Cybersecurity Stocks Decline Amid AI Tool Concerns
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 23 2026
0mins
Should l Buy CHKP?
Source: CNBC
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. experienced a decline of 3.01% as it hit a 52-week low amid a broader downturn in the cybersecurity sector.
The drop in Check Point's stock price is part of a larger trend where cybersecurity stocks have fallen for two consecutive days, driven by investor concerns over new AI security tools potentially displacing traditional business models. Major players like CrowdStrike and Zscaler saw significant declines, reflecting a market sentiment shift that has negatively impacted the entire sector.
This decline raises questions about the future of cybersecurity companies as they navigate the evolving landscape of AI technologies. Investors may need to reassess their positions in light of these developments.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy CHKP?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on CHKP
Wall Street analysts forecast CHKP stock price to rise
26 Analyst Rating
10 Buy
16 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 154.970
Low
195.00
Averages
227.67
High
285.00
Current: 154.970
Low
195.00
Averages
227.67
High
285.00
About CHKP
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd is an Israel-based company primarily engaged in the cybersecurity industry. The Company focuses on providing AI-powered, cloud-delivered security solutions to protect corporate enterprises and governments worldwide. Their key product is the Check Point Infinity Architecture, which is a comprehensive cybersecurity platform. The Platform aims to defend against fifth-generation cyber-attacks across various networks, endpoints, cloud environments, workloads, Internet of Things (IoT), and mobile devices. Apart of that, the Company offers a range of products and services designed to secure IT infrastructure. It integrates advanced threat prevention technologies, including firewall, intrusion prevention system (IPS), antivirus, anti-bot, and sandboxing capabilities.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Wells Fargo Initiates Coverage on Cybersecurity Stocks
- Coverage Initiation: Wells Fargo has initiated coverage on the cybersecurity sector, assigning Okta an Equal-Weight rating with a price target of $76, indicating a cautiously optimistic outlook on the company's future performance.
- Price Target Assignments: Check Point and Zscaler received Equal-Weight and Overweight ratings, respectively, with price targets set at $165 and $200, reflecting differing market perceptions of growth potential for these companies.
- Other Stock Ratings: Fortinet was rated Underweight with a price target of $64, while CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks were rated Overweight with targets of $450 and $200, respectively, showcasing strong investor confidence in these firms.
- Market Outlook: Zscaler aims for $3.745 billion in annual recurring revenue by 2026, highlighting its rapid growth potential in AI security and Zero Trust adoption, which further attracts investor interest.
See More
Iran Faces Severe Internet Blackout Amid Conflict
- Current Internet Blackout: Iran is experiencing a near-total internet blackout lasting over 48 hours amid ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel, with connectivity at just 1% of normal levels, severely impacting over 90 million citizens and highlighting the government's strict control over information flow.
- Historical Context: NetBlocks attributes this blackout to a 'regime-imposed' nationwide shutdown, reminiscent of a similar incident in January that lasted weeks and obscured severe human rights violations, indicating the government's tendency to employ such tactics during public protests to maintain control.
- Cyber Attack Threats: U.S. and Israeli cyberattacks have targeted Iranian internet infrastructure, with multiple government-aligned news websites hacked, and even the popular religious calendar app BadeSaba, with over 5 million downloads, compromised, indicating a psychological warfare strategy against the populace.
- Potential Cyber Retaliation: As Iran retaliates with strikes against U.S. and allied targets, analysts warn that Iranian-aligned groups may initiate cyber attacks, with CrowdStrike's head noting observed activities consistent with Iranian threat actors, suggesting that more aggressive cyber operations may be forthcoming.
See More
Sphera Fully Exits Check Point Investment
- Complete Exit: Sphera Management Technology Funds Ltd fully sold its 15,000 shares of Check Point Software Technologies in Q4 2025, with a trade value of $3.10 million, resulting in a total position valuation drop to zero, indicating a pessimistic outlook on the stock's future performance.
