CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) is one of the Must-Watch AI Stocks on Wall Street. On September 18, Mizuho analyst Gregg Moskowitz raised the price target on the stock to $475.00 (from $450.00) while maintaining a Neutral rating. The price target raise follows Day 2 of CrowdStrike’s annual user conference, Fal.Con 2025, and its investor meeting in Las Vegas. Firm analysts noted how the conference proved to be “relatively uneventful,” but the investor meeting brought in significant news regarding ...

Core Insights - SentinelOne, Inc. and CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. are identified as promising investments in the cybersecurity sector with potential to outperform the S&P 500 [1] - The focus is on companies with a market capitalization of less than $10 billion, which are expected to have significant growth opportunities [1] - A long-term investment perspective is emphasized, aiming for substantial returns through capital compounding [1] Investment Strategy - The investment approach is primarily conservative, with occasional pursuit of high-risk, high-reward opportunities [1] - The strategy includes careful consideration of risk-reward ratios to maintain overall portfolio stability [1] - The goal is to achieve a compound annual growth rate that could potentially deliver tenfold returns or greater [1]

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our analyst ratings page.Considering buying CRWD stock? Here’s what analysts think: Read This Next: Photo via ShutterstockLoading...Loading... ...

Joining me now for a look across the cyber security space and beyond is Steve Kanig, US head of technology research, McQuary US Equity Research. Steve, thank you so much for joining us here at the big board. Good morning, Diane.Thanks for having us. It's good to see you. All right.Um, it feels like we are in such a different place than we were a little more than a year ago with a crowd strike. So, how would you describe just where things stand now and kind of this current state of affairs. Well, we certain ...

Group 1 - Morgan Stanley analyst Keith Weiss raised the target price for CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. from $460 to $475 while maintaining an "Equal Weight" rating, indicating a cautious investment stance despite the upward adjustment [1][2] - CrowdStrike's stock price closed at $502.55 last Friday, reflecting a 46% increase this year, driven by unprecedented AI investment trends [2] - CrowdStrike is expected to achieve over 20% growth in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) by fiscal year 2027, with a long-term goal of reaching $20 billion ARR by fiscal year 2036, which is more than four times the current level [2] Group 2 - CrowdStrike is a leader in AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, benefiting from strong growth in the cybersecurity market as global enterprises increase investments due to expanding attack surfaces and complex threats [3] - The integration of generative AI technology into CrowdStrike's services enhances efficiency and lowers technical barriers, making it attractive for companies developing AI software applications [3] - The introduction of an AI security analyst named "Charlotte" within the CrowdStrike Falcon® platform allows users to interact and create workflows easily, improving user experience and platform effectiveness [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing scrutiny and criticism of Chinese cybersecurity companies by U.S. experts and institutions, particularly focusing on the actions of Dakota Cary and the implications for the cybersecurity industry. Group 1: Criticism of Chinese Cybersecurity Companies - Dakota Cary, a prominent figure in U.S. cybersecurity, has accused several Chinese companies, including Alibaba and Baidu, of being "weapons suppliers" for state-sponsored hacking, distorting the nature of penetration testing services [1][3][6] - Cary's claims are seen as part of a broader strategy to isolate Chinese cybersecurity firms from international collaborations, particularly the Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) [6][7] - Following Cary's accusations, Microsoft announced restrictions on Chinese companies' access to vulnerability information, which was celebrated by Cary as a victory [7][8] Group 2: Historical Context and Evolution - The article traces the origins of U.S. criticism of Chinese cybersecurity back to a 2012 congressional hearing where Richard Bejtlich accused the Chinese government of extensive cyber espionage [9][13] - This hearing marked the beginning of a decade-long focus on China as a primary adversary in cyberspace, leading to a series of reports and accusations against Chinese firms [13][14] - The narrative has evolved, with newer figures like Cary taking the lead in shaping public perception and policy against Chinese cybersecurity entities [17][20] Group 3: The Role of U.S. Cybersecurity Firms - U.S. cybersecurity firms, such as SentinelOne, have benefited from the political climate by increasing government contracts, with SentinelOne's government orders rising from 12% in 2021 to 37% by 2025 [32][33] - The article highlights a pattern where U.S. cybersecurity companies publish reports that criticize Chinese firms, which in turn helps them secure government contracts and funding [32][34] - The rise of companies like CrowdStrike and SentinelOne is linked to their ability to align with U.S. government interests and narratives against China [33][34] Group 4: Response from Chinese Cybersecurity Firms - In response to the accusations, Chinese cybersecurity companies have begun to publish their own reports exposing U.S. cyber activities, aiming to counter the narrative and assert their capabilities [36][37] - Reports from firms like Qihoo 360 and Antiy have detailed U.S. cyber attacks, marking a shift towards a more aggressive defense strategy against U.S. claims [35][36] - The article notes that these responses are part of a broader struggle for legitimacy and recognition in the global cybersecurity landscape [34][38] Group 5: Future Implications - The ongoing conflict between U.S. and Chinese cybersecurity firms reflects a larger geopolitical struggle, with implications for international cybersecurity cooperation and competition [48][49] - The article suggests that the U.S. is conducting a comprehensive assessment of China's cybersecurity capabilities, which may signal preparations for future cyber confrontations [48][49] - The narrative constructed by U.S. experts may influence policy decisions and funding allocations within the U.S. government, further entrenching the divide between the two nations in the cybersecurity domain [57][58]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing scrutiny and criticism of Chinese cybersecurity companies by U.S. experts and institutions, particularly focusing on the actions of Dakota Cary and the implications for the cybersecurity industry [1][3][9]. Group 1: Criticism of Chinese Cybersecurity Firms - Dakota Cary, a prominent figure in U.S. cybersecurity, has accused several Chinese companies, including Alibaba and Baidu, of being "weapons suppliers" for state-sponsored hacking [1][3]. - Cary's claims are based on the misinterpretation of penetration testing services, which are standard in the cybersecurity industry and not inherently malicious [3][7]. - The U.S. cybersecurity landscape has seen a rise in anti-China rhetoric, with Cary and others labeling Chinese firms as threats to national security [9][10]. Group 2: U.S. Cybersecurity Strategy and Actions - The Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) has been a focal point, with Cary pushing for the exclusion of Chinese firms from this initiative, arguing that they pose a risk of leaking vulnerabilities to state actors [7][8]. - Following Cary's pressure, Microsoft announced restrictions on Chinese companies' access to vulnerability information, indicating a shift in U.S. cybersecurity policy [8][9]. - The article highlights a pattern where U.S. cybersecurity firms gain government contracts and funding by promoting narratives that vilify Chinese companies [34][35]. Group 3: Historical Context and Evolution - The narrative against Chinese cybersecurity firms has roots in earlier U.S. congressional hearings, such as the 2012 USCC hearing, which established China as a primary adversary in cyberspace [16][18]. - The article traces the evolution of U.S. cybersecurity firms' strategies, noting how they have leveraged political narratives to secure government contracts and enhance their market positions [19][36]. - Recent hearings in 2022 further solidified this trend, with experts calling for direct sanctions against Chinese entities, reflecting a more aggressive stance [20][23]. Group 4: Response from Chinese Cybersecurity Firms - In response to the accusations, Chinese cybersecurity firms have begun to publish reports exposing U.S. cyber activities, aiming to counter the negative narratives [36][38]. - Companies like Qihoo 360 and An Tian have released findings on U.S. cyberattacks, showcasing their capabilities and challenging the claims made by U.S. experts [37][41]. - The article emphasizes the ongoing struggle between U.S. and Chinese cybersecurity firms, with each side attempting to assert its narrative in the global cybersecurity landscape [40][49]. Group 5: Implications for the Future - The article suggests that the increasing scrutiny of Chinese cybersecurity firms may lead to a more fragmented global cybersecurity environment, with potential implications for international cooperation [49][50]. - The actions of U.S. experts and firms may also signal a broader strategy to undermine Chinese technological advancements in cybersecurity [56][59]. - The ongoing conflict in narratives and actions between U.S. and Chinese cybersecurity entities reflects a larger geopolitical struggle, with significant consequences for the industry as a whole [59].

