Salesforce, Inc. provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology that brings companies and customers together worldwide. The company's service includes sales to store data, monitor leads and progress, forecast opportunities, gain insights through analytics and artificial intelligence, and deliver quotes, contracts, and invoices; and service that enables companies to deliver trusted and highly personalized customer support at scale. In addition, its platform offering comprise a flexible platform that enables companies of various sizes, locations, and industries to build business workflow and apps with customer; online learning platform that allows anyone to learn in-demand Salesforce skills; and Slack, an intelligent productivity platform. The company's marketing services enables companies to plan, personalize, automate, and optimize customer marketing journey, connecting interaction, and connected products; and commerce services, which empowers shopping experience across various customer touchpoint, such as mobile, web, social, and stores and provides click-to-code tools that offers customers to build and deploy solutions. Further, its analytics offering includes Tableau, an end-to-end analytics solution for range of enterprise use cases and intelligent analytics with AI models, spot trends, predict outcomes, creates summaries, timely recommendations, and take action from any device; and integration service including MuleSoft, which provides building blocks to deliver end-to-end and connected experiences. Additionally, the company provides data cloud, a hyperscale data engine native to Salesforce; vertical services to meet the needs of customers in industries, such as financial services, healthcare and life sciences, manufacturing and automotive and government; and offers salesforce starter for small and medium-sized businesses. Salesforce, Inc. was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Salesforce looks like a mature and profitable software business with strong operating margins and noticeably improved capital efficiency. P/E and P/FCF are below the industry median, which supports the thesis that the market is not pricing in an excessively expensive valuation at the current level of earnings and cash flow. At the same time, P/S and P/B are above the median, so in terms of revenue and book value the stock is still not cheap, which limits the upside from a re-rating. The margins are impressive: gross margin is around 77.6%, operating margin around 20.4%, and net margin around 18.7%, and all of them look better than the industry, confirming the high quality of the model. The trend in margins and ROE/ROA/ROI is generally positive, which suggests that the company is better than many peers at turning revenue growth into profit. Revenue, EBITDA, operating income, and net income are all growing, which is an important positive for the valuation and reduces the risk of fundamental deterioration. On the other hand, liquidity is weak: the current ratio is below 1, the quick ratio is effectively zero, and this calls for caution, even if such a structure is partly understandable for a large software business. The debt burden as measured by debt/equity looks moderate and better than the industry, but the sharp increase in long-term debt in the latest period is a risk factor that cannot be ignored. Cash dividend yield remains very low, so the dividend factor contributes almost nothing to the investment case. Overall, the fundamentals support a moderately positive view, but not strongly enough to raise the target aggressively: the business quality is high, but part of the advantages is already reflected in the price and valuation multiples. For an investor, this is a story of sustainable profitability and strong cash flow, provided discipline on debt and liquidity is maintained.

Salesforce, Inc.

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Быки в растерянности.

Strong index, significantly down. The bulls are confused.

Сильный индекс, значительно вырос. Рынок на стороне быков.

Strong index, significantly up. The market is on the bulls' side.

Сильный индекс, значительно вырос. Приток средств в лонги на высоком уровне.

Strong index, significantly up. Inflow of funds into longs at a high level.

Strong profitability and margins support Salesforce’s valuation, but weak liquidity, rising debt, and a not-so-cheap P/S ratio limit revaluation potential.

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Wednesday closed down -1.52%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed down -2.19%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -2.06%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) fell -1.59%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) fell -2.23%.
Stock indexes retreated on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 sliding to a 1-month low and the Nasdaq 100 sinking to a 3-month low. Chipmakers and AI infrastructure stocks sold off on Wednesday, leading the overall market lower. Also, heightened geopolitical risks are weighing on stocks as crude prices surged, and bond yields jumped when President Trump said the US will “hit Iran hard” after a recent attack from Iran that targeted a US base in Jordan.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Stocks whipsawed Wednesday afternoon and briefly erased their losses before selling off again into the close after the FOMC kept interest rates unchanged in a hawkish Fed hold. Three Fed members dissented in favor of a quarter-point rate hike, and Fed Chair Warsh said the Fed is committed to “deliver price stability.” The 10-year T-note yield rose +4 bp to 4.64%.
Earnings results from Microsoft and Meta Platforms after Wednesday’s close will be looked at to see whether the vast spending behind the buildout of artificial intelligence can deliver adequate returns.
The FOMC, as expected, kept the fed funds target range unchanged at 3.50% to 3.75% in a 9-3 vote, with Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack, Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari, and Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan voting for a quarter-point rate hike.
The post-FOMC statement said, "Economic activity is expanding at a solid pace despite elevated uncertainty that owes, in part, to the conflict in the Middle East," adding that "productivity growth and capital investment are strong." Inflation remains elevated "in part reflecting supply shocks that have driven price increases in certain sectors, including energy."
Fed Chair Warsh said, "The economy is showing impressive resilience" even with recent shocks and policymakers "will not hesitate to act" if inflation remains elevated.
Sep WTI crude oil prices (CLU26) jumped by more than +6% on Wednesday as the recent lull in hostilities came to an abrupt end after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted a US airbase and command center in Jordan with ballistic missiles. The IRGC also claimed to have hit and halted three tankers attempting to transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the US and Saudi Arabia launched a joint attack on "Iran-aligned terrorists" in Iraq after the IRGC directed them to target US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.
Tensions remain high in the Middle East as the US maintains its blockade of Iranian oil shipments in the Persian Gulf. Also, diplomatic attempts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz appear to be at an impasse. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi said Oman's proposal for a route through the Strait of Hormuz, with 50% under Iran's control and 50% under Oman's, would not address Iran's concerns and that the inbound passage and part of the outbound channel must be entirely under Iran's control.
US MBA mortgage applications fell -6.4% in the week ended July 24, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -3.6% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index down -9.9%. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose +7 bp to an 11.5-month high of 6.76% from 6.69% the prior week.
The outlook for strong Q2 earnings, which continue this week, is a bullish factor for stocks. The markets are awaiting results from a raft of megacap technology companies this week, including Microsoft and Meta Platforms today, and Amazon.com and Apple on Thursday. Forecasts compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence suggest Q2 earnings may increase by +23%, close to Q1’s blowout earnings of +30%, which was more than double the +12% analysts had expected. AI spending is expected to account for most of earnings, with AI infrastructure stocks set to contribute nearly 60% of the S&P 500's earnings-per-share growth in Q2. So far, earnings results have been positive, with 87% of the 216 S&P 500 companies that have reported Q2 earnings beating estimates, according to Bloomberg data.
The markets are discounting a 56% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on September 15-16.
Overseas stock markets settled mixed on Wednesday. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed down -0.65%. China's Shanghai Composite rebounded from a 1-week low and closed up +0.40%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average fell to a 2.25-month low and closed down -1.49%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU6) on Wednesday closed down -1 tick. The 10-year T-note yield rose +3.3 bp to 4.639%. T-notes were under pressure from Wednesday’s +6% surge in crude oil prices, which raises inflation expectations and is hawkish for Fed policy. Also, the FOMC's hawkish hold on interest rates weighed on T-note prices after three Fed members dissented in favor of a 25 bp rate hike, and Fed Chair Warsh said policymakers "will not hesitate to act" if inflation remains elevated.
European government bond yields moved higher on Wednesday. The 10-year German bund yield rose +5.6 bp to 3.160%. The 10-year UK gilt yield rose +9.2 bp to 5.036%.
The German Jun import price index eased to 6.1% y/y from 6.8% y/y in May.
The markets are discounting a 90% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at their next policy meeting on September 10.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks fell sharply on Wednesday, weighing on the broader market. The Philadelphia Stock Exchange Semiconductor Index ($SOX) dropped to a 2.5-month low and closed down more than -5%. Nebius Group NV (NBIS) closed down more than -12% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100, and KLA Corp (KLAC) closed down more than -10%. Also, Micron Technology (MU) closed down more than -9%, and Applied Materials (AMAT) and ARM Holdings (ARM) closed down by more than -8%. In addition, Sandisk (SNDK) and NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI) closed down more than -7%, and Marvell Technology (MRVL) and Lam Research (LRCX) closed down more than -6%. Finally, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Microchip Technology (MCHP), and Intel (INTC) closed down more than -5%.
Airline stocks fell on Wednesday as crude oil prices surged. Alaska Air Group (ALK) closed down more than -5%, and Southwest Airlines (LUV) closed down more than -4%. Also, Delta Air Lines (DAL), American Airlines Group (AAL), and United Airlines Holdings (UAL) closed down more than -3%.
Trucking and freight companies were under pressure on Wednesday amid soaring crude oil prices. ArcBest (ARCB) closed down more than -5%, and FedEx Freight Holding (FDXF) closed down more than -4%. Also, Saia Inc (SAIA) closed down more than -3%, and Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) and XPO Inc (XPO) closed down more than -2%. In addition, Marten Transport Ltd (MRTN) closed down more than -1%.
Most software stocks rose on Wednesday as investors rotated out of chipmakers into software. Intuit (INTU) closed up more than +6%, and Adobe Systems (ADBE), Datadog (DDOG), and Workday (WDAY) closed up more than +5%. Also, Atlassian Corp (TEAM) and ServiceNow (NOW) closed up more than +4%, and Salesforce (CRM) closed up more than +3% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials. In addition, Autodesk (ADSK) closed up more than +3%, and Thomson Reuters (TRI) closed up more than +2%.
Energy producers and service providers rallied on Wednesday, as crude oil prices jumped by more than +6%. APA Corp (APA) closed up more than +5%, and Diamondback Energy (FANG) and Devon Energy (DVN) closed up more than +4%. Also, ConocoPhillips (COP) and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) closed up more than +3%, and ExxonMobil Holdings (XOM) and Chevron (CVX) closed up more than +2%.
Lennox International (LII) closed down more than -20% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q2 net sales of $1.55 billion, weaker than the consensus of $1.56 billion.
Vertiv Holdings (VRT) closed down more than -17% after reporting Q2 net sales of $3.27 billion, below the consensus of $3.39 billion.
Masco Corp (MAS) closed down more than -11% after reporting Q2 net sales of $1.99 billion, weaker than the consensus of $2.08 billion.
Caterpillar (CAT) closed down more than -6% to lead losers in the Dow Jones industrials after Baird downgraded the stock to neutral from outperform, citing a growing trend of state and local government actions targeting data centers, a key growth driver for the company.
Avis Budget Group (CAR) closed down more than -6% after reporting Q2 EPS of 98 cents, well below the consensus of $1.91.
Humana (HUM) closed down more than -5% after it maintained its full-year profit outlook despite posting better-than-expected Q2 profit.
Garmin Ltd (GRMN) closed up more than +16% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q2 revenue of $2.02 billion, above the consensus of $1.92 billion, and raising its full-year revenue estimate to $8.05 billion from a previous estimate of $7.90 billion, stronger than the consensus of $7.99 billion.
GE Healthcare (GEHC) closed up more than +12% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100 after reporting Q2 adjusted EPS of $1.13, better than the consensus of $1.04.
Amphenol (APH) closed up more than +4% after reporting Q2 net sales of $8.76 billion, better than the consensus of $8.31 billion.
Ford Motor (F) closed up more than +2% after raising its full-year adjusted EBIT to $10 billion to $11 billion from a previous forecast of $8.5 billion to $10.5 billion.
Earnings Reports (7/30/2026)
A O Smith Corp (AOS), Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD), Alliant Energy Corp (LNT), Altria Group Inc (MO), Amazon.com Inc (AMZN), American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP), Apple Inc (AAPL), Arthur J Gallagher & Co (AJG), Avery Dennison Corp (AVY), Baxter International Inc (BAX), Bristol-Myers Squibb Co (BMY), Builders FirstSource Inc (BLDR), Camden Property Trust (CPT), Cigna Group/The (CI), Coinbase Global Inc (COIN), Corteva Inc (CTVA), CRH PLC (CRH), Dexcom Inc (DXCM), Edison International (EIX), EMCOR Group Inc (EME), Erie Indemnity Co (ERIE), Eversource Energy (ES), Exelon Corp (EXC), First Solar Inc (FSLR), GoDaddy Inc (GDDY), Hershey Co/The (HSY), Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), Ingersoll Rand Inc (IR), Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE), International Paper Co (IP), KKR & Co Inc (KKR), Labcorp Holdings Inc (LH), Live Nation Entertainment Inc (LYV), Martin Marietta Materials Inc (MLM), Mastercard Inc (MA), Mettler-Toledo International Inc (MTD), Monolithic Power Systems Inc (MPWR), Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), Quanta Services Inc (PWR), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (REGN), Southern Co/The (SO), Stryker Corp (SYK), Trane Technologies PLC (TT), Valero Energy Corp (VLO), Weyerhaeuser Co (WY), Willis Towers Watson PLC (WTW), Xcel Energy Inc (XEL), Yum! Brands Inc (YUM).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Plunge on a Rout in Chipmakers and a Hawkish Fed Hold

