Software Selloff: 2 Incredible Stocks With 72% to 100% Upside to Buy Now, According to Wall Street
The Motley Fool
by newsfeedback@fool.com (Adam Levy)February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The software sector has experienced significant selling pressure as investors grow concerned about the potential displacement effects of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI is seen as both a boon and a threat, fears that it could replace certain applications have led to indiscriminate selling across the board. However, this sell-off may have uncovered attractive opportunities for long-term investors. Two standout companies—Intuit (NASDAQ: INTU) and Salesforce (NYSE: CRM)—are positioned strongly despite market headwinds. Analysts predict substantial upside potential for both, with median price targets suggesting gains of up to 100% for Intuit and Salesforce shares.
Intuit, known for its TurboTax and QuickBooks software, is a leader in personal financial management and small business solutions. Its products are characterized by high switching costs, making them difficult to replace even if AI tools emerge as alternatives. Intuit’s competitive advantage lies in its ability to innovate while maintaining customer loyalty, which should help insulate it from disruption.
Salesforce, on the other hand, dominates the customer relationship management (CRM) space with a platform that integrates AI capabilities into its offerings. Its ecosystem of apps and services creates a moat against competitors, ensuring long-term relevance even as AI adoption accelerates. Salesforce’s strong growth trajectory and market leadership position it as a resilient investment in an uncertain sector.
These two stocks represent the intersection of technology innovation and defensive investing. While fears about AI replacing software applications persist, both Intuit and Salesforce are seen as unlikely candidates for displacement due to their unique business models and competitive advantages. For investors looking to capitalize on undervalued opportunities in the tech sector, these companies offer compelling potential returns.
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Originally published on The Motley Fool on 2/20/2026