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CrowdStrike Rises 28% in 6 Months: Is the Stock Still Worth Buying?
ZACKS· 2025-10-08 15:46
Core Insights - CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) shares have increased by 28.3% over the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Security industry's growth of 17.4% and other peers like SentinelOne, Palo Alto Networks, and Check Point Software [1][9]. Financial Performance - CrowdStrike's revenues surpassed $1 billion for the fourth consecutive quarter in Q2 of fiscal 2026, reflecting a year-over-year growth of nearly 20.1% [5]. - The company added $221 million in net new annual recurring revenue (ARR), bringing the total ARR to $4.66 billion, which is a 20% increase from the previous year [8][9]. - In Q2, sales and non-GAAP EPS grew by 21% and 5.7% year-over-year, respectively, with management projecting at least 40% year-over-year growth in net new ARR for the second half of fiscal 2026 [10]. Subscription Model and Customer Adoption - The Falcon Flex Subscription Model has significantly contributed to CrowdStrike's revenue growth, with 48% of subscription customers adopting six or more cloud modules by the end of Q2 [6][8]. - The company has over 1,000 Falcon Flex customers, with more than 100 signing follow-on "re-Flex" deals before their contracts ended, indicating strong customer expansion [8][9]. Strategic Partnerships - CrowdStrike has formed new AI-focused partnerships with NVIDIA, Salesforce, and Meta, enhancing its long-term growth outlook [9][12]. - The integration of CrowdStrike's Falcon platform with NVIDIA's AI systems aims to secure the entire AI lifecycle, protecting over 100,000 large language models [13]. - Collaborations with KPMG, Salesforce, and Meta are expected to modernize security operations and improve detection capabilities, contributing to over 60% of new business in Q2 [15][17]. Market Position and Future Outlook - The company is well-positioned in the cybersecurity market, with a strong focus on AI-driven solutions, which are increasingly prioritized by businesses [19]. - Despite a forecasted decline in EPS for fiscal 2026, a significant recovery is anticipated in fiscal 2027 with a projected increase of 29.3% [17][18].
Intrusion Unveils Shield Cloud on AWS Marketplace for Threat Prevention
ZACKS· 2025-10-08 15:35
Core Insights - Intrusion Inc. has launched Intrusion Shield Cloud on the AWS Marketplace, enhancing its cybersecurity offerings and addressing modern cyber threats [1][10] - The solution acts as a virtual firewall gateway for autonomous threat prevention, blocking malicious network traffic before it impacts systems [2][10] - Intrusion Shield Cloud is designed to mitigate risks from attackers already within a network, a common vulnerability in cloud security [3] Product Features - The Shield Cloud continuously analyzes network traffic, proactively blocking outbound calls to malicious IPs and domains, thus preventing potential attacks at early stages [5] - Its autonomous operation reduces response time to cyber threats, allowing organizations to stay ahead of sophisticated attacks without manual intervention [6] - The solution leverages a robust cyber threat intelligence engine, built on over 30 years of innovation, providing near-complete network visibility and a unique risk assessment framework [7] Investment Opportunity - Intrusion presents a compelling investment opportunity with a focus on execution and profitable growth, leveraging its proprietary database and intellectual property [8] - The company is shifting towards a recurring revenue model through Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and Value-Added Resellers (VARs), establishing a sustainable growth foundation [8] - A clear long-term roadmap for product growth, supported by strong core technology assets, positions the company for continued success [8] Market Performance - Intrusion's stock has gained 93.2% over the past year, outperforming the sub-industry growth of 28.2% [9]
Rapid7, Inc. (RPD): A Bull Case Theory
Yahoo Finance· 2025-10-08 14:41