Group 1: Valuation Trends in AI Companies - Seven of the highest-valued private tech companies are now worth $1.3 trillion, almost double from the previous year, with OpenAI leading at $324 billion [1] - The valuation surge reflects actual growth, with companies growing at rates of 100%, 200%, and 300% on already substantial numbers [2] - 19 AI firms have raised $65 billion so far this year, indicating strong financial backing and little incentive to go public [2] Group 2: Market Sentiment and Predictions - Some analysts believe current valuations are "insane" and acknowledge being in a bubble, yet they continue to invest heavily [3] - OpenAI is expected to spend aggressively on datacenter construction, indicating a strong belief in future growth [4] Group 3: Hedge Fund Interest and Stock Performance - Hedge funds are increasingly interested in AI stocks, with research showing that imitating top hedge fund picks can outperform the market [5] - Accenture plc is highlighted as a must-watch AI stock, with a recent price target adjustment from $355 to $315 while maintaining a Buy rating [8] - CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. is also noted as a key AI stock, with a price target raised from $450 to $475 following positive investor meetings [11][12] Group 4: Company-Specific Insights - Accenture has lagged behind the S&P by approximately 2500 basis points over the last 90 days, attributed to low industry growth [8] - CrowdStrike provided guidance for over 20% net new Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) growth for fiscal year 2027, significantly above consensus expectations [13]

Group 1 - CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. is being closely monitored by analysts as a significant player in the AI sector [1][2] - Morgan Stanley analyst Keith Weiss raised the price target for CrowdStrike from $460 to $475 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating [1][2] - The company is projected to achieve a net new annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth of over 20% in fiscal year 2027, with a target of $20 billion in ARR by fiscal year 2036, which is more than four times its current level [3] Group 2 - The recent Analyst Day highlighted the advantages of platformization and the increasing risks associated with artificial intelligence for customers [2][3] - CrowdStrike is recognized as a leader in AI-driven endpoint and cloud workload protection [3]

Core Insights - CrowdStrike experienced a significant stock surge of 13% following its investor day and the Fal.Con conference, where it announced ambitious targets and a stronger focus on artificial intelligence (AI) [1] - The company reported a record net-new annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth for fiscal 2027, reinforcing confidence in its platform's resilience [1][2] - The cybersecurity firm aims to reach $10 billion in subscription ARR by fiscal 2031, with a forecast of over 20% net-new ARR growth in fiscal 2027 [5] Financial Performance - In Q2 of fiscal 2026, CrowdStrike's total revenue increased by 21% year-over-year to $1.17 billion, while ending ARR rose by 20% to $4.66 billion [4] - The company achieved a record net-new ARR of $221 million in the latest quarter, with non-GAAP operating income at $255 million (22% of revenue) and free cash flow at $284 million (24% of revenue) [4] - The results indicate strong momentum in subscriptions and cash generation, which is crucial for sustaining growth [7] Business Strategy and Growth Drivers - Management highlighted the ongoing expansion of its platform, with increasing module adoption rates and the scaling of next-generation security offerings [6] - The company has surpassed 1,000 Falcon Flex customers, with each typically representing over $1 million of ARR, indicating a favorable mix shift that can support sustained double-digit growth [6] - The focus on integrating AI into its offerings is expected to enhance customer confidence and drive future growth [4][5]