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CRWD vs FTNT
Which Stock Would AI Choose? CrowdStrike (CRWD) vs. Fortinet (FTNT) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CRWD is a cloud-native, subscription-led cybersecurity platform, while FTNT blends networking hardware with security software.
- Both stocks have delivered triple-digit year-to-date gains, but CRWD trades at a far richer forward earnings multiple than FTNT.
- FTNT is consistently profitable with record operating margins, while CRWD remains unprofitable on a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) basis.
- Recent AI-driven market volatility has pulled both names off their highs, resetting some valuation risk.
- Their growth drivers differ sharply: CRWD leans on AI-native security adoption, while FTNT benefits from firewall refresh and SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) momentum.
Introduction
Cybersecurity has become one of the market's most watched corners as enterprises race to secure AI (artificial intelligence) workloads, and CRWD and FTNT sit near the center of that demand. CrowdStrike and Fortinet are both large-cap security leaders, yet they represent very different business models and risk-reward profiles. This stock comparison is relevant for growth-focused traders evaluating AI-driven momentum as well as longer-term investors weighing relative performance, valuation, and market positioning. Recent weeks have brought unusually sharp swings in both names, making a side-by-side review of their fundamentals, catalysts, and sentiment timely for anyone building or adjusting exposure to the cybersecurity sector.
CRWD Overview and Recent Performance
CrowdStrike Holdings operates the cloud-native Falcon platform, delivering endpoint, identity, and data security through a subscription model that encourages customers to add modules over time. Its most recent quarterly results showed revenue rising roughly 23% year over year, with annual recurring revenue (ARR) up about 24%, driven in part by the Falcon Flex purchasing model and growing AI-security adoption. The company has expanded its OpenAI partnership, integrating a newer GPT model into its platform and extending Falcon coverage to AI coding agents.
Despite that momentum, CRWD has pulled back in recent market activity from a record high set earlier in October, caught up in a broader AI-sector selloff even as analysts largely maintained bullish ratings. Sentiment remains positive on the demand story, but the shares' elevated valuation, commonly cited in the range of 160 to 200 times forward earnings, means the stock carries meaningful expectations risk. Investors are watching whether AI security budgets convert from discussion into billings at the pace the price implies.
FTNT Overview and Recent Performance
Fortinet provides cybersecurity and networking solutions built around its FortiOS operating system and purpose-built FortiASIC silicon, converging firewall, SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network), and SASE functionality on a single platform. Recent quarters have shown accelerating demand, with billings rising roughly 33% year over year, product revenue climbing about 52%, and a record non-GAAP (non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) operating margin near 38% in its latest report. Management responded by raising full-year revenue guidance to roughly $8.0–$8.2 billion, implying near 19% growth.
FTNT has also experienced recent volatility, retreating from its 52-week high amid the same AI-related market jitters affecting the sector, even as its year-to-date gain remains above 100%. Its hardware-and-software mix and consistent GAAP profitability differentiate it from pure software peers, though its forward earnings multiple near 45–47 times sits well above the broader market. The near-term focus is whether firewall refresh cycles and SASE adoption can sustain the recent acceleration.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between the two is business model. CRWD is a software-first, subscription-centric platform with high recurring revenue and rapid module expansion but negative GAAP operating margins, meaning its valuation rests heavily on future profitability. FTNT mixes hardware and software, generating strong GAAP profits and record operating margins today, though that hardware exposure makes it more sensitive to product refresh cycles and supply dynamics.
Growth drivers also differ. CRWD is tied to the emerging AI-native security narrative and enterprise platform consolidation, while FTNT is leveraged to firewall refreshes, SASE convergence, and its custom silicon roadmap. On valuation, FTNT looks comparatively less expensive on earnings, but both carry premiums to the sector. Risk factors include execution on AI monetization for CRWD and hardware-cycle durability for FTNT, alongside shared sensitivity to swings in AI-related market sentiment.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward FTNT at present, primarily because its combination of GAAP profitability, record operating margins, and upwardly revised guidance offers a more balanced risk profile amid the sector's recent volatility. CRWD retains stronger long-term growth momentum and a compelling AI-security narrative, but its elevated multiple and lack of GAAP profitability make its trend more sensitive to any slowdown in sentiment. The verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive: both names have credible catalysts, and the more favorable risk-adjusted setup may shift quickly as quarterly results and AI-spending data arrive.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CRWD is a Hold and FTNT is a StrongBuy.
CRWD in downward trend: price dove below 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026
CRWD moved below its 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 28 of 33 similar past instances, the stock price decreased further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 85%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for CRWD moved out of overbought territory on October 07, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 42 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 22 of the 42 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 52%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CRWD as a result. In 66 of 91 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 73%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CRWD turned negative on October 08, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 49 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 35 of the 49 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 71%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CRWD declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 3 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +3.27% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CRWD advanced for three days, in 287 of 350 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 82%.
