Why Qualys Stock Crushed it on Wednesday
Key Points
Both revenue and profitability were notably above the consensus analyst estimates.
The company's full-year guidance anticipates continued growth.
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Shares of cybersecurity company Qualys (NASDAQ: QLYS) looked more than secure on Hump Day, thanks to strong second-quarter results. With that blustery tailwind at its back, the highly specialized tech stock rose by nearly 14% in price that trading session.
Double-digit improvements
Qualys posted those quarterly results well before market open, revealing that it booked revenue of nearly $182.2 million for an 11% year-over-year gain. Another double-digit increase was recorded in net income not under generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP, or adjusted); this flew 13% higher to more than $69 million ($1.98 per share).
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Those two line items comfortably exceeded the average analyst estimates. Collectively, prognosticators tracking Qualys stock were modeling revenue under $179 million and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.79.
The company chalked up its growth-packed quarter to factors including strong, sustained demand for risk management solutions and the appeal of its artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced offerings.
A beat on bottom-line guidance
Qualys proffered guidance for both its current (third) quarter and the entirety of 2026. For the year, it's expected to earn $732 million to $738 million. This would result in growth of at least 9% over the 2025 figure, and it beats the consensus analyst estimate of slightly over $726 million. Adjusted EPS should be $7.74 to $7.88; the average pundit expectation is $7.86.
I saw much to like in this earnings report, and precious few areas of concern. Qualys is an old pro at the cybersecurity game, which has nevertheless enthusiastically (and cleverly) embraced cutting-edge technology like AI. It's also selling into a market that rightly considers robust security solutions essential. I think there's more growth in store for Qualys.
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Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
