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QLYS vs TENB
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Qualys (QLYS) vs. Tenable (TENB) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Tenable (TENB) has shown materially stronger price momentum in recent months, while Qualys (QLYS) has underperformed broader markets despite steady fundamental execution.
- Both companies compete in the cybersecurity sector, but they differ in scale, growth trajectory, and profitability profile, creating distinct trade-offs for investors.
- Tenable has accelerated its net dollar expansion rate and platform adoption, whereas Qualys has leaned on channel-driven growth and industry-leading profit margins.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on trend consistency, momentum, and relative market positioning, Tickeron's AI currently favors Tenable (TENB) over Qualys (QLYS).
- For additional context, explore QLYS Major News and QLYS Today's Price Move, as well as TENB Major News and TENB Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are positioning across the market, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
This stock comparison examines two cybersecurity software providers that share a common industry but occupy different points in their growth and profitability cycles. QLYS (Qualys) is a mature, highly profitable vendor of cloud-based IT security and compliance tools, while TENB (Tenable) is a faster-growing exposure management platform pivoting toward AI-driven capabilities. Traders and investors evaluating relative performance, market positioning, and momentum within the security software sector may find this comparison useful for understanding where each name stands in the current environment.
QLYS Overview and Recent Performance
Qualys, Inc. (QLYS) provides a cloud-based platform for IT security, compliance, and vulnerability management, serving more than 10,000 subscription customers. The company has consistently paired single-digit-to-low-double-digit revenue growth with exceptional profitability, posting a gross margin near 83% and an operating margin in the low-to-mid 30% range in recent quarters. In recent market activity, Qualys has benefited from stronger partner-led sales, with the channel accounting for more than half of total revenue, and from rising adoption of newer platform modules such as Enterprise TruRisk Management and patch management.
Despite solid execution, sentiment has been tempered. The stock has underperformed the broader market in recent weeks, and shares declined following recent earnings reports even as management raised full-year guidance. Analysts have cited competitive pressure from emerging AI-native security tools and a slower pace of new customer expansion as factors weighing on investor confidence. Qualys maintains a debt-free balance sheet with substantial cash reserves, supporting ongoing share repurchases.
TENB Overview and Recent Performance
Tenable Holdings, Inc. (TENB) is an exposure management company best known for its Nessus vulnerability assessment product and its Tenable One AI-powered platform. The company is positioned around unifying security visibility and remediation across IT, cloud, identity, and operational technology environments. Recent quarters have shown a notable inflection, with Tenable One reaching a record share of new business and net dollar expansion accelerating for consecutive quarters for the first time in several years.
Tenable's stock has been a standout performer in recent months, appreciating sharply and substantially outperforming the S&P 500, which has drawn analyst price-target increases. The company raised its full-year revenue and profitability guidance, expanded its non-GAAP operating margin, and repurchased shares at scale. While its revenue growth remains in the single digits and below some peers, improving platform momentum and AI-related demand have driven a clear shift in market sentiment.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page showcases a curated selection of automated trading strategies. Tickeron offers hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, but only those best suited to current market conditions earn a place in this featured section. Each bot operates with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance record, and universe of tickers, giving users a broad range of approaches to explore. The curated list is designed to help traders identify strategies that align with prevailing market dynamics rather than sifting through the full catalog manually. Explore Trending AI Robots to review currently featured strategies.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies diverge most sharply on momentum and scale versus profitability. Tenable is the larger revenue generator, with full-year guidance above $1 billion, and it has delivered accelerating platform adoption and a rising net dollar expansion rate. Qualys, by contrast, is smaller in revenue but substantially more profitable on an operating basis, generating higher margins and strong free cash flow without leverage.
Growth drivers also differ. Tenable is leaning into AI-driven exposure management and competitive wins against endpoint security vendors, while Qualys is expanding through its partner channel and broadening beyond core vulnerability management into risk operations and automated remediation. Both face similar sector risks, including competition from platform-consolidating vendors and evolving AI-native security tools. From a market sentiment standpoint, Tenable has captured stronger investor enthusiasm recently, while Qualys has faced more cautious positioning despite consistent earnings beats.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, relative price momentum, and catalyst strength, Tickeron's AI currently leans toward TENB over QLYS. Tenable's improving platform mix, accelerating expansion metrics, and upward analyst revisions suggest more favorable near-term positioning, while Qualys's steadier but slower growth profile has not translated into the same price momentum. This assessment is probabilistic in nature and reflects current market conditions rather than a definitive forecast.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is QLYS is a Hold and TENB is a Hold.
