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BL vs WK
Which Stock Would AI Choose? BlackLine (BL) vs. Workiva (WK) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- BL (BlackLine) is growing revenue in the high single digits, while WK (Workiva) is growing at a roughly 19% annual rate.
- BlackLine generates stronger profitability today, with a non-GAAP operating margin above 23%, versus Workiva's mid-to-high teens.
- Workiva is scaling past the $1 billion annual revenue mark with improving margins, while BlackLine is navigating a slower-growth transition toward platform and AI-based pricing.
- Both companies face elongated enterprise sales cycles as buyers scrutinize AI, security, and governance requirements more heavily.
- Workiva enjoys higher net revenue retention (111%) than BlackLine (about 102%), reflecting stronger existing-customer expansion.
- Relative performance has diverged, with both names under pressure year to date but driven by different growth and valuation dynamics.
Introduction
Investors evaluating cloud-based business software often weigh growth against profitability, and few pairings illustrate that trade-off as cleanly as BL and WK. BlackLine specializes in financial close and accounting automation, while Workiva provides a unified platform for financial, sustainability, risk, and regulatory reporting. Although both serve overlapping finance teams, their market positioning, growth profiles, and margin trajectories differ meaningfully. This stock comparison is especially relevant for growth-oriented investors assessing momentum, and for value-conscious investors weighing margin stability against top-line expansion in a software market increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and shifting enterprise-buying behavior.
BL Overview and Recent Performance
BlackLine is a provider of cloud-based financial automation software used to streamline the financial close, intercompany accounting, and invoice-to-cash processes. Its customers span enterprises and mid-market organizations, and the company has been migrating toward a platform-pricing model centered on its Studio360 and Verity AI product suite. In recent market activity, BL has underperformed, with shares declining substantially over recent weeks and year to date amid slower revenue growth and extended enterprise deal cycles.
BlackLine's recent results reflect a company balancing solid profitability against decelerating growth. Quarterly revenue rose roughly 9% year over year, with annual recurring revenue (ARR) growing in the mid-single digits, while non-GAAP operating margin exceeded 23%. Management has cited longer sales cycles—extended by about 40 to 45 days on average—as larger customers add governance, security, and compliance reviews to AI-related evaluations. Dollar-based net revenue retention has hovered near 102%, while customer count has declined modestly as lower-mid-market churn offsets enterprise gains. These dynamics have shaped a cautious near-term sentiment despite improving deal sizes and multiyear commitments.
WK Overview and Recent Performance
Workiva offers a cloud-based platform that connects data and unifies reporting workflows for accounting, finance, sustainability, risk, and audit teams. More than 6,700 organizations—including a large share of Fortune 1,000 companies—use its solutions for regulatory, financial, and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting. In recent market activity, WK has also faced year-to-date pressure, yet its underlying fundamentals have shown stronger momentum than BlackLine's.
Workiva's recent results demonstrate accelerating scale and profitability. Quarterly revenue grew about 19% year over year, and the company raised its full-year non-GAAP operating margin outlook toward roughly 18%, reaching a prior target ahead of schedule. Net revenue retention was 111%, supported by growth in larger contracts and rising multi-solution adoption. The company has introduced AI agents and a governed connectivity layer, positioning itself for regulation-driven demand across financial services, sustainability, and compliance. Investor attention has also focused on governance matters, including an activist campaign urging board and capital-structure changes, which adds a layer of uncertainty to an otherwise improving operational story.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
BlackLine and Workiva diverge most clearly on growth versus profitability. Workiva's business model is expanding faster, driven by a broader platform spanning financial reporting, sustainability, and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) workflows, with net retention of 111% indicating strong upsell momentum. BlackLine's more narrowly defined financial-close franchise grows more slowly, with net retention near 102% and a transition toward unlimited-user platform pricing that temporarily reduces seat-based revenue contribution.
On profitability, the contrast reverses. BlackLine's non-GAAP operating margin above 23% comfortably exceeds Workiva's mid-to-high teens, reflecting a more mature cost structure. Workiva, however, is demonstrating faster margin expansion as it scales past $1 billion in annual revenue, while BlackLine's profitability is already more fully realized. Sector exposure also differs: both sell into finance departments, but Workiva's revenue is more closely tied to regulatory and ESG disclosure cycles, whereas BlackLine is anchored to accounting close and reconciliation workloads.