CRWD may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 262 of 317 cases where CRWD Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 83%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 3 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 8 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 91, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. CRWD’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 89 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 100 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (45.781) is normal, around the industry mean (15.452). CRWD's P/E Ratio (6082.667) is considerably higher than the industry average of (54.610). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (8.296) is also within normal values, averaging (3.648). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.212) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (45.662) is also within normal values, averaging (103.889).
FTNT in upward trend: price may jump up because it broke its lower Bollinger Band on October 16, 2026
FTNT may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 33 of 41 cases where FTNT's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 80%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 1 day, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
FTNT moved above its 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +5.70% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where FTNT advanced for three days, in 235 of 338 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 156 of 219 cases where FTNT Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 71%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for FTNT moved out of overbought territory on October 13, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 34 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 21 of the 34 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 62%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 16, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on FTNT as a result. In 55 of 87 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for FTNT turned negative on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 57 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 39 of the 57 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 68%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where FTNT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 6 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 7 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. FTNT’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 11 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 91, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 12 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (81.124) is normal, around the industry mean (15.452). P/E Ratio (59.965) is within average values for comparable stocks, (54.610). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.939) is also within normal values, averaging (3.648). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.212) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (17.065) is also within normal values, averaging (103.889).
CRWD | FTNT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 81 | 87 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 100 Overvalued | 95 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 8 | 11 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 89 | 12 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 50 | 7 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 3 | 6 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 42 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
FTNT's Valuation (95) in the Computer Communications industry is in the same range as CRWD (100) in the null industry. This means that FTNT’s stock grew similarly to CRWD’s over the last 12 months.
CRWD's Profit vs Risk Rating (8) in the null industry is in the same range as FTNT (11) in the Computer Communications industry. This means that CRWD’s stock grew similarly to FTNT’s over the last 12 months.
FTNT's SMR Rating (12) in the Computer Communications industry is significantly better than the same rating for CRWD (89) in the null industry. This means that FTNT’s stock grew significantly faster than CRWD’s over the last 12 months.
FTNT's Price Growth Rating (7) in the Computer Communications industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CRWD (50) in the null industry. This means that FTNT’s stock grew somewhat faster than CRWD’s over the last 12 months.
CRWD's P/E Growth Rating (3) in the null industry is in the same range as FTNT (6) in the Computer Communications industry. This means that CRWD’s stock grew similarly to FTNT’s over the last 12 months.
| CRWD | FTNT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 52% | 2 days ago 62% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 84% | 2 days ago 78% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 63% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 68% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 63% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 77% | 2 days ago 66% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 15 days ago 82% | 15 days ago 70% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 72% | 5 days ago 63% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 78% | 2 days ago 80% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 83% | 2 days ago 71% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CRWD’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while FTNT’s FA Score has 4 green FA rating(s).
- CRWD’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- FTNT’s FA Score: 4 green, 1 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CRWD’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while FTNT’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CRWD’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- FTNT’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
CRWD (@Computer Communications) experienced а -13.27% price change this week, while FTNT (@Computer Communications) price change was -11.11% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Computer Communications industry was +2.99%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.74%, and the average quarterly price growth was +7.03%.
Reported Earning Dates
CRWD is expected to report earnings on Dec 01, 2026.
FTNT is expected to report earnings on Oct 28, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Computer Communications (+2.99% weekly)Computer communications industry develops technology that allows computing devices to exchange data with each other using connections/data links between nodes. Common types of computer network include Cloud (IAN), Internet, Wide (WAN, Local (LAN)/Wireless(WLAN) etc. The industry is an ever-more important part of technology, and is set to become even bigger as the Internet of Things (IoT) rapidly forays into the various aspects of our lives. Cisco Systems, Inc., Palo Alto Networks, Inc. and Arista Networks, Inc., Fortinet, Inc. are some of the major computer communications companies.
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CRWD and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CRWD has been closely correlated with PANW. These tickers have moved in lockstep 85% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if CRWD jumps, then PANW could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CRWD | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRWD | 100% | +0.31% | ||
| PANW - CRWD | 85% Closely correlated | +1.45% | ||
| OKTA - CRWD | 78% Closely correlated | +1.43% | ||
| FTNT - CRWD | 75% Closely correlated | +1.40% | ||
| RBRK - CRWD | 72% Closely correlated | +0.89% | ||
| TENB - CRWD | 71% Closely correlated | +4.65% | ||
More | ||||
FTNT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, FTNT has been closely correlated with PANW. These tickers have moved in lockstep 77% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if FTNT jumps, then PANW could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To FTNT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTNT | 100% | +1.40% | ||
| PANW - FTNT | 77% Closely correlated | +1.45% | ||
| CRWD - FTNT | 74% Closely correlated | +0.31% | ||
| SHOP - FTNT | 65% Loosely correlated | +0.91% | ||
| OKTA - FTNT | 65% Loosely correlated | +1.43% | ||
| DT - FTNT | 64% Loosely correlated | +0.70% | ||
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