Anthropic's new tool wipes down billions from CrowdStrike, Cloudflare, Palo Alto Networks, and Zscaler, Okta stocks; company says: We also... - The Times of India
Anthropic introduced Claude Code Security, an AI-powered tool for scanning codebases for vulnerabilities, causing a significant sell-off in cybersecurity stocks. Major companies like CrowdStrike, Cloudflare, Okta, SailPoint, Zscaler, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet saw their shares drop by 2-9%. This disruption is attributed to fears that AI could significantly alter the cybersecurity landscape, despite some analysts believing AI will ultimately benefit the sector.
Septerna president Bhatt sells $115,860 in shares
Septerna, Inc. President and COO Elizabeth Bhatt sold 4,000 shares of common stock for a total of $115,860 on February 18, 2026, following a 370% stock surge over the past year. Concurrently, Bhatt exercised options to acquire an equal number of shares. The transactions were initiated under a Rule 10b5-1 sales plan and leave Bhatt with 174,209 directly owned shares in the biotech company.
News brief: Nation-state hackers active on the global stage
Nation-state hackers are escalating cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure globally, as highlighted by a recent IBM report indicating 70% of 2024 attacks involved such infrastructure. The news brief details several recent incidents, including attacks on the U.S. defense industrial base, newly identified hacking groups exploiting OT environments, a campaign against Singapore's telcos, a breach of Senegal's biometric database, and zero-day exploits in Ivanti Endpoint Manager Mobile. These events underscore the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical systems and safeguard data.
Zscaler's Z-Flex Adoption Surges: Will It Be a New Growth Engine?
Zscaler's new Z-Flex program, which allows customers to commit to spending upfront with flexibility to add or swap modules, is seeing significant early traction. Introduced in Q3 fiscal 2025, it generated over $175 million in Q1 fiscal 2026 contract value bookings, a 70% sequential increase. This initiative enhances revenue visibility, expands client relationships by encouraging multi-module adoption, and helps increase deal sizes, positioning Z-Flex as a potential key growth driver for Zscaler, despite competition from rivals offering similar bundled solutions.
Radware 2026 Global Threat Report Shows DDoS Attacks Jump 168% as Cyber Threats Escalate Across Networks and Applications
Radware's 2026 Global Threat Analysis Report reveals a significant escalation in cyberattack activity during 2025, with network-layer DDoS attacks increasing by 168.2% and web DDoS attacks by 101.4%. The report highlights AI-driven bot attacks, application and API exploitation, and persistent hacktivism, driven by geopolitical conflicts, as major threats. Organizations are urged to adopt resilient, automated defenses against sophisticated, multi-vector attacks.
Analysts Offer Insights on Technology Companies: Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and Nvidia (NVDA)
Two analysts have issued bullish sentiments on Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and Nvidia (NVDA). Rosenblatt Securities maintained a Buy rating on Palo Alto Networks with a $225.00 price target, while Oppenheimer reiterated a Buy rating on Nvidia with a $265.00 price target, highlighting strong upside potential for both companies.
Analysts Offer Insights on Technology Companies: CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) and SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG)
Truist Financial maintained a Buy rating on CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) with a $550.00 price target, while TD Cowen maintained a Buy rating on SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG) with a $43.00 price target. CrowdStrike has a Moderate Buy consensus with a 34.6% upside, and SolarEdge Technologies has a Hold consensus.
Radware 2026 Global Threat Report Shows DDoS Attacks Jump 168% as Cyber Threats Escalate Across Networks and Applications
Radware's 2026 Global Threat Analysis Report reveals a significant escalation in cyberattack activity during 2025, with network-layer DDoS attacks increasing by 168.2% and web DDoS attacks rising by 101.4%. The report highlights the growing sophistication of threats, including AI-driven bot attacks and application/API exploitation, driven largely by geopolitical motives. Organizations are urged to adopt resilient, automated defenses to counter these rapidly evolving and larger-scale attacks.
