Qualys (QLYS)


Market Price (8/22/2026): $181.9 | Market Cap: $6.4 BilSector: Information Technology | Industry: Systems Software

Qualys (QLYS)


Market Price (8/22/2026): $181.9
Market Cap: $6.4 Bil
Sector: Information Technology
Industry: Systems Software

Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.

0

Attractive operating margins
Op Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 34%

Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 46%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 45%

Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing. Themes include Software Security, Cloud Security, Show more.

Weak multi-year price returns
3Y Excs Rtn is -52%

Meaningful short interest
Short Interest % of Basic SharesShort Interest % of Basic Shares = (Short Interest Quantity) / (Basic Shares Outstanding). A high fraction of short interest can indicate potential risk of a short squeeze. is 11%

Significant share based compensation
SBC/Rev LTMShare Based Compensation / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 11%

Valuation getting more expensive
P/S 6M Chg %Price/Sales change over 6 months. Declining P/S indicates valuation has become less expensive. is 98%

Key risks
QLYS key risks include [1] intense pressure from larger, Show more.

0 Attractive operating margins
Op Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 34%
1 Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 46%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 45%
2 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing. Themes include Software Security, Cloud Security, Show more.
3 Weak multi-year price returns
3Y Excs Rtn is -52%
4 Meaningful short interest
Short Interest % of Basic SharesShort Interest % of Basic Shares = (Short Interest Quantity) / (Basic Shares Outstanding). A high fraction of short interest can indicate potential risk of a short squeeze. is 11%
5 Significant share based compensation
SBC/Rev LTMShare Based Compensation / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 11%
6 Valuation getting more expensive
P/S 6M Chg %Price/Sales change over 6 months. Declining P/S indicates valuation has become less expensive. is 98%
7 Key risks
QLYS key risks include [1] intense pressure from larger, Show more.

QLYS in ETFs

Weight = QLYS's share of each fund

VTI0.01%
ITOT0.01%
IWM0.21%
IJH0.19%
VB0.06%
IWO0.43%
MDYG0.36%
IJK0.36%
+15 more covered ETFs

Valuation & Metrics

Price Chart

Why The Stock Moved

Qualitative Assessment

AI Analysis | Feedback

Updated on 8/14/2026

Qualys (QLYS) stock has gained about 110% since 4/30/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Qualys exceeded Fiscal Q2 2026 financial expectations and significantly raised full-year guidance. The company reported non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $1.98 for fiscal Q2 2026, which concluded on June 30, 2026, beating the analyst consensus of $1.78 by $0.20 (11.2%). Additionally, revenues for the quarter increased by 11% year-over-year to $182.2 million, surpassing analyst estimates of $178.57 million. Following this strong performance, Qualys raised its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to a range of $732.0 million to $738.0 million, up from the previous range of $721.0 million to $727.0 million, and also increased its full-year non-GAAP EPS guidance to $7.74-$7.88. This beat and raise caused the stock to jump 14% in a single session after the August 4, 2026 earnings release.

2. The company demonstrated continuous innovation and adoption of its AI-native security platform. Qualys highlighted its focus on "AI for security and security for AI" and the increasing adoption of its AI-native Risk Operations Center, a solution for Enterprise TruRisk Management. The introduction of new AI-powered capabilities, such as InstaScan for scanless vulnerability detection and TotalAI 2.0, resonated positively with investors, aligning with broader industry trends toward AI-driven cyber defense and autonomous security operations.

Show more
Updated on 8/14/2026

Qualys (QLYS) stock has gained about 110% since 4/30/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Qualys exceeded Fiscal Q2 2026 financial expectations and significantly raised full-year guidance. The company reported non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $1.98 for fiscal Q2 2026, which concluded on June 30, 2026, beating the analyst consensus of $1.78 by $0.20 (11.2%). Additionally, revenues for the quarter increased by 11% year-over-year to $182.2 million, surpassing analyst estimates of $178.57 million. Following this strong performance, Qualys raised its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to a range of $732.0 million to $738.0 million, up from the previous range of $721.0 million to $727.0 million, and also increased its full-year non-GAAP EPS guidance to $7.74-$7.88. This beat and raise caused the stock to jump 14% in a single session after the August 4, 2026 earnings release.

2. The company demonstrated continuous innovation and adoption of its AI-native security platform. Qualys highlighted its focus on "AI for security and security for AI" and the increasing adoption of its AI-native Risk Operations Center, a solution for Enterprise TruRisk Management. The introduction of new AI-powered capabilities, such as InstaScan for scanless vulnerability detection and TotalAI 2.0, resonated positively with investors, aligning with broader industry trends toward AI-driven cyber defense and autonomous security operations.

3. Qualys secured key federal authorization, expanding its market opportunities. The company's TotalCloud solution achieved FedRAMP High Authorization, sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This significant authorization positions Qualys to pursue substantial new business opportunities within the U.S. federal sector, contributing to a growing federal pipeline.

4. Analysts upgraded the stock and increased price targets, reflecting improved market sentiment. Several research firms issued positive revisions for Qualys. Scotiabank upgraded the stock to "Sector Outperform" and raised its price target to $190 in early July. Wall Street Zen upgraded Qualys from a "hold" to a "buy" rating on August 8, 2026, and Zacks Research upgraded it from "hold" to "strong buy" on August 12, 2026, citing an upward trend in earnings estimates. Additionally, Royal Bank of Canada increased its price objective from $145.00 to $180.00, and Piper Sandler boosted its objective from $100.00 to $175.00.

