最新ニュース F5 (NASDAQ:FFIV) 株価情報

F5 is a market leader in the application delivery controller market. The company sells products for security, application performance, and automation. Its three customer verticals are enterprises, service providers, and government entities. Revenue is evenly split between its services business and products business with revenue trending toward products due to software adoption. The Seattle-based firm was incorporated in 1996, and went public in 1999.

F5 Networks

F5 Inc

Across the recent three months, 9 analysts have shared their insights on F5 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>), expressing a variety of opinions spanning from bullish to bearish.
The following table encapsulates their recent ratings, offering a glimpse into the evolving sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The 12-month price targets assessed by analysts reveal further insights, featuring an average target of $249.44, a high estimate of $270.00, and a low estimate of $230.00. Surpassing the previous average price target of $218.56, the current average has increased by 14.13%.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737140433_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Analyzing Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Breakdown</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive F5 is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Amit Daryanani</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>In-Line</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Hedberg</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Meta Marshall</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$262.00</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Fish</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$246.00</td>
<td>$186.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Ng</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$241.00</td>
<td>$212.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Samik Chatterjee</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Hedberg</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$205.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tim Long</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$246.00</td>
<td>$214.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Meta Marshall</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
<td>$215.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to F5. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Offering a comprehensive view, analysts assess stocks qualitatively, spanning from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of F5 compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts navigate through adjustments in price targets, providing estimates for F5's future value. Comparing current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
To gain a panoramic view of F5's market performance, explore these analyst evaluations alongside essential financial indicators. Stay informed and make judicious decisions using our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FFIV/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on F5 analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>About F5</h2>
F5 is a market leader in the application delivery controller market. The company sells products for security, application performance, and automation. Its three customer verticals are enterprises, service providers, and government entities. Revenue is evenly split between its services business and products business with revenue trending toward products due to software adoption. The Seattle-based firm was incorporated in 1996, and went public in 1999.
<h3>F5: A Financial Overview</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Reflecting a smaller scale, the company's market capitalization is positioned below industry averages. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Revenue Growth: F5's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 30 September, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 5.62%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Information Technology sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.
Net Margin: F5's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 22.14% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): F5's ROE stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 5.38%, the company demonstrates effective use of equity capital and strong financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): F5's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 3.0% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.
Debt Management: F5's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of 0.08.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: Simplified</h2>
Analysts are specialists within banking and financial systems that typically report for specific stocks or within defined sectors. These people research company financial statements, sit in conference calls and meetings, and speak with relevant insiders to determine what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts will rate each stock once a quarter. 
Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Analyst Ratings

FFIV

Assessing F5: Insights From 9 Financial Analysts

Evercore ISI Group analyst Amit Daryanani maintains F5 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>) with a In-Line and raises the price target from $240 to $270.

