Software is eating the world, and virtually no business is left untouched by it. This secular theme makes SaaS companies attractive investment candidates but also comes with higher valuations that cause volatility.
Unfortunately, the rich prices have haunted them over the past six months as the industry has shed 7.4%. This performance is a noticeable divergence from the S&P 500’s 5.3% return.
Investors looking for hidden gems should keep an eye on small-cap stocks because they’re frequently overlooked by Wall Street.
Many opportunities exist in this part of the market, but it is also a high-risk, high-reward environment due to the lack of reliable analyst price targets.
A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after the White House announced a new round of steep global tariffs, sparking concerns of a trade war and its impact on the U.S. and global economies. This move creates significant uncertainty for businesses and investors. The new tariffs, with rates of up to 41% on imports from 68 countries and the European Union, prompted a broad market sell-off, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq index showing notable weakness. Adding to the bearish sentiment was a weaker-than-expected July jobs report, which revealed that employers created only 73,000 jobs, far below economists' expectations. This combination of trade fears and signs of a slowing labor market has created a "risk-off" environment, leading investors to pull back from growth-oriented sectors like software and technology.
Volatility cuts both ways - while it creates opportunities, it also increases risk, making sharp declines just as likely as big gains.
This unpredictability can shake out even the most experienced investors.
A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after the Trump administration announced intentions to impose a 35% tariff on many goods imported from Canada.
Shares of automation software company UiPath (NYSE:PATH)
fell 3.2% in the afternoon session after a regulatory filing revealed that CEO Daniel Dines sold a significant number of shares. According to a document filed with the SEC, CEO Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares on July 9th for a total value of approximately $592,650. This sale follows a pattern of recent selling by the chief executive. Insider selling, particularly by high-level executives, can sometimes unnerve investors as it may suggest a lack of confidence in the company's near-term prospects, prompting some to sell their own holdings.
Also, the software space broadly underperformed the market during the day, and that could be contributing to the weakness.
Microsoft stock upgraded by Oppenheimer with $600 forecast due to strong Azure growth & innovative AI solutions. Potential AI revenue of $45B by 2026 & $276B by 2030.
A company that generates cash isn’t automatically a winner.
Some businesses stockpile cash but fail to reinvest wisely, limiting their ability to expand.
Earnings results often indicate what direction a company will take in the months ahead. With Q1 behind us, let’s have a look at Pegasystems (NASDAQ:PEGA) and its peers.
Shares of automation software company UiPath (NYSE:PATH)
jumped 6.8% in the morning session after the company reported a "beat and raise" quarter. First quarter 2025 (fiscal 2026) results exceeded Wall Street's revenue and adjusted operating income expectations.
Automation software company UiPath (NYSE:PATH) beat Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales up 6.4% year on year to $356.6 million. On top of that, next quarter’s revenue guidance ($347.5 million at the midpoint) was surprisingly good and 5% above what analysts were expecting. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.11 per share was in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.
UiPath Inc (NYSE:PATH) shares are trading higher in Thursday's after-hours session after the company reported better-than-expected results for the first quarter and raised its full-year outlook.