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Stock Movement Drivers

Fundamental Drivers

The 109.3% change in QLYS stock from 4/30/2026 to 8/21/2026 was primarily driven by a 96.4% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)43020268212026Change
Stock Price ($)86.93181.98109.3%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)6697035.1%
Net Income Margin (%)29.6%29.4%-0.9%
P/E Multiple15.730.896.4%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)36352.4%
Cumulative Contribution109.3%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

4/30/2026 to 8/21/2026
ReturnCorrelation
QLYS109.3% 
Market (SPY)6.5%17.1%
Sector (XLK)14.9%11.1%

Fundamental Drivers

The 38.0% change in QLYS stock from 1/31/2026 to 8/21/2026 was primarily driven by a 22.7% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)13120268212026Change
Stock Price ($)131.90181.9838.0%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)6537037.6%
Net Income Margin (%)29.0%29.4%1.4%
P/E Multiple25.130.822.7%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)36353.0%
Cumulative Contribution38.0%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

1/31/2026 to 8/21/2026
ReturnCorrelation
QLYS38.0% 
Market (SPY)11.0%5.6%
Sector (XLK)27.6%7.2%

Fundamental Drivers

The 36.8% change in QLYS stock from 7/31/2025 to 8/21/2026 was primarily driven by a 15.3% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)73120258212026Change
Stock Price ($)133.07181.9836.8%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)62270313.1%
Net Income Margin (%)29.2%29.4%0.6%
P/E Multiple26.730.815.3%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)36354.2%
Cumulative Contribution36.8%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

7/31/2025 to 8/21/2026
ReturnCorrelation
QLYS36.8% 
Market (SPY)22.2%11.9%
Sector (XLK)40.1%10.8%

Fundamental Drivers

The 31.1% change in QLYS stock from 7/31/2023 to 8/21/2026 was primarily driven by a 38.7% change in the company's Total Revenues ($ Mil).
(LTM values as of)73120238212026Change
Stock Price ($)138.80181.9831.1%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)50770338.7%
Net Income Margin (%)22.0%29.4%33.4%
P/E Multiple46.130.8-33.1%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)37355.9%
Cumulative Contribution31.1%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

7/31/2023 to 8/21/2026
ReturnCorrelation
QLYS31.1% 
Market (SPY)73.2%32.3%
Sector (XLK)109.4%27.5%

Return vs. Risk

Price Returns Compared

 202120222023202420252026Total [1]
Returns
QLYS Return13%-18%75%-29%-5%37%50%
Peers Return46%-41%72%15%-16%53%118%
S&P 500 Return27%-19%24%23%16%12%103%

Monthly Win Rates [3]
QLYS Win Rate67%25%83%33%33%50% 
Peers Win Rate67%37%65%55%40%60% 
S&P 500 Win Rate75%42%67%75%67%50% 

Max Drawdowns [4]
QLYS Max Drawdown-37%-32%-18%-40%-22%-44% 
Peers Max Drawdown-26%-52%-25%-34%-42%-34% 
S&P 500 Max Drawdown-5%-25%-10%-8%-19%-9% 


[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] Peers: TENB, RPD, CRWD, PANW, FTNT. See QLYS Returns vs. Peers.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2026 data is for the year up to 8/21/2026 (YTD)

How Low Can It Go

EventQLYSS&P 500
2025 US Tariff Shock
  % Loss-21.1%-18.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven26.7%23.1%
  Time to Breakeven90 days79 days
2024 Yen Carry Trade Unwind
  % Loss-13.3%-7.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven15.3%8.5%
  Time to Breakeven86 days18 days
2023 SVB Regional Banking Crisis
  % Loss-10.9%-6.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven12.3%7.1%
  Time to Breakeven19 days31 days
2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening
  % Loss-18.6%-24.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven22.9%32.4%
  Time to Breakeven27 days427 days
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-27.2%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven37.4%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven27 days140 days
Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare
  % Loss-20.7%-19.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven26.1%23.8%
  Time to Breakeven41 days105 days

Compare to TENB, RPD, CRWD, PANW, FTNT

In The Past

Qualys's stock fell -21.1% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 26.7% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

EventQLYSS&P 500
2025 US Tariff Shock
  % Loss-21.1%-18.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven26.7%23.1%
  Time to Breakeven90 days79 days
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-27.2%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven37.4%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven27 days140 days
Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare
  % Loss-20.7%-19.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven26.1%23.8%
  Time to Breakeven41 days105 days
2015-2016 China Devaluation / Global Growth Scare
  % Loss-47.7%-12.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven91.1%13.9%
  Time to Breakeven191 days62 days
2014-2016 Oil Price Collapse
  % Loss-28.6%-6.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven40.0%7.3%
  Time to Breakeven17 days15 days

Compare to TENB, RPD, CRWD, PANW, FTNT

In The Past

Qualys's stock fell -21.1% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 26.7% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

About Qualys (QLYS)

Qualys, Inc. (QLYS) is a leading provider of cloud-based information technology (IT), security, and compliance solutions for organizations globally. The company's central offering is the Qualys Cloud Platform, which enables customers to efficiently identify and manage all their IT assets, collect and analyze critical security data, proactively discover and prioritize vulnerabilities, recommend and implement remediation actions, and verify the effectiveness of those actions. Essentially, Qualys provides an integrated, real-time approach to continuously monitor and secure an organization's digital infrastructure against evolving cyber threats and regulatory mandates.