News

Price Target

Evercore ISI Group Maintains In-Line on F5, Raises Price Target to $270

The World Economic Forum's (WEF) "Global Risks Report" for 2025 paints a sobering picture of the challenges ahead. The survey, released during the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/world-economic-forum#more-news">WEF&#8217;s annual meeting in Davos</a>, Switzerland, highlights the risks of geopolitical tensions, climate change and disinformation. 
These risks call for strategies to safeguard investments while capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Here&#8217;s how some ETFs could help investors sail smoothly through each global challenge mentioned in the survey.
Armed Conflict
According to the WEF report, 23% of respondents named state-based armed conflict as the most pressing risk for 2025. Persistent geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the unrest in the Middle East, have shaken global trust.
In such a dire situation, defense ETFs and global security ETFs can save the day for investors. iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) provides exposure to U.S.-based companies in the defense sector, which could benefit from increased government spending on military capabilities. Moreover, an expense ratio of 0.4% makes it a cost-effective option. Also, a beta of 0.97% means it is at slightly lower risk than the broader market during volatility.
In addition, the SPDR S&amp;P Kensho Future Security ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FITE#NYSE">FITE</a>) focuses on innovative companies addressing global security challenges, including cybersecurity and physical defense. A glimpse of its top holdings include Viasat (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VSAT#NASDAQ">VSAT</a>), Lockheed Martin (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) and F5 Networks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>). The fund boasts an expense ratio of 0.45%.
Extreme Weather
The climate crisis is intensifying the frequency and severity of weather events such as floods, heatwaves, and tornadoes. With environmental risks dominating the 10-year horizon, resilient investment strategies are the need of the hour.
Clean Energy ETFs are well-positioned to capitalize on this global challenge. Invesco Solar ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TAN#NYSE">TAN</a>) has holdings in solar energy companies like Enphase Energy Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENPH#NYSE">ENPH</a>) and First Solar Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NYSE">FSLR</a>), which are poised to benefit from global decarbonization efforts.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41594398/bill-gates-climate-innovation-model-wins-praise-from-ray-dalio-klaus-schwab-but-say-1-trillion-annua">Bill Gates&#8217; Climate Innovation Model Wins Praise From Ray Dalio, Klaus Schwab, But Say $1 Trillion Annual Funding Globally Is Not Enough</a>
Disinformation and Misinformation
For the second consecutive year, the scourge of misinformation and disinformation has been flagged by WEF as a top risk, leading to societal distrust, markets disruption, and heightened polarization. 
Many tech companies are united in their efforts to curb the spread of misinformation as well as disinformation (there is a very thin line of intentions separating the two terms). However, among those most equipped to fight this menace are cybersecurity companies. Naturally, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42829188/hack-attack-cybercrime-surge-fuels-demand-for-cybersecurity-etfs">ETFs focusing on the cybersecurity sector</a> stand to gain.
First Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CIBR#NASDAQ">CIBR</a>) focuses on companies addressing cyber threats, which often fan the fire of misinformation. Stocks of companies like Broadcom, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), Crowdstrike Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>) and Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSCO#NASDAQ">CSCO</a>), prominent players in the cybersecurity space, are part of this fund&#8217;s holdings. 
Media ETFs like the Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLC#NYSE">XLC</a>) can also benefit from media firms, which are increasingly becoming content-conscious. Media firms may benefit from investing in trusted content creation and digital information technologies.
Why ETFs Are Ideal In Turbulent Times
Insights from over 900 global risk experts, policymakers and industry leaders in September and October last year were obtained to compile WEF&#8217;s survey report. Some of the other short-term risks that the WEF's report highlights include societal polarization, cyber espionage, pollution, and inequality.
In these turbulent times, investors seek to hedge their investments instead of holding back from the market. ETFs come into the picture as flexible, cost-efficient and concern-specific instruments that allow investors to diversify their portfolios across sectors and geographies during global uncertainties.
As Carolina Klint of Marsh McLennan Europe told CNBC, "I think we're navigating an era now marked by increasing economic tensions&#8230;And I think we have to recognize the fragmentation is not a theoretical concern. It is something that we need to confront today. So, it has resulted in a more complex and uncertain trading environment." 
Building a resilient portfolio with ETFs aligned to global challenges can help investors power through 2025.
See Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/new-etfs/25/01/43010401/maximize-growth-minimize-risk-with-new-dynamic-allocation-etf">Maximize Growth, Minimize Risk With New, Dynamic Allocation ETF</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

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iShares Dow Jones US Aerospace & Defense Index Fund

VSAT

Davos 2025: ETFs To Tackle Geopolitical, Climate, Cyber Risks

RBC Capital analyst Matthew Hedberg maintains F5 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>) with a Sector Perform and raises the price target from $240 to $260.

RBC Capital Maintains Sector Perform on F5, Raises Price Target to $260

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Shares of companies within the broader tech sector are trading lower amid overall market weakness following the Fed's rate decision to cut rates by 25 basis points.

