10 AI Stocks Analysts Are Watching Closely

8. CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 64

CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) is one of the 10 AI Stocks Analysts Are Watching Closely. On August 18, Evercore ISI analyst Peter Levine lowered the price target on the stock to $425.00 (from $440.00) while maintaining a “In Line” rating. The firm also added the stock to their “Tactical Underperform” list.

The price target cut comes ahead of Crowdstrike’s fiscal Q2 results due on August 27. As per the analysts, subdued channel checks imply “an unfavorable setup” for the company and that Q2 is a “critical show me” quarter.

“Ahead of F2Q results on 8/27, we are adding CRWD to our tactical U/P list following subdued channel checks this quarter. We view F2Q as a critical “show me” quarter for CRWD. Our checks, combined with a premium valuation priced for perfection and elevated expectations, creates an unfavorable setup. Survey data this quarter reflected a more muted tone (full results inside) which was broad-based across all metrics we gather quarterly. This likely reflects an environment where partners are performing in line with targets but not seeing the same level of upside or momentum that characterized prior periods.”

The firm highlighted how Falcon Flex adoption remains in early stages with no evidence of outsized consumption founded on initial cohort trends. Module adoption is broadly in-line with expectations, while the upcoming Falcon Complete Platform (CCP) renewal cycle demonstrates a split view on conversions.

“The bull case (playing for mid-20% growth in FY27) is leaning on stronger Falcon Flex adoption, broader module expansion, and a smooth CCP conversion cycle. However, our data suggests Falcon Flex adoption remains early, with no evidence of outsized consumption based on initial cohort trends. Module adoption is broadly in line with expectations, though we have not seen signs of meaningful adoption trends exceeding expectations. As for the CCP renewal cycle, which likely begins ramping in F4Q (based on our data), partner feedback shows a split view on conversions. There is no clear consensus that customers will pay full list price for previously credited products, introducing uncertainty into potential upside. Overall, the assumptions supporting the bull case may be more optimistic than current trends suggest.”

Overall, the firm asserted that this is a tactical call before the earnings and doesn’t intend on challenging the company’s fundamentals, leadership, or asset quality. However, the upside for the stock is limited, even with a clean print. This is unless 2H estimates are raised meaningfully, which the firm’s work doesn’t indicate.

CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) is a leader in AI-driven endpoint and cloud workload protection.