Here are some highlights of two innovative companies that beat expectations thanks to the increasing demand for supply chain solutions and cybersecurity. We also discuss a groundbreaking technology that helps to treat nearsightedness.
We're also hosting a webinar on Sept. 14th @ 11 am ET about how robotic solutions are tackling material handling challenges in warehouses. Can't make it live? Register anyway and we'll send you a recording. Please enjoy these insights from our research team.
ROBO: Manhattan Associates Beats Revenue & Earnings Expectations
Manhattan Associates (NASDAQ: MANH), a leading provider of unified omnichannel and digital supply chain solutions and a member of our ROBO index, works with blue chip customers worldwide, such as DHL, Adidas, Sysco, and Walgreens Boots Alliance. The company beat expectations on revenue and earnings for the second quarter and raised guidance for the second time this year, seeing outperformance across the board across verticals such as retail, manufacturing, and wholesale.
There was also demand from both new and existing customers, representing roughly a 50/50 split of total bookings for the second quarter. During the last quarter, Manhattan Associates went live with over a hundred new cloud customers who were looking for ways to better navigate complicated supply chains and inflationary pressure with better operations and inventory management. Also breaking trend vs most others, the company hired over 300 people in the first half of the year while buying back stock – showing management’s strong confidence.
THNQ: AI-powered Security Provider Posts Highest Billings in Years
Palo Alto Networks, a global cybersecurity leader and a member of the THNQ index, delivered strong billings performance with better-than-expected guidance for fiscal 2023. Revenues increased 27% YoY, while billings rose 44% YoY—the highest they have reported in four years—driven by strong demand for its cloud-based firewall solutions. While supply constraints will be a headwind for several quarters, they are starting to see signs of easing.
Over the coming quarters, Palo Alto Networks should continue to benefit from cybersecurity tailwinds as customers seek out AI-driven solutions for faster detection and investigations amid increasing digital threats. With a new product cycle of their next-generation platform, $925m stock buyback program and strong balance sheet, Palo Alto Networks is poised to outperform its peers.
HTEC: Nearsightedness No More? Staar Surgical’s Vision is Crystal Clear
HTEC member Staar Surgical just launched in the US, and we believe this will drive a new era of growth for years to come. Staar is the global manufacturer of a proprietary EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), which is implanted in the eye to treat myopia, or nearsightedness. The EVO procedure is highly effective and competes with other treatments for myopia, such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other surgeries like LASIK. Unlike contacts, EVO doesn’t cause dry eye. Additionally, the EVO procedure wholly preserves the eye and is 100% reversible—unlike LASIK, which uses a laser to cut tissue from the front of the cornea, which is a permanent alteration.
Since launching in China in 2006, Staar Surgical has achieved 20% market share. Despite the recent lockdowns in China, the company recently announced another record quarter. We believe this momentum will be sustained following FDA approval and US launch earlier this year. To ensure this, Staar has invested heavily in marketing, including the recent partnership with Joe Jonas to share his own positive EVO experience with his 30 million followers on social media.