Accenture ACN has partnered with Radisson Hotel Group to launch an AI-powered hotel discovery app in ChatGPT, enabling travelers to move seamlessly from trip planning to hotel search, comparison and booking through natural language conversations.
Accessible as @RadissonHotels in ChatGPT, the app allows users to discover more than 1,000 Radisson Hotels properties across over 100 countries. By starting a ChatGPT conversation with @RadissonHotels, travelers can request recommendations for trips, such as family-friendly stays in Amsterdam or hotels near the Eiffel Tower in Paris that offer gym and spa facilities. The app provides relevant hotel recommendations featuring live room availability, pricing, amenities, property information, location insights and interactive maps. Once a selection is made, users are directed to the Radisson Hotels website to complete their reservation.
As more travelers rely on AI to research destinations, evaluate options and organize trips, hospitality providers are increasingly required to ensure their offerings remain discoverable, accurate and actionable during the planning stage. Accenture’s Consumer Pulse Research indicates that 87% of travelers are willing to use AI-powered travel agents to identify the most suitable options, while 71% expect AI to influence at least half of their hotel or airline spending over the next year.
The partnership began with Radisson Hotel Group adopting an MCP accelerator within Accenture’s AI Merchant Center, an agentic readiness and intelligence platform. The solution helped organize, validate and optimize the company's hotel content, inventory, pricing and booking data for AI-driven discovery. Accenture also designed the user experience and integrated the app with Radisson Hotel Group’s existing systems to deliver real-time hotel information. The companies plan to further enhance the platform with personalized recommendations, loyalty recognition, in-chat booking, reservation management, itinerary modifications and AI concierge services.
For Accenture, the collaboration reinforces its leadership in generative AI and agentic commerce while demonstrating the practical value of the AI Merchant Center platform. The project highlights Accenture’s ability to help enterprises modernize customer engagement, accelerate AI adoption and create new digital commerce channels. Successful deployment of the solution is expected to strengthen Accenture’s credentials in the hospitality sector and support future AI transformation opportunities across travel and other consumer-facing industries.
The ChatGPT app also supports Radisson Hotel Group’s broader digital transformation and direct booking strategy. Accenture has already assisted the company in modernizing the digital and data infrastructure, consolidating its brands onto a unified global platform and enabling more personalized marketing across the portfolio of more than 1,000 hotels. Extending this foundation to ChatGPT is expected to help Radisson Hotel Group remain visible, relevant and easily bookable as traveler preferences continue to evolve.
Taking a Look at Similar AI-Powered Deals
Salesforce CRM is participating in a similar hospitality-focused AI initiative with Minor Hotels, alongside Google Cloud, OneTrust and Deloitte. The companies are developing a global data and AI platform that will connect more than 640 Minor Hotels properties, unify guest information and support AI-driven personalization. Salesforce’s Agentforce Marketing capabilities are anticipated to help the hotel operator deliver more relevant communications and experiences throughout the customer journey.
Like Accenture’s collaboration with Radisson Hotel Group, the project involving Salesforce demonstrates how enterprise technology providers are helping hospitality companies modernize legacy systems, use real-time data more effectively and create increasingly personalized digital interactions for travelers.
Choice Hotels International CHH has also entered into a comparable collaboration with Amazon Web Services (“AWS”) to integrate artificial intelligence across its operations. The initiative is intended to move AI beyond isolated experiments and deploy it at an enterprise scale, supporting enhanced guest experiences, hotel management and organizational efficiency. By integrating AI into core functions such as guest personalization, pricing and operations, Choice Hotels aims to improve both customer experience and internal efficiency. Importantly, this strategy extends beyond AWS.
Choice Hotels is building a broader ecosystem of AI partnerships, including collaborations with Google for AI-powered travel discovery and participation in OpenAI’s ChatGPT advertising pilot. This multi-platform approach indicates a forward-looking strategy as travel search and booking increasingly shift toward AI-driven and conversational interfaces.
Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
Accenture has lost nearly 40% in the past year, underperforming its industry.
1-Year Price Comparison
From a valuation standpoint, ACN trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.44, way below the industry’s 11.14.
See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ACN’s earnings has been revised over the past 90 days.
ACN’s Zacks Rank
ACN currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Is ACN's Deal With Radisson for Booking App Launch a Growth Catalyst?