Core Thesis - Rapid7, Inc. is undergoing a strategic pivot towards an integrated Command Platform, enhancing its cybersecurity offerings and addressing customer demand for streamlined security solutions [2][5] - The company has shown significant financial growth, with revenue increasing from $411.5 million in 2020 to $844 million in 2024, reflecting a 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) [2] Financial Performance - Rapid7's trailing and forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios are 47.30 and 9.95 respectively, indicating a potential undervaluation [1] - Current guidance projects revenue of $858 million, EBITDA of $163 million, and free cash flow between $125 million and $135 million, resulting in an attractive ~10% free cash flow yield and ~9.8x EV/EBITDA valuation [3] Strategic Developments - The company has $600 million in cash and investments, generating interest income that exceeds debt costs, despite facing historical share dilution and ~$900 million in convertibles due in 2027 and 2029 [3] - Activist investor JANA Partners controls over 14% of shares and is advocating for governance changes and operational improvements, positioning Rapid7 as a credible acquisition candidate [3][4] Acquisition Speculation - There has been ongoing speculation regarding potential acquisitions, with interest from firms such as TPG, Alphabet, and Thoma Bravo, alongside insider incentives for pursuing a transaction [4] - Elevated professional fees suggest active corporate advisory efforts, indicating that Rapid7 is preparing for potential strategic alternatives, including a sale [4]
Tesla went back to basics with its latest big announcement
Business Insider· 2025-10-08 13:01
Core Insights - Tesla has introduced more affordable versions of its popular electric vehicles (EVs), the Model 3 and Model Y, amid a slowdown in the EV market and the end of the EV tax credit [3][4][8] - The price reductions for the Model Y Standard and Model 3 Standard are $39,990 and $36,990 respectively, representing decreases of 11.1% and 12.9% compared to their premium versions [4][5] - The new models will have fewer features compared to their premium counterparts, including the removal of the Autosteer feature and AM/FM radio [5][6] - The market reaction to the announcement was negative, with Tesla's stock dropping nearly 4.5% on the day of the launch, indicating disappointment among analysts and investors [8][10] Pricing and Features - Model Y Standard is priced at $39,990, while Model Y Premium is at $44,990, with a price difference of $5,000 [4] - Model 3 Standard is priced at $36,990, and Model 3 Premium is at $42,490, with a price difference of $5,500 [4] - The price cuts do not fully compensate for the previous $7,500 tax credit that EV buyers received until the end of September [4] Market Context - The introduction of these budget-friendly models comes as the EV industry faces a general slowdown and the expiration of tax incentives [3][8] - The expectation for a more significant announcement was not met, as the launch was perceived as lacking excitement, with only a brief video shared on social media [9][10]
Fortinet Annual Report Indicates AI Skillsets Critical to Cybersecurity Skills Gap Solution
Globenewswire· 2025-10-08 13:00
Core Insights - 87% of cybersecurity professionals believe AI will enhance their roles, providing efficiency and relief amid ongoing skill shortages [3][4] - The 2025 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report highlights a critical shortage of over 4.7 million skilled professionals, leading to unfilled security roles and increased breach rates [2][4] - Organizations are increasingly adopting AI-enabled cybersecurity solutions, with 97% either using or planning to implement such technologies [4][5] Cybersecurity Skills Gap - The report indicates that 86% of organizations experienced at least one cyber breach in 2024, a rise from 80% in 2021, with 28% reporting five or more breaches [4] - More than 50% of respondents cited a lack of IT security skills and training as a leading cause of breaches [4] - Financial impacts of breaches are significant, with 52% of organizations reporting costs exceeding $1 million in 2024, up from 38% in 2021 [4] AI in Cybersecurity - While AI can alleviate pressure on security teams, nearly half (48%) of IT decision-makers identify a lack of staff with sufficient AI expertise as a major challenge [4][5] - 80% of surveyed professionals believe AI is making their teams more effective, but 76% of organizations that faced nine or more cyberattacks in 2024 had AI tools in place, indicating that mere adoption is insufficient without expertise [4][5] Board-Level Focus - Cybersecurity is increasingly recognized as a board-level priority, with 76% of boards increasing their focus on the issue in 2024 [9] - However, fewer than half (49%) of board members fully understand the risks associated with AI, highlighting a gap in awareness [9] Upskilling and Training - The report emphasizes the need for organizations to invest in training and upskilling to close the cybersecurity skills gap [5][6] - Fortinet aims to train 1 million people in cybersecurity globally by the end of 2026, reflecting a commitment to addressing the skills shortage [7]
