these crimes on public safety, as they hinder connectivity for first responders and essential services [4][6] Company Actions - Kinetic is increasing collaboration with local law enforcement and implementing active deterrent measures to combat theft and vandalism [6] - The company is committed to pursuing the strongest legal actions against offenders to protect public safety [6] - Kinetic encourages community vigilance to help reduce the impact of these crimes on residents [6] Company Overview - Kinetic, a brand of Uniti, provides multi-gigabit fiber internet and related services to approximately 1.7 million households across 1,400 markets in 18 states [7]

Core Insights - Zscaler and Check Point Software are both significant players in the cybersecurity industry, with Zscaler focusing on cloud-based solutions and Check Point transitioning from on-premises to cloud options [1][9] Industry Overview - The cybersecurity market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.63%, with a robust CAGR of 9.4% projected from 2025 to 2030, driven by increasing cyberattacks [2] Zscaler Analysis - Zscaler offers a comprehensive range of enterprise network security solutions, including web security, antivirus, and firewalls, and is well-positioned to benefit from the demand for privileged access security [4][5] - The company has seen a significant increase in sales and marketing (S&M) and research and development (R&D) expenses, which have both been in double digits, impacting near-term profitability [6][7] - Zscaler's fiscal 2026 earnings are estimated at $3.08, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 3.5% [7][8] Check Point Analysis - Check Point provides a variety of software and hardware solutions for IT infrastructure security, with a focus on cloud solutions and subscription-based models that ensure stable recurring revenues [9][10][11] - The company reported security subscription revenues of $292.2 million in Q4 2024, marking a 9.9% year-over-year increase, with 2025 earnings projected at $9.95, indicating an 8.6% growth [11][12] Stock Performance and Valuation - Over the past year, Check Point's stock has increased by 28.9%, while Zscaler's shares have returned 9.5% [13] - Check Point trades at a forward sales multiple of 8.28X, significantly lower than the Zacks Security industry's average of 12.53X, while Zscaler trades at 9.91X, making Check Point's valuation more attractive [14] Conclusion - Check Point is gaining traction with its Quantum Force, Harmony Email, and Infinity platforms, while Zscaler faces challenges from rising operational costs and declining profit margins. Check Point holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), making it a stronger investment option compared to Zscaler, which has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [16]