Company Overview - ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) provides a cloud platform that supports digital workflows through AI, automation, low-code tools, analytics, and a suite of IT, security, customer service, and employee experience products [2] Market Sentiment - The enterprise software sector has faced challenges, with Wall Street concerned about the impact of generative AI platforms on traditional software companies. However, actual earnings for these companies have remained stable despite market fears [1] - ServiceNow's earnings and stock buyback were highlighted as positive indicators, suggesting resilience in its financial performance [1] Investment Perspective - While ServiceNow is recognized as a potential investment, there are opinions that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. This indicates a competitive landscape for investment opportunities within the AI sector [3]

分组1 - Starbucks is focusing on operational excellence and customer service through its Green Apron service program, which aims to enhance the customer experience and improve transaction growth [2][34][37] - The company reported positive same-store sales in the US and strong growth in China, indicating a successful turnaround strategy [33][34] - Starbucks plans to introduce new drinks, food items, and an upgraded rewards program, along with remodeling stores to enhance customer experience [34][41][46] 分组2 - In the tech sector, companies that fail to deliver on AI promises during earnings reports, such as Microsoft and ServiceNow, are facing significant market penalties, with Microsoft losing $357 billion in market cap [5][6] - Conversely, companies like Apple that demonstrate strong performance and potential in AI, particularly with a $16 billion year-over-year increase in iPhone sales, are being rewarded by the market [7][10] - The S&P 500 software and services index has reached a nine-month low, highlighting a bifurcation in tech stocks where only those with strong AI strategies are thriving [6][22] 分组3 - The recent appointment of Kevin Walsh as the next Fed chairman could influence market dynamics, particularly regarding interest rates and asset allocation strategies [3][31] - The market is currently experiencing volatility in precious metals, with gold prices dropping significantly, indicating potential shifts in investor sentiment [24][25][28] - Analysts are observing a super cycle in memory stocks, driven by demand for AI-related technologies, which could present investment opportunities [18][19]

Core Viewpoint - ServiceNow's stock experienced a significant decline of 37% over nearly three months, driven by concerns over AI disruption, cautious FY26 outlook, and aggressive acquisition strategies, overshadowing modest revenue growth and share repurchase initiatives [2][3]. Group 1: Stock Performance - The stock fell 37%, influenced by a modest 4.8% revenue increase and a 3.7% margin decrease [3]. - Valuation saw a sharp decline of 37%, contributing to the overall stock drop [3]. Group 2: Earnings and Guidance - Q4 2025 earnings surpassed revenue and non-GAAP EPS expectations, but diluted EPS fell short, leading to an 11% stock decrease on January 29, 2026 [8]. - FY26 guidance for revenue was below analyst expectations, raising concerns among investors [8]. Group 3: Acquisition and Market Concerns - There are worries regarding the impact of expensive acquisitions, such as Moveworks and Armis, on the company's financial health [8]. - Investors are concerned that competitors may leverage AI tools to replicate software, posing a threat to the SaaS sector [8]. Group 4: Stock Actions - A 5-for-1 stock split on December 17, 2025, and a $5 billion buyback did not alleviate negative sentiment surrounding the stock [8].

Core Viewpoint - Software stocks have experienced a significant decline, with an approximate 18% drop in the S&P 500 software sector over the last six months, contrasting with a 9% increase in the overall index [1] Group 1: Market Performance - Companies like SAP, Salesforce, and ServiceNow have seen substantial losses, with SAP down 30%, Salesforce down about 20%, and ServiceNow down approximately 40% [1] - The overall sentiment in the software sector is at a low point, primarily due to concerns surrounding AI's impact on traditional software business models [2] Group 2: Investor Concerns - Investors are worried that customers of software-as-a-service (SaaS) firms may develop in-house solutions using AI tools, reducing reliance on established providers like Salesforce [3] - There is also concern that AI is lowering barriers for new enterprise software startups, which could directly challenge established firms [4] Group 3: Industry Response - Established software companies are rapidly introducing agentic AI offerings to defend their market positions, but these platforms are still in early development stages [5] - Despite significant investments in agentic AI by SaaS companies, the adoption rate is slow, indicating a disconnect between corporate strategies and market realities [6] Group 4: Earnings Reports and CEO Insights - Following earnings reports, CEOs from Microsoft, ServiceNow, and SAP highlighted the benefits of AI for their companies, with ServiceNow's CEO stating that AI depends on enterprise software rather than replacing it [7] - Despite these positive assertions, the stock prices of these companies continued to decline, reflecting ongoing market skepticism [7]

It is understandable when a growth or opportunistic bet goes wrong - the magnitude of risks involved there are well understood. However, when a defensive tech Buy call goes wrong and by a magnitude of ~35% correctionsI am a stock analyst with over 20 years of experience in quantitative research, financial modeling, and risk management. My focus is on equity valuation, market trends, and portfolio optimization to uncover high-growth investment opportunities. As a former Vice President at Barclays, I led team ...

