Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW) Stock

PALO ALTO NETWORKS INC

Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks is a platform-based cybersecurity vendor with product offerings covering network security, cloud security, and security operations. The California-based firm has more than 80,000 enterprise customers across the world, including more than three fourths of the Global 2000.

Palo Alto Networks Inc

On CNBC's &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mad-money-lightning-round">Mad Money Lightning Round</a>,&#8221; Jim Cramer said The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ODP#NASDAQ">ODP</a>) is an &#8220;interesting spec.&#8221; 
&#8220;I'm not going to fight a six times earnings stock as long as it's making money,&#8221; he added. &#8220;I <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ODP/earnings">think you're ok.&#8221;</a>
Supporting his view, ODP, on May 7, reported better-than-expected first-quarter financial results. The Boca Raton, Florida-based firm reported quarterly earnings of $1.06 per share. It beat the analyst consensus estimate of 65 cents per share. 
ODP reported quarterly sales of $1.7 billion — beating the analyst consensus estimate of $1.67 billion.
Cramer said he wants to own the stock of Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>).
Lending support to his choice, Palo Alto Networks, on May 20, posted better-than-expected earnings for its third quarter on Tuesday. 
The company also raised its full-year 2025 guidance. The company now expects full-year revenue of $9.17 billion to $9.19 billion, up from prior guidance of $9.14 billion to $9.19 billion. The company now anticipates full-year adjusted earnings of $3.26 to $3.28 per share, up from prior guidance of $3.18 to $3.24 per share, per Benzinga Pro.
Price Action:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>ODP shares gained 0.8% to settle at $18.31 on Monday.</li>
<li>Palo Alto shares rose 1.8% to close at $190.72.</li>
</ul>
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46408189/jpmorgan-wells-fargo-and-3-stocks-to-watch-heading-into-tuesday">JPMorgan, Wells Fargo And 3 Stocks To Watch Heading Into Tuesday</a></li>
</ul>
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PANW

Jim Cramer: This Consumer Cyclical Stock Is An 'Interesting Spec'

Joint solutions help reduce the risk of breaches by preventing unauthorized access and mitigating dangerous security blind spots
As attacks grow more sophisticated and demand real-time response, verifying who accesses data and from what device has become essential to protecting it. Okta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OKTA#NASDAQ">OKTA</a>) and Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>) today announced an expanded partnership with <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.okta.com%2Fblog%2F2025%2F07%2Fhow-okta-and-palo-alto-networks-forge-an-identity-powered-security%2F&amp;esheet=54290494&amp;newsitemid=20250715529760&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=new+integrations&amp;index=1&amp;md5=f6f8c33d669237ce18823b675b9f7fb1">new integrations</a> to deliver a unified security architecture, enabling customers to automate threat response, secure application access on any device, and reduce security roadblocks.
The native integration between <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.okta.com%2Fproducts%2Fworkforce-identity%2F&amp;esheet=54290494&amp;newsitemid=20250715529760&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Okta+Workforce+Identity&amp;index=2&amp;md5=8b7080d4de2613f925bfba9df6a15055">Okta Workforce Identity</a> and Palo Alto Networks <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fsase%2Fprisma-access-browser&amp;esheet=54290494&amp;newsitemid=20250715529760&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Prisma+Access+Browser&amp;index=3&amp;md5=42b491a00639665704ee217bf2e10278">Prisma Access Browser</a> creates a new conditional access method to restrict access to SSO apps by using only the secure browser. A second integration between <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.okta.com%2Fproducts%2Fidentity-threat-protection%2F&amp;esheet=54290494&amp;newsitemid=20250715529760&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Identity+Threat+Protection+with+Okta+AI&amp;index=4&amp;md5=fe1dc93ef75e9df397bb986fd2f7ab72">Identity Threat Protection with Okta AI</a> and Palo Alto Networks AI-driven Cortex&#xAE; SecOps platform provides organizations with a unified view of identity-related risks across their entire attack surface. This integration extends to <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fcortex%2Fcortex-xsiam&amp;esheet=54290494&amp;newsitemid=20250715529760&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Cortex+XSIAM&amp;index=5&amp;md5=abcca2fedd56e9748ade8797b7fc898a">Cortex XSIAM</a>&#xAE; and <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fcortex%2Fcortex-xdr&amp;esheet=54290494&amp;newsitemid=20250715529760&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Cortex+XDR&amp;index=6&amp;md5=05a371e88211925539a36bc6163bfb0d">Cortex XDR</a>&#xAE;, creating a comprehensive response to the most advanced attacks.

OKTA

Okta and Palo Alto Networks Expand Partnership With New AI-Driven Integrations To Automate Threat Response And Secure App Access Across Devices

