Cloudflare Launches AI Search Research Pilot With OpenAI

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Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET) shares are down during Wednesday's session as the broader market faces a slight pullback, with the S&P 500 down 0.67%. The company disclosed a research pilot in collaboration with OpenAI on Wednesday, aimed at enhancing AI search efficiency by leveraging Cloudflare's extensive network insights.

The partnership is expected to explore how real-time network signals can improve the accuracy and freshness of AI-generated content.

Cloudflare and OpenAI are launching a research pilot to investigate how insights from Cloudflare's global network can enhance AI search engines' ability to discover and index relevant content.

The pilot focuses on improving the accuracy and timeliness of answers provided by AI systems, utilizing Cloudflare's real-time network insights to refine content indexing.

NET Technical Outlook: Momentum And Key Chart Levels

Currently, Cloudflare's stock is trading 13.2% above its 20-day simple moving average (SMA) of $235.10 and 27.6% above its 200-day SMA of $208.63. The moving average convergence divergence (MACD) indicator is above its signal line, suggesting that downside pressure is easing, indicating a potential for improving momentum despite the current price dip.

  • Key Resistance: $277.00 - a nearby level where rebounds can stall.
  • Key Support: $250.00 - a significant psychological level that could attract buying interest.
NET Earnings Preview And Analyst Price Targets

Cloudflare is slated to provide its next financial update on July 30, 2026 (estimated).

  • EPS Estimate: 21 cents (Up from 21 cents YoY)
  • Revenue Estimate: $666.17 million (Up from $512.32 million YoY)
Analyst Consensus & Recent Actions: The stock carries a Buy rating with an average price target of $246.19. Recent analyst moves include:

  • Scotiabank: Upgraded to Sector Outperform (Raises Target to $300.00) (July 7)
  • Citizens: Market Outperform (Maintains Target to $270.00) (June 15)
  • Truist Securities: Buy (Raises Target to $250.00) (June 11)
How NET Ranks On Momentum Versus The Market

Below is the Benzinga Edge scorecard for Cloudflare, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses compared to the broader market:

  • Momentum: Bullish (Score: 86.41) - Stock is outperforming the broader market.
The Verdict: Cloudflare's Benzinga Edge signal reveals a strong momentum-driven story, suggesting positive performance relative to the market. Investors may find this stock appealing as it continues to innovate and expand its offerings in the tech sector.

NET ETF Exposure: Cybersecurity Funds With Heavy Weighting

  • First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ: CIBR): 4.54% Weight
  • Amplify Cybersecurity ETF (NYSE: HACK): 6.15% Weight
  • WisdomTree Cybersecurity Fund (NASDAQ: WCBR): 4.69% Weight
Significance: Because NET carries such a heavy weight in these funds, any significant inflows or outflows for these ETFs will likely force automatic buying or selling of the stock.

NET Stock Price Action In Wednesday Premarket Trading

NET Stock Price Activity: Cloudflare shares were down 2.16% at $263.02 at the time of publication on Wednesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.