Buy 5 AI-Focused Mid-Cap Internet Software Stocks for a Solid Portfolio
The Internet Software and Services space is gathering momentum owing to robust IT spending on solutions that support hybrid operating environments. Outstanding penetration of mobile devices among users makes sense for businesses to invest heavily in web-based infrastructure, applications and security software.
Within the Technology sector, the Zacks-defined Internet Software industry is currently within the top 17% of the Zacks Industry Rank. Since the Internet Software industry is ranked in the top half of Zacks Ranked Industries, we expect it to outperform the market over the next three to six months.
We recommend five artificial intelligence (AI)-focused mid-cap stocks from this space that have strong potential for the second half of 2025. These are — UiPath Inc. PATH, Five9 Inc. FIVN, Fastly Inc. FSLY, Calix Inc. CALX and Confluent Inc. CFLT. Each of our picks currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The chart below shows the price performance of our five picks in the past three months.
UiPath Inc.
UiPath provides an end-to-end automation platform that offers a range of robotic process automation solutions primarily in the United States, Romania, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and internationally. PATH offers a suite of interrelated software to build, manage, run, engage, measure, and govern automation within the organization.
The PATH platform's embedded AI, ML, and NLP (Natural Language Processing) capabilities improve decisioning and information processing. PATH introduced new generative AI features, including specialized LLMs (Large Language Model) such as DocPATH and CommPATH, and Context Grounding, to enhance automated AI models for specific business needs.
UiPath has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 8.5% and 3.8%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 1.9% over the last seven days.
Five9 Inc.
Five9 provides intelligent cloud software for contact centers in the United States, India, and internationally. FIVN offers a virtual contact center cloud platform that delivers a suite of applications, enabling a broad range of contact center-related customer service, sales, and marketing functions.
FIVN's platform comprises interactive virtual agents, agent assistance, workflow automation, workforce engagement management, AI insights, and AI summaries. It allows management and optimization of customer interactions across voice, chat, email, web, social media, and mobile channels directly or through its application programming interfaces.
FIVN has been benefiting from the growing adoption of AI tools in its call center services, with personalized AI agents emerging as a major growth driver. On Feb. 19, Five9 introduced its Intelligent CX Platform powered by Five9 Genius AI on the Google Cloud space. FIVN also released new Five9 AI agents tailor-made for Google Cloud.
Five9 has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 9.6% and 11.7%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 5.7% over the last 60 days.
Fastly Inc.
Fastly provides infrastructure software offering cloud computing, image optimization, security, edge computer technology and streaming solutions. On Dec.16, 2024, FSLY unveiled Fastly AI Accelerator, a semantic caching solution that allows developers to optimize their LLM generative AI applications.
FSLY operates an edge cloud platform for processing, serving, and securing its customer's applications in the United States, the Asia Pacific, Europe, and internationally. FSLY's Edge Cloud Platform offers more efficient performance as developers need only a single line of code instead of repeated calls to the AI provider to update their application to a new API endpoint.
Fastly has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 8.6% and 25%, respectively, for 2025. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has improved 10% over the last seven days.
Calix Inc.
Calix provides cloud and software platforms, and systems and services in the United States, the rest of the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. CALX's cloud and software platforms, and systems and services enable broadband service providers to provide a range of services.
CALX offers the Calix Cloud platform comprising Calix Engagement Cloud, Calix Operations Cloud, and Calix Service Cloud, which are configurable to display role-based insights and enable BEPs to anticipate and target new revenue-generating services and applications through mobile applications, such as CommandIQ for residents and CommandWorx for businesses.
CALX has integrated AI into its cloud platform and products to enhance broadband experience providers' operations, subscriber engagement, and service delivery. CALX offers AI-powered marketing solutions for the health and finance industries, AI-powered chat bots, and AI-driven initiatives like Calix AI Agents.
Calix has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 7.1% and 65.4%, respectively, for 2025. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has improved 21.1% over the last 60 days.
Confluent Inc.
Confluent operates a data streaming platform in the United States and internationally. CFLT provides platforms that allow customers to connect their applications, systems, and data layers comprising Confluent Cloud, a managed cloud-native software-as-a-service (SaaS), and Confluent Platform, an enterprise-grade self-managed software.