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Tuesday closed up +0.21%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +1.03%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -0.98%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) rose +0.24%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) fell -0.88%.
Stock indexes settled mixed on Tuesday, with the Dow Jones Industrials climbing to a 1.5-week high and the Nasdaq 100 falling to a 2.75-month low. Better-than-expected earnings from Boeing, Coca-Cola and Sherwin-Williams were supportive of stocks on Tuesday. Also, software stocks rose as investors rotated into sectors that had recently underperformed.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
However, the Nasdaq 100 was under pressure amid a deepening rout in chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks, driven by fresh concerns over artificial intelligence spending and rising competition from China. Also, the unexpected decline in US July consumer confidence weighed on market sentiment on Tuesday.
Lower crude oil prices have also eased inflation concerns and pushed bond yields lower, supporting stocks. Sep WTI crude oil prices (CLU26) fell by more than -4% on Tuesday to a 1-week low, as the US and Iran extended their pause in hostilities. The focus is now on talks between Iran and Oman over reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The 10-year T-note yield fell -5 bp to 4.60%.
However, tensions remain high in the Middle East as the US maintains its blockade of Iranian oil shipments in the Persian Gulf. Also, President Trump on Tuesday said that the US would “take out” Pickaxe Mountain, an Iranian facility that the US and Israel said they suspect is a nuclear site, if there wasn’t a deal. In addition, Houthi militants said they would continue striking Saudi Arabia after claiming to have struck facilities linked to Saudi Aramco in the Red Sea port towns of Jizan and Yanbu on Saturday. Yanbu, the western end of the East-West pipeline, has become Saudi Arabia’s key crude export outlet since the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively shut off by the war.
The US May S&P composite-20 home price index rose +1.6% y/y, stronger than expectations of +1.3% y/y and the largest increase in 10 months.
The Conference Board US Jul consumer confidence index unexpectedly fell by -1.4 to 90.8, weaker than expectations of an increase to 92.4.
The US Jul Richmond Fed manufacturing survey rose +1 to 5, weaker than expectations of 6.
The outlook for strong Q2 earnings, which continue this week, is a bullish factor for stocks. The markets are awaiting results from a raft of megacap technology companies this week, including Microsoft and Meta Platforms on Wednesday, and Amazon.com and Apple on Thursday. Forecasts compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence suggest Q2 earnings may increase by +23%, close to Q1’s blowout earnings of +30%, which was more than double the +12% analysts had expected. AI spending is expected to account for most of earnings, with AI infrastructure stocks set to contribute nearly 60% of the S&P 500's earnings-per-share growth in Q2. So far, earnings results have been positive, with 86% of the 170 S&P 500 companies that have reported Q2 earnings beating estimates, according to Bloomberg data.
The markets are discounting a 30% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the Tue/Wed FOMC meeting.
Overseas stock markets settled mixed on Tuesday. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed up +0.12%. China's Shanghai Composite closed down -1.16%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average fell to a 2-month low and closed down sharply by -3.95%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU6) on Tuesday closed up +7.5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield fell -4.9 bp to 4.600%. T-notes pushed higher on Tuesday as a -4% plunge in crude oil prices eased inflation expectations. The 10-year breakeven inflation rate fell to a 1-month low of 2.192% on Tuesday. T-notes also rose after US July consumer confidence unexpectedly declined. Solid demand for the Treasury’s $44 billion auction of 7-year T-notes was bullish for T-note prices, as the auction had a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.49, better than the 10-auction average of 2.47.
European government bond yields moved lower on Tuesday. The 10-year German bund yield fell to a 2-week low of 3.103% and finished down -2.9 bp to 3.104%. The 10-year UK gilt yield slid to a 1-week low of 4.944% and finished down -5.2 bp to 4.944%.
The France Jul consumer confidence survey rose +2 to a 4-month high of 86, stronger than expectations of 85.
The markets are discounting an 86% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on September 10.
US Stock Movers
Software stocks rallied on Tuesday, a supportive factor for the overall market. Workday (WDAY) closed up more than +8% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100, and Thomson Reuters (TRI) and Autodesk (ADSK) closed up more than +5%. Also, Adobe (ADBE), ServiceNow (NOW), Salesforce (CRM), and Atlassian (TEAM) closed up more than +4%, and Intuit (INTU) closed up more than +3%. In addition, Microsoft (MSFT) and Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) closed up more than +1%.
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks retreated on Tuesday, weighing on the Nasdaq 100. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) dropped to a 2.5-month low and closed down more than -4%. Sandisk (SNDK) closed down more than -14% to lead losers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), ARM Holdings Plc (ARM), Micron Technology (MU) and Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX) closed down more than -8%. Also, Applied Materials (AMAT), Marvell Technology (MRVL), and Lam Research (LRCX) closed down more than -7%, and KLA Corp (KLAC) and Western Digital (WDC) closed down more than -6%. In addition, Intel (INTC) closed down more than -5%, and Qualcomm (QCOM) closed down more than -4%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks moved lower on Tuesday after Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) fell more than -1% to a 1-week low. Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) closed down more than -9%, and MARA Holdings (MARA) closed down more than -4%. Also, Strategy (MSTR), Riot Platforms (RIOT), and Circle Internet Group (CRCL) closed down more than -2%, and Coinbase Global (COIN) closed down -0.39%.
IQVIA Holdings (IQV) closed up more than +13% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after boosting its full-year revenue forecast to $17.28 billion to $17.48 billion from a previous forecast of $17.15 billion to $17.35 billion, stronger than the consensus of $17.28 billion.
Sherwin-Williams (SHW) closed up more than +8% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials after reporting adjusted EPS of $3.70, better than the consensus of $3.51, and raising its full-year adjusted EPS forecast to $11.80 to $12.20 from a previous forecast of $11.50 to $11.90, above the consensus of $11.76.
Nucor (NUE) closed up more than +7% after reporting Q2 net sales of $10.40 billion, above the consensus of $10.03 billion.
Coca-Cola (KO) closed up +5% after raising its full-year comparable EPS forecast to +9% to +10% from a previous view of +8% to +9%.
Boeing (BA) closed up more than +4% after reporting Q2 revenue of $24.56 billion, stronger than the consensus of $24.26 billion.
Amkor Technology (AMKR) closed down more than -24% after forecasting Q3 net sales of $1.95 billion to $2.05 billion, weaker than the consensus of $2.11 billion.
Corning (GLW) closed down more than -12% after forecasting Q3 core sales of $4.9 billion to $5.0 billion, the midpoint below the consensus of $5.0 billion.
Noble Corp. (NE) closed down more than -9% after cutting its full-year adjusted Ebitda estimate to $850 million to $925 million from a previous forecast of $940 million to $1.02 billion, below the consensus of $970.3 million.
Carrier Global (CARR) closed down more than -8% after reporting Q2 gross margin of 27.2%, below the consensus of 28.1%.
RXO Inc (RXO) closed down more than -6% after TD Cowen downgraded the stock to sell from hold with a price target of $19.
Earnings Reports (7/29/2026)
Align Technology Inc (ALGN), American Water Works Co Inc (AWK), Amphenol Corp (APH), Aon PLC (AON), Automatic Data Processing Inc (ADP), Biogen Inc (BIIB), Boston Scientific Corp (BSX), Bunge Global SA (BG), Carvana Co (CVNA), CBRE Group Inc (CBRE), CH Robinson Worldwide Inc (CHRW), Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (CMG), Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH), Electronic Arts Inc (EA), Entergy Corp (ETR), Equinix Inc (EQIX), Essex Property Trust Inc (ESS), Everest Group Ltd (EG), Fair Isaac Corp (FICO), Flex Ltd (FLEX), Fortinet Inc (FTNT), Fortive Corp (FTV), Garmin Ltd (GRMN), GE HealthCare Technologies Inc (GEHC), Generac Holdings Inc (GNRC), General Dynamics Corp (GD), Humana Inc (HUM), IDEX Corp (IEX), Invitation Homes Inc (INVH), Johnson Controls International (JCI), L3Harris Technologies Inc (LHX), Lam Research Corp (LRCX), Lennox International Inc (LII), Masco Corp (MAS), Meta Platforms Inc (META), MGM Resorts International (MGM), Microsoft Corp (MSFT), Mid-America Apartment Communities (MAA), Old Dominion Freight Line Inc (ODFL), O'Reilly Automotive Inc (ORLY), Procter & Gamble Co/The (PG), PTC Inc (PTC), Public Storage (PSA), QUALCOMM Inc (QCOM), Regency Centers Corp (REG), Robinhood Markets Inc (HOOD), Smurfit Westrock PLC (SW), Stanley Black & Decker Inc (SWK), Starbucks Corp (SBUX), Tyler Technologies Inc (TYL), Ventas Inc (VTR), Verisk Analytics Inc (VRSK), Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT), VICI Properties Inc (VICI), Vulcan Materials Co (VMC), Waste Management Inc (WM), WEC Energy Group Inc (WEC).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Settle Mostly Higher on Positive Earnings Results