Qualys offers an extensive portfolio of "Qualys Cloud Apps" covering various facets of cybersecurity. Key solutions include Vulnerability Management, Detection and Response (VMDR) for comprehensive vulnerability assessment and remediation; Threat Protection; Patch Management; and Multi-Vector Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). The platform also provides tools for securing web applications (Web Application Scanning and Firewall), ensuring policy compliance, managing IT and cybersecurity assets, and securing cloud environments and containers. These integrated solutions are bolstered by features like asset tagging, robust reporting, big data analytics, and automated workflows.

The company serves a broad and diverse customer base, ranging from large enterprises and government entities to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across numerous industries. These include highly regulated sectors such as financial services, healthcare, and government, as well as manufacturing, retail, technology, and utilities. Qualys delivers its solutions through a combination of its direct sales teams and a robust network of channel partners, including security consulting organizations, managed service providers, and resellers worldwide.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Here are 1-3 brief analogies for Qualys (QLYS):

  • Qualys is the Salesforce for IT security and compliance.
  • Think of Qualys as the SAP for cybersecurity.

AI Analysis | Feedback

  • Vulnerability Management, Detection and Response (VMDR): A comprehensive solution for identifying, detecting, and responding to vulnerabilities across IT environments.
  • Patch Management: Automates the deployment of software patches to remediate vulnerabilities and maintain system integrity.
  • Multi-Vector Endpoint Detection and Response (Multi-Vector EDR): Detects and responds to advanced threats across various vectors on endpoint devices.
  • Policy Compliance & Security Configuration Assessment: Ensures IT assets adhere to security policies and compliance mandates through continuous assessment.
  • Web Application Security (WAS & WAF): Provides scanning for web application vulnerabilities and firewall protection against web-based attacks.
  • Cybersecurity Asset Management: Offers a unified inventory and management solution for all IT and cybersecurity assets across the enterprise.
  • Cloud and Container Security: Assesses and secures cloud environments and containerized applications against various threats and misconfigurations.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Qualys (QLYS) primarily sells its cloud-based IT, security, and compliance solutions to other companies and government entities, operating on a Business-to-Business (B2B) model.

The provided background information does not list the specific names of Qualys's major customer companies or their public symbols. Companies in the cybersecurity space often do not disclose specific customer names for competitive or privacy reasons.

However, the background indicates that Qualys serves a broad range of customers, including:

  • Enterprises: Large organizations across various sectors.
  • Government Entities: Public sector organizations.
  • Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs): Smaller to mid-sized companies.

These customers span diverse industries, such as:

  • Education
  • Financial Services
  • Government
  • Healthcare
  • Insurance
  • Manufacturing
  • Media
  • Retail
  • Technology
  • Utilities

AI Analysis | Feedback

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AI Analysis | Feedback

Sumedh Thakar, President and CEO

Sumedh Thakar joined Qualys in 2003 as an engineer and has held various leadership roles, eventually becoming President and CEO in 2021. Prior to Qualys, he worked as a software engineer at Intacct, an early cloud-based financial software provider, and at Northwest Airlines, where he developed complex algorithms. He holds a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University and is a co-inventor of five U.S. patents for cybersecurity technology.

Joo Mi Kim, Chief Financial Officer

Joo Mi Kim has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Qualys since 2020. She previously held the CFO position at Impact, a leader in partnership automation, and Aera Technology, an enterprise SaaS company. Before that, she was Vice President of FP&A and Investor Relations at Qualys from 2016 to 2018. Her career also includes experience as an investment banker at J.P. Morgan and an economic consultant at Ernst & Young. Joo Mi Kim earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Chicago and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Pinkesh Shah, Chief Product Officer

Pinkesh Shah is the Chief Product Officer at Qualys, where he is responsible for all Product Management, Product & UX Design, Product Marketing, Demand Generation, Branding, and Analyst Relations. With over 18 years of experience, he has led product, engineering, and marketing teams at companies such as McAfee, BeyondTrust, Exabeam, netIQ, and IBM. He is also the Founder & CEO of DelightLoop and a Professor of Practice at the Institute of Product Leadership.

Dilip Bachwani, CTO and SVP, Enterprise TruRisk Platform

Dilip Bachwani is the Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President of the Enterprise TruRisk Platform at Qualys. He oversees global product development, data and platform engineering, DevOps, site reliability engineering, cloud operations, and customer support. Joining Qualys in 2016, he has been instrumental in scaling the company's technology and organization. Prior to Qualys, Dilip held multiple engineering leadership roles at various organizations, building complex, scalable, distributed enterprise SaaS products and big data cloud platforms. He holds a bachelor's degree in electronics engineering from the University of Mumbai and a master's degree in computer science from Ball State University.

