Qualys, Inc.

NasdaqGS:QLYS Stock Report

Market Cap: US$3.2b

Qualys Future Growth

Future criteria checks 2/6

Qualys is forecast to grow earnings and revenue by 3.6% and 6.5% per annum respectively. EPS is expected to grow by 4% per annum. Return on equity is forecast to be 37.9% in 3 years.

Key information

3.6%

Earnings growth rate

4.03%

EPS growth rate

Software earnings growth19.6%
Revenue growth rate6.5%
Future return on equity37.87%
Analyst coverage

Good

Last updated07 May 2026

Recent future growth updates

Analysis Article Aug 08

Qualys, Inc. Beat Analyst Estimates: See What The Consensus Is Forecasting For This Year

NasdaqGS:QLYS 1 Year Share Price vs Fair Value Explore Qualys's Fair Values from the Community and select yours Qualys...

Recent updates

Narrative Update May 08

QLYS: AI Resilient Remediation Focus Will Support Future EPS Durability

Qualys' updated fair value estimate has shifted from about $136 to $107, as analysts recalibrated price targets in light of recent sectorwide target cuts and slightly lower assumptions for long term margins and P/E multiples, even as some still highlight the stock's focus on remediation and patching as a relative strength within cybersecurity. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Qualys reflects a mix of caution and selective optimism, with multiple firms revisiting price targets and ratings as they reassess both sector risks and the company’s positioning in cybersecurity and AI related headlines.
Seeking Alpha Apr 27

Qualys: Generative AI Agent Proliferation Drives Rising Demand

Summary Qualys is undeniably well financed, with no debt and a cash war chest of nearly $700 million, relative to its $3 billion market capitalization. Qualys has demonstrated a long history of disciplined profitability and methodical platform expansion, balancing revenue growth with high margins and robust operating and free cash flow generation. Large swaths of the Qualys customer base come from highly regulated sectors such as finance and healthcare, which maintain regulatory statutes that demand the use of third-party vulnerability management providers. The proliferation of generative A.I. agents creates more openings for bad actors to exploit insecure software and appears likely to increase the number of devices that companies will need to monitor. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update Apr 24

QLYS: AI Security Headlines Will Likely Temper But Not Disrupt Core Remediation

Qualys fair value estimate is updated to $85 from $113, reflecting analysts' lower price targets across the sector while still citing the company as relatively insulated by its focus on remediation and patching capabilities in the context of recent AI driven cybersecurity headlines. Analyst Commentary Street research around Qualys in recent weeks has centered on two themes: the impact of new AI coding security tools on cybersecurity valuations and how resilient Qualys may be given its emphasis on remediation and patching.
Narrative Update Apr 09

QLYS: AI Resilience And Evidence Based Risk Remediation Will Support EPS Outlook

The analyst price target for Qualys is updated from $143.24 to $135.91 as analysts factor in a lower future P/E assumption of 25.5x and moderated revenue growth expectations at 7.22%, partly offset by a higher projected profit margin of 27.19% and views that AI coding assistants do not replace core security platforms. Analyst Commentary Recent research notes around Qualys focus heavily on how new AI security tools, such as Anthropic's Claude Code Security and related offerings, might influence demand for traditional cybersecurity platforms and the valuation investors are willing to pay.
Narrative Update Mar 25

QLYS: AI Budget Headlines Will Likely Underscore Core Risk Remediation Strength

Analysts have reduced their price targets on Qualys by $4 to $10 while maintaining a fair value estimate of $113, citing evolving views on AI related competitive headlines and the company’s positioning within cybersecurity budgets. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around AI related headlines has created a split view for Qualys.
Narrative Update Mar 10

QLYS: AI Headline Volatility Will Support Remediation-Focused Cybersecurity Demand

The Analyst Price Target for Qualys has been revised lower by about $5 to reflect updated assumptions on growth, profitability, discount rate, and future P/E, as analysts weigh new AI related competitive headlines against views that core security platforms and Qualys remediation focus remain structurally relevant. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates around Anthropic's Claude Code Security have added noise to cybersecurity stocks, including Qualys, but several bullish analysts see the headlines as more of a sentiment swing than a change in underlying demand for core security platforms.
Narrative Update Feb 24