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up +0.05%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.738%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -1.12%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) are up +0.05%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) are down -1.20%.
Stock indexes are mixed today, with the Dow Jones Industrials climbing to a 1.5-week high and the Nasdaq 100 falling to a 2.75-month low. Better-than-expected earnings from Coca-Cola and Sherwin-Williams are supportive of stocks today. However, the Nasdaq 100 is under pressure today amid a deepening rout in chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks, driven by fresh concerns over artificial intelligence spending and rising competition from China. Also, the unexpected decline in US July consumer confidence is weighing on market sentiment today. Losses in stock indexes are limited as investors rotate into sectors that tend to generate relatively stable revenue regardless of the economic cycle.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Lower crude oil prices have also eased inflation concerns and are pushing bond yields lower, supporting stocks. Sep WTI crude oil prices (CLU26) are down by more than -1% today to a 1-week low, as the US and Iran extended their pause in hostilities. The focus is now on talks between Iran and Oman over reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The 10-year T-note yield is down -4 bp to 4.61%.
However, tensions remain high in the Middle East as the US maintains its blockade of Iranian oil shipments in the Persian Gulf and President Trump raised the possibility of intensified action against Iran. Also, Houthi militants in Yemen claimed to have struck facilities linked to Saudi Aramco in the Red Sea port towns of Jizan and Yanbu on Saturday. Yanbu, the western end of the East-West pipeline, has become Saudi’s key crude export outlet since the Strait of Hormuz has effectively been shut off by the war. Jizan is home to a refinery and export terminal along the Red Sea.
The US May S&P composite-20 home price index rose +1.6% y/y, stronger than expectations of +1.3% y/y and the largest increase in 10 months.
The Conference Board US Jul consumer confidence index unexpectedly fell by -1.4 to 90.8, weaker than expectations of an increase to 92.4.
The US Jul Richmond Fed manufacturing survey rose +1 to 5, weaker than expectations of 6.
The outlook for strong Q2 earnings, which continue this week, is a bullish factor for stocks. The markets are waiting for results from a raft of megacap technology companies this week, including Amazon.com, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft. Forecasts compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence suggest Q2 earnings may increase by +23%, close to Q1’s blowout earnings of +30%, which was more than double the +12% analysts had expected. AI spending is expected to account for most of earnings, with AI infrastructure stocks set to contribute nearly 60% of the S&P 500's earnings-per-share growth in Q2. So far, earnings results have been positive, with 86% of the 145 S&P 500 companies that have reported Q2 earnings beating estimates, according to Bloomberg data.
The markets are discounting a 30% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the Tue/Wed FOMC meeting.
Overseas stock markets are lower today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is down -0.06%. China's Shanghai Composite closed down -1.16%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average fell to a 2-month low and closed down sharply by -3.95%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU6) today are up +6 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is down -3.4 bp to 4.614%. T-notes are climbing today as a -1% fall in crude oil prices eases inflation expectations. The 10-year breakeven inflation rate fell to a 1-month low of 2.192% today. Also, short covering ahead of the 2-day FOMC meeting that begins today is supporting T-note prices. T-notes raced to their highs today after US July consumer confidence unexpectedly declined. Supply pressures are limiting gains in T-notes as the Treasury will auction $44 billion of 7-year T-notes later today.
European government bond yields are moving lower today. The 10-year German bund yield fell to a 2-week low of 3.106% and is down -0.7 bp to 3.126%. The 10-year UK gilt yield slid to a 1-week low of 4.945% and is down -2.9 bp to 4.968%.
The France Jul consumer confidence survey rose +2 to a 4-month high of 86, stronger than expectations of 85.
The markets are discounting an 88% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on September 10.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks are falling today, weighing on the broader market. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) dropped to a 2.5-month low and is down more than -5%. Sandisk (SNDK) is down more than -14% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100, and Western Digital (WDC) is down more than -13%. Also, Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX) is down more than -11%, and Micron Technology (MU) and Lam Research (LRCX) are down more than -9%. In addition, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), ARM Holdings Plc (ARM), Applied Materials (AMAT), and Marvell Technology (MRVL) are down more than -8%, and Intel (INTC) and KLA Corp (KLAC) are down more than -6%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks are moving lower today, with Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) down more than -2% at a 1-week low. Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) is down more than -8%, and MARA Holdings (MARA) is down more than -5%. Also, Riot Platforms (RIOT) is down more than -4%, and Circle Internet Group (CRCL) is down more than -3%. In addition, Coinbase Global (COIN) and Strategy (MSTR) are down more than -1%.
Software stocks are mostly higher today, a supportive factor for the overall market. Workday (WDAY) is up more than +7% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100, and Thomson Reuters (TRI) is up more than +6%. Also, Autodesk (ADSK) is up more than +5%, and Adobe (ADBE), Intuit (INTU), ServiceNow (NOW), and Salesforce (CRM) are up more than +4%. In addition, Atlassian (TEAM) is up more than +2%, and Microsoft (MSFT) and Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) are up more than +1%.
Amkor Technology (AMKR) is down more than -22% after forecasting Q3 net sales of $1.95 billion to $2.05 billion, weaker than the consensus of $2.11 billion.
Corning (GLW) is down more than -18% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after forecasting Q3 core sales of $4.9 billion to $5.0 billion, the midpoint below the consensus of $5.0 billion.
Noble Corp. (NE) is down more than -7% after cutting its full-year adjusted Ebitda estimate to $850 million to $925 million from a previous forecast of $940 million to $1.02 billion, below the consensus of $970.3 million.
RXO Inc (RXO) is down more than -6% after TD Cowen downgraded the stock to sell from hold with a price target of $19.
IQVIA Holdings (IQV) is up more than +12% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after boosting its full-year revenue forecast to $17.28 billion to $17.48 billion from a previous forecast of $17.15 billion to $17.35 billion, stronger than the consensus of $17.28 billion.
Sherwin-Williams (SHW) is up more than +7% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials after reporting adjusted EPS of $3.70, better than the consensus of $3.51, and raising its full-year adjusted EPS forecast to $11.80 to $12.20 from a previous forecast of $11.50 to $11.90, above the consensus of $11.76.
Coca-Cola (KO) is up more than +6% after raising its full-year comparable EPS forecast to up +9% to +10% from a previous view of +8% to +9%.
Nucor (NUE) is up more than +4% after reporting Q2 net sales of $10.40 billion, above the consensus of $10.03 billion.
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) is up more than +2% after UBS upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $500.
Earnings Reports (7/28/2026)
American Tower Corp (AMT), Arch Capital Group Ltd (ACGL), Armstrong World Industries Inc (AWI), Avis Budget Group Inc (CAR), Axalta Coating Systems Ltd (AXTA), Axis Capital Holdings Ltd (AXS), Bloom Energy Corp (BE), Boeing Co/The (BA), BXP Inc (BXP), Caesars Entertainment Inc (CZR), Carrier Global Corp (CARR), Centene Corp (CNC), CenterPoint Energy Inc (CNP), Chemed Corp (CHE), CMS Energy Corp (CMS), Coca-Cola Co/The (KO), Corning Inc (GLW), CoStar Group Inc (CSGP), Crane Co (CR), DTE Energy Co (DTE), Ecolab Inc (ECL), Enphase Energy Inc (ENPH), ExlService Holdings Inc (EXLS), Expand Energy Corp (EXE), Extra Space Storage Inc (EXR), FirstEnergy Corp (FE), Ford Motor Co (F), HF Sinclair Corp (DINO), Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc (HLT), Hubbell Inc (HUBB), Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW), Incyte Corp (INCY), Invesco Ltd (IVZ), IQVIA Holdings Inc (IQV), KLA Corp (KLAC), Landstar System Inc (LSTR), Liberty Live Holdings Inc (LLYVA), Manhattan Associates Inc (MANH), Mondelez International Inc (MDLZ), NOV Inc (NOV), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), Omnicom Group Inc (OMC), Oshkosh Corp (OSK), PACCAR Inc (PCAR), PayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL), Pentair PLC (PNR), PPG Industries Inc (PPG), Qorvo Inc (QRVO), Repligen Corp (RGEN), Rithm Capital Corp (RITM), Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL), S&P Global Inc (SPGI), Seagate Technology Holdings PL (STX), Sherwin-Williams Co/The (SHW), Skyworks Solutions Inc (SWKS), STAG Industrial Inc (STAG), Teradyne Inc (TER), Textron Inc (TXT), TransUnion (TRU), United Parcel Service Inc (UPS), Unum Group (UNM), Veralto Corp (VLTO), Visa Inc (V), WP Carey Inc (WPC), Xylem Inc/NY (XYL).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Mixed on Earnings Results and Weakness in Chipmakers

