Latest news with #Flex
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Can Falcon for IT Help CrowdStrike Expand Beyond Cybersecurity?
CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. CRWD is already a leader in cybersecurity, but its latest push into IT operations through Falcon for IT could take the company further. Falcon for IT is a unified security and IT operations platform designed to streamline endpoint management, automate tasks, and enhance security posture. The module, which is within the broader CrowdStrike Falcon platform, leverages AI and real-time insights to help organizations achieve better visibility, control, and faster response times across their IT environments. With more than 20 pre-built response actions, Falcon for IT's use cases extend beyond security investigations to include endpoint reporting, incident response, baseline enforcement and automated remediation. The platform is already showing early signs of growing adoption. In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, management noted that Falcon for IT replaced a legacy endpoint management tool as part of a nine-figure Falcon Flex expansion with a Fortune 100 technology firm. This deal also included Falcon Identity Protection and Next-Gen Security Information and Event Management. The Falcon platform currently has more than 30 modules, and the inclusion of Falcon for IT in a large Flex deal suggests that CrowdStrike's platform is extending its utility beyond core cybersecurity. By offering tools that handle security and IT operations on one platform, CrowdStrike simplifies the platform's usefulness, which helps it in grabbing new customers and retaining the existing ones. It also helps customers cut costs by reducing the number of separate tools they need to buy. This highlights how CrowdStrike continues to strengthen its platform and reflects the company's growing role in adjacent IT domains and not just cybersecurity. Falcon for IT may pave the way for CrowdStrike to expand into IT environments, which were traditionally outside the reach of pure-play cybersecurity vendors. How Competitors Fare Against CRWD Zscaler ZS and Palo Alto Networks PANW are also evolving their platforms to meet enterprise security demands. Zscaler continues to expand its Zero Trust Exchange platform. In the third quarter of fiscal 2025, Zscaler reported ARR of $2.9 billion, up 23% year over year. Zscaler's Zero Trust Everywhere, Data Security Everywhere, and Agentic Operations are becoming its main growth engine. Together, these innovative categories are approaching $1 billion in ARR and are growing faster than Zscaler's total ARR growth. Palo Alto Networks is doubling down on its platformization strategy. In the third quarter of fiscal 2025, PANW closed more than 90 net new platform deals. Moreover, the number of customers platformized on Cortex was up nearly three times, reflecting strong momentum with Palo Alto Networks' Extended Security Intelligence and Automation Management or XSIAM security operation platform. CRWD's Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates Shares of CrowdStrike have gained 47.9% year to date compared with the Security industry's growth of 23.8%. CRWD YTD Price Return Performance From a valuation standpoint, CrowdStrike trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 23.73X, slightly higher than the industry's average of 14.91X. CRWD Forward 12-Month P/S Ratio The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CRWD's fiscal 2026 earnings implies a year-over-year decline of 10.94%, while for fiscal 2027 earnings implies year-over-year growth of 34.68%. The estimates for fiscal 2026 and 2027 have been revised upward in the past 30 days. CrowdStrike currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks' Research Chief Picks Stock Most Likely to "At Least Double" Our experts have revealed their Top 5 recommendations with money-doubling potential – and Director of Research Sheraz Mian believes one is superior to the others. Of course, all our picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier recommendations like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%. See Our Top Stock to Double (Plus 4 Runners Up) >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW): Free Stock Analysis Report Zscaler, Inc. (ZS): Free Stock Analysis Report CrowdStrike (CRWD): Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
CLS Expands Networking Portfolio for Edge AI: Will it Drive Growth?