- Position Change: Following this transaction, Check Point comprised only 1.0% of Sphera's AUM, and the complete exit suggests a loss of confidence in the stock, likely due to increasing competition in the cybersecurity sector and uncertainties brought by AI.
- Poor Market Performance: As of February 17, 2026, Check Point's share price stood at $165.02, down 25.1% over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 by 37.61 percentage points, reflecting market concerns regarding its growth prospects.
- Financial Metrics Analysis: Check Point's revenue grew by only 6% in 2025, lagging behind peers like CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks, and despite positive net income, its modest 17 P/E ratio failed to drive a stock recovery, potentially prompting Sphera to reallocate its capital elsewhere.
See More
IEFA ETF 52-Week Price Analysis
- Price Range Analysis: The IEFA ETF has a 52-week low of $66.95 and a high of $98.24, with the latest trade at $98.08, indicating cautious market sentiment as it hovers near its high.
- Technical Analysis Tool: Comparing the latest share price to the 200-day moving average provides valuable insights for investors, aiding in trend assessment and potential buy or sell timing.
- ETF Unit Trading Mechanism: ETFs trade like stocks, where investors buy and sell 'units' that can be created or destroyed based on demand, impacting liquidity and market performance.
- Inflows and Outflows Monitoring: Weekly monitoring of changes in shares outstanding helps identify significant inflows (new units created) or outflows (old units destroyed), which can affect the underlying holdings of the ETF and its overall performance.
See More
Wall Street Sees Software Stock Recovery Amid AI Concerns
- Software Stock Recovery: After a historic sell-off, Wall Street identifies buying opportunities in software stocks, with the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF rising nearly 1.8% on Tuesday, although it remains down over 25% year-to-date, indicating a gradual recovery in market confidence.
- AI Transition Opportunities: Analysts believe that while AI tools may threaten traditional software pricing power, companies like Intuit and CrowdStrike are seen as
See More
Cato Networks Surpasses $350 Million in Annual Revenue
- Annual Revenue Milestone: Cato Networks surpassed $350 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) in 2025, reflecting a 43% year-over-year growth that underscores the company's strong demand and business expansion capabilities in the AI era.
- Market Share Expansion Plan: CEO Shlomo Kramer stated that Cato is implementing an 'aggressive plan' to further increase market share in 2026, indicating the company's confidence and strategic positioning for future growth.
- AI Tool Integration: Cato Networks recently acquired AI security startup Aim Security and launched its own AI tools to enhance threat monitoring and protection capabilities, demonstrating the company's innovation and adaptability in the cybersecurity sector.
- Funding and Valuation: Since its founding in 2015, Cato has raised over $1 billion, with its latest funding round valuing the company at approximately $4.8 billion, reflecting strong investor confidence in its future development.
See More
Wells Fargo Initiates Coverage on Cybersecurity Stocks
- Coverage Initiation: Wells Fargo has initiated coverage on the cybersecurity sector, assigning Okta an Equal-Weight rating with a price target of $76, indicating a cautiously optimistic outlook on the company's future performance.
- Price Target Assignments: Check Point and Zscaler received Equal-Weight and Overweight ratings, respectively, with price targets set at $165 and $200, reflecting differing market perceptions of growth potential for these companies.
- Other Stock Ratings: Fortinet was rated Underweight with a price target of $64, while CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks were rated Overweight with targets of $450 and $200, respectively, showcasing strong investor confidence in these firms.
- Market Outlook: Zscaler aims for $3.745 billion in annual recurring revenue by 2026, highlighting its rapid growth potential in AI security and Zero Trust adoption, which further attracts investor interest.
See More
Iran Faces Severe Internet Blackout Amid Conflict
- Current Internet Blackout: Iran is experiencing a near-total internet blackout lasting over 48 hours amid ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel, with connectivity at just 1% of normal levels, severely impacting over 90 million citizens and highlighting the government's strict control over information flow.