SAP SE SAP is tying cloud ERP migration to embedded AI, enterprise data and workflow automation. The strategy is meant to move customers from legacy systems into a cleaner cloud model that can support more autonomous business processes.
The investor debate is straightforward. Cloud and AI demand are improving SAP’s growth profile, but software license and services revenues are still declining as the business model shifts.
SAP Builds Around the Autonomous Enterprise
SAP’s AI strategy centers on the Autonomous Suite and Business AI Platform. The company is embedding AI across finance, procurement, supply chain, human resources and customer operations, using enterprise applications as the operating layer.
Joule Studio forms the build layer for creating and extending AI agents. SAP Business Data Cloud supplies business context, while the run-and-govern layer helps customers deploy, manage and govern agents at scale.
SAP Business Data Cloud Gains Early Traction
SAP Business Data Cloud generated approximately €2 billion in total contract value within its first year. That early adoption supports the case that customers want AI tied to governed enterprise data, not disconnected models.
More than 90% of SAP’s 50 largest second-quarter deals included AI and SAP Business Data Cloud. That mix gives management confidence in second-half demand as Business AI reaches more customers.
SAP Cash Flow Funds Innovation and Buybacks
SAP reaffirmed its expectation for approximately €10 billion in 2026 free cash flow. That cash generation gives the company room to invest in product innovation, acquisitions and business development while navigating the cloud transition.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Capital returns remain part of the story. SAP announced a €10 billion share repurchase program running through the end of 2027, and as of June 30, had repurchased more than 16.28 million shares for approximately €2.6 billion.
SAP Faces Migration and Execution Risks
The shift away from legacy software still has costs. Second-quarter software license revenues declined 32% year over year to €0.13 billion; services revenues fell 3% to €1 billion and cloud backlog growth is expected to moderate as the business scales.
Acquisition-related dilution also tempers the outlook. SAP expects Dremio and Prior Labs to reduce 2026 operating profit by more than €100 million, while competition remains intense from providers such as Oracle Corporation ORCL, which also embeds AI agents into cloud applications.
Regulated enterprise deals can take longer to negotiate, deploy and ramp. Salesforce, Inc. CRM, through Agentforce, adds another competitive reference point in enterprise AI, particularly where customers evaluate agent platforms tied to workflow automation.
Geopolitical uncertainty, cybersecurity exposure, pricing pressure and changing customer budgets remain risks. SAP also noted that its outlook assumes a near-term de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
SAP Signals Point to a Cautious Near-Term View
SAP’s long-term growth case rests on a clear shift toward cloud ERP, trusted data and AI-enabled workflows. The near-term stock setup is less supportive because estimated momentum and share-price timing remain weak.
SAP currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), which points to an unfavorable one-to-three-month earnings outlook. Its Value Score of D, Growth Score of C, Momentum Score of F and VGM Score of D reinforce a selective stance. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The scores do not erase SAP’s cloud and AI progress. They do suggest investors should separate long-term platform potential from weaker current valuation, momentum and estimate-revision signals.
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Salesforce, Inc. (CRM) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