CFLT serves banking and financial services, retail and ecommerce, manufacturing, automotive, telecommunication, gaming, insurance, and technology industries, as well as the public sector. Using the Confluent Data Streaming Platform, individuals can stream data in real time from everywhere to deliver production-scale AI-powered applications faster.
CFLT has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 19% and 24.1%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 2.9% in the last 60 days.
7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days
Just released: Experts distill 7 elite stocks from the current list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. They deem these tickers "Most Likely for Early Price Pops."
Since 1988, the full list has beaten the market more than 2X over with an average gain of +23.5% per year. So be sure to give these hand picked 7 your immediate attention.
See them now >>
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
Calix, Inc (CALX): Free Stock Analysis Report
UiPath, Inc. (PATH): Free Stock Analysis Report
Five9, Inc. (FIVN): Free Stock Analysis Report
Fastly, Inc. (FSLY): Free Stock Analysis Report
Confluent, Inc. (CFLT): Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
Iran-Israel Conflict Escalates: Boon for ExxonMobil's E&P Business?
The West Texas Intermediate crude price is currently nearing the $75-per-barrel benchmark, representing a significant improvement from $60.79 on May 30, thanks to the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. This is a boon for Exxon Mobil Corporation 's XOM exploration and production (E&P) activities, as upstream operations are positively correlated with oil prices. Crude price data are as per In other words, with ExxonMobil generating the majority of its earnings from upstream operations, almost 88% in the first quarter of 2025, the rise in oil price is a positive development for its E&P business, aiding its bottom line. Delving into the large integrated energy player's upstream business, XOM has a strong footprint in the oil-rich Permian, the most prolific basin in the United States. With operations spread across the low-cost basin, the high oil price will likely generate significant cash flows for XOM. To describe XOM's strong focus on the Permian, the energy giant acquired Pioneer Natural Resources, with integration progressing well, and the company has revised its annual synergy estimates upward from $2 billion to $3 billion for the first decade. Thus, strong Permian operations amid the favorable crude pricing environment are aiding ExxonMobil. Are CVX & BP Also Gaining From High Oil Prices? Both Chevron Corporation CVX and BP plc BP generate significant earnings from their upstream operations, and hence, they benefit from higher oil prices. In the Permian, Chevron's operations cover approximately 1.8 million net acres within the sub-basins of Delaware and Midland. Being a major player in the region, CVX's breakeven costs are also low. Hence, it can generate handsome cashflow from a high crude pricing environment. In the first quarter of this year, CVX mentioned that Permian primarily aided its production volumes. BP also has a solid upstream operation, comprising a top-tier oil and gas business in attractive basins. BP is also a low-cost producer. The British energy giant claimed that it has been able to keep the cost of producing oil very low. Thus, BP is among the lowest-cost producers in the industry to capitalize on increasing oil prices. XOM's Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates Shares of XOM have gained 7.9% over the past year, outpacing the 3.7% improvement of the composite stocks belonging to the industry. From a valuation standpoint, XOM trades at a trailing 12-month enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) of 7.06X. This is above the broader industry average of 4.26X. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for XOM's 2025 earnings hasn't been revised over the past seven days. XOM stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the coming year. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +112%, +171%, +209% and +232%. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >> 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 BP p.l.c. (BP): Free Stock Analysis Report Chevron Corporation (CVX): Free Stock Analysis Report Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM): Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (
Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
IHT Q1 HOTEL REVENUES EXCEED $2.2 MILLION; IBC MANAGEMENT OBTAINED
