3 Software Stocks Investors May Prefer Over AI Hardware Names Right Now
MongoDB, Inc. Class A MDB | 0.00 |
AI hardware stocks have just taken a hit, with NVIDIA, AMD and Dell all under pressure as investors question how much of the current AI buildout is backed by supplier financing rather than organic demand. That kind of broad risk-off move can create pricing dislocations, especially for large, diversified tech platforms that are only partially exposed to the AI cycle. This article walks through 3 stocks from our Large-Cap Diversified Tech Platforms screener that are closely tied to the latest headlines. It explains how the news could matter for their risk profile, earnings mix and long term appeal for different types of investors.
Zscaler (ZS)
Overview: Zscaler is a cloud security company that sits between users and the internet, inspecting traffic to block cyberthreats and protect data while enabling secure access to applications across devices, locations and networks using its Zero Trust platform.
Operations: Zscaler generates about US$3.2b from subscription and support services on its cloud platform, with revenue concentrated in the United States (US$1.7b), Europe, Middle East and Africa (US$887.9m), Asia Pacific (US$493.0m) and other regions (US$112.2m).
Market Cap: US$23.0b
Investors looking at AI hardware volatility may find Zscaler interesting because it sits on the software side of AI security, serving large enterprises that are keen to shield increasingly complex AI and cloud traffic without taking on hardware financing risk. The company focuses on Zero Trust security and AI related protections. This positioning can keep it central to budgets even as CIOs reassess large capex projects, although it is still unprofitable and relies on higher risk external funding. With a P/S that sits below many software peers, a key question for investors is how much potential upside is already priced in and how resilient Zscaler could be if AI spend proves more fragile than headlines suggest.
Zscaler’s role in securing AI traffic looks increasingly central, but the real tension is how much risk sits behind that story. Get the 3 key rewards and 2 important warning signs and see what might be hiding in plain sight
Constellation Software (TSX:CSU)
Overview: Constellation Software acquires and runs niche, mission critical software businesses around the world, supplying tailored systems that public agencies and private companies rely on for everyday operations, from billing to logistics and industry specific workflows.
Operations: Constellation Software generates about US$12.15b in revenue from Software & Programming across its portfolio of vertical market software businesses.
Market Cap: CA$56.5b
Constellation Software stands out in the current AI hardware selloff because it sits on the other side of the trade, as a highly diversified software acquirer with thousands of smaller vertical platforms and relatively low direct exposure to big ticket data center capex. The company focuses on sticky, mission critical systems where switching is painful, and management is already applying an explicit AI lens to both capital allocation and product development, looking at disruption risk and upside on a business by business basis. That said, investors still need to weigh a premium P/E, high debt funding and mixed earnings quality. This makes Constellation particularly relevant for readers who want to assess whether this mix of resilience and leverage fits their risk tolerance in an AI driven market reset.
Constellation Software’s premium P/E and acquisition machine can look like pure strength, but the real story sits in how that mix holds up across cycles. Review the 2 key rewards and 2 important warning signs
MongoDB (MDB)
Overview: MongoDB provides a general purpose database platform that helps companies store, manage and use their data across cloud, on premises and hybrid environments, with its Atlas cloud service, Enterprise Advanced and free Community Server all aimed at developers building modern applications.
Operations: MongoDB generates about US$2.6b in revenue from Data Processing, with reported geographic exposure across Asia Pacific (US$300.7m) and Europe, Middle East and Africa (US$724.8m), alongside segment adjustments of US$1.6b.
Market Cap: US$24.0b
MongoDB sits in a position that may appeal to investors watching the AI hardware selloff, because its Atlas cloud database and AI ready data tools are tied to software demand rather than data center equipment cycles. The company is forecast to grow earnings rapidly and move from losses to profitability in the next few years, yet it still faces questions around high valuation, intense competition from cloud providers and ongoing insider selling. For investors, the key issue is how MongoDB converts early AI experimentation into durable, high margin data workloads, and whether its developer appeal and new AI features can justify current expectations without relying on the kind of vendor financing now affecting the hardware side of the market.
MongoDB’s AI ready data story sounds powerful, but the market debate sits between rich expectations and real earnings power. Scan the analyst forecasts for MongoDB and see what the consensus might be missing.
The three stocks covered here are just a starting point, because the full Large-Cap Diversified Tech Platforms screener surfaces 30 more large cap tech companies with similarly detailed stories around financial health, diversification and AI exposure that could broaden your opportunity set. Use Simply Wall St to identify and analyze the specific catalysts, balance sheet strength and earnings narratives that matter most to you so you can focus on the highest conviction ideas in this theme.
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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
