QuickNote: ServiceNow is actually a fantastic “software application” business, with high profits (29-30% Non-GAAP net margins, 19.3 GAAP), strong customer retention (98%+ renewals) and high revenue growth (above 20%). But what about the valuation?
AI Will Supercharge This Attractive High-Growth SaaS Stock
The SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) business we review in this report was already benefiting dramatically from its leadership position in the massive digital revolution megatrend (which, by the way, is still in its early innings). However, by the very nature of the business (the company has immense well-organized data), Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) technologies will supercharge the value it brings to clients and the growth rate of its profits. In this report, we briefly review the business, its growth and valuation, and then conclude with our strong opinion on investing.
Top 20 S&P 500 Stocks: YTD and Last 10 Years
Top Growth Stocks - Still Hated
In this quick note, we share updated data on top growth stocks (those with at least 20% revenue growth expectations for this year and next). You’ll notice the names with positive net margins have performed relatively better over the last year (quite the opposite of when the pandemic bubble had full momentum behind it and revenue growth was all that seemed to matter). The table also shows recent performance, short interest, margins, various valuation metrics and more. It’s hard to take a contrarian view, but that’s often a profitable approach for selective long-term investors at lower points in the market cycle (i.e. right now).
ServiceNow (NOW) Earnings Note
Business remains strong for this profitable SaaS company despite slowing economic growth. Shares jumped 13% on Thursday following earnings. Revenue grew at an impressive 21.2% y/y, and subscription revenue grew at 28.5%. The magic of this company is two-fold: (1) customers love the solution (98% renewal), and (2) land and expand. Long.
SaaS Business: Powerful Growth, Compelling Price
Better. Faster. Smarter. The Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company that we review in this article helps organizations digitize and unify their workflows. That may sound like a lot of hot air, but it’s not. This is a real deal profitable business that is growing rapidly, has an extremely high customer retention rate and a massive long-term total addressable market opportunity (so it can keep growing rapidly). The company does not pay a dividend, but the shares have gotten relatively inexpensive during the recent “tech wreck,” and 5 years from now many people will wish they bought shares. We are long this stock, and it currently presents a compelling buying opportunity.
Powerful Upside: This “Income via Growth” Stock Is on Sale
From time-to-time, we like to write about “income via growth” stocks at Blue Harbinger. These are stocks that can provide high income to investors through long-term capital gains (i.e. selling some of your winners). We write about these types of stocks because they can bring important risk-reducing diversification to an otherwise dividend-focused investment portfolio. And we are writing about this particular opportunity because we own it, and because it is particularly attractive right now following the recent market turbulence.
Buy Low: Top 5 Growth Stocks, On Sale
In 5 years, you’ll probably wish you bought a few shares of these attractive growth stocks. Granted, many of our readers are focused on dividend stocks; however, we believe in the importance of diversifying some of your investment dollars across a variety of investment styles, particularly when they present attractive opportunities. All of the stocks on our list have enormous long-term price appreciation potential. We’re not suggesting anyone bet the farm on growth stocks, but adding a few attractive ones to your portfolio is worth considering. Without further ado, here is the list…