CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) is preparing to report its fiscal fourth-quarter 2026 results, and expectations are mixed but constructive. As one of the most prominent names in cloud-based cybersecurity, CrowdStrike continues to benefit from rising enterprise demand for endpoint and cloud protection, even as profitability metrics fluctuate. This CrowdStrike earnings preview examines what Wall Street expects, how recent results set the tone, and what could move the stock next.

A Leader in Cloud-Delivered Cybersecurity

With a market capitalization of roughly $112 billion, CrowdStrike has established itself as a global cybersecurity leader. The Austin, Texas–based company delivers endpoint, identity, cloud workload, and data protection through its subscription-based Falcon platform. By integrating artificial intelligence and threat intelligence into a single cloud-native architecture, CrowdStrike has positioned itself as a go-to solution for enterprises seeking scalable and adaptive security.

This business model has produced a steady stream of recurring revenue, making earnings releases especially important for assessing growth sustainability. That context makes this CrowdStrike earnings preview particularly relevant for long-term investors.

What to Expect From Q4 Results

For the upcoming quarter, analysts expect Crowdstrike to report earnings of $0.20 per share. That would represent a dramatic improvement from a loss of $0.05 per share in the same period last year. While CrowdStrike has been somewhat inconsistent—beating earnings estimates in two of the past four quarters and missing in the other two—the overall direction has been toward improving profitability.

Revenue growth and operating margins will be key areas of focus. Investors will be listening closely for commentary on customer spending trends, sales pipeline strength, and the impact of pricing or cost controls on margins.

Full-Year Outlook and Earnings Trajectory

The broader earnings picture adds nuance to this CrowdStrike earnings preview. For fiscal 2026, analysts project earnings per share of $0.21, which would mark a decline from $0.49 in fiscal 2025. This dip reflects ongoing investments in product development, go-to-market expansion, and platform enhancements.

Looking further ahead, however, profitability is expected to rebound sharply. Consensus estimates call for EPS to surge nearly 300% year over year to $0.83 in the following fiscal year. That projected acceleration suggests that current spending may set the stage for stronger operating leverage over time.

Stock Performance Versus the Market

Over the past 52 weeks, shares of NASDAQ:CRWD have gained about 19%, outperforming the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX), which rose roughly 14% during the same period. However, the stock has slightly underperformed the State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSEARCA:XLK), highlighting a more measured rally compared with some technology peers.

This relative performance underscores the market’s balanced view of CrowdStrike—recognizing its growth potential while remaining cautious about valuation and near-term earnings variability.

Momentum From Q3 Results

Recent results provide important context for this CrowdStrike earnings preview. After reporting fiscal Q3 2026 earnings in early December, CrowdStrike shares rose modestly following a strong beat on both earnings and revenue. Adjusted EPS came in well above expectations, while revenue reached $1.23 billion.

Perhaps more importantly, the company reported record net new annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $265 million, representing a 73% year-over-year acceleration. Ending ARR climbed to $4.92 billion, up 23%, signaling robust demand across the Falcon platform. These metrics reinforced confidence in CrowdStrike’s long-term growth engine.

Analyst Sentiment and Price Targets

Wall Street’s view of NASDAQ:CRWD remains cautiously optimistic. The stock carries a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating, reflecting a mix of bullish and neutral opinions. Out of nearly 50 analysts covering the company, a majority recommend buying the shares, while a significant minority prefer to stay on the sidelines.

The average analyst price target stands near $559, implying upside of roughly 25% from recent trading levels. That potential reflects confidence in CrowdStrike’s competitive positioning, balanced against concerns over valuation and execution risk.

Key Risks and Catalysts Ahead

As this CrowdStrike earnings preview highlights, execution will be critical. Investors will be watching for continued ARR growth, customer retention, and progress toward more consistent profitability. Competitive pressure in cybersecurity remains intense, and any slowdown in enterprise spending could weigh on results.

On the upside, stronger-than-expected margins or an optimistic outlook for fiscal 2027 could reignite momentum in the stock.

Bottom Line

This CrowdStrike earnings preview points to a company at an inflection point. While near-term earnings may fluctuate, strong ARR growth and rising demand for cloud-native security solutions support the long-term thesis. For investors, the upcoming earnings report will be a key test of whether CrowdStrike can translate growth into sustained profitability.