Cybersecurity Stocks Update: CrowdStrike Price Cut, Verint Acquisition and Netskope IPO.

Cybersecurity stocks were in focus on Monday with CrowdStrike's (CRWD) price target cut ahead of its earnings report. Verint Systems (VRNT) was acquired by Thoma Bravo. Cloudflare (NET) expanded its Zero Trust offerings. Netskope, a rival of Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and Zscaler (ZS), plans an initial public offering. CrowdStrike stock has gained 21% in 2025.

Cybersecurity stocks were in the limelight on Monday, with significant developments affecting major players in the industry. Among the notable events was the reduction in the price target for CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) ahead of its earnings report, and the acquisition of Verint Systems (VRNT) by private equity firm Thoma Bravo. Additionally, Cloudflare (NET) expanded its Zero Trust offerings, while Netskope, a rival of Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and Zscaler (ZS), plans an initial public offering (IPO).

BMO Markets analyst Keith Bachman lowered his price target for CrowdStrike stock to a range of $460 to $500, citing concerns about potential second half fiscal 2026 guidance comments and the need for significant year-over-year growth in annual recurring revenue and revenues [1]. CrowdStrike is expected to report its second quarter earnings on Wednesday, with earnings projected to grow by 21% to 83 cents per share, and revenue expected to rise 19% to $1.15 billion [1].

Meanwhile, Thoma Bravo acquired Verint Systems in a $2 billion all-cash deal, with shareholders receiving $20.50 per share, an 18% premium to Verint's unaffected stock price [2]. The acquisition, which was unanimously approved by Verint's board, will close before the end of the company's current fiscal year, making Verint a privately held company and delisting its shares from public exchanges [2]. Verint's CEO, Dan Bodner, highlighted the company's leadership in customer experience automation and its AI-driven solutions, which account for half of its recurring revenue [2].

Cloudflare added new features to its Zero Trust platform, allowing customers to automatically analyze and set controls on how generative artificial intelligence is used throughout their organization [1]. Zero Trust cybersecurity models focus on internal threats, such as hackers stealing someone's security credentials.

Netskope, which offers services that combine network and security controls, is also a player in the Zero Trust market. The company plans to list on the Nasdaq stock exchange, adding to the growing list of cybersecurity companies seeking public funding.

CrowdStrike stock has gained 21% in 2025, while Cloudflare stock has advanced 74% during the same period [1].

References:
[1] https://www.investors.com/news/technology/crowdstrike-stock-price-target-cut-verint-acquired-netskope-ipo/
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/verint-systems-private-2-billion-140417753.html