ServiceNow, Oracle, Strategy: Down 50%+ - Time to Buy?

Three stocks that were once hot buys have fallen more than 50% from their 52-week highs: ServiceNow (NOW), Oracle (ORCL), and Strategy (MSTR). ServiceNow is down 36% year-to-date and over 50% from its peak, while Oracle has fallen 25% this year and nearly 60% from its high. Strategy has plummeted 44% in 2025 and over 80% from its top.

The declines stem from different issues. ServiceNow investors fear that AI could disrupt its business, despite the company positioning itself as an AI control tower. Oracle faces concerns about its rising debt load and heavy spending on AI, including a $43 billion debt raise last year. Strategy's fortunes are tied to Bitcoin, which has fallen sharply, causing investors to flee.

Despite the price drops, ServiceNow reported strong quarterly results: revenue up 22% to $3.8 billion, beating guidance and raising its outlook. Oracle projects 27-29% revenue growth this quarter, with cloud revenue up 57%. Strategy's earnings remain volatile due to Bitcoin swings.

Valuations have compressed. ServiceNow now trades at 24 times forward earnings, down from over 100 times. Oracle trades at 25 times earnings. But Strategy remains a pure play on Bitcoin, with no traditional valuation anchor.

The market appears to be pricing in different outcomes: for ServiceNow, it may be overreacting to AI risks; for Oracle, debt is a real concern; for Strategy, Bitcoin's volatility is the key driver.

For investors, these three stocks illustrate the importance of distinguishing between temporary setbacks and structural problems. ServiceNow's decline seems overdone given its solid fundamentals and reasonable valuation. The company's AI narrative is actually positive—it helps businesses automate processes—and its growth remains strong. At 24 times forward earnings, it's a bargain compared to its history.

Oracle's situation is trickier. While cloud growth is impressive, the company is piling on debt to fund AI investments. Quarterly interest expense of $1.4 billion eats into profits. If interest rates rise, this burden will grow. The stock may stay range-bound until debt concerns ease.

Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) is the riskiest of the three. Its value depends almost entirely on Bitcoin's price, which is unpredictable. Even at 80% below its high, there's no guarantee of recovery. For investors seeking crypto exposure, direct Bitcoin funds or ETFs are often better options.

The key takeaway: beaten-down stocks aren't always bargains. ServiceNow appears to be a genuine opportunity, while Oracle and Strategy face headwinds that warrant caution.