Risk profiles differ as well. BlackLine faces competitive pressure from large enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors and mid-market churn. Workiva carries governance-related uncertainty from activist involvement and a dual-class share structure, along with sensitivity to the timing of regulatory mandates. Both companies are contending with longer, more scrutinized enterprise sales cycles, but Workiva has reported shortening deal cycles recently, while BlackLine has flagged lengthening ones.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward WK in the current environment. Workiva's combination of roughly 19% revenue growth, rising non-GAAP margins, superior net retention, and strong large-deal momentum points to more consistent trend strength and clearer catalysts than BlackLine's slower-growth transition. BlackLine's higher absolute profitability and cash generation offer stability, but its decelerating growth, lengthening sales cycles, and customer-count declines present headwinds that weigh on trend consistency. While no outcome is certain, the relative positioning favors Workiva on a probabilistic basis, with BlackLine remaining a more defensive, value-oriented alternative.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is BL is a Hold and WK is a StrongBuy.
BL in upward trend: 10-day moving average crossed above 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026
The 10-day moving average for BL crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 18 of 19 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where BL's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 19 of 30 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 2 days, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
Following a +1.67% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where BL advanced for three days, in 172 of 273 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
BL may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 108 of 162 cases where BL Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 67%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 05, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on BL as a result. In 76 of 90 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 84%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for BL turned negative on November 06, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 50 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 37 of the 50 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 74%.
BL moved below its 50-day moving average on November 06, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where BL declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 77%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. BL’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 72 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 89 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (4.760) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.906). P/E Ratio (43.881) is within average values for comparable stocks, (9.554). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (4.535) is also within normal values, averaging (2.824). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.069) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.627) is also within normal values, averaging (70.383).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. BL’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 94, placing this stock worse than average.
WK's Stochastic Oscillator sits in oversold zone for 1 day
Be on the lookout for a price bounce soon.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where WK's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 18 of 27 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
The 10-day moving average for WK crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
Following a +1.93% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WK advanced for three days, in 207 of 291 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
WK may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 114 of 152 cases where WK Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 75%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 06, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on WK as a result. In 69 of 97 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 71%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for WK turned negative on November 06, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 52 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 36 of the 52 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 69%.
WK moved below its 50-day moving average on November 06, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where WK declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 73%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 51 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. WK’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 63 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (-40.786) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.906). P/E Ratio (85.600) is within average values for comparable stocks, (9.554). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.000) is also within normal values, averaging (2.824). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.069) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.227) is also within normal values, averaging (70.383).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 93 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. WK’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 94, placing this stock worse than average.
BL | WK | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 38 | 77 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 89 Overvalued | 63 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 72 | 100 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 62 | 51 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 62 | 93 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 75 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
WK's Valuation (63) in the Information Technology Services industry is in the same range as BL (89) in the Packaged Software industry. This means that WK’s stock grew similarly to BL’s over the last 12 months.
WK's Profit vs Risk Rating (100) in the Information Technology Services industry is in the same range as BL (100) in the Packaged Software industry. This means that WK’s stock grew similarly to BL’s over the last 12 months.
BL's SMR Rating (72) in the Packaged Software industry is in the same range as WK (100) in the Information Technology Services industry. This means that BL’s stock grew similarly to WK’s over the last 12 months.
WK's Price Growth Rating (51) in the Information Technology Services industry is in the same range as BL (62) in the Packaged Software industry. This means that WK’s stock grew similarly to BL’s over the last 12 months.
BL's P/E Growth Rating (62) in the Packaged Software industry is in the same range as WK (93) in the Information Technology Services industry. This means that BL’s stock grew similarly to WK’s over the last 12 months.
| BL | WK | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 67% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 77% | 1 day ago 79% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 84% | 1 day ago 71% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 74% | 1 day ago 69% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 72% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 72% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 7 days ago 71% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 77% | 2 days ago 73% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 67% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 75% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
BL’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while WK’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- BL’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- WK’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
BL’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WK’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- BL’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- WK’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
BL (@Packaged Software) experienced а -18.03% price change this week, while WK (@Packaged Software) price change was -19.93% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Packaged Software industry was -2.44%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.86%, and the average quarterly price growth was +4.03%.
Reported Earning Dates
BL is expected to report earnings on Feb 16, 2027.
WK is expected to report earnings on Feb 23, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Packaged Software (-2.44% weekly)Packaged software comprises multiple software programs bundled together and sold as a group. For example, Microsoft Office includes multiple applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. In some cases, buying a bundled product is cheaper than purchasing each item individually[s20] . Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corp. and Adobe are some major American packaged software makers.
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BL and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, BL has been closely correlated with WK. These tickers have moved in lockstep 73% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if BL jumps, then WK could also see price increases.
WK and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, WK has been closely correlated with BL. These tickers have moved in lockstep 71% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if WK jumps, then BL could also see price increases.