F5 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>) has been analyzed by 8 analysts in the last three months, revealing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
In the table below, you'll find a summary of their recent ratings, revealing the shifting sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the previous months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Providing deeper insights, analysts have established 12-month price targets, indicating an average target of $240.88, along with a high estimate of $262.00 and a low estimate of $212.00. Witnessing a positive shift, the current average has risen by 15.25% from the previous average price target of $209.00.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734458432_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study</h2>
A clear picture of F5's perception among financial experts is painted with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Meta Marshall</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$262.00</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Fish</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$246.00</td>
<td>$186.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Ng</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$241.00</td>
<td>$212.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Samik Chatterjee</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Hedberg</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$205.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tim Long</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$246.00</td>
<td>$214.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Meta Marshall</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
<td>$215.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Ng</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$212.00</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to F5. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts assign qualitative assessments to stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey the analysts' expectations for the relative performance of F5 compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts predict movements in price targets, offering estimates for F5's future value. Examining the current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
Assessing these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators can provide a comprehensive overview of F5's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FFIV/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on F5 analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>All You Need to Know About F5</h2>
F5 is a market leader in the application delivery controller market. The company sells products for security, application performance, and automation. Its three customer verticals are enterprises, service providers, and government entities. Revenue is evenly split between its services business and products business with revenue trending toward products due to software adoption. The Seattle-based firm was incorporated in 1996, and went public in 1999.
<h3>Unraveling the Financial Story of F5</h3>
Market Capitalization: Indicating a reduced size compared to industry averages, the company's market capitalization poses unique challenges.
Revenue Growth: Over the 3 months period, F5 showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 5.62% as of 30 September, 2024. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Information Technology sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.
Net Margin: F5's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 22.14%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
Return on Equity (ROE): F5's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROE, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROE of 5.38%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health.
Return on Assets (ROA): F5's ROA excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 3.0%. This signifies efficient management of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, F5 adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
<h2>Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions.
Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Analyst Expectations For F5's Future

Morgan Stanley analyst Meta Marshall maintains F5 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>) with a Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $230 to $262.

Morgan Stanley Maintains Equal-Weight on F5, Raises Price Target to $262

F5's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NYSE">FFIV</a>) short percent of float has fallen 10.72% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 2.09 million shares sold short, which is 4.08% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.91 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>F5 Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1733248811_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for F5 has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing F5's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, F5's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 7.02%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Trading Ideas

