Qualys (QLYS) is back in focus after its Q4 2025 results, a fresh 2026 outlook, and an expanded share repurchase plan, all arriving alongside new AI driven cybersecurity platform updates.

The weak 2026 outlook and softer growth guidance have hit sentiment hard, with a 1 day share price return of 13.31% decline and a 90 day share price return of 27.10% decline. The 5 year total shareholder return of 7.01% points to much more muted longer term gains and suggests that momentum has recently faded despite earlier compounding.

If Qualys' recent pullback has you reassessing opportunities in cybersecurity and automation, it could be a good time to scan the market for 56 profitable AI stocks that aren't just burning cash that pair growth themes with existing profitability.

With Qualys shares down sharply despite 2025 earnings growth, an expanded US$1.6b buyback pool, and new AI driven products, you have to ask: is this pullback a genuine opportunity, or are markets already pricing in future growth?

Most Popular Narrative: 22.6% Undervalued

Qualys' most followed valuation narrative pegs fair value at about $143, which sits well above the latest close of $110.80 and frames the recent selloff in a very different light.

Adoption of Qualys' new cloud-native risk operations center (ROC) and Agentic AI platform positions the company as a leading pre-breach risk management provider, offering unified orchestration, automation, and remediation across both Qualys and non-Qualys data; this opens incremental greenfield opportunities and should support higher ARPU and expanded TAM, leading to durable revenue and earnings growth.

Curious what kind of revenue trajectory and profit margins are baked into that valuation gap? This narrative leans heavily on steady growth assumptions and a future earnings multiple that depends on continued execution. The full breakdown shows how those moving parts combine into a fair value that is well above today’s price.

Result: Fair Value of $143.24 (UNDERVALUED)

However, it is worth keeping in mind that faster moving AI security rivals and customers optimizing Flex pricing usage could both pressure Qualys' growth and margins.

Build Your Own Qualys Narrative

If you see the story differently or prefer to test your own assumptions against the data, you can build a tailored view in minutes: Do it your way.

A good starting point is our analysis highlighting 4 key rewards investors are optimistic about regarding Qualys.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.