美股“SaaS末日”来临：“软件-PE”陷入“死亡循环”

Core Viewpoint - The software industry is experiencing a significant downturn, with the S&P North American Software Index dropping for three consecutive weeks and a 15% decline in January, marking the largest monthly drop since October 2008 [1][3]. Group 1: Market Sentiment and Impact - The current market sentiment is characterized by panic selling, described as a "get me out" mentality, with no signs of stabilization [3]. - The release of Anthropic's productivity tool for corporate lawyers has intensified fears, leading to a sharp decline in legal software and publishing company stocks [1][7]. - There is a growing concern that advancements in AI technology may erode the competitive advantages of traditional software companies, leading to fears of being completely replaced [7]. Group 2: Private Credit Exposure - The software sector's decline poses risks not only to the stock market but also to the private credit market, with software companies representing about 20% of the portfolios of Business Development Companies (BDCs), totaling approximately $100 billion [3][9]. - As software company valuations plummet, private credit institutions face pressure to reassess their balance sheets, potentially tightening credit availability, which could further squeeze struggling software companies [5][10]. Group 3: Financial Analysis and Projections - Morgan Stanley's analysis indicates that if AI disrupts corporate borrowers aggressively, the default rate in U.S. private credit could soar to 13% [12]. - Stress tests conducted by Morgan Stanley suggest that under a scenario where 33% of companies default, tracked BDCs could face losses of $22 billion, reducing net asset value by 11% [13]. - In a more severe scenario with a 75% default rate, cumulative net losses could approach $50 billion, diluting book value by 24% [13]. Group 4: Market Dynamics and Valuation Challenges - The divergence in market performance is stark, with semiconductor companies benefiting from the AI supercycle while software companies are viewed as major losers [5]. - Despite some companies passing earnings tests, the overall pass rate is declining, indicating a harsh competitive environment within the industry [7]. - The market is struggling to assign reasonable valuations to software companies due to the uncertainty brought by AI, complicating the identification of attractive buying opportunities [7].