Varonis Launches Interceptor: AI-Native Email Security to Stop Data Breaches Before They Start
Globenewswire· 2025-10-08 13:00
Core Insights - Varonis Systems, Inc. has launched Varonis Interceptor, an AI-powered email security solution designed to detect and block advanced social engineering attacks that traditional methods may miss [1][3][12] Company Overview - Varonis is recognized as a leader in data security, focusing on protecting sensitive data across various environments including SaaS, IaaS, and hybrid cloud [6][7] - The company utilizes a cloud-native Data Security Platform that continuously discovers and classifies critical data, removes exposures, and detects advanced threats through AI automation [6] Product Features - Varonis Interceptor employs multi-layered AI technologies such as natural-language processing, computer vision, and behavioral analysis to identify and eliminate novel threats in real time [4] - The solution is API-based, can be deployed in five minutes, and includes a look-back feature to identify threats that existing email security solutions may have overlooked [5] - It offers multi-channel defense, protecting users across various platforms including Microsoft Teams, Slack, and WhatsApp [11] Strategic Acquisition - The development of Varonis Interceptor is powered by the acquisition of SlashNext, which enhances the company's capabilities in combating AI-driven social engineering attacks [3]
Jim Cramer Sees More Upside For Shopify, Likes CoreWeave's AI Moves
Benzinga· 2025-10-08 12:33
Group 1: Affirm Holdings, Inc. - Jim Cramer recommended buying Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFRM) after Rothschild & Co analyst Harry Bartlett upgraded the stock from Neutral to Buy and raised the price target from $74 to $101 [1][1] - Affirm shares rose 1% to settle at $76.65 on Tuesday [7] Group 2: Beam Therapeutics Inc. - Cramer expressed skepticism about Beam Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:BEAM), stating "I can't go with" the stock [1] - Beam Therapeutics announced on Aug. 14 that the FDA granted regenerative medicine advanced therapy designation status for Beam-101 [1] - Beam shares declined 2.9% to settle at $25.13 on Tuesday [7] Group 3: Crown Castle Inc. - Cramer criticized the business model of Crown Castle Inc. (NYSE:CCI), calling it "not a sound one" [2] - RBC Capital analyst Jonathan Atkin upgraded Crown Castle from Sector Perform to Outperform but lowered the price target from $113 to $112 [2] - Crown Castle shares gained 1.2% to settle at $95.14 [7] Group 4: Shopify Inc. - Cramer stated that Shopify Inc. (NASDAQ:SHOP) is going "much higher," supported by TD Securities raising its price target from $130 to $156 [2] - Shopify shares fell 2% to close at $161.28 on Tuesday [7] Group 5: CoreWeave, Inc. - Cramer described CoreWeave, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWV) as "good" [2] - CoreWeave announced plans to acquire Monolith AI, a UK-based pioneer in applying machine learning to complex physics and engineering problems [2] - CoreWeave shares fell 3.8% to settle at $128.83 [7] Group 6: CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. - Cramer expressed confidence in CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) and its CEO George Kurtz, expecting the stock to rise [3] - Wells Fargo analyst Andrew Nowinski maintained an Overweight rating on CrowdStrike and raised the price target from $550 to $600 [3] - CrowdStrike shares fell 2.3% to close at $484.62 [7]
Recorded Future Launches Autonomous Threat Operations, Enabling AI-Powered Continuous Defense
Prnewswire· 2025-10-08 12:00