Shawn O'Brien, EVP Global Sales and Strategic Alliances

Shawn O'Brien leads global sales, channel and alliance development, and sales operations for Qualys. He brings over 30 years of executive and sales leadership experience in the security and IT sectors, with a strong track record of building high-performance teams and driving revenue growth. Most recently, he served as Chief Revenue Officer at Phosphorus.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Key Risks to Qualys (QLYS):

  1. Intense Competition: Qualys operates in a highly competitive and dynamic cybersecurity market, facing pressure from a broad range of rivals. Larger, diversified technology companies such as Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike, and Zscaler, alongside specialized cybersecurity firms like Tenable and Rapid7, are actively expanding their offerings into Qualys's core vulnerability management sector and adjacent markets, including cloud security and endpoint detection and response (EDR). Qualys's growth strategy, which relies on cross-selling new modules to its existing customer base, places it in direct competition with these established players in their respective domains.
  2. Rapid Technological Evolution and AI Disruption: The cybersecurity industry is characterized by continuous technological advancements and evolving threat landscapes, particularly with the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Qualys must constantly innovate and adapt to maintain its competitive edge. Concerns exist that Qualys's emphasis on profitability might lead to a less aggressive investment in generative AI compared to some faster-growing competitors, potentially hindering long-term innovation. The rise of AI also presents a "net downside risk" by potentially disrupting core vulnerability management practices, similar to how endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions superseded traditional antivirus products.
  3. Macroeconomic Headwinds and Longer Sales Cycles: Macroeconomic uncertainty is a significant risk, contributing to extended sales cycles and increased scrutiny of IT budgets for cybersecurity solutions. This economic environment can negatively impact Qualys's opportunities to upsell to existing customers and acquire new ones, potentially affecting its overall revenue growth and financial performance.

AI Analysis | Feedback

The increasing comprehensiveness and native integration of IT security, compliance, and asset management services offered by major cloud hyperscalers (e.g., Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud) directly within their core cloud platforms. These hyperscalers leverage their fundamental advantage of owning the underlying infrastructure and often the operating system/identity layer to provide deeply integrated, often bundled, and competitively priced security solutions that can gradually diminish the perceived value and necessity of independent, third-party cloud-based security platforms like Qualys.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Qualys (NASDAQ: QLYS) operates within several significant and growing cybersecurity markets. Here's an overview of the addressable markets for their main products and services globally:

  • Vulnerability Management: The global security and vulnerability management market was valued at approximately USD 17.67 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 34.01 billion by 2035. Another estimate places the global vulnerability management market at US$14.94 billion in 2024, with a projection to reach US$24.08 billion by 2030.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): The global endpoint detection and response (EDR) market was valued at USD 3.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 9.8 billion by 2030. Other sources indicate the global EDR market was valued at USD 3,553.4 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 16,893.2 million by 2030.
  • Cloud Security: The global cloud security market size was estimated at USD 40.81 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase to approximately USD 133.39 billion by 2035. Another report valued the global cloud security market at USD 51.11 billion in 2025, with a projection to reach USD 224.16 billion by 2034.
  • Application Security (including Web Application Security): The global application security market size was estimated at USD 10.65 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 42.09 billion by 2033. Furthermore, the market was valued at USD 10.4 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 34.8 billion by 2033.
  • Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC): The global GRC technology market reached an approximate valuation of USD 51.5 billion in early 2025. Separately, the global Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platform market size was valued at USD 51.43 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 92.68 billion by 2031.
  • Overall Cybersecurity Market: The global cybersecurity market size was valued at USD 218.98 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 699.39 billion by 2034. Another estimate for global spending on cybersecurity products and services predicts it will reach $454 billion annually in 2025.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Qualys (QLYS) is expected to drive future revenue growth over the next 2-3 years through several key initiatives and market trends:

  1. Expansion and Adoption of the Enterprise TruRisk Management (ETM) Platform and AI-driven Cybersecurity Solutions: Qualys is strategically focused on the broader adoption of its Enterprise TruRisk Management (ETM) platform, which incorporates advanced AI capabilities, including its Agentic AI platform. This platform approach allows for features like exploit validation, risk quantification, and autonomous remediation, aiming to redefine pre-breach risk management. The company is actively launching new AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, such as Identity Security Posture Management (ISPM) and TotalCloud CNAPP, to address evolving threats and expand its total addressable market.
  2. Growth Through Channel Partnerships: Channel partners, including security consulting organizations, managed service providers, and resellers, are a significant and growing component of Qualys's revenue strategy. Channel partner revenue has been outpacing direct sales growth and now accounts for a substantial portion of total revenue. Programs like the Managed Risk Operation Center (mROC) are designed to further empower partners, driving both new customer acquisition and deeper adoption of Qualys solutions, especially in international markets.
  3. International Market Expansion: Qualys is experiencing robust growth in international markets, with non-U.S. revenue consistently growing at a higher rate than domestic sales. This global market penetration is a key driver, with international revenue representing a significant and increasing percentage of the company's total revenue. The company is strategically expanding its reach outside the U.S. to capitalize on this momentum.
  4. Upselling and Cross-selling to Existing Customers (Net Dollar Expansion): A crucial driver for Qualys is deepening relationships with its existing customer base of over 10,000 subscribers. The company aims to expand "wallet share" by encouraging customers to adopt more modules and services within the Qualys Cloud Platform. This strategy is reflected in an improving net dollar expansion rate, indicating that existing customers are increasing their spending on Qualys's comprehensive suite of IT, security, and compliance solutions.
  5. Expansion into the Government Sector with FedRAMP High Certification: Qualys has achieved agency authorization for FedRAMP High, a significant certification that positions the company uniquely in the U.S. federal sector. This achievement establishes a strong foundation for securing government entities and opens new opportunities for revenue growth across multiple solution categories in hybrid environments.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Capital Allocation Decisions of Qualys (QLYS)

Share Repurchases

  • Qualys increased its share repurchase program by an additional $200 million in February 2026.
  • As of the third quarter of 2025, Qualys had $205 million remaining in its share repurchase program.
  • Since the inception of its share repurchase program in February 2018, Qualys has repurchased 10.4 million shares, returning $1.2 billion in cash to shareholders.

