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Qualys Inc (QLYS)
:QLYS

Qualys (QLYS) AI Stock Analysis

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QL

Qualys

(NASDAQ:QLYS)

Rating:78Outperform
Price Target:
$156.00
▲(8.35%Upside)
Qualys demonstrates strong financial performance with impressive revenue and profit growth, supported by solid cash flows and a conservative balance sheet. The stock shows positive momentum but is nearing overbought levels, suggesting potential short-term volatility. While the valuation reflects growth potential, the lack of a dividend may deter some investors. The earnings call highlighted strengths in innovation and channel growth but also underscored economic uncertainties and rising expenses. Overall, Qualys is well-positioned for future growth, though investors should remain mindful of market conditions.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
Qualys exceeded estimates on revenue and earnings per share, and management slightly raised guidance despite growing macro uncertainty.
Market Opportunities
Qualys continues to be bullish on the Federal opportunity with the impending influx of FedRAMP High certifications creating a positive catalyst.
Product Innovation
The Enterprise TruRisk Management platform is exciting for CISOs as it quantifies cyber risk in terms of dollars for board communication.
Negative Factors
Competitive Pressure
There are concerns about growing competitive headwinds from legacy virtual machine providers and XDR platform providers.
Macroeconomic Challenges
Incremental revenue from new customers is expected to face more pressure with an uptick in macroeconomic uncertainty.
Sales Strategy
Sales rep productivity has not reached expected levels, which is contributing to the pivot in the go-to-market strategy.

Qualys (QLYS) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Qualys Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionQualys, Inc. provides cloud-based information technology (IT), security, and compliance solutions in the United States and internationally. The company offers Qualys Cloud Apps, which includes Vulnerability Management; Vulnerability Management, Detection and Response; Threat Protection; Continuous Monitoring; Patch Management; Multi-Vector Endpoint Detection and Response; Certificate Assessment; SaaS Detection and Response; Secure Enterprise Mobility; Policy Compliance; Security Configuration Assessment; PCI Compliance; File Integrity Monitoring; Security Assessment Questionnaire; Out of-Band Configuration Assessment; Web Application Scanning; Web Application Firewall; Global Asset Inventory; Cybersecurity Asset Management; Certificate Inventory; Cloud Inventory; Cloud Security Assessment; and Container Security. Its integrated suite of IT, security, and compliance solutions delivered on its Qualys Cloud Platform enables customers to identify and manage IT assets, collect and analyze IT security data, discover and prioritize vulnerabilities, recommend and implement remediation actions, and verify the implementation of such actions. The company also provides asset tagging and management, reporting and dashboards, questionnaires and collaboration, remediation and workflow, big data correlation and analytics engine, and alerts and notifications, which enable integrated workflows, management and real-time analysis, and reporting across IT, security, and compliance solutions. The company offers its solutions through its sales teams, as well as through its network of channel partners, such as security consulting organizations, managed service providers, resellers, and consulting firms. It serves enterprises, government entities, and small and medium-sized businesses in various industries, including education, financial services, government, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, media, retail, technology, and utilities. The company was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Foster City, California.
How the Company Makes MoneyQualys generates revenue primarily through subscription fees for its cloud-based security services. The company's revenue model is centered on offering Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions that provide continuous monitoring and protection of IT assets. Customers pay subscription fees based on the number of devices or IP addresses monitored, the type of services used, and the contract duration. Qualys benefits from a recurring revenue model, with customers typically signing multi-year contracts, which provides a stable and predictable revenue stream. Additionally, strategic partnerships with managed service providers, resellers, and technology integrators enhance its market reach and contribute to revenue growth.

Qualys Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Customers Over $500,000 in Annual Revenue
Customers Over $500,000 in Annual Revenue
Tracks the number of high-value customers contributing significant revenue, indicating the company's success in securing and maintaining large accounts.
Chart InsightsQualys has seen a consistent increase in customers generating over $500,000 annually, nearly doubling since mid-2019. This growth reflects strong demand for their cybersecurity solutions. However, the slight dip in early 2025 suggests potential challenges in maintaining this momentum, possibly due to market saturation or competitive pressures. Investors should watch for strategic initiatives to sustain growth and address these headwinds.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Qualys Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 06, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 13.53%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 11, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a balanced outlook with notable achievements in product innovation, channel growth, and key customer wins, offset by macroeconomic challenges and a cautious revenue growth outlook.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Better-than-Expected Revenue Growth
Qualys reported a 10% increase in revenue to $159.9 million, surpassing expectations for the quarter.
Increased Channel Contribution
The channel contributed 49% of total revenues, up from 45% a year ago, with channel partner revenue growing by 19%.
Strong Profitability and Cash Flow
Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $74.8 million, representing a 47% margin, in line with last year. Free cash flow was $107.6 million, representing a 67% margin, up from 57% in the prior year.
New Product Innovations
Qualys expanded its TotalAI and TruRisk capabilities and launched new solutions like Policy Audit and Audit Fix to streamline audit operations.
High-Value Customer Wins
Qualys secured a seven-figure annual booking deal with a Global 100 media company and a Global 50 financial services company.
Negative Updates
Macro-Economic Uncertainty
Increased budget scrutiny and a challenging upsell environment were noted, with net dollar expansion rate stagnant at 103%.
Slow Growth in Direct Revenue
Direct revenue grew by only 2%, lagging behind the 19% growth in channel partner revenue.
Reduced FY Revenue Growth Guidance
Qualys expects full-year 2025 revenue growth to be in the range of 7% to 8%, a reduction from prior guidance of 6% to 8%.
Company Guidance
During Qualys' first quarter 2025 earnings call, the company provided detailed financial guidance for the year ahead. They anticipate full-year 2025 revenues between $648 million and $657 million, reflecting a growth rate of 7% to 8%. For the second quarter, projected revenues are set between $159.7 million and $162.7 million, marking an expected growth of 7% to 9%. The adjusted EBITDA margin for the year is forecasted to be in the low-to-mid 40s, with operating expenses expected to grow by 15% to 17%. Earnings per share (EPS) for the full year are projected to be in the range of $6 to $6.3, an increase from the previous guidance of $5.5 to $5.9. Capital expenditures for 2025 are planned to be between $8 million and $11 million. The company also highlighted significant growth in its channel partner contributions, which made up 49% of total revenues, and saw a 19% increase in revenues from channel partners, outpacing direct revenue growth of 2%.