Phoenix, AZ, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- InnSuites Hospitality Trust (NYSE American: IHT) reported Hotel Revenue results surpassing $2 million once again in the First Fiscal Quarter of 2026, (February 1, 2025, to April 30, 2025), with Total Revenue of approximately $2.2 million. Consolidated Net Income before non-cash depreciation expense was $221,330 for the 2026 First Fiscal Quarter ended April 30, 2025 (February 1, 2025, through April 30, 2025). Total Consolidated Fiscal First Quarter Net Income remained positive, at $39,030. IHT hotel operations were strong in the 2025 Fiscal Year ended January 31, 2025, and are contributing to a solid start in the current 2026 Fiscal Year. Combined Hotel May Revenue for both hotels was a notable $632,584, which has led to another remarkable Hotel Revenue amount of $2,838,347 for the first four Fiscal Months of Fiscal Year 2026. These are positive signs for InnSuites, as progress continues strong, while the Travel Industry in general, flattens. InnSuites Hospitality Trust (IHT), in late 2019, made a diversification investment in new development privately held UniGen Power, Inc. (UniGen), a company developing a patented, high profit potential, efficient clean energy generation innovation. With the continued strong demand from data centers, and added influx and popularity of electric cars, as well as growing projections for artificial intelligence, demand for electricity over the next five years is projected to approximately double. IHT holds convertible bonds and warrants that, if fully exercised, could result in IHT holding an approximately up to 15-20% or more ownership stake in UniGen. UniGen is currently concentrating on its next round of capital raising, in which IHT may participate. UniGen is a high-risk, clean, efficient, diversification investment, offering high potential investment return if and when successful. RRF LLLP, the Management Company for IHT, has recently become the Management Company for InnDependent Boutique Collection (IBC Hotels, LLC). This is another new diversification opportunity IHT may participate in further, in the future. In the process of ownership and management of branded and unbranded hotels, IHT recognized an unfulfilled need to provide hotel reservations, branding, and hotel services for global independent hotels, which at the time and still represent half the hotels in the world. In February 2014, IHT founded IBC Hotels, LLC to explore this unfulfilled opportunity, developing reservations, branding, and related hotel services doing business as 'InnDependent Boutique Collection '(IBC Hotels). Initial success in providing reservations for an IHT operated independent hotel was substantial. As this independent hotel services opportunity and the size of this potential demand was increasingly recognized in the travel industry, IBC Hotels was sold in August 2018 to a foreign hotel company planning expansion of independent hotel reservations and services internationally. The new owner added additional hotels to the reservation system, further developed, updated, and improved then-existing software, and pursued an agreement with a large international internet hotel guest source. When Covid hit in early 2020 and travel virtually briefly, but almost completely came to a standstill in March 2020, the new owner was not in a position to continue operations pausing IBC Hotels reservation services. On March 5, 2025, REF , an investment entity owned by the chairman and family of IHT majority IHT shareholder, purchased IBC Hotels, LLC, and hired RRF LLLP, the management company subsidiary of InnSuites Hospitality Trust (IHT), to manage the rebirth of IBC, to benefit from the substantial unfulfilled need worldwide for independent hotel and resort reservations, Boutique branding, and related hotel services. In the process, RRF LLLP, a 76% owned subsidiary of IHT and manager of IHT hotels, was engaged as manager of IBC obtaining a five-year option to purchase, at cost, IBC Hotels, LLC. This option is believed to provide IHT a valuable opportunity, if successful, to profit from the revitalization of InnDependent Boutique Collection (IBC Hotels). IHT management believes that due to real estate held on the books of IHT at book values believed to be significantly below current market value and due to the high clean energy and IBC diversification profit potential ahead, the IHT future looks bright. IHT's strong hotel operating results are reflected in three of the four most recent Fiscal Years profitable, even after accounting for substantial non-cash depreciation expense. Fiscal Year 2026 extended IHT's uninterrupted, continuous annual dividends to 55 years, since initial NYSE listing in 1971. Semi-annual dividends were paid February 5, 2025, and are anticipated for August 4, 2025. The IHT Annual Shareholder Meeting has been announced, and will be held at the IHT Phoenix Corporate Office, on August 14, 2025, at 1 PM. For more information, visit and Forward-Looking Statements With the exception of historical information, matters discussed in this news release may include 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements regarding IHT's review and exploration of potential strategic, operational, and structural alternative diversification investments, and expected associated costs and benefits are forward-looking. Actual developments and business decisions may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors, among others, that could cause IHT's actual results and future actions to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements include economic effects of tariffs, the uncertain outcome, impact, effects and results of IHT's success in finding qualified purchasers for its hospitality real estate, or a reverse merger partner, the success of additional financing and timing of the UniGen clean energy, IBC, and other potential diversification innovations, the continuation of semi-annual dividends in the year(s) ahead, collections of receivables, and other risks discussed in IHT's SEC filings. IHT expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof, all of which are expressly qualified by the foregoing, other than as required by applicable law. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Marc Berg, Executive Vice President 602-944-1500 email: mberg@ INNSUITES HOTEL CENTRE 1730 E. NORTHERN AVENUE, #122 Phoenix, Arizona 85020 Phone: 602-944-1500
Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
Indoor Location Market Future Growth, Latest Technologies, Business Scenario, Key Segments and Forecast to 2029
"Zebra Technologies (US), Cisco (US), Google (US), Microsoft (US), HPE (US), Apple (US), Esri (US), Acuity Brands (US), Inpixon (US), HERE Technologies (US), HID Global (US), CenTrak (US), Sonitor (Norway), Ubisense (UK), infsoft (Germany), Polaris Wireless (US), Quuppa (Finland)." Indoor Location Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis, By Offering (Hardware, Solutions, Services), Technology (BLE, UWB, Wi-Fi), Application, Vertical (Retail, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing) and Region - Global Forecast to 2029 The indoor location market is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.4% from USD 11.9 billion in 2024 to USD 31.4 billion by 2029. The growing number of apps that use BLE tags and beacons is expected to increase the demand for indoor location solutions. the growing market for indoor positioning systems, which includes navigation and asset monitoring services, as well as the availability of more mobile devices. Healthcare institutions are using indoor location solutions for staff and patient asset tracking and monitoring, which improves care quality and facility efficiency. Download PDF Brochure@ Based on offerings, the hardware segment holds the largest market size during the forecast period. Beacons, sensors, tags, gateways, fixed readers, and Wi-Fi access points are all included in the hardware sector. In location, vendors have developed hardware in response to growing customer demand for BLE, sensors, and Wi-Fi technologies to pinpoint their location within a building. Various retail stores integrate beacons and Wi-Fi with in-store signage system that gives customers the remote control to decide what product information or details they want to see. Beacons can also be used with server-based applications. For instance, they enable the tracking and evacuating people and items in big industrial buildings, the analysis of itineraries, security applications (access control, theft protection, dead man's handle), and workplace administration. Based on technology, ultra-wideband is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The term "UWB" refers to a baseband, carrier-free, impulse technology that sends out very short pulses with a low power spectral density. Its access range spans from 10.6 GHz to 3.1 GHz. This excessive bandwidth provides information rates for the conversion of data for decision-making. UWB positioning is useful where the position of objects in buildings must be determined with high precision. This technology can implement both server-based (asset tracking) and client-based (indoor navigation) applications. UWB has very high sampling rates, which greatly reduces latency. Based on region, Asia Pacific is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Asia Pacific has seen a rapid and sophisticated uptake of new technology. The Asia Pacific indoor location market is expanding due to the region's growing population and rising infrastructure. The expansion of indoor location solutions in the region is driven by the sharp increase in technology use across verticals to improve the experience of consumers and visitors. Rising startups and their need for location-tracking solutions and government initiatives toward smart city technologies are driving the market's growth. Request Sample Pages@ Unique Features in the Indoor Location Market Indoor location systems leverage advanced technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons, Wi-Fi RTT (Round Trip Time), ultra-wideband (UWB), and magnetic positioning to deliver sub-meter level accuracy. Unlike GPS, which struggles indoors, these technologies enable precise tracking of assets, people, and equipment within enclosed spaces like airports, shopping malls, and factories. The market is witnessing significant adoption of real-time location services to enhance operational efficiency and safety. RTLS enables businesses to monitor movements, prevent asset loss, and optimize workflows by providing live updates on indoor positioning, particularly beneficial in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare sectors. Indoor location solutions are increasingly integrated with IoT devices and AI algorithms to enable smart automation. AI-powered analytics combined with sensor data help in behavior analysis, predictive maintenance, and energy optimization within