Jan 18, 2026 3 min read 0 views

ServiceNow and Arista Networks Report Strong Third Quarter Results

ServiceNow and Arista Networks posted robust Q3 financials, with both companies highlighting strong demand in enterprise AI and networking sectors.

ServiceNow and Arista Networks Report Strong Third Quarter Results

ServiceNow, an enterprise software company valued at $136 billion, reported third-quarter subscription revenues of $3.3 billion, a 20% year-over-year increase. The company's remaining performance obligations climbed to approximately $24.3 billion, representing 23% growth. Adjusted net income rose to $4.82 per share.

During the quarter, ServiceNow closed 103 deals worth more than $1 million in net new annual contract value, including three exceeding $20 million. The number of customers generating over $50 million in ACV grew by more than 20% year-over-year.

Management stated that AI solutions are on track to achieve $500 million in ACV in 2025. Now Assist transactions included 12 above $1 million, with one exceeding $10 million. Transportation and logistics led industry growth with over 90% year-over-year increase in net new ACV, followed by retail, hospitality, and education sectors, all growing more than 50%.

ServiceNow ended the quarter with $9.7 billion in cash and investments. The company repurchased around 644,000 shares during Q3, nearly 70% more than the prior quarter. A five-for-one stock split was approved by the board.

The company will report Q4 results on January 28, anticipating subscription sales of $3.42 billion to $3.43 billion and an operating margin of 30%. Management noted potential government shutdown-related timing concerns may affect U.S. federal deal closings.

Wall Street analysts give NOW stock a "Strong Buy" consensus rating. Out of 43 analysts covering the stock, 34 recommend "Strong Buy," three suggest "Moderate Buy," five recommend "Hold," and one has a "Strong Sell." The mean target price is $219.69, implying 72% potential upside from current levels.

Arista Networks, valued at $164.5 billion, generated $2.31 billion in third-quarter revenue, representing 28% year-over-year growth. Software and services accounted for 18.7% of total sales. Adjusted gross margin reached 65.2%, and diluted EPS rose 25% year-over-year to $0.75.

Deferred revenue increased to $4.7 billion. The Americas generated roughly 80% of revenue, with international markets accounting for around 20%. Management stated that AI-driven networking demand is unlike anything previously seen.

Arista's EtherLink portfolio is driving demand for networks designed to maximize AI accelerator efficiency. The company ended the quarter with $10.1 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and investments. Management reaffirmed its target of at least $1.5 billion in AI-related revenue by 2025.

Fiscal 2026 goals include $2.75 billion in AI data center revenue as part of a larger $10.65 billion total revenue target. Management expects the total addressable market for networking to exceed $100 billion in coming years.

Wall Street rates ANET stock as a consensus "Strong Buy." Out of 24 analysts covering shares, 17 have a "Strong Buy" recommendation, two rate Arista as a "Moderate Buy," and five suggest a "Hold" rating. The average price target of $167.22 implies 29% potential upside from current levels.

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