The Motley Fool·2025-12-23 22:06Core Viewpoint - Both SoundHound AI and GitLab are expected to rebound in 2026 after experiencing significant declines in 2025, with SoundHound down over 40% and GitLab down over 30% [1] SoundHound AI - SoundHound's stock decline in 2025 is attributed to Nvidia exiting its position in the company rather than poor operational performance, as revenue has more than doubled in the first nine months of the year [3][4] - The company is a leader in voice AI technology, with capabilities that allow for natural interaction, gaining traction in the automotive and restaurant industries [4] - SoundHound's major opportunity lies in voice-powered AI agents, bolstered by the acquisition of Amelia, which has a strong customer base across various sectors including retail, financial services, and healthcare [6][7] - The rollout of the Amelia 7 platform aims to enhance margins by integrating technologies from both companies [7] GitLab - GitLab's stock performance in 2025 does not reflect its strong operational results, with revenue growth between 25% to 35% over the last nine quarters [8] - The company faces a narrative suggesting it may be negatively impacted by AI, as some believe AI agents could replace coders, potentially harming its subscription model [9] - Despite this narrative, GitLab has maintained strong customer growth, evidenced by a 119% dollar-based net retention rate over the past year [11] - The company has introduced a hybrid seat-plus-usage-based model to mitigate potential risks and enhance growth, while its AI tools like Duo Agent add value to its platform [13] - GitLab is attractively valued at a price-to-sales multiple of 5.7 times fiscal year 2027 estimates, with high gross margins and strong revenue growth [14] Conclusion - Both companies are positioned for a rebound in 2026, but GitLab is viewed as having a better opportunity to outperform due to its sticky platform and new pricing model, which could drive growth [15][16]