Qualys Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Qualys is in a strong financial position with impressive growth metrics across income, balance sheet, and cash flow statements. The company's revenue and profit growth are robust, supported by high margins and efficient cost management. The balance sheet reflects a conservative approach to leverage, enhancing financial stability. Cash flows are strong, showcasing excellent liquidity and operational efficiency. While there is room for improvement in operational efficiency, the overall financial health is solid, positioning Qualys well for future expansion.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Qualys has demonstrated strong revenue growth, with a significant increase from $489.7 million in 2022 to $622.0 million in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months). The company maintains robust gross profit margins above 80% consistently, indicating efficient cost management. Net profit margins are healthy, and EBITDA margins exceed 30%, reflecting good profitability. The trajectory of revenue and profit growth is promising, although the EBIT margin suggests room for operational efficiency improvements.
Balance Sheet
80
Positive
The balance sheet is solid, characterized by a low debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 0.10 in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months), illustrating conservative leverage. The return on equity (ROE) is impressive, indicating effective use of equity capital to generate profits. The equity ratio is respectable, reflecting a strong capital base relative to assets. Overall, financial stability is robust, with potential for further leveraging equity to boost growth.
Cash Flow
88
Very Positive
Cash flow performance is exceptional, with consistent growth in free cash flow, evidencing effective cash management. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is robust, suggesting strong operational cash generation relative to profits. The free cash flow to net income ratio further underscores efficient cash conversion. These metrics indicate strong liquidity and financial flexibility, positioning Qualys well for future investments and growth opportunities.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue622.04M607.57M554.46M489.72M411.17M362.96M
Gross Profit508.84M496.09M446.97M386.94M321.73M283.74M
EBITDA211.64M205.71M190.06M168.32M125.29M134.89M
Net Income181.48M173.68M151.59M107.99M70.96M91.57M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets684.49M973.54M812.62M700.94M814.56M736.82M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments331.95M381.42M425.56M321.33M405.29M356.02M
Total Debt49.45M47.22M28.74M42.18M48.52M57.37M
Total Liabilities297.76M496.42M444.44M411.81M377.85M332.34M
Stockholders Equity386.73M477.12M368.17M289.13M436.71M404.48M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow255.86M231.76M235.82M174.87M174.96M150.05M
Operating Cash Flow268.18M244.09M244.60M198.85M200.62M180.09M
Investing Cash Flow-86.53M-71.43M-73.17M145.07M-29.53M-80.93M
Financing Cash Flow-164.76M-145.65M-141.49M-306.03M-107.89M-112.58M

Qualys Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price143.98
Price Trends
50DMA
135.68
Positive
100DMA
132.51
Positive
200DMA
135.12
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.90
Negative
RSI
61.82
Neutral
STOCH
95.13
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For QLYS, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 143.98 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 140.55, above the 50-day MA of 135.68, and above the 200-day MA of 135.12, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.90 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 61.82 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 95.13 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for QLYS.

Qualys Risk Analysis

Qualys disclosed 49 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Qualys reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Qualys Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (56)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$5.25B29.4240.23%9.58%12.41%
74
Outperform
$1.12B27.605.32%-2.09%76.96%
70
Neutral
$4.10B-12.09%11.79%35.35%
64
Neutral
$5.60B-22.21%13.34%13.71%
SS
64
Neutral
$6.04B-26.98%32.25%20.56%
RPRPD
62
Neutral
$1.54B60.12164.75%6.19%
56
Neutral
$3.18B5.02-5.68%5.66%8.05%-41.83%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
QLYS
Qualys
143.98
-1.30
-0.89%
VRNT
Verint Systems
21.44
-9.88
-31.55%
VRNS
Varonis Systems
50.05
1.72
3.56%
RPD
Rapid7
24.00
-17.95
-42.79%
TENB
Tenable Holdings
33.64
-10.14
-23.16%
S
SentinelOne
18.13
-2.22
-10.91%

Qualys Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Qualys Annual Meeting Approves Key Amendments
Neutral
Jun 16, 2025

On June 11, 2025, Qualys held its Annual Meeting where approximately 91.70% of the shares were represented. During the meeting, stockholders elected Class I directors, ratified the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm, approved executive compensation, and sanctioned an amendment to the company’s certificate of incorporation to permit the exculpation of certain officers.

The most recent analyst rating on (QLYS) stock is a Sell with a $120.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Qualys stock, see the QLYS Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: May 14, 2025