Keybanc Initiates Akamai (AKAM) With An Underweight Rating

Akamai Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKAM) is one of 12 best cybersecurity stocks to buy now. 

KeyBanc Capital Markets has initiated coverage of Akamai Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKAM) with an Underweight rating and a price target of $63, signaling a cautious stance on the cloud and content delivery network provider. In a note to investors, the firm acknowledged that Akamai’s shares are not currently overvalued, but expressed concern over the potential for downside risks in the coming quarters.

A close-up of a person using a laptop with cloud solutions in the background.

The analyst noted that Akamai operates in an increasingly competitive environment, where pricing pressures and market saturation could weigh on growth. While the company remains a well-established player in edge computing and security, the firm believes the broader landscape lacks clear near-term catalysts that would drive meaningful upside for the stock. KeyBanc pointed to recent trends in the industry that suggest more potential for pricing disappointments rather than unexpected improvements. As demand patterns normalize following pandemic-era spikes, and as more players enter the space, maintaining premium pricing and defending market share may prove challenging for Akamai Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKAM).

The initiation reflects a more conservative view on Akamai’s performance relative to peers in the infrastructure and cybersecurity segments. Despite ongoing investments in its cloud platform and security services, KeyBanc believes the company may face headwinds that limit valuation expansion in the near future. The firm recommends a cautious approach amid mixed industry signals.

While we acknowledge the potential of AKAM to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than AKAM and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

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Disclosure: None.