Share Issuance

  • On August 1, 2025, 6,042 common shares were withheld from the CEO to cover tax liability related to vesting Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
  • The number of Qualys shares outstanding decreased by 2.41% in one year, as of February 2026, indicating net repurchases exceeding any new issuances.

Outbound Investments

  • Qualys acquired Blue Hexagon, an AI-based automated network threat defense solution company, in October 2022.
  • In August 2021, Qualys acquired Total Cloud for $1.1 million.
  • Qualys acquired Spell Security, an endpoint detection and response (EDR) cybersecurity startup, in August 2020.

Capital Expenditures

  • Qualys anticipates 2025 capital expenditures to range between $8 million and $11 million.
  • Capital expenditures were $23 million in 2024 and $38 million in 2023.
  • The company has steadily reduced its capital spending over time as it matured into a fully cloud-native, low-infrastructure SaaS business, with capital expenditures settling at 1-2% of revenues for ongoing CapEx.

Better Bets vs. Qualys (QLYS)

Peer Outperformance in Systems Software

QLYS has outperformed 82% of its 68 Systems Software peers over 5Y. Systems Software ranks 12th of 12 industries in Information Technology by median 5Y return. The sector’s gains have largely come from elsewhere.
Share of Systems Software constituents that QLYS has outperformed, by holding period. Peers without a full price history over a given window are excluded from that window.
1Y
74%
of 86 industry peers · 39.3% return
3Y
53%
of 75 industry peers · 24.9% return
5Y
82%
of 68 industry peers · 65.9% return
No Systems Software peer with a comparable growth profile has beaten QLYS by more than 20pp over 5Y.
Median price return by industry across the Information Technology sector, ranked by 5Y. Systems Software is QLYS's own industry. Use this to see which corners of the sector have carried the returns.
Industry Names 1Y med3Y med5Y med Top 3 by 5Y
Electronic Manufacturing Services 9 63.9%203.0%319.7% FLEX 750% · TTMI 687% · JBL 434%
Semiconductor Materials & Equipment 27 154.0%77.2%130.3% AEHR 1726% · AXTI 722% · KLAC 504%
Technology Distributors 9 27.7%63.1%79.9% CLMB 336% · AVT 154% · SNX 113%
Electronic Components 26 63.5%63.7%59.4% CLS 3285% · BELFA 1353% · LPTH 679%
Communications Equipment 35 41.5%86.1%45.5% AAOI 1785% · LITE 925% · ANET 716%
Semiconductors 54 37.3%35.7%33.1% POET 1926% · MU 1312% · NVDA 935%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 22 37.7%75.5%30.4% STX 1003% · SMCI 945% · WDC 928%
Internet Services & Infrastructure 6 16.6%39.5%22.9% DOCN 117% · GDDY 38% · VRSN 35%
Electronic Equipment & Instruments 27 -3.4%17.2%-2.8% PI 230% · SOTK 138% · NSSC 127%
IT Consulting & Other Services 28 -22.9%-6.1%-18.9% CHRN 627400% · APLD 2003% · INOD 725%
Application Software 123 -16.9%-9.6%-41.0% VIDA 131567% · INLX 5338% · PLTR 649%
Systems Software ← 69 -5.4%16.6%-50.6% QNC 911% · PANW 484% · PAYS 455%
Median of constituents with a full price history over each window. Top names are unfiltered by size in this render.

Recent Active Movers

Peer Comparisons

Peers to compare with:

Financials

QLYSTENBRPDCRWDPANWFTNTMedian
NameQualys Tenable Rapid7 CrowdStr.Palo Alt.Fortinet  
Mkt Price181.9834.3811.85191.95357.87153.51167.75
Mkt Cap6.43.80.848.7286.7112.527.5
Rev LTM7031,0448565,09410,6067,5273,069
Op Inc LTM2424312-1991,0202,442142
FCF LTM3142541291,4313,7943,117873
FCF 3Y Avg2702181361,1613,2692,241715
CFO LTM3212701531,8194,2173,3961,070
CFO 3Y Avg2782331561,4833,5282,571881

Growth & Margins

QLYSTENBRPDCRWDPANWFTNTMedian
NameQualys Tenable Rapid7 CrowdStr.Palo Alt.Fortinet  
Rev Chg LTM10.4%9.9%0.1%23.2%19.5%18.8%14.6%
Rev Chg 3Y Avg10.3%12.0%5.4%27.8%17.8%14.7%13.4%
Rev Chg Q11.0%8.6%-1.5%25.6%31.1%25.6%18.3%
QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM2.6%2.1%-0.4%5.9%7.2%5.9%4.3%
Op Inc Chg LTM22.3%403.6%-47.6%17.7%3.6%24.8%20.0%
Op Inc Chg 3Y Avg19.5%167.8%21.1%-1,105.5%137.6%27.7%24.4%
Op Mgn LTM34.4%4.2%1.4%-3.9%9.6%32.4%6.9%
Op Mgn 3Y Avg32.0%-0.3%2.7%-3.2%9.9%29.8%6.3%
QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM0.6%1.9%0.1%2.1%-4.8%1.3%1.0%
CFO/Rev LTM45.7%25.8%17.9%35.7%39.8%45.1%37.7%
CFO/Rev 3Y Avg43.4%24.3%18.5%35.7%38.8%39.2%37.3%
FCF/Rev LTM44.7%24.4%15.0%28.1%35.8%41.4%31.9%
FCF/Rev 3Y Avg42.1%22.8%16.2%28.0%36.1%34.0%31.0%