QLYS: AI Headline Pressure Will Likely Reinforce Core Security Importance

Analysts have trimmed their Qualys price targets by $4 to $10 per share, reflecting slightly higher discount rate and revenue growth assumptions as they weigh new AI code security tools against views that core security platforms, and Qualys in particular, remain structurally important and relatively insulated within vulnerability management. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Qualys centers on how new AI code security tools, such as Anthropic's Claude Code Security and OpenAI's Aardvark, might influence demand for traditional security platforms.
Analysis Article Feb 12

Qualys' (NASDAQ:QLYS) Earnings May Just Be The Starting Point

Investors were underwhelmed by the solid earnings posted by Qualys, Inc. ( NASDAQ:QLYS ) recently. We have done some...
Narrative Update Feb 09

QLYS: Recent Price Target Cuts Will Likely Temper Richness Of Current Pricing

The analyst price target for Qualys has been revised from $117 to $113, as analysts factor in updated assumptions around revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E multiples following a series of recent price target reductions across the Street. Analyst Commentary Bearish analysts have been trimming their price targets on Qualys in a series of moves that collectively point to more cautious expectations around the stock.
Narrative Update Jan 25

QLYS: Recent Execution Strength Will Likely Fail To Justify Rich Pricing

Analysts have raised their fair value estimate for Qualys from $110.71 to $117.00, citing recent upward price target revisions, solid Q3 execution with accelerating billings and record operating margins, and five consecutive quarters of guidance outperformance that support expectations for a stronger growth outlook. Analyst Commentary Recent commentary has shifted from outright skepticism to a more balanced, wait and see stance.
Analysis Article Jan 14

Do Qualys' (NASDAQ:QLYS) Earnings Warrant Your Attention?

Investors are often guided by the idea of discovering 'the next big thing', even if that means buying 'story stocks...
Narrative Update Jan 09

QLYS: Execution Gains And Buybacks Will Support Balanced EPS Outlook

Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for Qualys slightly higher to about $143, supported by recent Street research highlighting solid Q3 execution, accelerating billings growth, record operating margin and five straight quarters of upside to quarterly guidance as reasons for a higher $135 price target. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts point to accelerating billings growth as a key support for the higher fair value estimate, seeing it as evidence that underlying demand is backing recent valuation moves.
Narrative Update Dec 17

QLYS: Premium Cybersecurity Valuation Will Likely Struggle As Competitive Pressures Mount

Analysts have raised their price target on Qualys by about $5 to reflect an improved revenue growth outlook and consistent outperformance against quarterly guidance, even as they modestly increase the discount rate and trim long term profitability and valuation assumptions. Analyst Commentary While the latest price target increase reflects stronger near term execution, some bearish analysts remain cautious about the durability of Qualys' growth trajectory and its valuation relative to peers.
Narrative Update Dec 03

QLYS: Improving Execution And Buybacks Will Support Durable EPS Performance

Analysts have modestly raised their price target on Qualys to $135 from $115, citing accelerating billings growth, record operating margins, and five consecutive quarters of guidance outperformance as evidence of improved execution and a more durable growth outlook. Analyst Commentary Analysts interpret the recent upgrade and price target increase as a signal that execution risk has moderated and that valuation now better reflects Qualys' improving fundamentals.
Narrative Update Nov 19

QLYS: Improving Execution Will Support Continued Outperformance Amid Market Opportunities

Analysts have raised their price target on Qualys, increasing it from $141.02 to $142.56. They cite improving execution and accelerating billings growth as key factors behind a more positive outlook.
Analysis Article Sep 11

Qualys, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:QLYS) Intrinsic Value Is Potentially 29% Above Its Share Price

Key Insights Qualys' estimated fair value is US$170 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Qualys is estimated to be...
Analysis Article Aug 08