The Trump administration&#8217;s decision to allocate $1 billion for cyber warfare capabilities has sparked controversy due to the simultaneous reduction in the nation&#8217;s cybersecurity defense budget.
What Happened:&nbsp;The Pentagon has earmarked $1 billion for cyber warfare initiatives, with a focus on strengthening the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command&#8217;s capabilities. This move aligns with the growing strategic competition with China in the Asia-Pacific region,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.technology.org/2025/07/14/pentagon-allocates-1-billion-for-cyber-warfare-capabilities-under-trumps-latest-budget/">reported</a>&nbsp;Technology.org.
The cyber warfare programs will include a range of attack strategies targeting hostile nations, possibly using zero-day exploits and surveillance tools to extract data from specific individuals or organizations.
However, this significant investment comes at the expense of the nation&#8217;s cybersecurity defense budget, which has seen a $1 billion reduction. This reduction comes amid continued digital threats from Chinese state actors targeting U.S. infrastructure and institutions.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, criticized the administration&#8217;s decision. He pointed out that the reduced funding for protective cybersecurity initiatives, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), leaves the country vulnerable to attacks by foreign hackers.
&#8220;The&nbsp;Trump administration has slashed funding&nbsp;for cybersecurity and government technology&nbsp;and left our country wide&nbsp;open to attack by foreign&nbsp;hackers,&#8221; Wyden said.
SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/topics/25/07/46389339/robert-reich-says-the-u-s-government-is-no-longer-able-to-protect-us-from-real-hazards-because-its-shifting-funds-to-fake-hazards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Reich Says, &#8216;The U.S. Government Is No Longer Able To Protect Us From Real Hazards, Because It&#8217;s Shifting Funds To Fake Hazards&#8217; &#8211; Benzinga</a>
Why It Matters: The U.S. has been actively combating cyber threats and fraudulent activities. Earlier in June, the&nbsp;Department of Justice sought to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45811290/doj-seeks-to-seize-7-7-million-in-bitcoin-ethereum-nfts-allegedly-laundered-by-north-korean-it-workers">seize $7.7 million</a> in cryptocurrency&nbsp;and NFTs allegedly laundered by North Korean IT workers. This move was part of the U.S. government&#8217;s efforts to combat money laundering through digital assets.
Additionally, the U.S. government has been cracking down on fraudulent schemes. In July, the&nbsp;DOJ dismantled a $14 billion <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46195080/doj-dismantles-14-billion-healthcare-fraud-scheme-in-largest-ever-crackdown-impacting-over-1-million-americans">healthcare fraud</a> scheme, resulting in the seizure of assets worth over $245 million, including cryptocurrency. 
These events underline the increasing importance of cybersecurity and the potential implications of the recent budget cuts. Notably, Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives has named cybersecurity as the "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46400448/dan-ives-bets-on-cybersecurity-as-biggest-subsector-in-tech-for-2025-expects-strong-q2-earnings-from-crowdstrike-zscaler-palo-alto-check-point">biggest subsector</a>" within the tech industry for 2025.
He highlights that&nbsp;Crowdstrike Holdings Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>), Zscaler Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZS#NASDAQ">ZS</a>), Palo Alto Networks Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>) and Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHKP#NASDAQ">CHKP</a>) as some of his top picks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/crwd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/crwd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>
READ MORE: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46407767/elon-musks-xai-launches-grok-for-government-after-winning-200-million-pentagon-contract">Elon Musk&#8217;s xAI Launches &#8216;Grok For Government&#8217; After Winning $200 Million Pentagon Contract </a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

CHKP

CRWD

Trump Admin Pours $1 Billion Into Cyber Warfare Capabilities — While Slashing US Cybersecurity Defenses

Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives has placed his bets on cybersecurity as the &#8220;biggest subsector&#8221; in the technology sector in 2025.
What Happened: According to Ives, as the world moves toward using cloud services for storing data, strong cybersecurity services becomes imperative for the protection of data.
He highlights that Crowdstrike Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>), Zscaler Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZS#NASDAQ">ZS</a>), Palo Alto Networks Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>), and Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHKP#NASDAQ">CHKP</a>) could be the biggest beneficiaries of this trend during the upcoming earnings season.
&#8220;When you look at Crowdstrike, Zscaler, Palo Alto, Check Point, as more moves to the cloud, cybersecurity is going to move hand-in-hand. This is going to be one area that outperforms significantly during earnings season,&#8221; Ives <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/07/14/ives-the-ai-revolution-is-now-spreading-across-all-corners-of-the-tech-sector.html">told</a> CNBC on Monday.
When highlighted that the cybersecurity ETFs have performed poorly in the near term, Ives quipped that they are going to be one of the best performers of 2025.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cybersecurity ETFs</td>
<td>One Month</td>
<td>Year-To-Date</td>
<td>One Year</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CIBR#NASDAQ">CIBR</a>)</td>
<td>-0.86%</td>
<td>13.85%</td>
<td>24.77%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Global X Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BUG#NASDAQ">BUG</a>)</td>
<td>-4.08%</td>
<td>8.25%</td>
<td>15.32%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Amplify Cybersecurity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HACK#NYSE">HACK</a>)</td>
<td>-0.92%</td>
<td>11.28%</td>
<td>25.62%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
&#8220;I think it&#8217;s because of rotation,&#8221; Ives said, highlighting the near-term underperformance. &#8220;I think the market&#8217;s got it wrong, when you actually look at the technology subsector, cybersecurity could be the biggest subsector of the year for tech,&#8221; he added.
Simultaneously, he reiterated his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/price-target/25/07/46339022/palantir-could-be-the-next-big-ai-winner-says-dan-ives-sees-12-pltr-stock-surge">bullish views</a> on Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>), saying that it was on the &#8220;golden path to become an AI stalwart&#8221; over the next 12 months. 
Meanwhile, he also expressed his optimism in International Business Machine Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>), and praised its CEO, Arvind Krishna. &#8220;When it comes to AI, I think what Arvind&#8217;s doing there is that there&#8217;s a renaissance going on in Arkmonk, that&#8217;s why we are very bullish on IBM,&#8221; he said.
When asked what the investors should look out for in IBM&#8217;s earnings, he said, &#8220;I think it&#8217;s cloud computing and it&#8217;s AI-driven revenue. Network services, you could say, is under pressure, but the stack, that&#8217;s what IBM is selling into a massive installed base,&#8221; added that this was going to get &#8220;rerated&#8221; as the investors &#8220;underestimate&#8221; it.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46386524/trump-wants-blanket-tariffs-of-up-to-20-after-surprise-treasury-surplus-in-june-ed-yardeni-says-don">Trump Wants Blanket Tariffs Of Up To 20% After Surprise Treasury Surplus In June: Ed Yardeni Says &#8216;Don&#8217;t Push Your Luck&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: Apart from the winners in this season, when Ives was asked about the potential earnings misses from the technology sectors during the earnings season, he pointed at Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSCO#NASDAQ">CSCO</a>) and Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DELL#NYSE">DELL</a>).
&#8220;If there is going to be weakness, that&#8217;s going to be from networking players like Cisco and legacy players like Dell.&#8221;
Major tech companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) and Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) are scheduled to report on Thursday, July 17, and ASML Holding NV (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>) on Wednesday, July 16.
Other significant tech earnings, such as Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), are expected in the coming weeks.
Price Action: At the time of writing this article, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, were lower on Monday. The SPY was down 0.16% at $622.62, while the QQQ declined 0.16% to $553.33, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga P</a>ro data.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/hedge-funds/25/07/46386374/stanley-druckenmillers-duquesne-dumps-palantir-bets-big-on-this-dividend-play-which-has-surge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanley Druckenmiller's Duquesne Dumps Palantir, Bets Big On This Dividend Play Which Has Surged Nearly 50% In 2025</a></li>
</ul>
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PLTR