Valuation

QLYSTENBRPDCRWDPANWFTNTMedian
NameQualys Tenable Rapid7 CrowdStr.Palo Alt.Fortinet  
Mkt Cap6.43.80.848.7286.7112.527.5
P/S9.13.60.99.627.015.09.3
P/Op Inc26.487.964.5-244.5281.146.155.3
P/EBIT26.482.724.11,657.6205.442.662.7
P/E30.8564.739.4-1,986.2340.153.146.3
P/CFO19.814.15.226.868.033.123.3
Total Yield3.2%0.2%2.5%-0.1%0.3%1.9%1.1%
Dividend Yield0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%
FCF Yield 3Y Avg5.3%5.1%13.0%3.5%2.1%2.9%4.3%
D/E0.00.11.20.00.00.00.0
Net D/E-0.10.00.3-0.1-0.0-0.0-0.0

Returns

QLYSTENBRPDCRWDPANWFTNTMedian
NameQualys Tenable Rapid7 CrowdStr.Palo Alt.Fortinet  
1M Rtn29.8%4.7%19.6%1.9%6.7%-1.0%5.7%
3M Rtn77.8%35.1%63.0%15.7%37.3%14.6%36.2%
6M Rtn96.4%72.7%80.4%97.6%140.7%91.9%94.1%
12M Rtn39.3%14.3%-41.1%85.4%95.2%97.4%62.4%
3Y Rtn24.9%-23.6%-74.7%404.0%205.1%163.2%94.1%
1M Excs Rtn32.5%5.1%20.4%1.1%6.3%-2.3%5.7%
3M Excs Rtn77.4%33.5%64.3%15.4%38.4%15.5%36.0%
6M Excs Rtn85.3%61.6%69.3%86.5%129.6%80.8%83.1%
12M Excs Rtn17.8%-6.9%-61.5%63.2%74.0%72.8%40.5%
3Y Excs Rtn-51.7%-98.1%-149.1%341.1%160.3%89.6%18.9%

Comparison Analyses

Financials

Segment Financials

Revenue by Segment
$ Mil20252024202320222021
Single Segment669608554490411
Total669608554490411


Net Income by Segment
$ Mil202520242023
Single Segment198174152
Total198174152


Price Behavior

Price Behavior
Market Price$181.98 
Market Cap ($ Bil)6.5 
First Trading Date09/28/2012 
Distance from 52W High-7.1% 
   50 Days200 Days
DMA Price$149.38$122.76
DMA Trendupup
Distance from DMA21.8%48.2%
 3M1YR
Volatility59.6%52.1%
Downside Capture-12.7418.42
Upside Capture256.3752.14
Correlation (SPY)29.1%10.6%
QLYS Betas & Captures as of 7/31/2026

 1M2M3M6M1Y3Y
Beta1.601.010.510.100.390.85
Up Beta2.401.650.88-0.53-0.161.04
Down Beta1.560.450.670.960.790.93
Up Capture175%219%165%10%31%31%
Bmk +ve Days11223567138427
Stock +ve Days10223465122388
Down Capture92%12%-100%-10%50%91%
Bmk -ve Days11212859114326
Stock -ve Days12212961130363

[1] Upside and downside betas calculated using positive and negative benchmark daily returns respectively
Based On 1-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with QLYS
QLYS37.9%52.0%0.79-
Sector ETF (XLK)41.9%26.0%1.319.9%
Equity (SPY)21.1%12.9%1.2210.4%
Gold (GLD)37.5%28.8%1.10-8.9%
Commodities (DBC)43.2%20.2%1.66-6.1%
Real Estate (VNQ)12.9%13.8%0.64-3.7%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)-35.4%43.5%-0.884.0%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 5-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with QLYS
QLYS10.0%41.4%0.35-
Sector ETF (XLK)19.7%25.9%0.6842.1%
Equity (SPY)12.9%17.2%0.5745.0%
Gold (GLD)20.6%18.6%0.90-1.1%
Commodities (DBC)10.4%19.6%0.416.3%
Real Estate (VNQ)2.3%18.9%0.0230.8%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)9.1%52.7%0.3618.7%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 10-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with QLYS
QLYS19.2%39.8%0.57-
Sector ETF (XLK)24.1%24.9%0.8845.6%
Equity (SPY)15.2%17.9%0.7244.5%
Gold (GLD)12.7%16.2%0.641.4%
Commodities (DBC)8.0%18.0%0.369.8%
Real Estate (VNQ)5.0%20.7%0.2028.7%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)62.2%66.1%1.0212.1%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How

Short Interest

Short Interest: As Of Date7312026
Short Interest: Shares Quantity3.7 Mil
Short Interest: % Change Since 7152026-3.2%
Average Daily Volume0.7 Mil
Days-to-Cover Short Interest5.1 days
Basic Shares Quantity35.0 Mil
Short % of Basic Shares10.7%