Qualys, Inc. Beat Analyst Estimates: See What The Consensus Is Forecasting For This Year

NasdaqGS:QLYS 1 Year Share Price vs Fair Value Explore Qualys's Fair Values from the Community and select yours Qualys...
Analysis Article Aug 04

Qualys (NASDAQ:QLYS) Knows How To Allocate Capital Effectively

What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term...
Analysis Article May 17

Calculating The Intrinsic Value Of Qualys, Inc. (NASDAQ:QLYS)

Key Insights The projected fair value for Qualys is US$160 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Qualys' US$137...
Analysis Article Apr 29

We Like Qualys' (NASDAQ:QLYS) Returns And Here's How They're Trending

What trends should we look for it we want to identify stocks that can multiply in value over the long term? In a...
Seeking Alpha Apr 23

Qualys Improves Profitable Growth From Partner Program And International (Upgrade)

Summary Qualys' stock price has declined since February 2025, but improved partner channel focus and international growth lead me to upgrade it to a Hold rating. Despite a sliding revenue growth rate, Qualys shows profitability improvements, strong international growth, and a clean balance sheet with zero debt. Risks include potential negative impacts from U.S. tariff policies and lagging direct sales efforts, but share buybacks and profitability support the stock price. The company appears to be in a profitable growth sweet spot, so my outlook on QLYS is a Hold. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha Feb 14

Qualys: Promising Enterprise Offerings Could Unlock Future Growth

Summary I maintain my buy rating for Qualys, projecting a 9% upside with a conservative 1-year price target of $150 per share. QLYS has shown improved profit margins and operating cash flow, despite a slowdown in revenue growth, and continues robust share repurchase activities. QLYS' ETM and ROC solutions are poised to capitalize on enterprise vendor-consolidation trends, potentially driving longer-term adoption and international growth. Risks include potential delays in deal closures and increased sales and marketing expenses, but overall risk appears minimal with disciplined growth maintained. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Analysis Article Jan 20

Should You Be Adding Qualys (NASDAQ:QLYS) To Your Watchlist Today?

It's common for many investors, especially those who are inexperienced, to buy shares in companies with a good story...
Analysis Article Jan 01

Qualys (NASDAQ:QLYS) Is Very Good At Capital Allocation

What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term...
Seeking Alpha Nov 27

Qualys: The Easy Gains Were Already Made (Rating Downgrade)

Summary Qualys' strong Q3 earnings, raised guidance, and potential sale news drove the stock up significantly, but I'm downgrading it to Hold as its valuation isn't as attractive anymore. The company still has strong profitability (although profitability has fallen a bit) and a debt-free balance sheet. Qualys' net dollar expansion rate improved to 103%, signaling a potential end to the downward trend, but management expects no material improvements in Q4. Investors with short-term horizons should consider booking quick gains, while long-term investors might want to hold but avoid additional purchases due to valuation concerns. I don't see any indication that a sale of the company will happen. If a deal falls through, Qualys stock may fall as well, which is another reason why it may not be worth buying right now. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Analysis Article Nov 23

What Qualys, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:QLYS) 26% Share Price Gain Is Not Telling You

Qualys, Inc. ( NASDAQ:QLYS ) shareholders have had their patience rewarded with a 26% share price jump in the last...
Analysis Article Oct 05

What Qualys, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:QLYS) P/E Is Not Telling You

Qualys, Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:QLYS ) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 27.4x might make it look like a sell right now...
Analysis Article Sep 17

Under The Bonnet, Qualys' (NASDAQ:QLYS) Returns Look Impressive

If you're looking for a multi-bagger, there's a few things to keep an eye out for. Firstly, we'd want to identify a...
Seeking Alpha Sep 17

Qualys Stock: The Cybersecurity Compounder No One Is Talking About

Summary Qualys, a cybersecurity company, is down 39% from its all-time high but remains a solid long-term investment due to its superb business characteristics. Despite headwinds like slowing revenue growth, reduced guidance, and a falling net dollar expansion rate, QLYS's steady growth, high profitability, and strong balance sheet make it compelling. The cybersecurity market is expanding, and the Company is a key player, ensuring its long-term growth potential remains intact. With its recent pullback, Qualys is now a reasonably priced compounder, prompting a Buy rating. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
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New Narrative Aug 31

Leveraging Cybersecurity Innovation And Expanding Market Reach Fuels Growth

Leveraging automation and standardizing security platforms suggest a positive impact on revenue growth for Qualys due to potential demand for integrated solutions.

