Zscaler recently launched its new AI Security Suite, aiming to tackle risks associated with AI deployments, such as data exposure and model abuse. This release follows a Zscaler AI Security Report indicating that a striking 95% of companies are unprepared for AI security challenges. CEO Jay Chaudhry emphasized that the suite helps businesses innovate securely with AI, even as the company's stock has seen a decline of 19.3% over the last 30 days.
Across the broader economy, US businesses significantly boosted their equipment spending in late 2025, with orders for core capital goods rising 0.6% and shipments jumping 0.9%. This growth largely stemmed from AI investment, particularly in data centers. The 2026 economic outlook forecasts steady growth, with AI investment playing a crucial role despite persistent inflation, which is expected to remain above the Federal Reserve's target.
Several companies are strategically adapting to the AI landscape. Booking Holdings exceeded Q4 2025 revenue expectations, reporting a 16% year-on-year increase to $6.35 billion, driven by increased investment in AI and marketing. Meanwhile, Similarweb is shifting its focus to AI-driven marketing, though it faces slower sales cycles and missed revenue targets. Nokia is also reorganizing into two main units to enhance its focus on AI and Cloud growth.
In other significant developments, OpenAI is donating $7.5 million to The Alignment Project, a global fund supporting independent research into AI safety and security risks. Additionally, Lambda, a Superintelligence Cloud company, appointed Charles Fisher as its new Chief Financial Officer. Fisher previously served as CFO at Turo and held finance roles at Charter Communications, bringing extensive experience to Lambda's financial strategy. The
Key Takeaways
- Zscaler launched its AI Security Suite to address AI security risks, with CEO Jay Chaudhry noting 95% of companies are unprepared for such threats.
- US businesses increased equipment spending in late 2025, largely fueled by AI investments in data centers and related infrastructure.
- Booking Holdings reported Q4 2025 revenue of $6.35 billion, exceeding expectations due to increased investment in AI and marketing.
- Lambda appointed Charles Fisher as its new Chief Financial Officer; Fisher previously served as CFO at Turo.
- OpenAI granted $7.5 million to The Alignment Project to fund independent research on AI safety and security.
- The 2026 economic outlook predicts steady growth, with AI investment identified as a key driver despite persistent inflation.
- Similarweb is shifting to AI-driven marketing but is experiencing slower sales cycles and missed revenue expectations.
- Nokia is reorganizing into two main units to enhance its focus on AI and Cloud growth.
- The
Zscaler launches AI security suite amid stock drop
Zscaler has released its new AI Security Suite to address risks in AI deployments like data exposure and model abuse. This comes as the company's stock has seen a decline of 19.3% in the last 30 days. The suite aims to protect businesses using AI, a growing concern for regulators and large organizations. Investors will watch if this new product helps Zscaler maintain or grow its market share.
Zscaler's AI Security Report finds most companies unprepared
Zscaler's new AI Security Report reveals that 95% of companies are not ready for AI security risks, with major concerns about data exposure and insecure integrations. To address this, Zscaler launched its AI Security Suite, which offers protection for AI workloads from development to operation. The suite includes features for data protection, threat prevention, and secure AI development. CEO Jay Chaudhry stated that the suite helps companies innovate with AI securely.
US businesses boosted equipment spending in late 2025
US businesses increased their spending on equipment in December 2025, with orders for core capital goods rising 0.6% and shipments jumping 0.9%. This growth was largely driven by AI investment, which fueled spending on data centers and related equipment. Factory production also saw its largest increase in 11 months in January. Economists expect this trend to continue, supported by tax cuts and easing interest rates, although tariffs remain a challenge for manufacturing.
Booking Holdings beats revenue targets with AI and marketing investment
Booking Holdings announced its Q4 2025 results, exceeding revenue expectations with a 16% year-on-year increase to $6.35 billion. The company's non-GAAP profit met analyst estimates. Following the announcement, Booking Holdings' stock showed a mixed reaction as investors considered the higher spending on artificial intelligence (AI) and marketing. This increased investment signals a strategy to maintain market share and drive future innovation, balancing current performance with future growth.
Charles Fisher named Lambda's new Chief Financial Officer
Lambda, a company focused on Superintelligence Cloud, has appointed Charles Fisher as its new Chief Financial Officer. Fisher, who previously served as CFO at Turo and held finance roles at Charter Communications, will lead Lambda's financial strategy and operations. His experience in managing large financial operations is expected to support Lambda's growth in AI infrastructure. Fisher succeeds Heather Planishek, who helped strengthen the company's financial operations during a critical growth phase.
OpenAI grants $7.5M for independent AI alignment research
OpenAI is donating $7.5 million to The Alignment Project, a global fund for independent research on AI safety and security risks. This initiative aims to support diverse approaches to ensuring artificial general intelligence (AGI) is safe and beneficial. The grant will help fund projects focused on areas like computational complexity, cognitive science, and information theory. The Alignment Project, created by the UK AI Security Institute, now exceeds £27 million in total funding.
2026 Economic Outlook: Steady growth driven by AI
The 2026 economic outlook predicts steady growth, with AI investment playing a key role despite higher interest rates and moderating inflation. Inflation is expected to remain above the Federal Reserve's target, driven by services and housing costs. Labor markets are cooling, with unemployment projected in the mid-4% range and moderate wage growth. Geopolitical factors continue to shape supply chains and capital allocation, leading to a K-shaped economy with uneven impacts on households.
Similarweb faces slow sales amid AI shift
Similarweb is shifting its focus to AI-driven marketing as it experiences longer sales cycles and delays in large language model (LLM) deals. AI now makes up 11% of its sales, but overall revenue missed expectations. While multi-year contracts and large customer retention are strong, company-wide net retention has slightly decreased. The company is trading at a discount compared to competitors, and its cautious growth forecast reflects challenges in adapting to the AI landscape.
Nokia restructures for AI growth, executive sells shares
Nokia is reorganizing into two main units, Network Infrastructure and Mobile Infrastructure, to simplify its operations and focus on AI and Cloud growth. This strategic move aims to enhance its position in the evolving market. Meanwhile, senior executive David Heard has sold a significant number of his shares, drawing attention to the company's valuation. Nokia provides telecom network infrastructure and services to carriers and enterprise customers globally.
AI Trade 2.0: Investing in infrastructure and bottlenecks
The second phase of the AI investment trend, or AI Trade 2.0, is focusing on infrastructure scaling and addressing bottlenecks rather than just chip leaders. Key areas include high-density servers, advanced cooling systems, and high-speed networking solutions needed for AI clusters. Companies involved in chip design software and energy infrastructure for data centers are also expected to benefit. Investors are advised to look for companies with sustainable cash flow and visible AI-driven revenue growth.
Sources
- Zscaler AI Security Suite Launch Meets Weak Share Price And Insider Sales
- Zscaler Bets On AI Security Suite As Enterprise Risks Mount
- Business spending on equipment ended 2025 on strong note
- BKNG Q4 Deep Dive: AI Investment and Marketing Spend Shape Mixed Market Reaction
- Lambda appoints Charles Fisher as Chief Financial Officer
- Advancing independent research on AI alignment
- 2026 Economic Outlook: Steady Growth, AI Investment, and a More Selective Market
- Similarweb: Elongated Sales Cycles A Worry Amid AI/SaaS Scare
- Nokia Share Sales And AI Restructuring Put Valuation In Focus
- AI Trade 2.0: Which Stocks Still Have Upside?
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