Analysts’ Top Technology Picks: Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Ceva (CEVA)
Two technology companies, Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and Ceva (CEVA), have received bullish ratings from analysts. Jonathan Ho from William Blair maintained a Buy rating for Palo Alto Networks, predicting a 35% upside, while Roth MKM analyst Sujeeva De Silva maintained a Buy rating for Ceva, forecasting a 43.5% upside from current levels. Both companies are seen as strong investment opportunities within the technology sector.
Analysis: Palo Alto Networks Vs. Everyone
Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora recently highlighted the two-year anniversary of the company's "platformization" strategy, which has become an industry standard. This strategy, initially met with skepticism, involved consolidating multiple security tools onto a single broad platform and is now widely adopted across the cybersecurity sector. While Palo Alto Networks has a comprehensive platform, other vendors like Netskope are also defining their own multi-platform strategies.
AI bots, 30Tbps attacks: inside Radware’s 2026 cyber threat surge
Radware's 2026 Global Threat Analysis Report reveals a dramatic escalation in cyberattacks for 2025, with network DDoS attacks increasing by 168.2% to nearly 30 Tbps and bad bot activity rising 91.8% due to generative AI. The report highlights that cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, faster, and larger in scale, affecting various sectors with a significant number of attacks targeting North America. Radware emphasizes the need for automated and resilient defenses capable of responding rapidly to these evolving threats.
Analysts Offer Insights on Technology Companies: Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Cadence Design (CDNS) and Nutanix (NTNX)
Three analysts have issued bullish sentiments on technology companies Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Cadence Design (CDNS), and Nutanix (NTNX). Barclays maintained a Buy rating on Palo Alto Networks with a $200 price target, while KeyBanc maintained a Buy rating on Cadence Design with a $405 price target and reiterated a Buy rating on Nutanix. These ratings suggest significant upside potential for all three stocks based on analyst consensus.
Analysts Offer Insights on Technology Companies: Waystar Holding Corp. (WAY) and Datadog (DDOG)
Analysts have issued bullish sentiments for technology companies Waystar Holding Corp. (WAY) and Datadog (DDOG). Waystar received a Strong Buy consensus with a 99.1% potential upside, while Datadog also garnered a Strong Buy rating with a 45.1% upside from current levels. These recommendations indicate strong confidence in the future performance of both companies by financial experts.
Analysts’ Top Technology Picks: Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Ceva (CEVA)
This article highlights two technology stocks, Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and Ceva (CEVA), that analysts have given bullish ratings. Jonathan Ho from William Blair maintained a Buy rating on Palo Alto Networks, with a consensus price target indicating a significant upside. Sujeeva De Silva from Roth MKM maintained a Buy rating on Ceva, also with an attractive average price target.
Microsoft lets companies use existing Azure budgets for CrowdStrike security
CrowdStrike and Microsoft have expanded their strategic alliance, allowing organizations to purchase the CrowdStrike Falcon platform on Microsoft Marketplace using their existing Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment. This integration streamlines procurement, optimizes cloud spending, and helps companies accelerate the deployment of advanced security solutions. The collaboration aims to provide financial flexibility and enhance security postures for businesses.
Palo Alto Networks' Deals Are Dragging on Its Profit Outlook. The Stock Is Falling
Palo Alto Networks' stock fell after the company lowered its profit forecast for the fiscal year due to higher integration costs from recent acquisitions, including its $25 billion purchase of CyberArk. The cybersecurity firm now expects adjusted earnings per share of $3.65 to $3.70, down from a previous range of $3.80 to $3.90. Despite the lowered outlook, analysts at Morgan Stanley and Wedbush maintained bullish ratings, citing AI as a potential tailwind and underscoring the company's strong position in the cyber market.
Microsoft, CrowdStrike expand deal to allow all customers Falcon on Microsoft Marketplace access (MSFT:NASDAQ)
Microsoft and CrowdStrike have expanded their existing partnership, enabling companies of all sizes to purchase CrowdStrike's Falcon cybersecurity platform directly through the Microsoft Marketplace. This collaboration allows customers to leverage their existing Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) for these purchases. The integration aims to simplify procurement and enhance cybersecurity solutions for businesses.