Looking Into F5's Recent Short Interest

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">New On The Block</h3>
Evolent Health Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVH#NYSE">EVH</a>) is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/24/08/40529349/evolent-health-explores-sale-garners-inbound-interest-from-private-equity-firms">reportedly up for sale</a>. The Arlington, Virginia-based software provide initiated an auction process after receiving takeover inquiries. Among the potential suitors are TPG Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TPG#NASDAQ">TPG</a>), Clayton, Dubilier &amp; Rice, and KKR &amp; Co. Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KKR#NYSE">KKR</a>). Reuters reported that health insurer Elevance Health Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELV#NYSE">ELV</a>) may join forces with a private equity partner to pursue a deal.
Kronos Bio Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRON#NASDAQ">KRON</a>), a company focused on developing therapies for cancer, is exploring &#8220;strategic alternatives,&#8221; including an acquisition or merger.The San Mateo, Califonia-based company reported $124.9 million in cash reserves as of Sept. 30. 
Saint-Gobain (PARIS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SGO#PARIS">SGO</a>) is considering a sale of its auto glass unit, which could fetch up to 2.5 billion euro ($2.6 billion), per <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-13/st-gobain-is-said-to-weigh-2-5-billion-sale-of-auto-glass-unit">Bloomberg</a>. The company is reportedly considering this strategic move as part of its broader business evaluation. This sale aligns with Saint-Gobain&#8217;s efforts to streamline its operations and focus on core business areas.
Shell (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHEL#NYSE">SHEL</a>) is seeking to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-13/shell-aims-to-sell-majority-stake-in-carbon-offsets-business?srnd=phx-deals">jettison</a> a majority of its carbon offsets portfolio. The company first launched the portfolio of offsets, which covers dozens of projects, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-08-31/shell-silently-abandoned-its-100-million-a-year-plan-to-offset-co2-emissions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in 2018</a>. 
Unilever (LSE: ULVR) is exploring the sale of some Dutch food brands, including Unox soups and Conimex seasonings. According to Reuters, the company will instead focus on its biggest &#8220;power&#8221; labels.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/11/42024210/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-tesla-disney-gold-and-hedge-funds-project-bitcoin-to-hit-100k-150k">Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Tesla, Disney, Gold — And Hedge Funds Project Bitcoin To Hit $100K-$150K</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bankruptcy Block</h3>
Alex Jones&#8217;s media company, Infowars, is now the property of satirical publication The Onion. The publication&#8217;s backers were none other than the families <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/41982446/jokes-on-jones-onion-backed-by-families-of-sandy-hook-victims-buys-info-wars">of Sandy Hook victims</a>. Observers praised the deal as poetic justice, considering Jones owes over $1 billion in defamation judgments against those families. Jones, who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36168941/elon-musks-controversial-move-alex-jones-returns-to-x-after-user-vote">has garnered sympathy from</a> right-wing personalities like Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson, confirmed the acquisition in a visibly distressed social media video, blaming &#8220;Democrats.&#8221;
Diamond Sports Group&#8216;s restructuring will include reducing its debt from nearly $9 billion to $200 million, <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/42388454/diamond-sports-group-emerges-bankruptcy">ESPN</a> reports. The restructuring plan received what Diamond categorized as &#8220;nearly unanimous support&#8221; from debt holders. Diamond, currently possessing $100 million in liquidity, will emerge from bankruptcy and operate as a stand-alone entity. Sinclair, the parent company, took on $8 billion in debt to buy regional channels from Fox for $10.6 billion in 2019. That debt contributed to Diamond&#8217;s bankruptcy.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Updates From The Block</h3>
Currently, there are no concrete indications that Humana Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUM#NYSE">HUM</a>) is actively pursuing a sale. Recent speculation regarding Humana being acquired by Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) was definitively addressed, with Cigna explicitly stating that it is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/11/41877573/cigna-not-pursuing-humana-merger-stock-soars">not pursuing a merger</a> with Humana at this time. This clarification came after rumors reignited post-election, driven by the potential for more lenient antitrust reviews under the new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41979935/golden-years-for-ma-deals-ahead-under-trump-analysts-highlight-top-10-large-cap-candidates">Republican administration and Congress</a>.
Spirit Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAVE#NYSE">SAVE</a>) is no longer in deal talks with Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULCC#NASDAQ">ULCC</a>). It&#8217;s now in advanced discussions with bondholders to finalize a bankruptcy plan. The carrier continues to struggle with mounting losses and looming debt maturities. A bankruptcy filing is expected to happen within weeks, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/41932146/spirit-airlines-nears-bankruptcy-creditors-may-approve-equity-cancellation-heres-what-it-means-for-investors-as-shares-fall-with-a-thud">the Wall Street Journal</a>.
MEI Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MEIP#NASDAQ">MEIP</a>) continues to explore M&amp;A opportunities, hiring Oppenheimer &amp; Co., Inc. as an exclusive financial advisor to assist the process. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, the company commenced cash preservation efforts that include a reduction-in-force, which will continue in stages as the Company's operational and strategic direction evolves.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Notes From The Block</h3>
Wall Street anticipates a surge in M&amp;A as Republicans take control of Congress and deregulate. Analysts expect Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan's removal, which could ease antitrust scrutiny. Bank of America highlights that Republican administrations, like President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s, historically foster over 50% more financial sector M&amp;A activity compared to Democratic ones. 
Bank of America also predicts that 2025 could mark a better year for M&amp;A as rate cuts take effect and economic conditions stabilize. Here&#8217;s a list of five potential targets the bank compiled. For the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41979935/golden-years-for-ma-deals-ahead-under-trump-analysts-highlight-top-10-large-cap-candidates">full list, click here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Sector</th>
<th>Market Cap ($M)</th>
<th>Free Cash Flows-to-Enterprise Value (%)</th>
<th>Long-Term Growth Expectations (%)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Universal Health Services Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>)</td>
<td>Health Care</td>
<td>13,932</td>
<td>4.4</td>
<td>25.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ralph LaurenCorp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RL#NYSE">RL</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>12,473</td>
<td>5.99</td>
<td>10.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paramount Global (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARA#NYSE">PARA</a>)</td>
<td>Comm. Services</td>
<td>7,250</td>
<td>3.4</td>
<td>46.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jabil Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBL#NYSE">JBL</a>)</td>
<td>Technology</td>
<td>14,480</td>
<td>6.39</td>
<td>12.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hasbro Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAS#NASDAQ">HAS</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>9,215</td>
<td>3.6</td>
<td>27.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
For last week&#8217;s Deal Dispatch, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/asset-sales/24/11/41866114/deal-dispatch-prison-companies-in-focus-post-election-tripadvisor-boasts-11b-in-cash">click here</a>.
Now Read: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/41699259/nvidia-rides-ai-wave-to-replace-intel-on-dow-jones-industrial-average-ending-its-25-year-run">Nvidia Rides AI Wave To Replace Intel On Dow Jones Industrial Average, Ending Its 25-Year Run</a></li>
</ul>