Earnings and Revenue Growth Forecasts

NasdaqGS:QLYS - Analysts future estimates and past financials data (USD Millions)
DateRevenueEarningsFree Cash FlowCash from OpAvg. No. Analysts
12/31/20288272233173469
12/31/202777621131432523
12/31/202672519729730722
3/31/2026685201290295N/A
12/31/2025669198304309N/A
9/30/2025653189271281N/A
6/30/2025637185240252N/A
3/31/2025622181256268N/A
12/31/2024608174232244N/A
9/30/2024593170222230N/A
6/30/2024581171255262N/A
3/31/2024570162256263N/A
12/31/2023554152236245N/A
9/30/2023541139236255N/A
6/30/2023524120186204N/A
3/31/2023507112166187N/A
12/31/2022490108175199N/A
9/30/2022469101178195N/A
6/30/2022448102177201N/A
3/31/202242896195222N/A
12/31/202141171175201N/A
9/30/202139673171200N/A
6/30/202138468178211N/A
3/31/202137373155186N/A
12/31/202036392149180N/A
9/30/202035388143175N/A
6/30/202034285136161N/A
3/31/202033375142169N/A
12/31/201932269N/A161N/A
9/30/201931163N/A154N/A
6/30/201930067N/A140N/A
3/31/201928961N/A127N/A
12/31/201827957N/A125N/A
9/30/201826846N/A125N/A
6/30/201825531N/A126N/A
3/31/201824328N/A118N/A
12/31/201723140N/A108N/A
9/30/201722043N/A95N/A
6/30/201721240N/A83N/A
3/31/201720536N/A83N/A
12/31/201619819N/A69N/A
9/30/201619019N/A79N/A
6/30/201618218N/A75N/A
3/31/201617318N/A73N/A
12/31/201516416N/A66N/A
9/30/201515636N/A58N/A
6/30/201514835N/A52N/A

Analyst Future Growth Forecasts

Earnings vs Savings Rate: QLYS's forecast earnings growth (3.6% per year) is above the savings rate (3.5%).

Earnings vs Market: QLYS's earnings (3.6% per year) are forecast to grow slower than the US market (16.7% per year).

High Growth Earnings: QLYS's earnings are forecast to grow, but not significantly.

Revenue vs Market: QLYS's revenue (6.5% per year) is forecast to grow slower than the US market (11.6% per year).

High Growth Revenue: QLYS's revenue (6.5% per year) is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.


Earnings per Share Growth Forecasts


Future Return on Equity

Future ROE: QLYS's Return on Equity is forecast to be high in 3 years time (37.9%)


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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status

DataLast Updated (UTC time)
Company Analysis2026/05/13 17:15
End of Day Share Price 2026/05/13 00:00
Earnings2026/03/31
Annual Earnings2025/12/31

Data Sources

The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.

PackageDataTimeframeExample US Source *
Company Financials10 years
  • Income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet
Analyst Consensus Estimates+3 years
  • Forecast financials
  • Analyst price targets
Market Prices30 years
  • Stock prices
  • Dividends, Splits and Actions
Ownership10 years
  • Top shareholders
  • Insider trading
Management10 years
  • Leadership team
  • Board of directors
Key Developments10 years
  • Company announcements

* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.

Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.

Analysis Model and Snowflake

Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.

Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Industry and Sector Metrics

Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.

Analyst Sources

Qualys, Inc. is covered by 46 analysts. 23 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.

AnalystInstitution
Jamie SheltonArete Research Services LLP
Shrenik KothariBaird
Rahul ChopraBerenberg