Automation Software Q4 Earnings: Appian (NASDAQ:APPN) is the Best in the Biz
As the craze of earnings season draws to a close, here’s a look back at some of the most exciting (and some less so) results from Q4. Today, we are looking at automation software stocks, starting with Appian (NASDAQ:APPN). The whole purpose of software is to automate tasks to increase productivity. Today, innovative new software techniques, often involving AI and machine learning, are finally allowing automation that has graduated from simple one- or two-step workflows to more complex processes integral to enterprises. The result is surging demand for modern automation software. The 5 automation software stocks we track reported a very strong Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 2.9% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was in line. Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 5% since the latest earnings results. Best Q4: Appian (NASDAQ:APPN) Powering billions of transactions daily since its founding in 1999, Appian (NASDAQ:APPN) provides a low-code platform that helps businesses automate complex processes and operationalize artificial intelligence without extensive programming knowledge. Appian reported revenues of $202.9 million, up 21.7% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 7.2%. Overall, it was an exceptional quarter for the company with a solid beat of analysts’ billings estimates and EBITDA guidance for next quarter exceeding analysts’ expectations. Appian Total Revenue Appian pulled off the biggest analyst estimates beat but had the weakest full-year guidance update of the whole group. Unsurprisingly, the stock is up 7% since reporting and currently trades at $25.75. Is now the time to buy Appian? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free. Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) Originally named “Micro-soft” for microcomputer software when founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is a global technology company that develops software, cloud services, devices, and AI solutions for consumers, businesses, and organizations worldwide. Microsoft reported revenues of $81.27 billion, up 16.7% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 1.2%. The business had an exceptional quarter with a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and a narrow beat of analysts’ revenue estimates. Microsoft Total Revenue Although it had a fine quarter compared its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 15.8% since reporting. It currently trades at $405.77. Is now the time to buy Microsoft? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.