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Deal Dispatch: Shell, Unilever And More Are On The Sell Side; The Onion Makes Alex Jones Cry Foul

With Republicans taking control of Congress, Wall Street is buzzing about a potential boom in mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A) under the upcoming<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump"> Trump administration.</a>
Bank of America analysts see brighter days ahead for deal-making, anticipating that Trump could remove Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, whose aggressive antitrust stance has been a major roadblock for M&amp;A activity across sectors.
Combined with favorable macro factors and investor demand for capex and M&amp;A over debt paydown, there are plenty of reasons to believe that 2025 and beyond could see significant deal activity.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Banks And Biotech: Two Key Sectors To Watch</h3>
Analysts at Bank of America's U.S. banks team are particularly bullish about the M&amp;A prospects for financials, which have historically enjoyed more than 50% higher deal activity under Republican administrations than Democratic ones. With regulatory scrutiny expected to loosen, the landscape is ripe for a surge in bank deals.
Deal activity in biotech has already started picking up, especially in smaller acquisitions. Big Pharma faces mounting pressure to offset patent expirations, so it&#8217;s hunting for acquisition targets to replenish its drug pipelines. Lower rates and potential deregulation could further fuel biotech M&amp;A as we head into 2025.
"The election results could lead to a less restrictive regulatory environment, which may open the door for more bank mergers and acquisitions,&#8221; Jill Carey Hall, CFA, a Bank of America analyst, said. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Macro Factors: Green And Yellow Lights for M&amp;A</h3>
Several macroeconomic factors support a cyclical pick-up in M&amp;A activity. 
Strong equity market returns, cheap small-cap valuations relative to large caps and tight credit spreads all suggest a favorable environment for deal-making.
Not all signals are flashing green. Slowing GDP growth, rate uncertainty and high volatility could throw some caution flags. Long-term growth expectations for small caps, though improved, still remain below average.
Bank of America's credit strategists predict that 2025 could be a better year for M&amp;A activity as rate cuts begin to materialize and volatility subsides. 
"Sponsors are sitting on a pile of uncalled capital, and there's a real incentive to deploy it in a friendlier economic environment," Hall said.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Who Stands To Gain: Small-Cap Targets, Large-Cap Acquirers</h3>
With large deals on the decline, smaller targets have become the prime candidates for takeovers. 
Aggregate deal value has been falling in recent years as mega-cap deals have dried up and smaller, more manageable transactions have become the norm.
This trend has paid off for both sides: small-cap targets have outperformed post-announcement and large-cap acquirers have seen record one-day gains in 2023 despite paying higher deal premiums.
This pattern suggests that investors are rewarding companies that buy growth, especially in today's uncertain economic landscape.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">10 Potential M&amp;A Candidates Among Large Caps</h3>
Bank of America's latest screening of potential M&amp;A candidates includes high-growth, undervalued names, each with distinct value propositions that may appeal to suitors looking for long-term growth.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Sector</th>
<th>Market Cap ($M)</th>
<th>Free Cash Flows-to-Enterprise Value (%)</th>
<th>Long-Term Growth Expectations (%)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Universal Health Services Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>)</td>
<td>Health Care</td>
<td>13,932</td>
<td>4.4</td>
<td>25.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ralph Lauren Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RL#NYSE">RL</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>12,473</td>
<td>5.99</td>
<td>10.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paramount Global (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARA#NYSE">PARA</a>)</td>
<td>Comm. Services</td>
<td>7,250</td>
<td>3.4</td>
<td>46.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jabil Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBL#NYSE">JBL</a>)</td>
<td>Technology</td>
<td>14,480</td>
<td>6.39</td>
<td>12.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hasbro Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAS#NASDAQ">HAS</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>9,215</td>
<td>3.6</td>
<td>27.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>F5 Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>)</td>
<td>Technology</td>
<td>13,431</td>
<td>6.39</td>
<td>9.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DaVita Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVA#NYSE">DVA</a>) </td>
<td>Health Care</td>
<td>11,976</td>
<td>5.39</td>
<td>15.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BWA#NYSE">BWA</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>7,316</td>
<td>6.5</td>
<td>12.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aptiv plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APTV#NYSE">APTV</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>13,143</td>
<td>4.4</td>
<td>23.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A. O. Smith Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AOS#NYSE">AOS</a>)</td>
<td>Industrials</td>
<td>10,895</td>
<td>2.3</td>
<td>10.0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41950023/us-stock-markets-equity-risk-premium-disappears-should-you-sell-now">US Stock Market&#8217;s Equity Risk Premium Disappears: Should You Sell Now?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Capri23auto from Pixabay

