The S&P 500 has started 2026 on a challenging note, recording a decline of over 7% since its peak in January. Rising economic uncertainty and ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, have led investors to reduce their exposure to stocks and other risk assets, complicating the earnings forecast for many American corporations. However, history shows that the stock market eventually rebounds after such periods of uncertainty. This could present a prime opportunity for investors to acquire shares in high-quality companies at a discounted rate. Two notable contenders are CrowdStrike and Workiva, which have seen year-to-date declines of 9% and 26%, respectively, but possess substantial long-term growth potential.
CrowdStrike, renowned for its Falcon cybersecurity platform, stands out as a comprehensive solution for enterprises needing robust security measures. The platform offers 33 different modules tailored to protect various aspects of business operations, including cloud networks and employee identities. One of the standout features of Falcon is its use of artificial intelligence, leveraging algorithms trained on over 1 trillion daily security events. This continual learning process enhances its ability to adapt and safeguard businesses against emerging threats, particularly in an era where AI technologies themselves can create new vulnerabilities.
Recent innovations from CrowdStrike include the Next-Gen Identity Security module, launched last August, which employs a “zero standing privileges” approach. This framework revokes access to sensitive data for both human and digital identities once it is no longer needed, subsequently minimizing potential risks related to unauthorized access while ensuring that legitimate parties can verify their identities as required.
Analysis from The Wall Street Journal indicates strong support for CrowdStrike, with 33 out of 55 analysts rating the stock as a buy, and six others advocating for an overweight position. The remaining analysts recommend holding, with none suggesting a sell. Their consensus price target estimates a potential increase to $489.07 over the next year, signifying a 20% upside. Furthermore, with predictions suggesting annual recurring revenue might grow from a record $5.2 billion to $20 billion by fiscal 2036, long-term investors could see returns that significantly surpass short-term projections.
Similarly, Workiva has carved out a niche by addressing the complexities organizations face when managing numerous digital applications. Its platform integrates with many productivity apps and systems, creating a centralized dashboard that consolidates data for streamlined reporting. This comprehensive approach enables managers to swiftly compile reports for executives and regulatory bodies, such as the SEC.
Workiva’s recent introduction of an AI-driven assistant, Workiva AI, enhances its existing platform by allowing users to convert data into actionable insights or generate disclosures through straightforward prompts. The widespread adoption of this feature—about 30% of Workiva’s 6,624 customers using it by the end of the previous year—reflects growing enthusiasm for the tool. The company reported a record $885 million in total revenue for 2025, marking a 20% increase from the prior year and indicating accelerated growth from 17% in 2024.
The investment outlook for Workiva is similarly optimistic. Of the 14 analysts following the stock, 11 have issued buy ratings, while the rest favor an overweight recommendation. The analysts’ average price target of $89.45 suggests a prospective upside of 47% within the next year, with the most optimistic projection reaching $102, which would represent a 68% increase.
As the market navigates turbulent economic and geopolitical waters, analysts remain optimistic about the long-term prospects for both CrowdStrike and Workiva, offering investors compelling opportunities for future growth.