Core Insights - Recorded Future has launched Autonomous Threat Operations, a groundbreaking cyber operations product aimed at transforming organizational defenses against advanced threats [1][2] - This product represents a significant shift in the threat intelligence market, moving from isolated insights to automated, continuous defensive actions across security ecosystems [2][3] Revolutionary Capabilities - The Autonomous Threat Operations feature includes AI-Powered Autonomous Threat Hunting, which operates continuously 24/7, eliminating the 8-12 hour weekly manual bottleneck and significantly increasing the number of threat hunts [3] - Multi-Source Correlation capability automatically correlates third-party feeds within Recorded Future's Intelligence Graph®, allowing for automated actions instead of manual correlation [4] Comprehensive Intelligence Operations Vision - The initiative focuses on three key pillars: Cyber Operations, Digital Risk Protection, and Third-party Risk Management, with an initial emphasis on transforming Cyber Operations [5] Availability - Autonomous Threat Operations is currently available in Early Access to Recorded Future customers [6] Company Overview - Recorded Future is the largest threat intelligence company, serving over 1,900 businesses and government organizations across 80 countries, with a platform that includes over 200 billion nodes of specialized threat data [7] - The company was acquired by Mastercard in 2024 and continues to lead the evolution from traditional threat intelligence to automated risk mitigation [8]
Tradr Launches First-to-Market Leveraged ETFs on AUR, CELH, LYFT, NET & OKTA - Celsius Holdings (NASDAQ:CELH), Aurora Innovation (NASDAQ:AUR)
Benzinga· 2025-10-08 10:46
Core Insights - Tradr ETFs has launched five new single stock leveraged ETFs aimed at providing 200% long exposure on specific underlying stocks, marking a significant expansion in their product offerings [1][2] - The new ETFs cover diverse industries including cybersecurity, autonomous driving, and mobility services, catering to sophisticated investors and professional traders [2] Company Overview - Tradr ETFs is recognized for its innovative approach, having been the first issuer to launch leveraged ETFs on single stocks in 2022, starting with TSLQ for Tesla and NVDS for Nvidia [2] - The firm now offers a total of 39 leveraged ETFs with over $1.7 billion in assets under management, accessible through most brokerage platforms [2] Product Details - The newly launched ETFs include Tradr 2X Long AUR Daily ETF tracking Aurora Innovation, Tradr 2X Long CELH Daily ETF tracking Celsius Holdings, Tradr 2X Long LYFT Daily ETF tracking Lyft, Tradr 2X Long NET Daily ETF tracking Cloudflare, and Tradr 2X Long OKTA Daily ETF tracking Okta [9] - These ETFs are designed to provide traders with the ability to express market views with precision and efficiency, avoiding the complexities of margin and options trading [2][4]
Managed Detection And Response (MDR) Market to Reach USD 11.3 Billion by 2030 with Rapid Growth Trends
Medium· 2025-10-08 10:45
Core Insights - The Managed Detection and Response (MDR) market is projected to grow from USD 4.19 billion in 2025 to USD 11.30 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.95% driven by increasing demand for real-time threat detection and incident response [1][13][14] Market Trends - Escalating cyber threats are leading organizations to prioritize continuous monitoring and proactive threat hunting, with MDR providers offering essential capabilities to combat advanced persistent threats and ransomware attacks [3][2] - The global shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals is pushing organizations to adopt MDR services, which provide access to experienced security experts and continuous monitoring, allowing internal teams to focus on core business functions [4][2] - Stringent regulatory compliance requirements, such as the EU's NIS2 Directive, are driving the adoption of MDR solutions to ensure compliance and reduce operational risks [6][2] - The popularity of cloud-based and AI-driven MDR solutions is increasing due to their scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, enabling organizations to efficiently manage high volumes of alerts while maintaining rapid response times [7][2] Market Segmentation - The MDR market is segmented by offering into endpoint-centric, network-centric, cloud-centric, OT/IoT, and managed extended detection and response (MXDR) [8] - Deployment modes include on-premises, cloud, and hybrid solutions, catering to various organizational sizes from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to large enterprises [8] - Key verticals include banking, healthcare, government, manufacturing, retail, energy, education, and telecommunications [8] Key Players - Notable companies in the MDR market include CrowdStrike Holdings, Arctic Wolf Networks, Rapid7, eSentire, and SentinelOne, each offering unique solutions focused on threat intelligence, monitoring, and incident response [15]