Analyst Color

Large Cap

Politics

Small Cap

Federal Reserve

Markets

Golden Years For M&A Deals Ahead Under Trump? Analysts Highlight Top 10 Large-Cap Candidates

F5 Reports Early Access Of F5 AI Gateway To Streamline Interactions Between Applications, APIs, And Large Language Models Driving Enterprise AI Adoption

F5's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NYSE">FFIV</a>) short percent of float has fallen 4.36% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 2.12 million shares sold short, which is 4.17% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 4.81 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>F5 Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1731332753_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for F5 has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing F5's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, F5's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 7.27%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Peering Into F5's Recent Short Interest

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Next Technology Holding Inc. - Ordinary Shares

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Shares of companies within the broader technology sector are trading higher in sympathy with overall market strength after Donald Trump was elected president of the United States.

Goldman Sachs analyst Michael Ng maintains F5 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $212 to $241.

Goldman Sachs Maintains Neutral on F5, Raises Price Target to $241

JP Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee maintains F5 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $225 to $250.

JP Morgan Maintains Neutral on F5, Raises Price Target to $250

RBC Capital analyst Matthew Hedberg maintains F5 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>) with a Sector Perform and raises the price target from $205 to $240.

RBC Capital Maintains Sector Perform on F5, Raises Price Target to $240

4 analysts have expressed a variety of opinions on F5 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>) over the past quarter, offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
In the assessment of 12-month price targets, analysts unveil insights for F5, presenting an average target of $233.5, a high estimate of $246.00, and a low estimate of $212.00. Witnessing a positive shift, the current average has risen by 16.75% from the previous average price target of $200.00.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1730206827_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Diving into Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Exploration</h2>
The analysis of recent analyst actions sheds light on the perception of F5 by financial experts. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Tim Long</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$246.00</td>
<td>$214.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Fish</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$246.00</td>
<td>$186.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Meta Marshall</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
<td>$215.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Ng</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$212.00</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to F5. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Delving into assessments, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings communicate expectations for the relative performance of F5 compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts set price targets as an estimate of a stock's future value. Comparing the current and prior price targets provides insight into how analysts' expectations have changed over time. This information can be valuable for investors seeking to understand consensus views on the stock's potential future performance.</li>
</ul>
Assessing these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators can provide a comprehensive overview of F5's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FFIV/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on F5 analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Delving into F5's Background</h2>
F5 is a market leader in the application delivery controller market. The company sells products for security, application performance, and automation. Its three customer verticals are enterprises, service providers, and government entities. Revenue is evenly split between its services business and products business with revenue trending toward products due to software adoption. The Seattle-based firm was incorporated in 1996, has about 6,500 employees, and generates about 55% its revenue within the Americas, 25% in EMEA, and 20% in APAC/Japan.
<h3>F5: A Financial Overview</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Falling below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization reflects a reduced size compared to peers. This positioning may be influenced by factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Revenue Growth: F5's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 30 June, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -1.02%. This indicates a decrease in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Information Technology sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.
Net Margin: F5's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 20.72%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): F5's ROE stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 4.85%, the company demonstrates effective use of equity capital and strong financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): F5's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 2.67% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.
Debt Management: F5's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 0.09, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: What Are They?</h2>
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Demystifying F5: Insights From 4 Analyst Reviews