smart buildings, giving enterprises actionable insights from location data. Retailers and event organizers use indoor positioning to deliver hyper-personalized experiences through context-aware notifications, wayfinding, and proximity marketing. These features improve customer engagement and satisfaction by offering tailored content based on user location and preferences. The market is characterized by sophisticated indoor mapping and navigation tools that provide intuitive, turn-by-turn guidance within complex indoor environments. These tools enhance user experience in large venues such as hospitals, campuses, or airports where traditional maps fall short. Major Highlights of the Indoor Location Market The indoor location market is experiencing rapid expansion, driven by increasing demand across sectors like retail, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and smart buildings. Organizations are adopting indoor positioning solutions to enhance operational visibility, asset tracking, and customer experiences. The growth of smart infrastructure globally is a major catalyst. Indoor location technologies are playing a pivotal role in enabling intelligent space utilization, energy efficiency, and occupant safety in smart buildings and urban environments, contributing significantly to market expansion. Breakthroughs in Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi RTT, UWB, and AI-based sensor fusion are elevating the accuracy and scalability of indoor positioning systems. These innovations are making indoor tracking more cost-effective, reliable, and scalable for both small-scale deployments and enterprise-level integrations. Retailers and event managers are increasingly deploying indoor navigation to improve customer engagement and revenue. Solutions like digital wayfinding, proximity marketing, and heatmap analytics are enhancing foot traffic insights and optimizing layout and resource allocation. Inquire Before Buying@ Top Companies in the Indoor Location Market The major vendors covered in the indoor location market include Zebra Technologies (US), Cisco (US), Google (US), Microsoft (US), HPE (US), Apple (US), Esri (US), Acuity Brands (US), Inpixon (US), HERE Technologies (US), HID Global (US), CenTrak (US), Sonitor (Norway), Ubisense (UK), infsoft (Germany), Polaris Wireless (US), Quuppa (Finland), Securitas Healthcare (US), Navigine (US), Blueiot (China), (US), AiRISTA (US), InnerSpace (Canada), Syook (India), Oriient (Israel), Navenio (England), Situm (Spain), Pozyx (Belgium), Azitek (Portugal), and Mapxus (China). Zebra Technologies (US): Market Share: A significant player with a strong market presence, particularly in asset tracking and industrial applications. (Exact market share data varies by research source) Key Offerings: Zebra offers a comprehensive suite of indoor location solutions using RFID, Wi-Fi, and BLE technologies. Their solutions focus on real-time asset tracking, personnel location, and data collection for industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Cisco (US): Market Share: Holds a respectable market share, leveraging its existing network infrastructure for location services. (Exact market share data varies by research source) Key Offerings: Cisco Meraki access points and Catalyst switches provide real-time asset tracking and location-based services. This makes them a strong choice for businesses already invested in Cisco's networking solutions. Google (US): Market Share: Doesn't hold a dominant market share but plays a role through smartphone technology and developer tools. (Exact market share data varies by research source) Key Offerings: Google's contributions include Android platform features that enable indoor positioning and their cloud platform offerings that can support indoor location solutions. Additionally, Google Maps plays a role in indoor navigation for some businesses. Microsoft (US): Market Share: Similar to Google, Microsoft doesn't hold a dominant share but contributes through developer tools and Azure cloud services. (Exact market share data varies by research source) Key Offerings: Microsoft Azure cloud platform can be used to develop and deploy indoor location solutions. Additionally, Windows Location APIs provide tools for developers to integrate indoor location features into their applications. HPE (US) - Aruba Networks: Market Share: Holds a mid-tier market share with strong offerings leveraging existing Wi-Fi infrastructure. (Exact market share data varies by research source) Key Offerings: Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, offers indoor location services that utilize existing Wi-Fi networks for asset tracking, wayfinding, and space optimization, catering to various industries. Apple (US): Market Share: Doesn't hold a dominant market share but offers unique technology with a focus on consumer devices. (Exact market share data varies by research source) Key Offerings: Apple's contribution lies in iBeacon micro-location beacons, which utilize Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology for precise indoor location tracking. This caters to businesses seeking high-accuracy solutions for various applications.