Dan Ives Bets On Cybersecurity As 'Biggest Subsector' In Tech For 2025; Expects Strong Q2 Earnings From CrowdStrike, Zscaler, Palo Alto, Check Point

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Information Technology sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/11/25</td>
<td>$430.00</td>
<td>$50.0K</td>
<td>10.7K</td>
<td>35.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$31.1K</td>
<td>18.8K</td>
<td>19.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ORCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$28.8K</td>
<td>8.7K</td>
<td>5.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PLTR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$143.00</td>
<td>$94.8K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>4.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRWV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$196.5K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td>4.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/11/25</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
<td>$25.5K</td>
<td>10.2K</td>
<td>3.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CIFR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/29/25</td>
<td>$4.50</td>
<td>$34.5K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PANW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$54.2K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/01/25</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$48.0K</td>
<td>3.6K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/01/25</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
<td>$99.8K</td>
<td>88</td>
<td>802</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• For MSTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, is expiring today. Parties traded 200 contract(s) at a $430.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $50.0K, with a price of $250.0 per contract. There were 10796 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 35666 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AMD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 7 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 74 contract(s) at a $145.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 24 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.1K, with a price of $421.0 per contract. There were 18819 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 19469 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ORCL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 7 day(s) on July 18, 2025. Parties traded 200 contract(s) at a $240.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.8K, with a price of $144.0 per contract. There were 8734 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5527 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PLTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 7 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 300 contract(s) at a $143.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $94.8K, with a price of $316.0 per contract. There were 1072 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4516 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CRWV (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 7 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 673 contract(s) at a $135.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $196.5K, with a price of $292.0 per contract. There were 1475 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4082 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For INTC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, is expiring today. Parties traded 500 contract(s) at a $23.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 8 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.5K, with a price of $51.0 per contract. There were 10272 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3859 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CIFR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CIFR#NASDAQ">CIFR</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 49 day(s) on August 29, 2025. This event was a transfer of 1380 contract(s) at a $4.50 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 29 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.5K, with a price of $25.0 per contract. There were 0 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1732 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PANW (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 35 day(s) on August 15, 2025. Parties traded 175 contract(s) at a $200.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $54.2K, with a price of $310.0 per contract. There were 2473 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1694 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 21 day(s) on August 1, 2025. This event was a transfer of 400 contract(s) at a $195.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $48.0K, with a price of $120.0 per contract. There were 3689 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1662 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ACN (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 21 day(s) on August 1, 2025. Parties traded 644 contract(s) at a $265.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 33 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $99.8K, with a price of $155.0 per contract. There were 88 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 802 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

CIFR

CRWV

INTC

MSTR

ORCL

10 Information Technology Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

Palo Alto Networks's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NYSE">PANW</a>) short percent of float has fallen 11.79% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 23.73 million shares sold short, which is 3.59% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 6.57 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Palo Alto Networks Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1751655627_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Palo Alto Networks has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Palo Alto Networks's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Palo Alto Networks's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 6.95%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

How Do Investors Really Feel About Palo Alto Networks?

Palo Alto Networks Inc. CEO Nikesh Arora revealed insights into SoftBank Group Corp. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) CEO Masayoshi Son&#8216;s risk-taking philosophy during a recent podcast appearance, comparing the Japanese billionaire&#8217;s approach to life to the fictional character Benjamin Button.
What Happened: Speaking on Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath&#8216;s podcast, Arora described how Son, now 67, embodied a reverse-aging mentality between the ages of 50 and 60.
&#8220;He was going, touching everything his mother said don&#8217;t touch,&#8221; Arora said, referencing how most cultures teach risk aversion from childhood.
Arora, who worked alongside Son at SoftBank, characterized the investor as someone who defied conventional wisdom about settling down and minimizing risk. &#8220;Masa&#8217;s the other way around. &#8216;What are we going to do today? Great. All in,'&#8221; Arora explained.
Son&#8217;s aggressive investment strategy has generated both spectacular wins and losses throughout his career. The SoftBank founder struck gold four times with major investments, including Yahoo! Japan, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>), and ARM Holdings PLC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>).
However, his risk appetite also led to dramatic volatility, with Son becoming the world&#8217;s richest man briefly before facing near-bankruptcy.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46189133/nikita-bier-the-founder-of-gas-and-tbh-who-once-asked-elon-musk-to-hire-him-as-vp-of-product-at-twitter-has-joined-x-never-give-up">Nikita Bier, The Founder Of Gas And TBH, Who Once Asked Elon Musk To Hire Him As VP Of Product At Twitter, Has Joined X: &#8216;Never Give Up&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: This high-stakes approach continues today as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46134697/softbanks-masayoshi-son-sets-sights-on-artificial-super-intelligence-domination-with-bets-on-openai-and-ampere-im-all-in">SoftBank positions itself for artificial intelligence dominance</a>. The company has committed $32 billion to OpenAI since 2024, with Son declaring &#8220;I&#8217;m all in on OpenAI&#8221; at the firm&#8217;s annual shareholder meeting in June. 
SoftBank reportedly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46023729/softbanks-masayoshi-son-proposes-1-trillion-robotics-and-ai-hub-in-arizona-with-tsmc">proposed a $1 trillion robotics and AI hub in Arizona</a> alongside Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>).
Son&#8217;s cultural background provides context for his contrarian philosophy. Arora noted how traditional risk management, particularly from mothers warning children against dangerous activities, shapes most people&#8217;s approach to life. Son deliberately rejected this framework, choosing instead to embrace maximum risk in pursuit of transformational opportunities.
The strategy has paid off handsomely despite setbacks. SoftBank&#8217;s Vision Funds have invested in over 400 companies, though <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39743441/after-losing-150b-nvidia-opportunity-masayoshi-sons-softbank-acquires-uk-chipmaker-graphcore-in-">the firm notably sold</a> its Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) stake in 2019, missing out on gains worth over $150 billion. Son&#8217;s current net worth stands at $38.8 billion according <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/masayoshi-son/">to</a> Forbes, making him Japan&#8217;s second-richest person.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/25/07/46188863/when-kevin-oleary-found-his-mother-was-secretly-an-investing-genius-the-performance-was-extraordinary-and-better-than-most-hedge-funds">When Kevin O&#8217;Leary Found His Mother Was Secretly An Investing Genius: &#8216;The Performance Was Extraordinary&#8217; And Better Than Most Hedge Funds</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: glen photo / Shutterstock.com