Earnings Returns History

Updated 6/8/2026
Expand for More
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
5/5/2026-1.4%-2.2%21.0%
2/5/2026-13.3%-18.0%-24.6%
11/4/202520.6%26.9%20.5%
8/5/2025-0.2%-0.9%2.8%
5/6/20250.6%7.8%10.2%
2/6/2025-3.7%0.3%-11.0%
11/5/202424.2%20.5%22.3%
8/6/2024-8.6%-8.8%-9.8%
...
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive101112
# Negative141312
Median Positive8.6%7.8%15.5%
Median Negative-6.4%-8.8%-9.3%
Max Positive24.2%26.9%22.9%
Max Negative-16.0%-18.8%-24.6%
Collapse to Preview
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
5/5/2026-1.4%-2.2%21.0%
2/5/2026-13.3%-18.0%-24.6%
11/4/202520.6%26.9%20.5%
8/5/2025-0.2%-0.9%2.8%
5/6/20250.6%7.8%10.2%
2/6/2025-3.7%0.3%-11.0%
11/5/202424.2%20.5%22.3%
8/6/2024-8.6%-8.8%-9.8%
5/7/2024-9.8%-9.8%-18.6%
2/7/2024-4.2%-3.7%-4.8%
11/2/202311.3%10.0%22.9%
8/3/20234.0%6.7%13.0%
5/4/20237.7%6.1%18.3%
2/9/2023-0.6%-4.5%-3.5%
11/2/2022-16.0%-15.3%-8.9%
8/8/202212.0%20.8%18.1%
5/4/2022-5.5%-18.8%-4.5%
2/10/2022-14.3%-13.9%-13.5%
11/3/20219.5%10.0%2.0%
8/9/20214.7%3.6%11.8%
5/5/20214.1%4.0%6.0%
2/10/2021-10.6%-13.2%-14.4%
11/4/2020-0.6%-3.3%-3.1%
8/10/2020-7.2%-7.2%-8.3%
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive101112
# Negative141312
Median Positive8.6%7.8%15.5%
Median Negative-6.4%-8.8%-9.3%
Max Positive24.2%26.9%22.9%
Max Negative-16.0%-18.8%-24.6%

SEC Filings

Expand for More
Report DateFiling DateFiling
06/30/202608/04/202610-Q
03/31/202605/05/202610-Q
12/31/202502/20/202610-K
09/30/202511/04/202510-Q
06/30/202508/05/202510-Q
03/31/202505/06/202510-Q
12/31/202402/21/202510-K
09/30/202411/05/202410-Q
06/30/202408/06/202410-Q
03/31/202405/07/202410-Q
12/31/202302/22/202410-K
09/30/202311/02/202310-Q
06/30/202308/03/202310-Q
03/31/202305/04/202310-Q
12/31/202202/23/202310-K
09/30/202211/02/202210-Q
Collapse to Preview
Report DateFiling DateFiling
06/30/202608/04/202610-Q
03/31/202605/05/202610-Q
12/31/202502/20/202610-K
09/30/202511/04/202510-Q
06/30/202508/05/202510-Q
03/31/202505/06/202510-Q
12/31/202402/21/202510-K
09/30/202411/05/202410-Q
06/30/202408/06/202410-Q
03/31/202405/07/202410-Q
12/31/202302/22/202410-K
09/30/202311/02/202310-Q
06/30/202308/03/202310-Q
03/31/202305/04/202310-Q
12/31/202202/23/202310-K
09/30/202211/02/202210-Q
06/30/202208/08/202210-Q
03/31/202205/04/202210-Q
12/31/202102/22/202210-K
09/30/202111/03/202110-Q
06/30/202108/09/202110-Q
03/31/202105/05/202110-Q
12/31/202002/22/202110-K
09/30/202011/04/202010-Q
06/30/202008/10/202010-Q
03/31/202005/07/202010-Q
12/31/201902/21/202010-K
09/30/201910/31/201910-Q

Recent Forward Guidance

Updated 8/21/2026

Latest: Q2 2026 Earnings Reported 8/4/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
Q3 2026 Revenue185.50 Mil186.50 Mil187.50 Mil4.5% Higher NewActual: 178.50 Mil for Q2 2026
Q3 2026 GAAP EPS1.431.471.514.9% Higher NewActual: 1.27 for Q2 2026
Q3 2026 Non-GAAP EPS1.911.951.9810.2% Higher NewActual: 1.76 for Q2 2026
2026 Revenue732.00 Mil735.00 Mil738.00 Mil1.5% RaisedGuidance: 724.00 Mil for 2026
2026 GAAP EPS5.765.835.95.9% RaisedGuidance: 5.5 for 2026
2026 Non-GAAP EPS7.747.817.883.5% RaisedGuidance: 7.54 for 2026

