We have some exciting news to share! The Motley Fool UK has now become The Twelfth Magpie -- an independent, UK-owned company, led by our long-serving UK management team — Mark Rogers, Chris Nials and Heather Adlington. In practical terms, it’s the same team you know, now fully focused on serving our UK readers and members.

Just as importantly, our approach remains unchanged: long-term, jargon-free, and on your side. This site is our new home, and there will be extra tweaks made across the coming few days as we settle in. So if anything looks a little off, please bear with us!

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

The 2026 software apocalypse: 3 stocks down 25%+ to consider buying now, according to JP Morgan

Looking for bargain stocks to buy after the huge sell-off in software? Here are three names that analysts at JP Morgan like right now.

| More on:

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Twelfth Magpie’s Premium Investing Services. Become a member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn more, and get a free 'Best Buy Now' stock!.

With many software stocks down 25%+ from their highs, it may be time to consider buying. That’s the view of analysts at JP Morgan, who recently said that the decline in this area of the market is excessive and driven by AI disruption fears that are unrealistic.

Here, I’m going to highlight three software stocks that JP Morgan highlighted in its research note as Buys. Are they worth considering today?

Should you buy Microsoft shares today?

Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first. Despite ongoing uncertainties from US tariffs to global conflicts, Mark Rogers and his team believe many UK shares still trade at substantial discounts, offering savvy investors plenty of potential opportunities to learn about.

That’s why this could be an ideal time to secure this valuable research – Mark’s analysts have scoured the markets to reveal 5 of his favourite long-term ‘Buys’. Please, don’t make any big decisions before seeing them.

Microsoft

Let’s start with mega-cap Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT). It has fallen to $400 after trading near $550 in late 2025.

I like this pick. To my mind, this company is one of the safer picks in software.

Why? Because it’s a really diversified business.

Not only is it a key player in business productivity software, but it’s also a global leader in cloud computing and video gaming.

Additionally, it’s a massive player in AI itself. Because it has a large stake in ChatGPT owner OpenAI.

Of course, there are risks. One big one is that a lot of its expected cloud growth is tied to OpenAI (customer concentration risk).

With the stock now trading on a forward-looking price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 21 (using next year’s earnings forecast) though, I’m bullish. I plan to buy more shares for my own portfolio soon and believe it’s worth a look.

ServiceNow

Next up is ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW). It has fallen from $200 to $100.

This is another good call, in my view. While this company isn’t very well known, it’s a really important player in the corporate world.

Today, it provides crucial operating software for a vast range of large companies (85% of the Fortune 500). From Apple to GSK, everyone is using its software.

In simple terms, it handles all the behind-the-scenes work. Think IT incidents, employee requests, and security cases.

Given how embedded its solutions are within large multinational companies, I doubt this company is going to be replaced by AI. Ultimately, I expect AI agents to work on top of its software.

A risk is pricing. Looking ahead, the group may have to adjust its pricing model as companies automate their operations and lay off staff.

I expect it to continue growing though. And with the P/E ratio now in the low 20s, I think it’s worth considering.

Zscaler

Finally, we have Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS), a small, but fast-growing cybersecurity company. Its share price has fallen from $330 to $165 – a decline of about 50%.

Cybersecurity strikes me as an area of software that should be relatively immune to AI disruption. Because this is a really specialised field and I don’t think that companies will be able to simply ‘vibe code’ their own cybersecurity applications.

To my mind, it wouldn’t be worth the risk. Get it wrong and the company could potentially be out of business if hit by a major attack.

Of course, while this company has been able to generate prolific growth in recent years (five-year revenue growth of 520%), there are no guarantees that this will continue. This is a dynamic industry and threats are likely to evolve over time.

Any slowdown could hit the share price. Because the stock is priced for strong growth.

I’m bullish, however, and plan to buy more shares for my own portfolio in the weeks ahead. In my view, it’s worth a closer look.

Edward Sheldon has positions in Apple, Microsoft, JP Morgan, and Zscaler. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Apple, GSK, Microsoft, ServiceNow, and Zscaler. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Black woman using smartphone at home, watching stock charts.
Investing Articles

The stock market game you’re actually playing (and why you might be losing)

Our writer recounts a painful experience of making a rash stock market decision based on emotions, not logic – and…

Read more »

Aerial shot showing an aircraft shadow flying over an idyllic beach
Investing Articles

Why is EasyJet stock suddenly a takeover target for US investors?

Andrew Mackie looks at easyjet shares jumping on US takeover talk — but is this a genuine re-rating or just…

Read more »

Young Black woman looking concerned while in front of her laptop
Investing Articles

Have investors got BT shares all wrong?

BT shares spiked during the 1990s telecom boom, then struggled for two decades. Harvey Jones says it's the future that…

Read more »

BUY AND HOLD spelled in letters on top of a pile of books. Alongside is a piggy bank in glasses. Buy and hold is a popular long term stock and shares strategy.
Investing Articles

Looking for buying opportunities in June? Here’s 1 to consider from my Stocks and Shares ISA

The conflict in Iran is making one of the investments in Stephen Wright’s Stocks and Shares ISA volatile. But could…

Read more »

Row of blue European Union flags in Brussels.
Investing Articles

After crashing 13.7% today, is Wise now a stock market bargain at 805p?

Wise was one of the biggest fallers on the UK stock market today. What on earth is going on with…

Read more »

Road 2025 to 2032 new year direction concept
Investing Articles

At 8% is this eye-popping FTSE 100 dividend yield simply too good to be true?

The dividend yield is to die for, but the share price is lacking in life. Harvey Jones examines whether this…

Read more »

The flag of the United States of America flying in front of the Capitol building
Investing Articles

UK investors are piling into this legendary S&P 500 growth stock while it’s down 50%

This US growth stock fell from $240 to $80 amid AI disruption fears. And investors are now aggressively buying it…

Read more »

Abstract 3d arrows with rocket
Investing Articles

£19,469 invested in BAE Systems shares 6 months ago is now worth…

BAE Systems shares have been charging higher of late. Is now the time to consider buying or is this top…

Read more »