BABA

NVDA

SFTBY

SoftBank's Masayoshi Son Lived Life Like 'Benjamin Button' — Nikesh Arora Says He Took Every Risk His Mother Warned Him About And Struck Gold With Alibaba, ARM

Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) co-founder Larry Page rejected Apple Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) signature &#8220;focus on one thing&#8221; philosophy during a pivotal meeting with Steve Jobs, according to Palo Alto Networks Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>) CEO Nikesh Arora.
What Happened: Speaking on Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath&#8216;s podcast, Arora recalled how Page recounted his conversation with Jobs when Google was still a small company competing against the established Apple. Jobs advised Page to follow Apple&#8217;s model of doing &#8220;one thing really well&#8221; to achieve global dominance.
&#8220;Steve said to Larry, &#8216;Larry, look at the model. The model is, we do one thing, we do it really well. If you do one thing really well and win around the world, you&#8217;re gonna win,'&#8221; Arora said, citing Page&#8217;s recollection of the meeting.
However, Page disagreed with Jobs&#8217; strategy. At the time as Google was simultaneously developing Gmail, Chrome, Google Search, Maps, and other products. Page believed success came from having great people who could build multiple great products simultaneously, not from limiting focus to a single offering.
&#8220;Larry had a different point of view. He said, &#8216;Look, I don&#8217;t believe that. I believe it&#8217;s a question of capacity. If you have great people, you can motivate them. They can go build great stuff. As long as you focus on building a great product, it doesn&#8217;t matter if you do one or many,'&#8221; Arora explained.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46161059/apple-has-the-potential-to-crush-metas-ray-ban-smart-glasses-says-ming-chi-kuo-but-the-tech-giant-has-been-surprisingly-slow">Apple Has the Potential To Crush Meta&#8217;s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, Says Ming-Chi Kuo, But The Tech Giant Has Been &#8216;Surprisingly Slow&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: Page&#8217;s &#8220;product-obsessed&#8221; approach became evident when he assumed Google&#8217;s CEO role. He structured his leadership team with seven product-focused direct reports compared to just three business-focused executives. 
When Arora prepared a comprehensive business presentation for their first one-on-one meeting, Page dismissed it, stating he needed to focus on building great products.
&#8220;Tech companies which lose sight of great products eventually fail,&#8221; Arora said. According to him, once-prominent firms like Sun Microsystems and Yahoo were industry leaders in their prime but ultimately stumbled after drifting away from a strong product vision.
This philosophical divide between Apple&#8217;s focused approach and Google&#8217;s diversified strategy proved successful for both companies. Apple&#8217;s concentrated efforts on flagship products like the iPhone generated massive market share in specific categories, while Google&#8217;s multi-product ecosystem created the foundation for Alphabet&#8217;s current $2.17 trillion market capitalization.
Page&#8217;s &#8220;additionality&#8221; principle, which he discussed at TED2014, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45613522/google-co-founder-larry-page-uses-this-economic-principle-to-guide-innovationand-its-all-about-building-what-wouldnt-exist-without-you">emphasized creating products</a> &#8220;that wouldn&#8217;t happen unless you&#8217;re actually doing it.&#8221; 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="From Ghaziabad to Silicon Valley: Nikhil Kamath x Nikesh Arora &#x7C; People by WTF &#x7C; Ep. 11" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vPvnzWoK24Q?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
</figure>
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46162898/elon-musk-stopped-believing-in-mars-dream-as-a-political-project-in-2024-says-peter-theil-amid-woke-ai-and-socialist-government-fears">Elon Musk Stopped Believing In Mars Dream As A &#8216;Political Project&#8217; In 2024, Says Peter Thiel Amid &#8216;Woke AI&#8217; And &#8216;Socialist Government&#8217; Fears</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

Larry Page Rejected Steve Jobs' 'Do One Thing' Well Advice, Built Everything Instead: Palo Alto CEO Nikesh Arora Recalls Google's 'Product-Obsessed' Roots

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 9.87% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 21.29%. Currently, Palo Alto Networks has a market capitalization of $135.01 billion. 
Buying $1000 In PANW: If an investor had bought $1000 of PANW stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $6,949.28 today based on a price of $202.48 for PANW at the time of writing.
<h3>Palo Alto Networks's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1750973439_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Here's How Much $1000 Invested In Palo Alto Networks 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