We recently published Jim Cramer Discussed These 10 Stocks & Commented On Gold Price.  ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer discussed. Software-as-a-service (SaaS) firm ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW)’s shares have struggled amidst a broader downturn for the enterprise software sector in today’s AI era. They are down by 43% over the past year and by 12% year-to-date. While the shares have struggled, analysts have remained cautious. In its recent coverage, BMO Capital reiterated an Outpe ...

As Friday, January 30, 2026, dawns, U.S. stock markets are bracing for a challenging open, with premarket trading indicating a downward trend, largely influenced by a tech-led sell-off and ongoing digestion of corporate earnings. Investors are also closely monitoring key economic data releases and the potential implications of a significant Federal Reserve appointment.Premarket Activity and Futures MovementsU.S. equity futures are pointing lower this morning, signaling a cautious start to the trading day. N ...

Investment Rating - The report maintains a BUY rating for ServiceNow, indicating a potential return of over 15% over the next 12 months [17]. Core Insights - ServiceNow reported a total revenue increase of 21% YoY to US$3.57 billion in 4Q25, aligning with Bloomberg consensus estimates. Non-GAAP operating income grew by 26% YoY to US$1.10 billion, exceeding consensus by 3% due to AI-enhanced efficiencies and disciplined expense control [1]. - For FY26E, management guided subscription revenue to increase by 20.5%-21% YoY to US$15.53-15.57 billion, with a further 100bps expansion of both non-GAAP operating profit and free cash flow margin to 32% and 36%, respectively, driven by AI-enabled efficiency gains [1]. - The AI product momentum remains strong, with Now Assist annual contract value (ACV) surpassing US$600 million in 4Q25, ahead of the previous target of US$500 million and on track to reach US$1 billion by FY26-end [1]. - The target price for ServiceNow has been lowered to US$215.00 based on a 40x FY26E EV/EBITDA, down from US$236.00 based on a 45x FY26E EV/EBITDA, reflecting sector valuation impacts due to increased competition from AI and LLM service providers [1][12]. Financial Summary - For FY26E, total revenue is projected at US$15.973 billion, with adjusted net profit expected to reach US$4.518 billion, resulting in an adjusted EPS of US$4.36 [2]. - The company’s market capitalization is approximately US$122.22 billion, with a current share price of US$116.73, indicating an upside potential of 84.2% to the target price [3][4]. - The non-GAAP operating profit margin expanded by 1.4 percentage points YoY to 30.9% in 4Q25, attributed to improved efficiency and disciplined expense control [9]. Growth Projections - Subscription revenue is expected to grow by 20.3% in FY26E, with adjusted net profit growth projected at 23.2% [15]. - The company anticipates a revenue growth rate of 20.5%-21% for FY26E, with further growth expected in subsequent years [1][14]. Valuation - The valuation of ServiceNow is set at US$215.00 per share based on a target EV/EBITDA of 40x for FY26E, which is at a premium to the sector average of 29x, justified by the strong earnings growth outlook [12][13].

Market Sentiment - The CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed a decline in overall market sentiment, remaining in the "Greed" zone with a current reading of 61.7, down from 64 [1][5]. Stock Performance - U.S. stocks settled mixed, with the Nasdaq Composite falling more than 150 points during the session. The Dow Jones closed higher by around 56 points to 49,071.56, while the S&P 500 fell 0.13% to 6,969.01 and the Nasdaq Composite dipped 0.72% to 23,685.12 [1][4]. Company-Specific Developments - Microsoft Corp. shares fell almost 10%, marking its worst session since March 2020, due to reported slowing cloud growth [2]. - ServiceNow Inc. shares tumbled 10% despite reporting upbeat earnings and revenue for the fourth quarter [2]. Economic Data - U.S. initial jobless claims fell by 1,000 to 209,000, compared to market estimates of 205,000 [3]. - The trade deficit rose sharply to $56.8 billion in November from a $29.2 billion gap in the previous month [3]. - U.S. wholesale inventories increased by 0.2% to $915 billion in November, maintaining the same pace as the previous month [3]. - U.S. factory orders climbed by 2.7% from the previous month to $621.6 billion in November [3]. Sector Performance - Most sectors on the S&P 500 closed positively, with real estate, communication services, and financial stocks recording the biggest gains. However, consumer discretionary and information technology stocks closed lower [4].

The CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed a decline in the overall market sentiment, while the index remained in the “Greed” zone on Thursday.U.S. stocks settled mixed on Thursday, with the Nasdaq Composite falling more than 150 points during the session. The Federal Reserve, on Wednesday, decided to leave interest rates unchanged during its January FOMC meeting.Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares fell almost 10% on Thursday, recording its worst session since March 2020 after the company reported that clou ...