Qualys Shares Fall 13.4% After EPS Guidance Miss and Slower Growth
Qualys forecasted full-year adjusted EPS midpoint of $7.31 and guided Q1 sales growth at 8.5%, both below analyst expectations and decelerating from previous quarter's 10.1%. Shares plunged 13.4% following the lowered outlook, extending the year-to-date decline to 15.7% and trading 28.2% below its 52-week high.
1. Full-year 2026 Guidance
Qualys issued full-year 2026 guidance with adjusted EPS midpoint of $7.31, missing consensus and signaling a slowdown in profitability. Management also projected first-quarter revenue growth of 8.5% year-on-year, down from the 10.1% growth achieved in Q4 2025, indicating deceleration in sales momentum.
2. Market Reaction and Performance
Following the lowered outlook, shares dropped 13.4% in a single session, marking one of the largest moves for the stock in over a year. The decline has pushed Qualys down 15.7% since January and 28.2% below its November 2025 52-week high, reflecting heightened investor concern over growth prospects.