When your cell phone suddenly freezes on your way to grab your morning coffee, it may not be just a technical glitch, but the warning sign of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/cyber-security">cyber thievery of the new age</a>. 
The CrowdStrike 2025 Global Threat Report found that: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Vishing (short for &#8220;voice phishing&#8221;) attacks have increased 442%</li>
<li>Close to 80% of intrusions no longer sneak in with any malware, and </li>
<li>China-associated hackers are upping their game with a 150% jump in activity.</li>
</ul>
For individual investors who want to ride this cyber mayhem, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">cybersecurity ETFs</a> provide a useful and effective means to tap into the digital defense boom.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/new-etfs/25/06/46080190/quantum-volatility-tradrs-new-etfs-qubx-rgtu-are-built-for-it-says-matt-markiewicz">Quantum Volatility? Tradr&#8217;s New ETFs QUBX, RGTU Are Built for It, Says Matt Markiewicz</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why Cybersecurity, Why Now?</h3>
Hackers are getting quicker and cleverer, cracking networks in 51 seconds or less, frequently without malware. Instead, they use AI-powered phishing emails, take advantage of misconfigured clouds, and steal passwords. It&#8217;s digital jiu-jitsu, and businesses are scrambling to protect themselves.
This explosion of advanced attacks has translated into a multi-billion-dollar cybersecurity boom, and investors are sitting up and taking notice. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The ETFs That Let You Invest In Digital Defense</h3>
If selecting individual <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/cybersecurity">cybersecurity stocks</a> seems intimidating, these ETFs provide a diversified method to ride the wave:
First Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CIBR#NASDAQ">CIBR</a>)
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Assets under management: ~$10 billion</li>
<li>Top holdings: Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>), Cisco (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSCO#NASDAQ">CSCO</a>), Fortinet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTNT#NASDAQ">FTNT</a>), CrowdStrike (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>)</li>
<li>Expense ratio: 0.59%</li>
<li>CIBR is the biggest and most liquid cybersecurity ETF on the market. It&#8217;s based on the Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index and provides exposure to pure-play cyber companies as well as larger tech giants with large, healthy security segments. It&#8217;s an excellent choice for investors looking for liquidity and a diversified, weighted basket of companies that are protecting the frontlines.</li>
</ul>
Amplify Cybersecurity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HACK#NYSE">HACK</a>)
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Assets under management: ~$2.27 billion</li>
<li>Top holdings: Broadcom (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), Palo Alto Networks, Cisco, Crowdstrike, Fortinet, Cloudflare&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NET#NYSE">NET</a>)</li>
<li>Expense ratio: 0.60%</li>
<li>HACK led the way in the space and has a slightly different methodology, it follows the ISE Cyber Security Select Index focused on revenue exposure to cybersecurity. That is to say, it frequently includes boutique players in consulting, military-grade defense, and forensic analysis. If you want more &#8220;boots-on-the-ground&#8221; exposure, HACK delivers that tactical taste.</li>
</ul>
Global X Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BUG#NASDAQ">BUG</a>)
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Assets under management: ~$1.14 billion</li>
<li>Leading holdings: CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, Zscaler (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZS#NASDAQ">ZS</a>), Fortinet, Okta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OKTA#NASDAQ">OKTA</a>)</li>
<li>Expense ratio: 0.51%</li>
<li>BUG emphasizes high-growth, next-generation players and plays more towards firms focused on endpoint security, cloud-native defenses, and AI-driven threat detection. It&#8217;s slightly more volatile, but for those with a higher-risk appetite, BUG connects to the more innovative edge of the space.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why It&#8217;s Not Too Late</h2>
While these ETFs have become increasingly popular, analysts suggest the cybersecurity trade isn&#8217;t yet crowded. Why? Because the threats are expanding at record pace. 
A June <a href="https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/cyber-security-market-101165">report </a>by Fortune Business Insights projects the global cybersecurity market size to grow from an estimated $193.73 billion in 2024 to $562.72 billion by 2032, realizing a CAGR of 14.3% during the period.
With data emerging as the most valuable currency and threats more sophisticated, cybersecurity is becoming one of the most defensive trades in your portfolio.
Cyber ETFs enable individual investors to ride this megatrend without the hassle of stock-picking. If you&#8217;re a conservative investor seeking stability or a tech-loving trader seeking growth, chances are there&#8217;s a cybersecurity ETF out there that&#8217;s your style.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/new-etfs/25/06/46078207/blackrock-launch-ishares-texn-etf-texas-based-stocks">BlackRock Debuts iShares TEXN ETF For Retail Investors Eyeing Texas-Based Stocks</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Sector ETFs

ETFs

AVGO

FTNT

3 Cybersecurity ETFs To Gain Ground As Threats Go Malware-Free, China Gets Bolder

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 9.95% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 20.92%. Currently, Palo Alto Networks has a market capitalization of $133.09 billion. 
Buying $100 In PANW: If an investor had bought $100 of PANW stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $667.32 today based on a price of $199.60 for PANW at the time of writing.
<h3>Palo Alto Networks's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1750454113_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$100 Invested In Palo Alto Networks 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

Iran launched ballistic missiles toward Israel late Friday local time, triggering a wave of retaliatory fire and igniting fears of a broader conflict. The strikes marked the start of what Iranian state media called "The Hard Retaliation," a direct response to Israeli air raids on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45922022/trump-issues-stark-warning-to-iran-to-make-a-deal-after-israels-strikes-on-nuclear-sites-just-do-it-before-its-too-late">more than 200 targets.</a>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/13/trump-urges-iran-to-reach-nuclear-deal-before-there-is-nothing-left-.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNBC</a>, video footage showed missiles striking Tel Aviv while Israeli defense systems were activated to intercept the barrage. The Israel Defense Forces urged civilians to take shelter immediately.
The IDF earlier confirmed the launch of "Operation Rising Lion," striking Iranian nuclear and military facilities in Isfahan and Natanz to degrade long-range missile capabilities.
NBC News reported that Israeli Brigadier General Effie Defrin said the operation was aimed at preventing Iran from retaliating with drones or missiles. Explosions were also reported near Iran's Fordo nuclear site, with state media confirming the death of IRGC Commander-in-Chief Hossein Salami.
Israel's Defense Ministry claimed most IRGC leadership was killed, but CNBC could not independently verify this. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed retribution, stating that Iran's response would not be "half-measured."
Also Read: <a>The $120 Oil Shock Just Became A Real Risk: Are We Back In 2022?</a>
Despite mounting violence, a U.S. official said Friday morning that the U.S. remained open to talks. However, Iran later suspended nuclear negotiations originally scheduled in Oman for the weekend.
Trump, speaking earlier Friday, urged Tehran to reach a deal "before there is nothing left." The International Atomic Energy Agency reported no radiation spikes at targeted sites.
Amid surging <a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/45931068/missiles-and-firewalls-defense-stocks-surge-as-israel-iran-tensions-ignite">Middle East volatility</a>, defense and cybersecurity stocks are rallying as investors respond to the unfolding conflict between Israel and Iran.
Shares of Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>), and Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESLT#NASDAQ">ESLT</a>) jumped as much as 7% on Friday. Elbit alone gained 77% year-to-date, fueled by growing demand for missile defense and drone technology.
The escalation also elevated cybersecurity concerns, sending names like CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>), Palo Alto Networks Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>), and Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHKP#NASDAQ">CHKP</a>) into sharper focus. Governments are reportedly rushing to reinforce digital infrastructure amid fears of Iranian retaliation.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li> <a>Wall Street&#8217;s VIX Jumps 10%, Gold And Oil Gain As Middle East Tensions Flare Up—What's Driving Markets Friday</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Roofsoldier/Shutterstock