CrowdStrike vs. Allot: Which Cybersecurity Stock Has an Edge Right Now?
This article analyzes CrowdStrike (CRWD) and Allot Inc. (ALLT) within the cybersecurity market, comparing their fundamentals, growth prospects, challenges, and valuations. While CrowdStrike faces decelerating growth, Allot demonstrates strong growth in its Cybersecurity-as-a-Service (SECaaS) business and offers a more attractive valuation. The analysis concludes that Allot has a better investment case due to its predictable recurring revenue and lower valuation, earning it a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) compared to CrowdStrike's Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
CrowdStrike vs. Allot: Which Cybersecurity Stock Has an Edge Right Now?
This article compares two cybersecurity stocks, CrowdStrike (CRWD) and Allot (ALLT), to determine which offers a more compelling investment. While CrowdStrike, a leader in endpoint protection, is experiencing a deceleration in its rapid growth, Allot, specializing in network-based solutions, shows strong momentum in its recurring revenue SECaaS business and offers a more reasonable valuation. The analysis concludes that Allot presents a better investment choice due to its steady growth, improved earnings visibility, and attractive valuation compared to CrowdStrike's slowing growth.
Palo Alto shares sink 8%, CEO defends cybersecurity's position as AI hits software stocks
Palo Alto Networks' shares dropped 8% after its fiscal second-quarter results, despite beating Wall Street estimates on revenue, due to lower-than-expected third-quarter earnings guidance. CEO Nikesh Arora defended cybersecurity from the perceived threat of AI, arguing that AI will enhance security rather than make it obsolete. The company has made significant investments in AI, including recent acquisitions, to adapt to the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Modine Manufacturing (NYSE:MOD) Coverage Initiated at Roth Mkm
Roth Mkm initiated coverage on Modine Manufacturing (NYSE:MOD) with a "buy" rating and a $263.00 price target, suggesting a 21.08% upside from its previous close. The company recently surpassed Q4 earnings expectations, reporting $1.19 EPS against an estimated $0.99 and revenues of $805 million, a 30.5% increase year-over-year. Despite a high P/E ratio of 120.68 and a market cap of $11.45 billion, analysts maintain a broadly positive outlook with an average price target of $223.20.
Fortinet (FTNT) stock holds steady premarket after analyst downgrade rattles cybersecurity names
Fortinet (FTNT) stock remained stable in premarket trading at $81.69 after Freedom Capital Markets downgraded its rating from "Buy" to "Hold," citing valuation concerns despite strong service growth. This downgrade follows Palo Alto Networks' reduced profit outlook, adding pressure to the cybersecurity sector. Investors are now closely watching upcoming earnings from Zscaler and CrowdStrike for further indicators of market sentiment and the impact on Fortinet's future performance.
Palo Alto Networks CEO: AI Won’t Replace Security Tools ‘Any Time Soon’
Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora states that AI, specifically LLMs, will not soon replace existing security tools due to accuracy limitations and the inability to leverage proprietary domain-specific data. He emphasized that AI is more of an opportunity than a threat for cybersecurity vendors, as it can enhance products and security teams. Arora also highlighted the company's recent acquisition of Koi to boost AI agent security and the successful scaling of its Prisma AIRS platform, alongside the completion of the CyberArk acquisition for identity security.
Applied Digital Shifts To Monetization With Long Term AI Data Center Leases
Applied Digital (APLD) is transitioning from a build-out phase to active monetization, securing long-term, non-cancellable leases for its data centers with a leading hyperscaler and CoreWeave. These contracts are expected to generate billions in revenue, making the company's profile more focused on contracted cash flows and specialized AI data center services. Investors are now watching the execution of these contracts and capital allocation towards AI infrastructure, especially as the stock price is trading below analyst targets despite recent short-term declines.
QLYS Stock Price, Forecast & Analysis | QUALYS INC (NASDAQ:QLYS)
This article provides an in-depth analysis of Qualys Inc. (NASDAQ: QLYS), including its current stock price, financial performance, and analyst forecasts. It highlights the company's strong fundamental ratings, consistent growth in EPS and revenue, and a significant upside potential based on average analyst price targets. The report also details Qualys's business as a provider of cloud security and compliance solutions.
