** Akamai Technologies' AKAM.O stock slumps ~17% after co forecast 2025 rev below estimates, hit by sluggish demand for its cloud and content delivery services
** Co late on Thursday said it expects 2025 rev between $4.00 bln and $4.20 bln, below analysts' avg estimate of $4.26 bln, according to data compiled by LSEG
** Businesses have kept a tight leash on spending amid rising macroeconomic uncertainty and inflation, hitting demand for AKAM and other cos
** AKAM faces competition from larger rivals like Palo Alto Networks PANW.O and CrowdStrike CRWD.O, which are investing in AI for comprehensive cyber platforms
** With Friday's loss, AKAM's stock down about 15% YTD, compared with a 3% rise in Nasdaq .IXIC
** Stock recently at 15x expected earnings, below its 5-year avg forward PE of 17, per LSEG data
(Reporting by Noel Randewich)
((noel.randewich@tr.com;))