How SAP's AI and Cloud Strategy Is Reshaping Its Growth Outlook Now

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.22%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.68%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -1.50%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) are down -0.29%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) are down -1.56%.
Stock indexes are mixed today, with the Dow Jones Industrials posting a 1.5-week high and the Nasdaq 100 falling to a 2.75-month low. Better-than-expected earnings from Coca-Cola and Sherwin-Williams are supportive of stocks today. However, the Nasdaq 100 is under pressure today amid a deepening rout in chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks, driven by fresh concerns over artificial intelligence spending and rising competition from China. Also, losses in stock indexes are limited as investors rotate into other sectors of the market that tend to generate relatively stable revenues regardless of the economic cycle.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Lower crude oil prices have also eased inflation concerns and are pushing bond yields lower, supporting stocks. Sep WTI crude oil prices (CLU26) are down by more than 1% today to a 1-week low, as the US and Iran extended their pause in hostilities. The focus is now on talks between Iran and Oman over reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The 10-year T-note yield is down -2 bp to 4.63%
However, tensions remain high in the Middle East as the US maintains its blockade of Iranian oil shipments in the Persian Gulf and President Trump raised the possibility of intensified action against Iran. Also, Houthi militants in Yemen claimed to have struck facilities linked to Saudi Aramco in the Red Sea port towns of Jizan and Yanbu on Saturday. Yanbu, the western end of the East-West pipeline, has become Saudi’s key crude export outlet since the Strait of Hormuz has effectively been shut off by the war. Jizan is home to a refinery and export terminal along the Red Sea.
The US May S&P composite-20 home price index rose +1.6% y/y, stronger than expectations of +1.3% y/y and the largest increase in 10 months.
The outlook for strong Q2 earnings, which continue this week, is a bullish factor for stocks. The markets are waiting for results from a raft of megacap technology companies this week, including Amazon.com, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft. Forecasts compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence suggest Q2 earnings may increase by +23%, close to Q1’s blowout earnings of +30%, which was more than double the +12% analysts had expected. AI spending is expected to account for most of earnings, with AI infrastructure stocks set to contribute nearly 60% of the S&P 500's earnings-per-share growth in Q2. So far, earnings results have been positive, with 86% of the 135 S&P 500 companies that have reported Q2 earnings beating estimates, according to Bloomberg data.
The markets are discounting a 32% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on Tue/Wed.
Overseas stock markets are lower today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is down -0.37%. China's Shanghai Composite closed down -1.16%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average fell to a 2-month low and closed down sharply by -3.95%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU6) today are up +4 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is down -2.2 bp to 4.626%. T-notes are climbing today as a -1% fall in crude oil prices eases inflation expectations. The 10-year breakeven inflation rate fell to a 1-month low of 2.192% today. Also, short covering ahead of the 2-day FOMC meeting that begins today is supporting T-note prices. Supply pressures are limiting gains in T-notes as the Treasury will auction $44 billion of 7-year T-notes later today.
European government bond yields are moving lower today. The 10-year German bund yield fell to a 2-week low of 3.106% and is down -0.4 bp to 3.129%. The 10-year UK gilt yield slid to a 1-week low of 4.945% and is down -2.7 bp to 4.970%.
The France Jul consumer confidence survey rose +2 to a 4-month high of 86, stronger than expectations of 85.
The markets are discounting an 88% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on September 10.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks are falling today, weighing on the broader market. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) dropped to a 2.25-month low and is down more than -5%. Western Digital (WDC) is down more than -13% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100, and Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX) is down more than -12%. Also, Micron Technology (MU) and Marvell Technology (MRVL) are down more than -9%, and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), ARM Holdings Plc (ARM), and Lam Research (LRCX) are down more than -8%. In addition, Applied Materials (AMAT) and Intel (INTC) are down more than -7%, and KLA Corp (KLAC) is down more than -6%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks are moving lower today, with Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) down more than -3% at a 1-week low. Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) is down more than -9%, and MARA Holdings (MARA) and Riot Platforms (RIOT) are down more than -7%. Also, Circle Internet Group (CRCL) is down more than -6%, and Coinbase Global (COIN) and Strategy (MSTR) are down more than -4%.
Software stocks are mostly higher today, a supportive factor for the overall market. Autodesk (ADSK), Thomson Reuters (TRI), and Workday (WDAY) are up more than +4%, and Adobe (ADBE), Intuit (INTU), and Salesforce (CRM) closed up more than +3%. Also, Microsoft (MSFT), ServiceNow (NOW), Atlassian (TEAM), and Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) are up more than +1%.
Amkor Technology (AMKR) is down more than -21% after forecasting Q3 net sales of $1.95 billion to $2.05 billion, weaker than the consensus of $2.11 billion.
Corning (GLW) is down more than -18% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after forecasting Q3 core sales of $4.9 billion to $5.0 billion, the midpoint below the consensus of $5.0 billion.
Noble Corp. (NE) is down more than -5% after cutting its full-year adjusted Ebitda estimate to $850 million to $925 million from a previous forecast of $940 million to $1.02 billion, below the consensus of $970.3 million.
RXO Inc (RXO) is down more than -5% after TD Cowen downgraded the stock to sell from hold with a price target of $19.
IQVIA Holdings (IQV) is up more than +14% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after boosting its full-year revenue forecast to $17.28 billion to $17.48 billion from a previous forecast of $17.15 billion to $17.35 billion, stronger than the consensus of $17.28 billion.
Sherwin-Williams (SHW) is up more than +6% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials after reporting adjusted EPS of $3.70, better than the consensus of $3.51, and raising its full-year adjusted EPS forecast to $11.80 to $12.20 from a previous forecast of $11.50 to $11.90, above the consensus of $11.76.
Coca-Cola (KO) is up more than +6% after raising its full-year comparable EPS forecast to up +9% to +10% from a previous view of +8% to +9%.
Nucor (NUE) is up more than +5% after reporting Q2 net sales of $10.40 billion, above the consensus of $10.03 billion.
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) is up more than +4% after UBS upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $500.
Earnings Reports (7/28/2026)
American Tower Corp (AMT), Arch Capital Group Ltd (ACGL), Armstrong World Industries Inc (AWI), Avis Budget Group Inc (CAR), Axalta Coating Systems Ltd (AXTA), Axis Capital Holdings Ltd (AXS), Bloom Energy Corp (BE), Boeing Co/The (BA), BXP Inc (BXP), Caesars Entertainment Inc (CZR), Carrier Global Corp (CARR), Centene Corp (CNC), CenterPoint Energy Inc (CNP), Chemed Corp (CHE), CMS Energy Corp (CMS), Coca-Cola Co/The (KO), Corning Inc (GLW), CoStar Group Inc (CSGP), Crane Co (CR), DTE Energy Co (DTE), Ecolab Inc (ECL), Enphase Energy Inc (ENPH), ExlService Holdings Inc (EXLS), Expand Energy Corp (EXE), Extra Space Storage Inc (EXR), FirstEnergy Corp (FE), Ford Motor Co (F), HF Sinclair Corp (DINO), Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc (HLT), Hubbell Inc (HUBB), Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW), Incyte Corp (INCY), Invesco Ltd (IVZ), IQVIA Holdings Inc (IQV), KLA Corp (KLAC), Landstar System Inc (LSTR), Liberty Live Holdings Inc (LLYVA), Manhattan Associates Inc (MANH), Mondelez International Inc (MDLZ), NOV Inc (NOV), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), Omnicom Group Inc (OMC), Oshkosh Corp (OSK), PACCAR Inc (PCAR), PayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL), Pentair PLC (PNR), PPG Industries Inc (PPG), Qorvo Inc (QRVO), Repligen Corp (RGEN), Rithm Capital Corp (RITM), Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL), S&P Global Inc (SPGI), Seagate Technology Holdings PL (STX), Sherwin-Williams Co/The (SHW), Skyworks Solutions Inc (SWKS), STAG Industrial Inc (STAG), Teradyne Inc (TER), Textron Inc (TXT), TransUnion (TRU), United Parcel Service Inc (UPS), Unum Group (UNM), Veralto Corp (VLTO), Visa Inc (V), WP Carey Inc (WPC), Xylem Inc/NY (XYL).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Mixed as Weakness in Chipmakers Deepens

SAP SE SAP is leaning into agentic AI as enterprise software shifts from record-keeping systems toward autonomous workflows. Its strategy ties AI assistants, trusted business data and cloud ERP migration tools into one operating model.
The opportunity is long dated. By 2030, management expects cloud growth to rely more on consumption, usage and value-based pricing than traditional seat expansion.
SAP Scales Agentic AI Across Enterprise Workflows
SAP plans to release nearly 50 AI assistants by the end of the third quarter. It also expects to support more than 400 Autonomous Suite agents by year-end, giving customers a broader automation layer inside core business processes.
The company is embedding AI across finance, procurement, supply chain, human resources and customer operations. The goal is not a standalone chatbot layer, but AI that works within applications that already hold business context, transaction history and governance controls.
SAP Shifts Toward Usage-Based Cloud Revenue
Management expects SAP’s cloud revenue mix to shift meaningfully by 2030. Consumption-based and non-seat-based models are expected to drive most incremental cloud growth as AI and data adoption increase.
That would mark a different growth model from conventional software seats. Seat-based revenue is expected to stabilize, while value- and usage-driven pricing becomes a larger contributor as customers use more AI, data and automation inside SAP’s cloud suite.
SAP Data Deals Strengthen the AI Platform
SAP’s recent data moves support that strategy. Dremio adds data lakehouse capabilities that enable real-time analytics across SAP and non-SAP data without requiring data movement or conversion.
Reltio and Prior Labs address different layers of the same problem. Reltio strengthens master-data governance and semantic data models, while Prior Labs adds tabular AI capabilities for structured business data. Together, these assets help SAP ground AI agents in cleaner, more connected enterprise data.
SAP ERP Tools Could Lower Migration Friction
ERP migration remains one of the biggest barriers to cloud adoption. SAP says its AI-powered ERP migration toolchain is helping customers accelerate deployments, shorten time to value and reduce migration costs by up to 30%.
The company also plans to introduce three additional ERP migration assistants with 10 underlying agents later this quarter. If these tools work as intended, they could make RISE with SAP and GROW with SAP easier to adopt for customers moving legacy workloads into the cloud.
SAP Trends Carry Margin and Macro Risks
AI scale is not free. SAP has to keep investing in product development, acquisitions and platform capacity while competing with large providers such as Oracle Corporation ORCL, whose Fusion Cloud Applications also embed AI agents across enterprise workflows.
Near-term dilution is another concern. SAP lowered its 2026 non-IFRS operating profit outlook to €11.8-€12.2 billion, reflecting more than €100 million of expected impact from Dremio and Prior Labs. Operating expenses for 2027 are projected to rise at 80-90% of revenue growth.
Enterprise AI adoption also carries timing risk. Long sales cycles, complex license transactions, cybersecurity exposure, geopolitical tension and customer budget shifts could weigh on demand. Salesforce, Inc. CRM, through Agentforce, adds another major competitive reference point in enterprise agentic software.
SAP Signals Show Momentum Still Needs Repair
SAP’s agentic AI and cloud ERP strategy gives it a credible path to broader enterprise automation, but the stock’s near-term setup is less supportive. Product momentum must still translate into firmer earnings revisions and better market timing.
SAP currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Its Growth Score of C recognizes underlying expansion potential, but its Value Score of D, Momentum Score of F and VGM Score of D point to weaker valuation, timing and blended style characteristics. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The rank and Style Scores suggest investors should separate the long-term AI platform story from the stock’s current earnings-momentum profile. SAP’s trends through 2030 remain worth tracking, but execution risk and timing still matter.
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
SAP SE (SAP) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