Barclays analyst Tim Long maintains F5 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>) with a Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $214 to $246.

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on F5, Raises Price Target to $246

Piper Sandler analyst James Fish maintains F5 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $186 to $246.

Piper Sandler Maintains Neutral on F5, Raises Price Target to $246

Morgan Stanley analyst Meta Marshall maintains F5 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>) with a Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $215 to $230.

Morgan Stanley Maintains Equal-Weight on F5, Raises Price Target to $230

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RBC Capital raised the firm's price target on F5 Networks (FFIV) to $260 from $240 and keeps a Sector Perform rating on the shares as part of a 202...

F5 Networks price target raised to $260 from $240 at RBC Capital

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Top stocks in software as Wolfe sees it as an area of M&A opportunities

RingCentral (RNG) shares have gained nearly 19% over the past six months, driven by expanding AI initiatives, strong demand for its cloud phone system, and a growing customer base. With its future tied to AI-driven solutions and an expanding portfolio, is now the right time to invest in RNG shares? Read on to find out… RingCentral, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/RNG/">RNG</a>) is a leading provider of contact center software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions, along with global enterprise cloud communications, video meetings, collaboration, and customer engagement solutions that enable businesses to communicate, collaborate, and connect.
RNG shares have gained 18.8% over the past six months, closing the last trading session at $33.57. The uptick is driven by several factors, including the increasing adoption of its Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) platform, strong demand for its cloud phone systems, and commitment to innovation through AI-powered enhancements.
The company has introduced solutions like RingCX, RingSense, and RingCentral Events, which are designed to improve user experiences and streamline operations. Moreover, its strategic partnerships with telecom giants like Verizon Communications Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/VZ/">VZ</a>) and AT&amp;T Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/T/">T</a>) provide greater accessibility and industry-specific solutions, bolstering its market presence.
Given RNG's expanding portfolio and growing customer base, is now the right time to invest in RNG shares? Let's look at some factors that could influence RNG's price performance in the near term:
Recent Developments
On December 5, 2024, RNG inaugurated its new state-of-the-art office in Bangalore, India. The expansion strengthens the company's regional presence and positions it to capitalize on India's growing role as a global tech innovation center, potentially boosting operational efficiency and scalability.
In the same month, RNG unveiled the Zendesk Talk Partner Edition for RingEX&#x2122;, an upgrade which integrates advanced voice capabilities and call data directly into Zendesk's customer support platform. This enhancement streamlines workflows and equips users with actionable insights to deliver personalized and efficient customer service.
On November 7, RNG joined forces with Verint Systems Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/VRNT/">VRNT</a>) to enhance RingCX offerings. This partnership allows RingCX customers to benefit from VRNT's advanced WEM and CX automation solutions, which complement RingCentral's native AI features.
Strong Financials
RNG's total revenue for the fiscal third quarter (ended September 30, 2024) increased 9.1% year-over-year to $608.77 million, largely driven by a 9.7% uptick in subscription revenue. Annualized Exit Monthly Recurring Subscriptions (ARR) increased 9% year-over-year to $2.48 billion.
Its gross profit grew 10.1% from the year-ago value to $428.58 million, while its income from operations came in at $3.29 million compared to a loss of $54.17 million in the previous year. The company's non-GAAP <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/netincome.asp">net income</a> amounted to $88.93 million and $0.95 per share, representing an increase of 16.9% and 21.8%, respectively. Moreover, its non-GAAP free cash flow stood at $105.44 million, up 50.7% year-over-year.
Rosy Annual Forecasts