Palo Alto to cut over 500 CyberArk jobs after closing $25 billion deal
Palo Alto Networks is cutting over 500 jobs at CyberArk, including about 100 in Israel, following its $25 billion acquisition. The layoffs, announced one day after the deal closed, primarily affect overlapping operational, sales, and administrative roles, not research and development. This strategic move aims to streamline operations while retaining engineering talent and expanding Palo Alto's presence in identity security.
AI Spending Shock Triggers Big Tech Selloff And Small-Cap Revival
The market is experiencing a reversal from big tech leadership due to investor concerns over surging AI capital expenditures impacting future margins. This shift is leading to a selloff in top tech stocks and a rotation of capital into smaller companies, particularly those supplying the AI build-out, which are seen as having potential for a rebound and structural growth. JPMorgan identifies "AI-resilient" large-cap software companies as opportunities, while Franklin Templeton highlights small-cap firms benefiting from AI's productivity gains and infrastructure needs.
Cementos Pacasmayo, Rezolve AI, Emerald Holding, and Other Major Stocks Rising on Monday
Cementos Pacasmayo, Rezolve AI, and Emerald Holding saw significant stock increases despite a general decline in U.S. markets. Cementos Pacasmayo surged 47.4% following Holcim's agreement to purchase a majority stake in its parent company. Other companies like Sezzle Inc. announced stock buybacks, and Emerald Holding is reviewing strategic options.
PepsiCo stock slips into Presidents Day break as buyback plan meets rate jitters
PepsiCo stock (PEP) slipped 0.8% on Friday to $165.94 ahead of the Presidents Day holiday, as the company's new $10 billion buyback plan and dividend increase were met with investor caution regarding future interest rate cuts. The company is focusing on "value" offerings and price adjustments on snacks to address consumer affordability concerns, which could impact profit margins if volumes don't increase significantly. Investors are also anticipating the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes for further guidance on rate expectations.
Lumentum stock price slips after insider sales filings; what LITE investors watch next
Lumentum (LITE) stock price declined after two executives reported selling shares on February 12th. Investors are now closely watching upcoming economic data, including Fed minutes and PCE inflation data, as well as the company's financial performance in high-speed optical components. The stock market is closed for Presidents Day, with trading set to resume on Tuesday.
Platforms, AI and Concentration
The cybersecurity industry is undergoing significant transformation, characterized by platform consolidation, the rise of AI as an operating lever, and increased concentration risk. Major acquisitions by Cisco and Google, coupled with the emergence of AI-driven security solutions, highlight this shift. The result is a new cybersecurity landscape where operational failures can have widespread impact, mandating a focus on reliability, deliberate management of concentration, and aligning growth with execution capacity.
Zscaler-SquareX Deal Boosts Zero Trust, Secure Browsing Capabilities
Zscaler has acquired SquareX, an early-stage startup specializing in secure web browser technology, to enhance its Zero Trust Exchange platform. This acquisition aims to extend network and application access policy enforcement to browsers on both managed and user-owned devices, addressing a critical gap in browser-native threat detection. The deal positions Zscaler alongside competitors like CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks, which have also invested in secure browser solutions, highlighting a growing industry focus on browser security as the primary user interface for work activities.
Analysts Have Conflicting Sentiments on These Technology Companies: Confluent (CFLT), Fastly (FSLY) and Unity Software (U)
This article highlights analysts' conflicting sentiments on three technology companies: Confluent (CFLT), Fastly (FSLY), and Unity Software (U). Confluent received a Hold rating from KeyBanc and William Blair, with a consensus price target indicating a slight downside. Fastly was rated Buy by KeyBanc and upgraded to Buy by William Blair, reflecting a Moderate Buy consensus with an upside potential. Unity Software received a Sell rating from Bank of America Securities, contrasting with a broader analyst consensus of Moderate Buy.
