ServiceNow Stock Rally Defies AI Anxiety as CEO Touts Data Value
ServiceNow shares surged 6% Thursday after CEO William McDermott positioned AI as a value accelerator rather than a threat to enterprise software. The rally extended into Friday's pre-market session, lifting peers across the sector.
At a Morgan Stanley conference, McDermott emphasized that robust data systems become more valuable with AI integration: 'If you have a great system of record, AI is actually making your intrinsic value higher.' The comments countered recent pressure on software stocks like Salesforce and Microsoft amid AI disruption fears.
Concurrently, ServiceNow unveiled two AI-powered government solutions - EmployeeWorks and Autonomous Workforce - at its annual Government Forum. The company's NOW Assist product line now carries a $600 million annual contract value, tracking toward a $1 billion target by 2026.
Citizens Bank maintained its Market Outperform rating with a $260 price target, reflecting Wall Street's Strong Buy consensus (30 ratings). Though still 43% below its 52-week high, NOW has gained 11.5% this week.