Global

ESLT

Iran Fires Ballistic Missiles At Israel, Tel Aviv Struck

In the high-stakes chess game of Middle East geopolitics, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45922022/trump-issues-stark-warning-to-iran-to-make-a-deal-after-israels-strikes-on-nuclear-sites-just-do-it-before-its-too-late">Israel's airstrikes on Iran's</a> nuclear and drone facilities appear to have lit a fuse under defense and cybersecurity stocks.
As Tehran rattles sabers and markets quiver, the S&amp;P 500 futures dipped 1.1% post-strikes. Savvy investors are, however, eyeing a fortress of opportunity in companies that thrive when tensions soar. 
Defense plays such as Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) stock was up over 6.26% during day trading by Friday noon, Rtx Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) (aka Raytheon Technologies) was up almost 3% and Elbit Systems Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESLT#NASDAQ">ESLT</a>) was up 7.43%.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/45928637/lockheed-martin-lmt-stock-surges-as-middle-east-tensions-fuel-defense-sector-rally">Lockheed Martin (LMT) Stock Surges As Middle East Tensions Fuel Defense Sector Rally</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Missile Defense: The New Gold Rush</h2>
Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies are stealing the spotlight, with their missile defense systems, like Israel's Arrow, poised to win contracts.
Israel's precision strikes, which <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/13/sounds-of-explosions-heard-in-irans-capital-tehran">targeted</a> Iran's military and nuclear sites supplying Houthi rebels, have left a gap that Western tech is itching to fill.
Israel-based Elbit Systems Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESLT#NASDAQ">ESLT</a>), a drone and defense electronics darling, saw its shares jump 10.57% over the past five days alone. The stock has gained 21.51% over the past month and 77% YTD.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cyber Shields Up: Digital Warfare Heats Up</h2>
But it's not just hardware. Cyber warfare is the new battlefield, and Iran's vow to retaliate has cybersecurity firms like Palo Alto Networks Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>) and Crowdstrike Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>) on high alert. 
Israel's Stuxnet legacy looms large, hinting at digital skirmishes ahead. Check Point Software Technologies Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHKP#NASDAQ">CHKP</a>), another Israeli gem, is buzzing with about 20% stock spike YTD, as governments and corporations scramble to fortify digital walls. 
For investors, it's a rare two-for-one: defense offers recession-proof stability, while cybersecurity rides a secular growth wave. 
But beware &#8211; Lockheed Martin's lofty 20.23x P/E and potential de-escalation could cool the rally. Still, with Trump's pro-defense stance and Middle East volatility, these stocks are a hedge worth betting on. 
Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/06/45924154/the-120-oil-shock-just-became-a-real-risk-are-we-back-in-2022">The $120 Oil Shock Just Became A Real Risk: Are We Back In 2022?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Movers

Missiles And Firewalls: Defense Stocks Surge As Israel-Iran Tensions Ignite

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in PANW usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 21 extraordinary options activities for Palo Alto Networks. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 52% leaning bullish and 33% bearish. Among these notable options, 6 are puts, totaling $378,384, and 15 are calls, amounting to $1,491,417.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $125.0 to $250.0 for Palo Alto Networks over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Palo Alto Networks's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Palo Alto Networks's whale trades within a strike price range from $125.0 to $250.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Palo Alto Networks Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1749585727_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>PANW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$20.9</td>
<td>$20.6</td>
<td>$20.9</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$522.5K</td>
<td>5.9K</td>
<td align="right">256</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PANW</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$38.3</td>
<td>$38.3</td>
<td>$38.3</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
<td>$218.3K</td>
<td>126</td>
<td align="right">57</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PANW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$39.85</td>
<td>$38.5</td>
<td>$38.95</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$194.7K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PANW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$4.7</td>
<td>$4.4</td>
<td>$4.6</td>
<td>$192.50</td>
<td>$138.0K</td>
<td>487</td>
<td align="right">325</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PANW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$6.0</td>
<td>$5.65</td>
<td>$5.7</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$102.6K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td align="right">180</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Palo Alto Networks</h3>
Palo Alto Networks is a platform-based cybersecurity vendor with product offerings covering network security, cloud security, and security operations. The California-based firm has more than 80,000 enterprise customers across the world, including more than three fourths of the Global 2000.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Palo Alto Networks</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 1,852,682, the price of PANW is down by -0.01%, reaching $196.31.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 69 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Palo Alto Networks</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $192.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Barclays continues to hold a Overweight rating for Palo Alto Networks, targeting a price of $210. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Northland Capital Markets continues to hold a Market Perform rating for Palo Alto Networks, targeting a price of $177. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from Guggenheim downgraded its rating to Sell, setting a price target of $130. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from Keybanc downgraded its rating to Overweight, setting a price target of $220. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald lowers its rating to Overweight with a new price target of $223.
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Palo Alto Networks, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Check Out What Whales Are Doing With PANW