Celestica, Inc. CLS has been steadily expanding its portfolio of campus access and gateway switches to support the increased connectivity demand at the enterprise edge. Modern edge networks in smart campuses, industrial sites or dense IoT deployments in retail space or education centers require fast port speed to support growing AI workloads. The company recently introduced ES1500, a state-of-the-art enterprise access switch offers up to 48 ports with 2.5 gigabit ethernet (GbE) per port speed. 90W power over ethernet for connected devices ensures greater scalability and flexibility. With a fanless, 8-port compact design, the switch can support an extended temperature range. Such versatility optimizes cost and makes it ideal for space-constrained deployment at an enterprise's edge. 220 GB switching capacity and 2.5X faster speed compared with the previous ES1000 GbE model allow ES1500 to effectively match the unique requirements of new edge IoT and edge-AI modern IT infrastructure becomes more complex with high-density IoT deployments, cloud application companies across industries are looking for ways to optimize their capital and operational expenditure. With high-speed, scalable ports and compact design, Celestica's ES1500 switch is well equipped to meet these innovations will strengthen the portfolio and boost the commercial prospects of Celestica's Connectivity & Cloud Solutions segment. Management's strong emphasis on innovation, product diversification and AI advancements is key growth driver. Celestica faces stiff competition from Flex Ltd. FLEX and Jabil, Inc. JBL. Flex has evolved into an end-to-end solutions provider where it is engaged in design, procurement, manufacturing and supply services for a broad range of products. The company continues to anticipate strong growth in the cloud and data center power business in fiscal 2026. Its innovative suite of power products and services enhances customer satisfaction. All these factors are favorably positioning Flex for the AI-powered technology shift, prevalent in the industry, from grid to chip and from the cloud to the is witnessing solid momentum in AI data-center infrastructure, capital equipment and warehouse automation markets. Its focus on end-market and product diversification is a key catalyst. A large-scale portfolio of business sectors offers Jabil a high degree of resiliency during times of macroeconomic and geopolitical disruption. Celestica shares have gained 175.3% over the past year compared with the industry's growth of 90.1% Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, Celestica trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 26.87, up from the industry average. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Celestica's earnings for 2025 has increased 5.87% in the past 60 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Celestica currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Jabil, Inc. (JBL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Flex Ltd. (FLEX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Celestica, Inc. (CLS) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
What If Ford Revived The Flex As A Maverick-Based Compact 7-Seater?
Years ago, Ford offered the Flex–a unique, box-shaped seven-seater that was either a station wagon, an SUV, or a minivan, depending on who you asked. Sharing its platform with the Ford Taurus, the Flex offered buyers an affordable option for a seven-seater family car that wasn't a massive, gas-guzzling, body-on-frame off-roader. Despite occupying a niche segment, the Ford Flex proved to be relatively popular, selling over 300,000 units during its 11-year production run. Even with consistent year-over-year sales figures, Ford decided to discontinue the full-size crossover after its 2019 model year with no direct replacement. These days, it's incredibly difficult to find a seven-seater vehicle capable of hauling a large family, along with their luggage and some trinkets, that isn't either an expensive, less-than-attractive minivan or a gargantuan SUV. One example that does spring to mind is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, which offers the seating capacity and aesthetics of the much larger GLS-Class, without the massive proportions and eye-watering price tag. If Ford were to revive the Flex, perhaps taking on a similar approach to the GLB-Class could be a fitting, modern take on the original Flex. By downsizing the model and optimizing the Ford Maverick compact pickup truck platform to accommodate a third row of seating, Ford could offer North American buyers a budget-friendly alternative to the more luxurious and more pricey Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class. Perhaps a performance variant akin to the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35, based on the Ford Maverick Lobo street truck, could make an appearance in the Ford Flex model lineup as well. Considering the Ford Maverick is roughly 2 feet longer than the Bronco Sport it shares its platform with, the Maverick offers an excellent foundation for a compact seven-seater SUV. The third row of seats could sit where the pickup truck bed would otherwise be found, with the ability to stow them away for bountiful cargo space. Keeping things frugal, the revived Ford Flex could share the same powertrain options as the Maverick pickup, including a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder engine. For buyers who want a bit more pep in their step and the added confidence of all-wheel drive, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque could make for an excellent optional upgrade. Trim levels could mirror those of the Maverick as well, including a sub-$30,000 base model XL trim, the mid-level XLT trim, and the well-equipped Lariat. For those who desire a bit more uniqueness, the Lobo package could offer a standard EcoBoost engine, sport-tuned suspension, tweaked steering and brakes, and cosmetic enhancements such as rally-inspired 19-inch alloy wheels and a unique grille, just like the Ford Maverick Lobo. A premium, off-road-focused Tremor package could pair the same standard 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with an off-road-tuned suspension, a locking rear differential pulled from the Bronco Sport