How SAP Is Riding the Enterprise Shift Toward Agentic AI & Cloud ERP

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Monday closed up +0.02%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +0.51%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -0.32%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) rose +0.02%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) fell -0.33%.
Stock indexes settled mixed on Monday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average posting a 1-week high and the Nasdaq 100 falling to a 2.5-month low. The weakness in chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks on Monday weighed on the Nasdaq 100 and limited gains in the broader market. Investors rotated out of semiconductor and AI-infrastructure stocks on Monday and into beaten-down sectors, such as software.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Stocks initially jumped on Monday after the US and Iran held off on attacks for a third straight day, easing geopolitical risks, pushing crude oil prices sharply lower, and helping lift global stock and bond markets. On Sunday, Mike Waltz, US ambassador to the United Nations, said the US is giving diplomacy “some space.” The plunge in crude oil prices on Monday knocked the 10-year T-note yield down -4 bp to 4.64%.
Monday’s US economic news showed strength in the economy and is supportive of stocks after US Jun capital goods new orders nondefense ex-aircraft, a proxy for capital spending, rose +0.9% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.7% m/m.
Sep WTI crude oil prices (CLU26) plunged by more than -7% on Monday as tensions eased in the Middle East after the US held off against further airstrikes on Iran for a third straight day and Iran signaled it was refraining from any retaliation as it held negotiations with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz.
However, tensions remain high in the Middle East as the US maintains its blockade of Iranian oil shipments in the Persian Gulf and President Trump raised the possibility of intensified action against Iran. Also, Houthi militants in Yemen claimed to have struck facilities linked to Saudi Aramco in the Red Sea port towns of Jizan and Yanbu on Saturday. Yanbu, the western end of the East-West pipeline, has become Saudi’s key crude export outlet since the Strait of Hormuz has effectively been shut off by the war. Jizan is home to a refinery and export terminal along the Red Sea.
The outlook for strong Q2 earnings, which continue this week, is a bullish factor for stocks. The markets are waiting for results from a raft of megacap technology companies this week, including Amazon.com, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft. Forecasts compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence suggest Q2 earnings may increase by +23%, close to Q1’s blowout earnings of +30%, which was more than double the +12% analysts had expected. AI spending is expected to account for most of earnings, with AI infrastructure stocks set to contribute nearly 60% of the S&P 500's earnings-per-share growth in Q2. So far, earnings results have been positive, with 86% of the 135 S&P 500 companies that have reported Q2 earnings beating estimates, according to Bloomberg data.
The markets are discounting a 38% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on Tue/Wed.
Overseas stock markets settled higher on Monday. The Euro Stoxx 50 climbed to a 2.5-week high and closed up +0.02%. China's Shanghai Composite closed up +1.15% on Friday. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average closed up +0.50%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU6) on Monday closed up +8 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield fell -3.6 bp to 4.641%. T-notes moved higher amid Monday’s -7% plunge in crude oil prices, which eased inflation expectations. The 10-year breakeven inflation rate fell to a 1-month low of 2.201% on Monday. Weak demand for the Treasury’s $70 billion auction of 5-year T-notes limited gains in T-notes as the auction had a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.28, below the 10-auction average of 2.35 and the lowest in 3.75 years.
European government bond yields moved lower on Monday. The 10-year German bund yield fell -3.9 bp to 3.133%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell -3.5 bp to 4.997%.
The German Jul IFO business confidence index rose +0.9 to a 5-month high of 86.6, stronger than expectations of 86.0.
ECB Governing Council member Peter Kazimir said "he remains of the view that the ECB will have to raise interest rates at least one more time" to ensure that inflation risks don't spin out of control.
The markets are discounting an 88% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on September 10.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks retreated on Monday, weighing on the broader market. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) fell to a 1-week low and closed down more than -2%. Sandisk (SNDK) closed down more than -12% to lead losers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and ASML Holding NV (ASML) closed down more than -5%. Also, Western Digital (WDC), Lam Research (LRCX), and Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX) closed down more than -4%, and Micron Technology (MU), Applied Materials (AMAT), and KLA Corp (KLAC) closed down more than -3%. In addition, Marvell Technology (MRVL) closed down more than -2%.
Energy producers and service providers moved lower on Monday amid the -7% decline in crude oil prices. Devon Energy (DVN), Diamondback Energy (FANG), and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) closed down more than -4%, and APA Corp (APA), ConocoPhillips (COP), and Haliburton (HAL) closed down more than -3%. Also, Chevron (CVX) closed down more than -2%, and ExxonMobil Holdings (XOM) and SLB Ltd (SLB) closed down more than -1%.
Software stocks rallied on Monday, a supportive factor for the overall market. Atlassian (TEAM) closed up more than +10%, and Workday (WDAY) closed up more than +9% to lead gainers in the S&P 500. Also, Thomson Reuters (TRI) closed up more than +8%, and Autodesk (ADSK) and Palantir Technologies (PLTR) closed up more than +7%. In addition, ServiceNow (NOW) closed up more than +6%, and Salesforce (CRM) closed up more than +6% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials. Finally, Adobe (ADBE) closed up more than +5%, Oracle (ORCL) closed up more than +4%, Intuit (INTU) and Datadog (DDOG) closed up by more than +2%, and Microsoft (MSFT) closed up by more than +1%.
Airline stocks and cruise line operators moved higher on Monday after crude oil prices plunged more than -7%. American Airlines Group (AAL), Carnival (CCL), Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), and Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) closed up more than +3%, and Alaska Air Group (ALK) closed up more than +2%. Also, United Airlines Holdings (UAL) and Delta Air Lines (DAL) closed up more than +1%, and Southwest Airlines (LUV) closed up +0.67%.
CH Robinson Worldwide (CHRW) closed down more than -6%, adding to last Friday’s -9% plunge, to lead trucking and freight companies lower after a Dallas jury awarded $604 million in compensatory damages against the company and two other defendants for a verdict related to a trucking accident. Also, FedEx Freight Holding Company (FDXF) and Marten Transport (MRTN) closed down more than -4%, and Arcbest (ARCB) closed down more than -3%. In addition, Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL), Knight-Swift Transportation (KNX), JB Hunt Transport (JBHT), and XPO Inc (XPO) closed down more than -2%.
MapLight Therapeutics (MPLT) closed down more than -71% after posting results from a mid-stage trial of its experimental therapy to treat schizophrenia, which Stifel said did not meet the “upside case” scenario.
Nvidia (NVDA) closed down more than -4% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials after announcing it had made a “substantial” investment in AI startup Safe Superintelligence.
Forte Biosciences (FBRX) closed up more than +39% after Argenx SE agreed to buy the company for about $2.2 billion, or $77 a share.
D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) closed up more than +20% after Benchmark Company LLC reinstated coverage on the stock with a recommendation of buy and a price target of $30.
IonQ (IONQ) closed up more than +9% after Benchmark Company LLC reinstated coverage on the stock with a recommendation of buy and a price target of $60.
Baker Hughes (BKR) closed up more than +6% after reporting Q2 revenue of $6.74 billion, better than the consensus of $6.51 billion.
Rocket Lab Corp. (RKLB) closed up more than +4% after KGI Securities upgraded the stock to outperform from neutral with a price target of $107.
Earnings Reports (7/28/2026)
American Tower Corp (AMT), Arch Capital Group Ltd (ACGL), Armstrong World Industries Inc (AWI), Avis Budget Group Inc (CAR), Axalta Coating Systems Ltd (AXTA), Axis Capital Holdings Ltd (AXS), Bloom Energy Corp (BE), Boeing Co/The (BA), BXP Inc (BXP), Caesars Entertainment Inc (CZR), Carrier Global Corp (CARR), Centene Corp (CNC), CenterPoint Energy Inc (CNP), Chemed Corp (CHE), CMS Energy Corp (CMS), Coca-Cola Co/The (KO), Corning Inc (GLW), CoStar Group Inc (CSGP), Crane Co (CR), DTE Energy Co (DTE), Ecolab Inc (ECL), Enphase Energy Inc (ENPH), ExlService Holdings Inc (EXLS), Expand Energy Corp (EXE), Extra Space Storage Inc (EXR), FirstEnergy Corp (FE), Ford Motor Co (F), HF Sinclair Corp (DINO), Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc (HLT), Hubbell Inc (HUBB), Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW), Incyte Corp (INCY), Invesco Ltd (IVZ), IQVIA Holdings Inc (IQV), KLA Corp (KLAC), Landstar System Inc (LSTR), Liberty Live Holdings Inc (LLYVA), Manhattan Associates Inc (MANH), Mondelez International Inc (MDLZ), NOV Inc (NOV), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), Omnicom Group Inc (OMC), Oshkosh Corp (OSK), PACCAR Inc (PCAR), PayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL), Pentair PLC (PNR), PPG Industries Inc (PPG), Qorvo Inc (QRVO), Repligen Corp (RGEN), Rithm Capital Corp (RITM), Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL), S&P Global Inc (SPGI), Seagate Technology Holdings PL (STX), Sherwin-Williams Co/The (SHW), Skyworks Solutions Inc (SWKS), STAG Industrial Inc (STAG), Teradyne Inc (TER), Textron Inc (TXT), TransUnion (TRU), United Parcel Service Inc (UPS), Unum Group (UNM), Veralto Corp (VLTO), Visa Inc (V), WP Carey Inc (WPC), Xylem Inc/NY (XYL).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Settle Mixed as AI Angst Offsets Easing Geopolitical Tensions