Uber Technologies Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>) is cruising, with its stock price up 37.53% in 2025, just 7% shy of its 52-week high of $93.60. Now also boosted by a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/06/45855580/uber-softbank-backed-wayve-to-test-self-driving-cars-on-public-roads-in-uk">robotaxi partnership with Wayve</a>, Uber's dominant 68% U.S. rideshare market share and global reach in 10,000 cities keep investors revved up.
But with Stephanie Link, chief investment strategist and portfolio manager at Hightower Advisors, eyeing more mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A) after Palo Alto Networks Inc's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>) CEO joined Uber's board, can this tech titan keep accelerating, or is it time to pump the brakes?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">UBER Price Performance: A Smooth Ride With Bumps</h2>
Uber's stock has climbed 26.65% over the past year, outpacing the S&amp;P 500's 24% gain, and a 4.64% pop in the last five days shows renewed momentum. 
Despite a 1.38% dip this month, the stock's trajectory aligns with its affordable product slate &#8211; like UberX Share—driving user growth. The Wayve deal, leveraging the UK's 2026 autonomous vehicle pilot push, adds sizzle.
Meanwhile, Link's "small position" bet, with plans to buy dips, signals confidence in Uber's M&amp;A potential, especially after its $1 billion Wayve investment.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/reiteration/25/06/45843054/uber-wins-analyst-praise-for-robotaxi-boom-lyft-faces-tougher-road-ahead">Uber Wins Analyst Praise For Robotaxi Boom, Lyft Faces Tougher Road Ahead</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">UBER Technicals: Green Lights With A Yellow Flash</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0610"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="628" height="486" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/10123402/Screenshot-2025-06-10-at-9.56.30-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-945075" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/10123402/Screenshot-2025-06-10-at-9.56.30-PM.png 628w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/10123402/Screenshot-2025-06-10-at-9.56.30-PM-300x232.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 628px) 100vw, 628px" /></a></figure>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0610" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chart created using Benzinga Pro</a>
Uber's chart is mostly bullish. The stock trades above its eight-day Simple Moving Average (SMA, $84.76), 50-day SMA ($80.77) and 200-day SMA ($74.13), signaling upward momentum. 
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD, 0.85) reinforces this, pointing to continued strength. However, a 20-day SMA ($87.62) slightly above the stock price of $86.90 hints at mild bearish pressure. The Relative Strength Index (RSI, 55.86) sits comfortably in neutral territory, suggesting room to run before overheating. 
Support at $80 offers a safety net for dip-buyers, while resistance near $90 tests the bulls.
Uber's price surge, Wayve partnership, and M&amp;A buzz make it a hot ticket. Technicals lean bullish, but the 20-day SMA flags caution. While those looking to enter a position in Uber may buy on pullbacks to $80 for a smoother ride, the conservative investor might wait for a breakout above $90. Uber's not autonomous yet, but it's surely in the fast lane.
Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/06/45853025/trump-account-promises-1000-for-every-kid-but-not-everyone-thinks-its-the-smartest-idea-out-there">Trump Account Promises $1000 For Every Kid — But Not Everyone Thinks Its The Smartest Idea Out There</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock

Technicals

UBER

Uber Soars 37% YTD On Robotaxi Deal, M&A Buzz: Strategist Eyes Buy-The-Dip Opportunity

WIIM

AMAT

APPS

ARQQ

BLBX

BNAI

BTDR

DGNX

DOMO

FSLR

GRRR

IREN

KLAC

MOBBW

MRVL

NTRP

ORKT

PHUN

PONY

PRCH

SAIL

SHMD

SHOP

SMSI

SNPS

SONM

TSSI

VRSN

ZETA

Shares of companies within the broader technology sector are trading higher, supported by broad market strength, after better-than-expected nonfarm payrolls data eased concerns about an imminent economic slowdown.

Uber Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/uber" rel="noreferrer noopener">disclosed on Thursday</a> that it appointed Nikesh Arora to the Board of Directors on May 31.
Ron Sugar, chair of the board, said Nikesh is a business leader with deep experience in technology, <a target="_blank" href="https://investor.uber.com/financials/default.aspx#quarterly" rel="noreferrer noopener">finance, and cybersecurity</a>.
Sugar said his leadership in scaling innovative businesses and navigating complex international markets will help Uber grow and evolve.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/05/45325248/lyft-is-executing-well-but-analysts-caution-about-uber-and-waymo-competition" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lyft Is Executing Well But Analysts Caution About Uber And Waymo Competition</a>
Arora, 57, has served as the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>) since June 2018.
On June 2, Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty, senior vice president of delivery and one of its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45736491/uber-reveals-vice-president-of-delivery-is-leaving-after-the-ride-of-a-lifetime" rel="noreferrer noopener">longest-serving executives</a>, departed. Gore-Coty joined the company in 2012.
Uber stock surged over 32% year-to-date. To boost growth, the company <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45162888/uber-heats-up-robotaxi-battle-against-tesla-waymo-with-may-mobility-deal" rel="noreferrer noopener">forged partnerships with</a> companies such as May Mobility Inc. and Volkswagen Group.
Uber named&nbsp;Andrew Macdonald, senior vice president of mobility and business operations, the COO.
Last week, Future Fund LLC&#8216;s managing director,&nbsp;Gary Black,&nbsp;said that&nbsp;Tesla Inc&#8216;s&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)&nbsp;June 12 Robotaxi <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45687704/gary-black-says-teslas-robotaxi-launch-in-june-poses-minimal-risk-to-uber-will-offer-low-cost" rel="noreferrer noopener">launch&nbsp;posed no</a> significant threat to&nbsp;Uber.
Price Action: UBER stock is up 0.56% at $83.92 at last check Thursday.
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</ul>
Photo by JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock

Management

TSLA

Uber Taps Palo Alto Chief Nikesh Arora For Directorship

Chief Executive Officer pay soared to new heights in 2024, with compensation packages for the top executives at America's largest companies <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45740017/tsmc-ceo-tells-trump-100-billion-us-chip-expansion-will-take-time-amid-tariff-pressures-surging-ai-demand">reaching record levels.&nbsp;</a>
The median compensation for the highest-paid 100 CEOs in 2024, according to data from <a href="https://www.equilar.com/reports/116-highest-paid-ceos-2025-equilar-100.html">Equilar</a>, reached $25.6 million, reflecting a 9.5% increase over the previous year.
A significant driver of this increase was the median value of stock awards, which jumped 40.5% year over year — from $13.2 million in 2023 to $18.6 million in 2024. In 2024, stock awards represented about 73% of the median total compensation for Equilar&#8217;s top 100 CEOs.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/06/45724938/space-stocks-weekly-countdown-rocketlab-gets-analyst-love-while-virgin-galactic-slides-into-june?utm_source=articleShare">Space Stocks Weekly Countdown: RocketLab Gets Analyst Love While Virgin Galactic Slides Into June</a>
Here are the top 10 S&amp;P 500 CEO pay packages in 2024:
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"> Company           CEO       Total Pay In 2024</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Coherent Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COHR#NYSE">COHR</a>)</td>
<td>James Robert Anderson</td>
<td>$ 101,497,009</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>)</td>
<td>Brian Niccol</td>
<td>$ 95,801,676</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Electric Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>)</td>
<td>&nbsp; H. Lawrence Culp, Jr.</td>
<td>$ 87,393,876</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)</td>
<td>Satya Nadella</td>
<td>$ 79,106,183</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)</td>
<td>Tim Cook&nbsp;</td>
<td>$ 74,609,802</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CARR#NYSE">CARR</a>)</td>
<td>David Gitlin</td>
<td>$ 65,554,845</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>)</td>
<td>Nikesh Arora</td>
<td>$ 58,036,875</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADBE#NASDAQ">ADBE</a>)</td>
<td>Shantanu Narayen</td>
<td>$ 52,390,182</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nutanix, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTNX#NASDAQ">NTNX</a>)</td>
<td>Rajiv Ramaswami</td>
<td>$ 51,143,711</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>)</td>
<td>George Kurtz</td>
<td>$ 46,983,855</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
One notable name missing from the list is NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) CEO Jensen Huang, who earned $49.9 million in total compensation, but was excluded because the company filed its proxy after Equilar's April 30 cutoff.&nbsp;
Two well-known billionaires ranked near the bottom: Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) and Elon Musk of Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>).&nbsp;
Buffett received $405,000 in compensation, about five times the salary of the average Berkshire Hathaway employee.&nbsp;
Musk was the lowest-paid S&amp;P 500 CEO and received $0 in compensation from Tesla in 2024, as his $56 billion multiyear pay package from 2018 remains embroiled in a legal battle.&nbsp;
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/25/05/45675714/can-michael-burrys-nvidia-short-survive-the-stocks-stunning-comeback?utm_source=articleShare">&nbsp;</a>
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</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Large Cap