Platforms, AI and Concentration
The cybersecurity industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by platform consolidation, the integration of AI as an operating lever, and increasing concentration risk. Recent high-value acquisitions and operational events demonstrate a shift towards fewer security platforms and AI-driven efficiency, leading to faster-spreading operational failures when dependencies are concentrated. This new reality demands that cybersecurity companies adapt their strategies to focus on platform economics, leverage AI for operational efficiency, manage concentration deliberately, and align growth with execution capacity.
Your Encryption Is Already Outdated. A $6.15 Trillion Fix Is Underway
Worldwide IT spending is projected to reach $6.15 trillion in 2026, with a significant shift towards post-quantum cryptography migration and agentic AI oversight in cybersecurity. Companies like Quantum Secure Encryption Corp. (QSE), Zscaler, CrowdStrike, BCE, and SAP are central to this realignment. QSE is hosting a webinar to educate organizations on preparing for post-quantum threats, while Zscaler, CrowdStrike, and BCE/SAP are making strategic moves to enhance security solutions and digital sovereignty.
N-able’s Empower 2026 Puts Cyber Resilience And MSP Ties In Focus
N-able announced its Empower 2026 conference, focusing on cybersecurity resilience, emerging technology trends, and strengthening ties with managed service providers (MSPs) and IT professionals. The event aims to position N-able as a core vendor for business resilience solutions, going beyond point security problems. For investors, the conference offers insights into N-able's strategy in the cybersecurity market and its commitment to partner loyalty and product development.
Here Are Friday’s Top Wall Street Analyst Research Calls: Airbnb, AMD, Broadcom, CrowdStrike, Dollar Tree, Medtronic, Pinterest, Rivian, Roku, Tapestry, and More
This article compiles top Wall Street analyst upgrades, downgrades, and initiations for major stocks on Friday, February 13, 2026. It also provides a market overview, noting pre-market stock futures are lower amidst concerns over the consumer price index report and a significant rotation out of technology stocks. Key market movements for Treasury bonds, oil, gold, and crypto are also discussed.
Analysts’ Top Technology Picks: Cloudflare (NET), Klaviyo, Inc. Class A (KVYO)
Barclays analysts have given bullish ratings to Cloudflare (NET) and Klaviyo, Inc. Class A (KVYO). Cloudflare received a Buy rating with a $250.00 price target, and Klaviyo, Inc. Class A also received a Buy rating with a $31.00 price target. Both companies are in the Technology sector, and analysts project significant upside potential for their stock prices.
Analysts Have Conflicting Sentiments on These Technology Companies: Confluent (CFLT), Fastly (FSLY) and Unity Software (U)
The article discusses conflicting analyst sentiments on three technology companies: Confluent (CFLT), Fastly (FSLY), and Unity Software (U). Analysts have issued Hold ratings for Confluent, a Buy rating for Fastly, and a Sell rating for Unity Software, reflecting varied outlooks on their stock performance and potential.
Fortinet FortiSIEM AI Upgrade Tests Platform Growth And Margin Resilience
Fortinet (NasdaqGS:FTNT) has upgraded its FortiSIEM platform with AI-driven incident response and enhanced threat detection, alongside expanded data sovereignty options. This move aims to bolster its position against competitors like Palo Alto Networks and CrowdStrike in securing high-value deployments and aligns with Fortinet’s strategy of expanding integrated cybersecurity solutions and increasing platform-based revenue. Investors should monitor customer adoption, the mix of product and services revenue, and margin performance as the company continues to invest heavily in AI and data centers.
Analysts’ Top Technology Picks: Cloudflare (NET), Klaviyo, Inc. Class A (KVYO)
This article highlights bullish sentiments from analysts for Cloudflare (NET) and Klaviyo, Inc. Class A (KVYO) in the Technology sector. Barclays analyst Saket Kalia maintained a Buy rating for Cloudflare with a $250.00 price target, while Barclays analyst Raimo Lenschow maintained a Buy rating for Klaviyo with a $31.00 price target. Both companies show upside potential according to analyst consensus.