Badlands, and chunkier all-terrain tires. Compact yet spacious 7-seaters have come and gone from the North American market. Examples such as the Mazda5, the seven-seater variant of the Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class have offered plenty of families all the seating they need in a vehicle without the unnecessary cost and burden of a much larger SUV. For some reason, however, many of these vehicles seem to have disappeared from the North American market altogether. Now, the resurgence of compact pickup trucks that blend basic utility with compact convenience may offer manufacturers the opportunity to create family-focused variants that leverage their longer wheelbases compared to their crossover SUV alternatives. Based on the foundations of the Maverick pickup truck, a revived Ford Flex could serve as Ford's entry-level seven-seater family crossover. With frugal hybrid powertrains, street performance variants, and an off-road-focused Tremor package, an updated Ford Flex would surely earn its keep within Ford's model lineup in no time. Although this idea is purely hypothetical for now, it wouldn't surprise us if Ford decided to create new models using the same platform shared between the Maverick, the Bronco Sport, and the Escape, that are purpose-built to attract more specific buyers, such as families looking for affordable seven-seater utility, or perhaps even a small delivery van. For the time being, though, families looking for a smaller way to get their hands on three rows of seating will have to look towards the capable and practical Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Business Insider
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
Amazon Ditches Kia Trial and Goes Back to Gig Workers for Deliveries
Gig workers have got their gig back at U.S. tech giant Amazon (AMZN) after it ditched a two year long delivery experiment. Confident Investing Starts Here: Car Plan Scrapped Amazon has, according to Bloomberg, scrapped a trial where contract delivery firms in several US states deployed drivers for four- or five-hours shifts in boxy little Kia Corp. hatchback cars. Amazon hoped that the trial, which began to roll out in 2023 in Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas and Washington, would give it more control of deliveries and reduce its reliance on Flex drivers. These are people who use their own cars to deliver orders to customers' homes. These gig economy workers will now once again get behind the wheel. Reportedly owners of the participating Delivery Service Partners, as Amazon calls its contract delivery firms, were recently notified that the quick-delivery program will be winding down over the next few months. 'After more than a year of gathering feedback from customers, DSPs, and teams at Same-Day Delivery facilities, we've determined that the DSP model isn't currently the right fit for Same-Day Delivery and we'll be moving away from it,' Amazon spokesperson Steve Kelly said. 'We appreciate the contributions from participating DSPs and their teams, and we'll provide support throughout this transition.' Speed Need Kelly said the affected DSPs can operate other Amazon routes. These DSPs lease blue Amazon Prime-branded vans and employ the drivers, who might deliver 200 or more packages a day. Flex drivers opt in via a smartphone app and typically deliver packages from Amazon's same-day delivery depots. (WMT) and Target (TGT). It recently announced plans to invest up to $4 billion to expand its rural delivery network by 2026. Is AMZN a Good Stock to Buy Now? On TipRanks, AMZN has a Strong Buy consensus based on 46 Buy and 1 Hold ratings. Its highest price target is $305. AMZN stock's consensus price target is $241.64 implying a 15.13% upside.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Flex Ltd. (FLEX) Hit a 52 Week High, Can the Run Continue?
A strong stock as of late has been Flex (FLEX). Shares have been marching higher, with the stock up 7.1% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $45.84 in the previous session. Flex has gained 17.9% since the start of the year compared to the 1.6% gain for the Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the -19.5% return for the Zacks Electronics - Miscellaneous Products industry. The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on May 7, 2025, Flex reported EPS of $.73 versus consensus estimate of $.69 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 2.73%. For the current fiscal year, Flex is expected to post earnings of $2.9 per share on $25.92 billion in revenues. This represents a 9.43% change in EPS on a 0.43% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $3.27 per share on $27.11 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 12.62% and 4.59%, respectively. Though Flex has recently hit a 52-week high, what is next for Flex? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company has run ahead of itself. On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as these give investors a variety of ways to comb through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. Investors should consider the style scores a valuable tool that can help you to pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style. Flex has a Value Score of A. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are A and D, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of A. In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 15.6X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is not in-line with the peer industry average of 18.7X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 11.6X versus its peer group's average of 11.6X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 1.5. This is good enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective, making Flex an interesting choice for value investors. We also need to consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, Flex currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to rising earnings estimates. Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Flex passes the test. Thus, it seems as though Flex shares could still be poised for more gains ahead. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Flex Ltd. (FLEX) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
