ServiceNow Soars as Salesforce AI Success Eases Fears
💡 Key Takeaway
Salesforce's stellar earnings and AI growth signal that enterprise software platforms like ServiceNow are thriving, not dying, in the agentic AI era.
What Happened: Salesforce's Earnings Spark a Rally
ServiceNow (NOW) shares jumped 9.2% on Thursday, even though the company didn't release any news of its own. The catalyst came from its close peer Salesforce (CRM), which reported blockbuster fiscal second-quarter earnings after the market closed on Wednesday.
Salesforce delivered revenue growth of 10.8% to $11.35 billion, and adjusted earnings per share of $5.90, crushing analyst estimates by 80%. The company also raised its full-year fiscal 2027 revenue outlook to $46.25 billion and boosted its adjusted EPS guidance to $16.69, up from a prior $14.09.
More importantly, Salesforce's AI-related metrics were stunning. Its Agentforce offering grew annualized revenue run rate by 210% to $3.9 billion, and Agentic Work Units (AWUs) – individual tasks completed by AI agents – surged 97% quarter over quarter.
This news was a breath of fresh air for the software sector, which had been battered by fears that agentic AI would disrupt traditional software companies – a narrative dubbed the 'SaaS-pocalypse.' Salesforce's results suggest that AI is actually a tailwind for established platforms.
ServiceNow, which offers its own AI solutions like the AI Control Tower for managing autonomous agents, is seen as a direct beneficiary of this trend. The stock's rally reflects investor relief that the software sector's growth story is intact.
Why It Matters: AI Is a Friend, Not a Foe
For months, investors worried that agentic AI – AI that can perform tasks autonomously – would replace traditional software applications, crushing the revenue models of companies like ServiceNow and Salesforce. This fear led to a sharp sell-off in software stocks, creating what many called a 'SaaS-pocalypse.'
Salesforce's earnings have effectively debunked that thesis. The company's AI-infused offerings are not only gaining traction but are accelerating growth. Agentforce's 210% growth in annualized revenue run rate shows that enterprises are willing to pay for AI capabilities integrated into their existing software platforms.
This is a positive signal for ServiceNow, which is similarly positioned with its AI Control Tower and other AI features. If Salesforce can monetize AI successfully, ServiceNow likely can too, given its strong enterprise relationships and platform approach.
Moreover, the partnership between Salesforce and Anthropic – called 'Claudeforce' – demonstrates that traditional software companies are collaborating with AI labs rather than being disrupted by them. This sets a precedent for ServiceNow to form similar alliances, further solidifying its competitive position.
For investors, this means the software sector's growth story is far from over. Companies with robust platforms and AI integration strategies are likely to thrive, making current valuations more attractive than they appeared during the sell-off.
Source: The Motley Fool
Analysis generated by Bobby AI quantitative model, reviewed and edited by our research team. This is not financial advice. Always do your own research before making investment decisions.
Bobby Insight
Both ServiceNow and Salesforce are strong buys as AI adoption accelerates, but ServiceNow offers better value after the recent sell-off.
Salesforce's results prove that AI is a growth driver, not a disruptor, for established software platforms. ServiceNow's similar positioning and lower valuation make it an attractive pick. However, investors should monitor AI competition and execution risks.
What This Means for Me