Aroon Indicator for QLYS shows an upward move is likely
QLYS's Aroon Indicator triggered a bullish signal on November 03, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor detected that the AroonUp green line is above 70 while the AroonDown red line is below 30. When the up indicator moves above 70 and the down indicator remains below 30, it is a sign that the stock could be setting up for a bullish move. Traders may want to buy the stock or look to buy calls options. A.I.dvisor looked at 211 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator showed a similar pattern. In 161 of the 211 cases, the stock moved higher in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move higher at 76%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
QLYS moved above its 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +1.58% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where QLYS advanced for three days, in 221 of 330 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for QLYS moved out of overbought territory on October 30, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 30 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 19 of the 30 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 63%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 43 of 61 cases where QLYS's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 05, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on QLYS as a result. In 52 of 82 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for QLYS turned negative on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 53 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 38 of the 53 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 72%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where QLYS declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 71%.
QLYS broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 21 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 26 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 35 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. QLYS’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 92, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (12.284) is normal, around the industry mean (16.722). P/E Ratio (34.419) is within average values for comparable stocks, (53.333). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.983) is also within normal values, averaging (3.648). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.371) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (9.320) is also within normal values, averaging (103.889).
Aroon Indicator for TENB shows an upward move is likely
TENB's Aroon Indicator triggered a bullish signal on November 05, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor detected that the AroonUp green line is above 70 while the AroonDown red line is below 30. When the up indicator moves above 70 and the down indicator remains below 30, it is a sign that the stock could be setting up for a bullish move. Traders may want to buy the stock or look to buy calls options. A.I.dvisor looked at 148 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator showed a similar pattern. In 104 of the 148 cases, the stock moved higher in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move higher at 70%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 21, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on TENB as a result. In 64 of 97 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
Following a +6.43% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where TENB advanced for three days, in 190 of 301 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for TENB moved out of overbought territory on November 02, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 15 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 12 of the 15 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 80%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 51 of 68 cases where TENB's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for TENB turned negative on November 05, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 56 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 40 of the 56 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 71%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where TENB declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
TENB broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 23, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 26 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 35 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. TENB’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 88 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 100 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (24.515) is normal, around the industry mean (16.722). TENB has a moderately high P/E Ratio (736.000) as compared to the industry average of (53.333). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.175) is also within normal values, averaging (3.648). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.371) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.103) is also within normal values, averaging (103.889).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. TENB’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 92, placing this stock worse than average.
QLYS | TENB | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 24 | 34 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 85 Overvalued | 100 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 55 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 26 | 88 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 35 | 35 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 21 | 26 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
QLYS's Valuation (85) in the Packaged Software industry is in the same range as TENB (100). This means that QLYS’s stock grew similarly to TENB’s over the last 12 months.
QLYS's Profit vs Risk Rating (55) in the Packaged Software industry is somewhat better than the same rating for TENB (100). This means that QLYS’s stock grew somewhat faster than TENB’s over the last 12 months.
QLYS's SMR Rating (26) in the Packaged Software industry is somewhat better than the same rating for TENB (88). This means that QLYS’s stock grew somewhat faster than TENB’s over the last 12 months.
QLYS's Price Growth Rating (35) in the Packaged Software industry is in the same range as TENB (35). This means that QLYS’s stock grew similarly to TENB’s over the last 12 months.
QLYS's P/E Growth Rating (21) in the Packaged Software industry is in the same range as TENB (26). This means that QLYS’s stock grew similarly to TENB’s over the last 12 months.
| QLYS | TENB | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 80% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 75% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 71% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 75% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 68% | 1 day ago 69% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 67% | 9 days ago 63% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 71% | 4 days ago 75% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 74% | 1 day ago 90% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 70% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
QLYS’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while TENB’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- QLYS’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- TENB’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
QLYS’s TA Score shows that 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while TENB’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- QLYS’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 6 bearish.
- TENB’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
QLYS (@Computer Communications) experienced а -13.31% price change this week, while TENB (@Computer Communications) price change was -14.72% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Computer Communications industry was -12.21%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -17.24%, and the average quarterly price growth was -11.10%.
Reported Earning Dates
QLYS is expected to report earnings on Nov 09, 2026.
TENB is expected to report earnings on Feb 09, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Computer Communications (-12.21% weekly)Computer communications industry develops technology that allows computing devices to exchange data with each other using connections/data links between nodes. Common types of computer network include Cloud (IAN), Internet, Wide (WAN, Local (LAN)/Wireless(WLAN) etc. The industry is an ever-more important part of technology, and is set to become even bigger as the Internet of Things (IoT) rapidly forays into the various aspects of our lives. Cisco Systems, Inc., Palo Alto Networks, Inc. and Arista Networks, Inc., Fortinet, Inc. are some of the major computer communications companies.
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QLYS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, QLYS has been closely correlated with TENB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 71% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if QLYS jumps, then TENB could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To QLYS | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QLYS | 100% | -5.34% | ||
| TENB - QLYS | 71% Closely correlated | -6.72% | ||
| OKTA - QLYS | 58% Loosely correlated | -10.41% | ||
| CRWD - QLYS | 57% Loosely correlated | -9.88% | ||
| S - QLYS | 55% Loosely correlated | -8.81% | ||
| DJCO - QLYS | 54% Loosely correlated | -3.45% | ||
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