The consensus revenue estimate for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, stands at $2.40 billion, signaling an 8.9% year-over-year increase. Moreover, the company's EPS is anticipated to witness a 14.2% uptick from the previous year, reaching $3.69.
Analysts anticipate a 7.4% increase in revenue for the fiscal year 2025, with projections reaching $2.57 billion. Similarly, EPS for the current year is expected to experience a steady growth of 14.3% from the prior year, settling at $4.22.
Discounted Valuation
In terms of forward non-GAAP P/E, RNG is trading at 9.10x, 64.1% lower than the industry average of 25.34x. Likewise, its forward EV/Sales multiple of 1.92 is 42.8% lower than the industry average of 3.35x. In addition, the stock's forward EV/EBITDA of 7.76x is 50.4% lower than the 15.63x industry average. Also, its forward Price/Sales multiple of 1.26 compares to the industry average of 3.28.
High Profitability
RNG's trailing-12-month gross profit margin of 70.43% is 38.8% higher than the 50.75% industry average. The stock's 24.85% trailing-12-month levered FCF margin is 119.4% above the 11.33% industry average. Further, its trailing-12-month asset turnover ratio of 1.18x compares to the industry average of 0.61x.
POWR Ratings Show Promise
RNG's strong fundamentals are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. It has an overall A rating, equating to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated considering 118 distinct factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
Our proprietary rating system also evaluates each stock based on eight distinct categories. RNG has an A grade for Growth, consistent with its strong financial performance in the last reported quarter. It also earns a B for Quality, reflecting its higher profitability metrics compared to industry standards.
RNG is ranked #5 out of 40 stocks in the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/software-business/">Software - Business</a> industry. <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/RNG/">Click here</a> to access RNG's Value, Momentum, Stability, and Sentiment ratings.
Bottom Line
RNG's strategic focus on AI-powered innovation and robust demand for its UCaaS and SaaS solutions have positioned the company as a leader in the communication solutions market. With a target to achieve $100 million in exit annual recurring revenue from new products by the end of 2025, RNG's progress shows promise. On top of it, the recent PAN-India license approval is a game-changer, enabling RNG to deliver fully compliant UCaaS and CCaaS solutions across all 22 telecommunications circles in India.
Given RNG's innovative growth strategies, strong financials, lower-than-industry valuation, and high profitability, we think it could be wise to invest in this stock now.
How Does RingCentral, Inc. (RNG) Stack Up Against Its Peers?
While RNG has an overall grade of A, equating to a Strong Buy rating, you may also check out these other stocks within the Software - Business industry: SolarWinds Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/SWI/">SWI</a>), F5, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FFIV/">FFIV</a>), and FARO Technologies, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FARO/">FARO</a>) all of which carry A (Strong Buy) ratings. To explore more Software - Business stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/software-business/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
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<hr />
RNG shares fell $0.57 (-1.70%) in premarket trading Friday. Year-to-date, RNG has declined -5.74%, versus a -0.48% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Shweta Kumari</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Shweta-Kumari_Image-2.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Shweta's profound interest in financial research and quantitative analysis led her to pursue a career as an investment analyst. She uses her knowledge to help retail investors make educated investment decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=shweta-kumari">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/rng-swi-ffiv-faro-vrnt-is-ringcentral-a-communication-solutions-stock-worth-investing-in/>Is RingCentral a Communication Solutions Stock Worth Investing In?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

Is RingCentral a Communication Solutions Stock Worth Investing In?

Evercore ISI raised the firm's price target on F5 Networks (FFIV) to $270 from $240 and keeps an In Line rating on the shares. The firm remains con...

F5 Networks price target raised to $270 from $240 at Evercore ISI

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