- Historical Context: NetBlocks attributes this blackout to a 'regime-imposed' nationwide shutdown, reminiscent of a similar incident in January that lasted weeks and obscured severe human rights violations, indicating the government's tendency to employ such tactics during public protests to maintain control.
- Cyber Attack Threats: U.S. and Israeli cyberattacks have targeted Iranian internet infrastructure, with multiple government-aligned news websites hacked, and even the popular religious calendar app BadeSaba, with over 5 million downloads, compromised, indicating a psychological warfare strategy against the populace.
- Potential Cyber Retaliation: As Iran retaliates with strikes against U.S. and allied targets, analysts warn that Iranian-aligned groups may initiate cyber attacks, with CrowdStrike's head noting observed activities consistent with Iranian threat actors, suggesting that more aggressive cyber operations may be forthcoming.
See More
Sphera Fully Exits Check Point Investment
- Complete Exit: Sphera Management Technology Funds Ltd fully sold its 15,000 shares of Check Point Software Technologies in Q4 2025, with a trade value of $3.10 million, resulting in a total position valuation drop to zero, indicating a pessimistic outlook on the stock's future performance.
- Position Change: Following this transaction, Check Point comprised only 1.0% of Sphera's AUM, and the complete exit suggests a loss of confidence in the stock, likely due to increasing competition in the cybersecurity sector and uncertainties brought by AI.
- Poor Market Performance: As of February 17, 2026, Check Point's share price stood at $165.02, down 25.1% over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 by 37.61 percentage points, reflecting market concerns regarding its growth prospects.
- Financial Metrics Analysis: Check Point's revenue grew by only 6% in 2025, lagging behind peers like CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks, and despite positive net income, its modest 17 P/E ratio failed to drive a stock recovery, potentially prompting Sphera to reallocate its capital elsewhere.
See More
IEFA ETF 52-Week Price Analysis
- Price Range Analysis: The IEFA ETF has a 52-week low of $66.95 and a high of $98.24, with the latest trade at $98.08, indicating cautious market sentiment as it hovers near its high.
- Technical Analysis Tool: Comparing the latest share price to the 200-day moving average provides valuable insights for investors, aiding in trend assessment and potential buy or sell timing.
- ETF Unit Trading Mechanism: ETFs trade like stocks, where investors buy and sell 'units' that can be created or destroyed based on demand, impacting liquidity and market performance.
- Inflows and Outflows Monitoring: Weekly monitoring of changes in shares outstanding helps identify significant inflows (new units created) or outflows (old units destroyed), which can affect the underlying holdings of the ETF and its overall performance.
See More
Wall Street Sees Software Stock Recovery Amid AI Concerns
- Software Stock Recovery: After a historic sell-off, Wall Street identifies buying opportunities in software stocks, with the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF rising nearly 1.8% on Tuesday, although it remains down over 25% year-to-date, indicating a gradual recovery in market confidence.
- AI Transition Opportunities: Analysts believe that while AI tools may threaten traditional software pricing power, companies like Intuit and CrowdStrike are seen as
See More
Cato Networks Surpasses $350 Million in Annual Revenue
- Annual Revenue Milestone: Cato Networks surpassed $350 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) in 2025, reflecting a 43% year-over-year growth that underscores the company's strong demand and business expansion capabilities in the AI era.
- Market Share Expansion Plan: CEO Shlomo Kramer stated that Cato is implementing an 'aggressive plan' to further increase market share in 2026, indicating the company's confidence and strategic positioning for future growth.
- AI Tool Integration: Cato Networks recently acquired AI security startup Aim Security and launched its own AI tools to enhance threat monitoring and protection capabilities, demonstrating the company's innovation and adaptability in the cybersecurity sector.
- Funding and Valuation: Since its founding in 2015, Cato has raised over $1 billion, with its latest funding round valuing the company at approximately $4.8 billion, reflecting strong investor confidence in its future development.
See More
