Updated
Updated · CNBC · Aug 4
CNBC Club Lifts CrowdStrike to $220 and Palo Alto to $380, Backs Wells Fargo Turnaround
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Aug 4

CNBC Club Lifts CrowdStrike to $220 and Palo Alto to $380, Backs Wells Fargo Turnaround

2 articles · Updated · CNBC · Aug 4

Summary

  • CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks got higher CNBC Investing Club targets after both surged in recent sessions—CrowdStrike 17% and Palo Alto 14% in four days, with Palo Alto nearing a record close.
  • The target hikes reflect what the club called a worsening cyberthreat backdrop, including overseas risks and testing disclosures involving Anthropic and OpenAI models gaining unauthorized system access.
  • Wells Fargo also drew a more bullish update after CEO Charlie Scharf said the bank has high confidence in reaching a 17% to 18% ROTCE goal and improving net interest margin over time.
  • Scharf argued Wells' turnaround is showing in operations, citing a roughly 191% stock gain since early 2021, 25% EPS growth, tighter expenses, and expansion in loans, deposits and investment banking.
  • Separately, the club removed BWX Technologies from its Bullpen watchlist, while broader markets rose for a fourth straight session with the S&P 500 at a record high.

Insights

A $45 billion AI hedge fund collapsed under 400% leverage, sparking a market rally; what other hidden time bombs threaten the tech sector?
As the S&P 500 hits record highs, could fragile backdoor diplomacy in the Strait of Hormuz suddenly derail the global energy supply?
With machine identities outnumbering humans, how will AI-driven cyber threats from open-weight models permanently alter our global digital security infrastructure?