Movers & Shakers

ADBE

CARR

COHR

NTNX

SBUX

Here Are The Highest Paid CEOs In 2024: Where Did Elon Musk, Warren Buffett Rank?

When Victoria&#8217;s Secret (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VSCO#NYSE">VSCO</a>) reported a cybersecurity breach on Tuesday that caused it to take its website offline for three days in late May, the fashion industry hardly batted an eyelash. 
But shareholders ought to take heed. The attack is just the latest in an increasingly high tide of corporate cyberattacks that are stripping revenues, reputations, and sometimes entire business models, away. 
As cyber threats keep pace with AI adoption, investors are increasingly looking to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">cybersecurity ETFs</a>.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/06/45755138/small-caps-surge-dollar-general-stock-eyes-best-day-crude-hits-2-week-highs-whats-driving-markets-tuesday">Small Caps Surge, Dollar General Stock Eyes Best Day, Crude Hits 2-Week Highs: What&#8217;s Driving Markets Tuesday?</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cybersecurity ETFs To Consider</h3>
The worldwide cybersecurity industry is <a href="https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/cyber-security-market-101165">projected </a>to grow to $562.72 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 14.3%, as per Fortune Business Insights. This broader secular trend has yielded compelling opportunities for investors through sector-specific ETFs. A brief summary of the major players follows:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CIBR#NASDAQ">CIBR</a>): With a one-day average volume of around 565,000 shares, this is the most liquid cybersecurity ETF. It has returned 39% over the past year, making it a strong contender for both active traders and long-term holders. The fund carries an expense ratio of 0.59%.</li>
</ul>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Amplify Cybersecurity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HACK#NYSE">HACK</a>): Another top-performing ETF, up 41% in the past year. From Broadcom (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) and Cisco (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSCO#NASDAQ">CSCO</a>) to Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>) and Fortinet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTNT#NASDAQ">FTNT</a>), HACK offers diversified exposure to cybersecurity firms globally. The ETF carries an expense ratio of 0.6%.</li>
</ul>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>iShares Cybersecurity &amp; Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHAK#NYSE">IHAK</a>) and Global X Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BUG#NASDAQ">BUG</a>): Good choices for those seeking diversified, low-cost exposure with a bias toward tech. The funds have expense ratios of 0.47% and 0.51%, respectively. The ETFs are up 18% and 29% in the past year, respectively.</li>
</ul>
As per a Statista <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/675399/us-government-spending-cyber-security/">report</a>, for FY 2025, the US government has put forward close to $13 billion of budgetary spending on cybersecurity, an increase of 10% from last fiscal year. It&#8217;s a sign that cybersecurity is now viewed as core infrastructure.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Back To Victoria&#8217;s Secret</h3>
Although Victoria&#8217;s Secret denies the three-day website shutdown affected Q1 profits, the company highlights one of the most important risks that have become far too commonplace: digital-platform-based businesses are one hack away from customer pandemonium and market cap loss.
Retail is not singular. Marks &amp; Spencer was recently hit by a ransomware <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0el31nqnpvo">attack </a>that froze online orders for weeks. The company lost an estimated £300 million, cutting its profits by nearly a third. That is not merely a technology problem, it is a complete financial debacle.
And then there&#8217;s the health sector, with 440+ ransomware attacks in 2024, the highest in any of the key infrastructure sectors, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/20/politics/ransomware-attack-medical-centers">according </a>to CNN, deducing from IC3 report. In 2024, losses <a href="https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024_IC3Report.pdf">reported </a>to IC3 totaled a staggering $16.6 billion, with ransomware as the most &#8220;pervasive threat to critical infrastructure, with complaints rising 9% from 2023.&#8221;
The irony? A lot of the risk is being fueled by the same technology companies are adopting to improve operations: AI. As companies use AI tools to automate processes and track customer behavior, they simultaneously create new <a href="https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA241203">threats</a>.
That duality is fueling both fear and money, and ETF investors are surfing that trend.
Bottom Line: The cybersecurity theme has matured from a defensive hedge to a bona fide growth opportunity. Investors who want to future-proof their portfolios would do well to consider investing in ETFs that target this sector. Whether retail, healthcare, or geopolitics, cyberattacks aren&#8217;t disappearing. But with the proper investments, the prospect of returns could be just as enduring.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/new-etfs/25/06/45753210/first-trust-launches-balanced-income-etf-ftbi-with-3-pronged-strategy-across-stocks-bonds-gold">First Trust Launches Balanced Income ETF (FTBI) With 3-Pronged Strategy Across Stocks, Bonds &amp; Gold</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

IHAK

VSCO

Why Victoria's Secret's Breach Is A Wake-Up Call For Cybersecurity ETF Investors

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 10.11% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 21.13%. Currently, Palo Alto Networks has a market capitalization of $129.80 billion. 
Buying $100 In PANW: If an investor had bought $100 of PANW stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $676.52 today based on a price of $194.66 for PANW at the time of writing.
<h3>Palo Alto Networks's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1748907919_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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