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This Software Stock Looks Like an Incredible Value After Its Post-Earnings Sell-Off

newsfeedback@fool.com (Adam Levy)
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⚡ Quantum Brief
Zoom Communications saw its stock drop 15% after missing Q4 earnings expectations and issuing a below-consensus 2027 outlook, with EPS at $1.44 versus the $1.49 forecast. The sell-off reflects broader SaaS sector fears that generative AI could disrupt enterprise software, though Zoom’s core video platform remains resilient due to strong network effects and enterprise adoption. Despite competition from Microsoft Teams, Zoom is expanding beyond video conferencing into AI-driven productivity tools, including its AI Companion 3.0 for meeting insights and task automation. Financially, Zoom holds $7.8 billion in cash, generates strong free cash flow, and trades at just 13x adjusted earnings, with a $1 billion share buyback program underway. Analysts argue the post-earnings dip presents a buying opportunity for patient investors, given Zoom’s steady growth, AI investments, and defensive market position.
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By Adam Levy – Mar 13, 2026 at 7:25AM ESTKey PointsThe SaaS sell-off has created numerous opportunities for investors in the software space.This company disappointed with its 2027 outlook but is showing steady improvements year after year.The current valuation looks like a great opportunity for this slow and steady grower.Software-as-a-service (SaaS) stocks have been under pressure as of late due to the growing fear that generative artificial intelligence (AI) will displace many of the most popular enterprise software providers. If a company provides even a hint that competition is negatively impacting its financial results, its stock could tumble double-digit percentage points in a single day. Such was the case with Zoom Communications (ZM 1.54%), which disappointed analysts with its fourth-quarter earnings results. Non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) came in at $1.44 last quarter, versus expectations for $1.49. What's more, its fiscal 2027 outlook fell short of expectations by about 4.5%. Shares of this SaaS stock tumbled as much as 15% in the days following the earnings release last month. However, it may be an incredible opportunity for patient investors. Image source: Getty Images. How vulnerable is Zoom? Zoom has done an excellent job standing up to its competition so far, and it's unlikely that new AI services will dramatically impact the company's core business. For example, Microsoft Teams has the backing of one of the world's largest enterprise software providers. Yet Zoom continues to show steady growth among enterprise customers and even faster growth among large enterprises. That growth in the face of competition speaks to Zoom's network effect. Both parties need a Zoom account for the software to work. As such, the company benefits from being the primary video communication tool, creating a moat around its business. Zoom has effectively leveraged its excellent positioning at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to grow the business and expand its opportunities. Its products have expanded to include a cloud-based phone system, workplace productivity and management platforms, and contact-center software. That said, the company certainly isn't ignoring the potential for artificial intelligence to impact its business. It's investing heavily in integrating generative-AI capabilities across its services. Its AI Companion 3.0, released last year, is able to gather insights from meetings, help plan next actions, and even complete some simple tasks for users. ExpandNASDAQ: ZMZoom CommunicationsToday's Change(-1.54%) $-1.17Current Price$74.88Key Data PointsMarket Cap$22BDay's Range$74.87 - $77.3852wk Range$64.41 - $97.58Avg Vol3.9MGross Margin77.02% Zoom's stock is reasonably priced, given its upside potential Zoom's spending on AI capabilities appears to be worth it as revenue continues to rise, even though it's weighing on earnings. But the company has plenty of cash on hand and produces substantial free cash flow every quarter. It ended 2025 with about $7.8 billion in cash and securities on the balance sheet after generating $1.8 billion for the year. Management has effectively used its cash to buy back shares while continuing to invest in its products. It has $1 billion remaining in its current repurchase authorization. After the post-earnings sell-off, Zoom stock trades for just 13 times management's adjusted earnings-per-share outlook. That outlook doesn't include the potential impact of share repurchases, so the stock's upside is even greater. Given Zoom's steady growth and proven resilience in the face of competition, investors should be more than willing to buy shares at the current price.Read NextFeb 27, 2026 •By Brett SchaferWant Exposure to Anthropic?

Then Buy This AI Software Stock.Jan 26, 2026 •By Eric VolkmanWhy Zoom Stock Zoomed More Than 11% Higher on MondayDec 1, 2025 •By Parkev Tatevosian, CFAIs Zoom an Undervalued Stock to Buy Right Now?Nov 25, 2025 •By Rich SmithWhy Zoom Stock Zoomed TodayAug 22, 2025 •By Rich SmithWhy Zoom Communications Stock Zoomed TodayAug 4, 2025 •By Will HealyZoom Stock Outperformed the Market Over the Last Year.

Time To Buy?About the AuthorAdam Levy is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering technology, consumer, and financial stocks and how policy, economic, and consumer trends shape personal finance, Social Security and retirement savings.

Before The Motley Fool, Adam was a financial advisor at Edward Jones. He studied finance and electrical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.TMFnCaffeineX@admlvyStocks MentionedZoom CommunicationsNASDAQ: ZM$74.94(-1.46%)-$1.11*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.

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