null

Insider Activity

Updated 8/21/2026
Expand for More
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Pfeiffer, WendyDirectSell8212026185.0050092,5002,166,350Form
2Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell8212026184.23866159,54410,971,701Form
3Thakar, Sumedh SCEO & PRESIDENTDirectSell8172026188.973,200604,70834,683,429Form
4Kim, Joo MICHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERDirectSell8042026153.041,627248,99511,591,648Form
5Pfeiffer, WendyDirectSell7212026158.1950079,0951,931,500Form
Collapse to Preview
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Pfeiffer, WendyDirectSell8212026185.0050092,5002,166,350Form
2Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell8212026184.23866159,54410,971,701Form
3Thakar, Sumedh SCEO & PRESIDENTDirectSell8172026188.973,200604,70834,683,429Form
4Kim, Joo MICHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERDirectSell8042026153.041,627248,99511,591,648Form
5Pfeiffer, WendyDirectSell7212026158.1950079,0951,931,500Form
6Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell7212026158.17882139,5089,915,697Form
7Thakar, Sumedh SCEO & PRESIDENTDirectSell7152026160.503,200513,61131,055,156Form
8Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell7062026155.001,000155,0009,853,505Form
9Kim, Joo MICHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERDirectSell7062026143.44965138,42011,649,480Form
10Thakar, Sumedh SCEO & PRESIDENTDirectSell7012026135.0030,0004,050,00026,552,610Form
11Thakar, Sumedh SCEO & PRESIDENTDirectSell6302026126.7510,0001,267,53828,733,302Form
12Thakar, Sumedh SCEO & PRESIDENTDirectSell6292026120.4810,0001,204,81428,516,266Form
13Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell6232026109.4486594,6687,066,864Form
14Pfeiffer, WendyDirectSell6232026110.5550055,2751,405,090Form
15Berquist, ThomasDirectSell6152026110.75939103,994750,996Form
16Hank, Jeffrey PDirectSell6152026110.7547052,0521,725,042Form
17Hank, Jeffrey PDirectSell6152026108.8847051,1741,747,088Form
18Kim, Joo MICHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERDirectSell6032026111.671,031115,1289,176,770Form
19Thakar, Sumedh SCEO & PRESIDENTDirectSell6022026114.7313,2001,514,40728,668,875Form
20Pfeiffer, WendyDirectSell5262026101.2150050,6051,071,004Form
21Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell5212026100.4386586,8766,572,019Form
22Kim, Joo MICHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERDirectSell5212026100.171,627162,9768,335,213Form
23Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell5212026100.182,384238,8356,642,185Form
24Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell3162026100.09656,5067,102,134Form
25Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell3062026100.1810010,0187,115,032Form
26Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell2242026103.8548149,9507,385,471Form
27Kim, Joo MICHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERDirectSell2062026128.466,799873,36911,366,903Form
28Kim, Joo MICHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERDirectSell2032026135.633,414463,02412,001,330Form
29Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell1222026132.341,101145,7089,078,364Form
30Thakar, Sumedh SCEO & PRESIDENTDirectSell1162026133.765,000668,81733,146,573Form
31Kim, Joo MICHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERDirectSell1052026130.774,753621,54012,380,060Form
32Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell12232025142.461,077153,4279,929,151Form
33Thakar, Sumedh SCEO & PRESIDENTDirectSell12162025147.128,5001,250,55137,192,847Form
34Kim, Joo MICHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERDirectSell12102025149.818,6491,295,70514,894,843Form
35Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell12052025150.001,000150,00010,616,400Form
36Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell12052025145.993,077449,21910,478,749Form
37Kim, Joo MICHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERDirectSell12032025146.597,5061,100,30715,842,604Form
38Kim, Joo MICHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERDirectSell11242025141.957,6941,092,19216,407,017Form
39Thakar, Sumedh SCEO & PRESIDENTDirectSell11172025142.688,5001,212,76636,354,441Form
40Thakar, Sumedh SCEO & PRESIDENTDirectSell11132025155.042,200341,09439,814,965Form
41Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell10212025127.1254068,6467,217,366Form
42Thakar, Sumedh SCEO & PRESIDENTDirectSell10152025126.828,5001,078,00725,865,955Form
43Kim, Joo MICHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERDirectSell10072025129.17787101,65611,995,202Form
44Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell9232025136.1852571,4977,805,402Form
45Thakar, Sumedh SCEO & PRESIDENTDirectSell9162025132.498,5001,126,18427,286,896Form
46Kim, Joo MICHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERDirectSell9082025134.80844113,76912,623,955Form
47Berquist, ThomasDirectSell9032025133.0951268,141677,680Form
48Zangardi, John ADirectSell8292025134.943,103418,720549,343Form
49Zangardi, John ADirectSell8252025134.823,860520,404967,197Form
50Rogers, Kristi MarieDirectSell8252025134.701,700228,9981,157,922Form
51Posey, Bruce KCHIEF LEGAL OFFICERDirectSell8212025132.2852569,4497,651,296Form
52Pfeiffer, WendyDirectSell8182025129.7220025,9441,437,557Form
53Thakar, Sumedh SCEO & PRESIDENTDirectSell8152025129.958,5001,104,60227,019,873Form
54Zangardi, John ADirectSell8152025132.031,287169,9181,456,782Form
55Kim, Joo MICHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERDirectSell8062025132.261,018134,64312,494,537Form

Investor Activity (13F)

Updated Aug 22, 2026
13F holdings as of Mar 31, 2026 (Q1 2026)

Active managers (13F portfolio over $250M, at least 3 holdings) with a position over $5M that is either over 10% of their portfolio or held in a concentrated book of 50 or fewer total positions. Index/ETF, sovereign, bank, community-bank and charitable/donor-advised filers are excluded.

Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
CDAM (UK) Ltd$41.2 Mil9.1%11ADD +21.3%13F
Fundsmith LLP$19.9 Mil0.2%34TRIM -65.1%13F
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
CDAM (UK) Ltd$41.2 Mil9.1%11ADD +21.3%13F
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Fundsmith LLP$19.9 Mil0.2%34TRIM -65.1%13F
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
CDAM (UK) Ltd$41.2 Mil9.1%11ADD +21.3%13F
Fundsmith LLP$19.9 Mil0.2%34TRIM -65.1%13F
Core Cache Last Updated: 8/21/2026