Form 424B2 UBS AG
UBS AG has filed a Form 424B2 for Trigger Autocallable Contingent Yield Notes linked to the common stock of CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc., due February 17, 2028. These notes offer potential for periodic contingent coupons and an automatic call feature, but involve significant risks including potential loss of principal and limited return. Investors are advised to be aware of the credit risk of UBS and the unlikelihood of a secondary market for these notes.
Gartner Predicts 50% Of Orgs Will Adopt Zero-Trust Data Governance by 2028
Gartner predicts that by 2028, 50% of organizations will adopt a zero-trust posture for data governance due to the growing volume of unverified AI-generated data. The increasing prevalence of AI output raises concerns about model collapse and intensifies regulatory demands for verifying "AI-free" data. Organizations are advised to appoint AI governance leaders, foster cross-functional collaboration, leverage existing governance policies, and adopt active metadata practices to manage these risks.
CrowdStrike Named a Customers’ Choice in the 2026 Gartner® Peer Insights™ ‘Voice of the Customer’ for User Authentication Report
CrowdStrike has been recognized as a Customers’ Choice in the 2026 Gartner Peer Insights ‘Voice of the Customer’ for User Authentication report. The company received the most 5-star reviews and the highest product capability rating among all vendors, with a 96% Willingness to Recommend score. This recognition highlights CrowdStrike Falcon Next-Gen Identity Security's ability to unify hybrid identity security and protect against evolving identity-based threats, including those from AI agents.
Eaton Stock Rose 18% Over the Past Year. Here’s Where the Stock Could Go in 2026
Eaton Corporation (ETN) saw its stock climb 18% over the last year, driven by a "Grid Super-Cycle" fueled by the demand for upgrading national power grids to support AI data centers. TIKR's valuation model suggests a target price of $602, representing a 51.9% potential upside from its current price of approximately $396. The company's strategic decision to spin off its Mobility segment will allow it to focus on its high-growth Electrical and Aerospace businesses, further bolstering its investment case as a structural mega-trend play in the AI infrastructure sector.
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. Q4 2025 Earnings Call Summary
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (CHKP) is transitioning from a product-centric model to a four-pillar platform strategy involving Hybrid Mesh, Workspace, Exposure Management, and AI Security. For 2026, the company forecasts 6% revenue growth, with subscription revenue accelerating to 10-14%, and operating margins between 39-40%. Despite potential headwinds from rising memory costs and a higher tax rate, management aims for double-digit growth by focusing on execution, large enterprise penetration, and strategic acquisitions in specific niches.
Wealthfront Advisers LLC Boosts Stake in Palo Alto Networks, Inc. $PANW
Wealthfront Advisers LLC increased its holdings in Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW) by 11.8% in Q3, bringing its total to 66,910 shares valued at $13.62 million. Despite insider selling of 260,542 shares worth $49.91 million over the last three months, analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating with a target price of $227.36. The company recently reported Q3 earnings of $0.93 EPS, beating estimates, and its revenue increased by 15.7% year-over-year.
|Zscaler Inc. (ZS) Expands Cybersecurity Edge Through SquareX and AI Suite
Zscaler Inc. (ZS) is strengthening its cybersecurity offerings with the acquisition of SquareX and the launch of a new AI Security Suite. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an Overweight rating, noting SquareX will boost growth by extending Zero Trust security into browsers. The AI Security Suite provides enterprises with visibility and control over AI tool usage, enabling secure adoption of new technologies.
ING Groep NV Takes Position in CrowdStrike $CRWD
ING Groep NV recently acquired a new position in CrowdStrike, purchasing 93,559 shares valued at approximately $45.88 million. This move is part of a broader trend of institutional investment in CrowdStrike, with several other firms also increasing their stakes. The article also covers positive analyst sentiment, insider trading activities, and recent financial performance of CrowdStrike.
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. $PANW Stock Holdings Decreased by Impax Asset Management Group plc
Impax Asset Management Group plc reduced its stake in Palo Alto Networks, Inc. by 6.1% in the third quarter, holding 134,797 shares valued at $27.45 million. Despite this, other institutional investors increased their positions, and 79.82% of the stock is owned by institutions. Wall Street analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" consensus for PANW, with an average target price of $227.36.