The NASDAQ 100 After Hours Indicator is up 13.06 to 28,052.27. The total After hours volume is currently 173,665,885 shares traded.
The following are the most active stocks for the after hours session:
Grab Holdings Limited (GRAB) is unchanged at $3.35, with 17,343,903 shares traded.GRAB is scheduled to provide an earnings report on 8/3/2026, for the fiscal quarter ending Jun2026. The consensus earnings per share forecast is 0.01 per share, which represents a 1 percent increase over the EPS one Year Ago
Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) is +0.1761 at $70.58, with 7,888,293 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 3 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Sep 2026. The consensus EPS forecast is $0.82. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for NFLX is in the "buy range".
VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) is -1.42 at $547.13, with 7,177,486 shares traded. This represents a 95.97% increase from its 52 Week Low.
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is +0.12 at $196.63, with 6,991,933 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 3 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Jul 2026. The consensus EPS forecast is $2.01. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for NVDA is in the "buy range".
Intel Corporation (INTC) is -0.49 at $91.18, with 5,793,662 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 4 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Sep 2026. The consensus EPS forecast is $0.16. INTC's current last sale is 86.84% of the target price of $105.
Energy Transfer L.P. (ET) is +0.04 at $19.95, with 4,147,658 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for ET is in the "buy range".
Apple Inc. (AAPL) is -0.01 at $336.90, with 4,133,420 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 3 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Dec 2026. The consensus EPS forecast is $2.95. AAPL is scheduled to provide an earnings report on 7/30/2026, for the fiscal quarter ending Jun2026. The consensus earnings per share forecast is 1.88 per share, which represents a 157 percent increase over the EPS one Year Ago
Coca-Cola Company (The) (KO) is -0.0006 at $84.07, with 3,353,574 shares traded.KO is scheduled to provide an earnings report on 7/28/2026, for the fiscal quarter ending Jun2026. The consensus earnings per share forecast is 0.92 per share, which represents a 87 percent increase over the EPS one Year Ago
Bank of America Corporation (BAC) is +0.0599 at $62.19, with 2,943,285 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 6 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Sep 2026. The consensus EPS forecast is $1.17. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for BAC is in the "buy range".
Salesforce, Inc. (CRM) is -0.01 at $173.59, with 2,368,032 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for CRM is in the "buy range".
Rocket Companies, Inc. (RKT) is unchanged at $13.49, with 2,254,229 shares traded. RKT's current last sale is 69.18% of the target price of $19.5.
HDFC Bank Limited (HDB) is unchanged at $23.22, with 2,248,283 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for HDB is in the "buy range".
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

After Hours Most Active for Jul 27, 2026 : GRAB, NFLX, SMH, NVDA, INTC, ET, AAPL, KO, BAC, CRM, RKT, HDB

Key Points
The Department of Veterans Affairs awarded Salesforce a three-year agreement with a $1.6 billion ceiling on Friday.
Agentforce annual recurring revenue reached $1.2 billion in the fiscal first quarter, up 205% year over year.
The contract's ceiling is a spending limit, not booked revenue -- everything beyond the first year is optional.
On Friday, the Department of Veterans Affairs awarded Salesforce (NYSE: CRM) a contract with a ceiling of $1.6 billion -- a three-year Agentic Enterprise License Agreement built around the company's artificial intelligence (AI) agent products. Shares rose more than 4% on Friday following the announcement.
The dollar figure is what grabbed attention. But the more interesting part of the award is what it says about demand for Agentforce, the AI agent product at the center of Salesforce's growth story. After all, federal agencies aren't known for speculative technology purchases. A multiyear agreement of this size suggests AI agents are moving out of pilot projects and into real procurement budgets.
Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks »
Still, investors should understand what a $1.6 billion ceiling actually is. And what it isn't.
What the VA actually bought
The award covers Agentforce Public Sector and Agentforce Health, along with Slack, MuleSoft, Tableau, and the company's Data 360 platform, through Missionforce, its government cloud business. The VA operates 170 medical centers and over 1,100 outpatient clinics, serving more than 17 million veterans. Salesforce said the agency will use Agentforce for around-the-clock virtual contact center support, patient triage, benefits verification, and scheduling -- including a goal of cutting the time to schedule an appointment from an average of 28 days to minutes.
"Every minute a VA employee spends navigating disconnected systems is a minute not spent serving a Veteran," said Kendall Collins, CEO of Salesforce's Missionforce and government cloud business, in the company's press release about the award.
Now for the distinction that matters. The agreement is structured as one base year with two one-year renewal options. And $1.6 billion is the most the VA can spend across all three years, not what it has committed to spend. The award converts into revenue only as the agency actually orders services.
If the deployment goes well, the renewals likely follow. If it doesn't, the agency can walk away after the first year.
Even in the best case, the money arrives over three years. At the full ceiling, that averages out to a little over $500 million annually (about 1% of the roughly $46 billion in revenue Salesforce expects this fiscal year). To me, the signal is worth more than the dollars.
Agentforce is becoming a real business
That signal adds to a growing pile of evidence that Agentforce is scaling quickly.
In the fiscal first quarter of 2027 (the period ended April 30, 2026), Agentforce annual recurring revenue (ARR) reached $1.2 billion, up 205% year over year. Two quarters earlier, that figure had just crossed half a billion dollars. The business has more than doubled in six months -- and it's still climbing.
Combined with Data 360, Salesforce's AI and data products now carry nearly $3.4 billion in ARR, up more than 200% year over year, though about $1.1 billion of that arrived with the company's acquisition of Informatica. The broader business is moving in the right direction, too, with fiscal first-quarter revenue rising 13% year over year to $11.1 billion.
Sure, a few billion dollars of ARR is a sliver of the $45.9 billion to $46.2 billion in revenue Salesforce has guided for this fiscal year, which implies 11% growth. But it's the fastest-growing piece of the business, and management is counting on it. "We remain confident in delivering organic revenue acceleration in the second half of FY27," said Salesforce chief financial officer Robin Washington in the fiscal first-quarter earnings release.
A federal agency attaching a $1.6 billion ceiling to agentic software backs that confidence up. It isn't even the year's biggest example. In January, the U.S. Army awarded the company a $5.6 billion, 10-year ceiling agreement built around Missionforce, Salesforce's national security platform.
Meanwhile, the stock is priced as if little of this matters. Even after Friday's pop, shares closed at $163.66, down about 40% from their 52-week high. That's less than 12 times the midpoint of management's adjusted earnings-per-share guidance for this fiscal year -- a multiple more typical of a slow-growth value stock than of a company growing revenue at a double-digit clip with AI products compounding at triple-digit rates.
The VA deal won't move this year's numbers much. What it could move is the bear case: the idea that AI agents will eventually eat into businesses like Salesforce's instead of feeding them. It's hard to square that fear with one of the country's largest healthcare systems betting its call centers and scheduling on Agentforce.
I thought the stock looked attractive before Friday, and this award makes the case easier to believe. If the VA exercises its first renewal next year, the deal may start to look less like a headline and more like a template. At today's valuation, I don't think investors need that to happen to do well. But it wouldn't hurt.
Should you buy stock in Salesforce right now?
Before you buy stock in Salesforce, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Salesforce wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $377,990!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,269,518!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 896% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 27, 2026.
Daniel Sparks and his clients do not have positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Salesforce. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Indicator	TTM Median
P/E	18.15 36.12
Price/Sales	3.41 2.85
P/B	3.75 3.22
P/FCF	14.57 24.31

Indicator	TTM Median
ROE	14.95 13.64
ROA	7.39 6.48
ROI	11.41 9.83
Net Worth	185.44 1.05
Quick Ratio	0.00 1.56
Current Ratio	0.76 1.89

Indicator	TTM Median
Net Profit Margin	18.73 9.60
Operating Margin	20.40 10.19
Gross Margin	77.64 50.00
Return on tangible equity	0.00 24.75

Indicator	TTM Median
EPS	3.05 0.30
EPS Forecast	2.30 0.24
Revenue	11.13B 74.00M
Gross Profit	8.56B —
EBITDA	3.92B —

Salesforce, Inc.

Recent quarterly and TTM performance

Valuation

Debts

Efficiency

Other ratios

Revenue