ServiceNow, Inc. Q1 FY2026 earnings call

Q1 was a quarter of outstanding execution with results beating the high end of guidance across top-line and profitability metrics. NOW ASSIST continues to see strong demand driving outperformance in emerging products. Moveworks was integrated into Employee Works, launching as a unified AI front door with quick success. The company has a strong partner ecosystem with deep technical collaborations. The platform is AI native with context engine providing differentiation. Hybrid pricing model is gaining traction with 50% of net new business from non-seat-based models.

Subscription revenue in Q1 was $3.671 billion, growing 19% year-over-year in constant currency and above the high end of guidance. RPO ended the quarter at approximately $27.7 billion, representing 23.5% year-over-year constant currency growth. Current RPO was $12.64 billion, representing 21% year-over-year constant currency growth, a 100 basis point beat versus guidance. Across workflows, there was broad-based demand with various deals in different segments. For example, technology workflows had 33 deals over a million, including five over five million.

For Q2, subscription revenues are expected between $3.815 billion and $3.820 billion, representing 21 to 21.5% year-over-year growth on a constant currency basis. CRPO growth is expected at 19.5% on a constant currency basis. For 2026, subscription revenues are raised to $15.735 billion to $15.775 billion, representing 20.5% to 21% year-over-year growth on a constant currency basis. Operating margin is expected at 31.5% and free cash flow margin at 35%.

Geopolitical risks such as the conflict in the Middle East impacting on-prem deal timings and revenues. Integration risks with acquisitions like Armis, which may have near-term headwinds on margins.

Q: Mark Murphy from JP Morgan asked about the impact of the Iran war on Q1 results and if deferrals would snap back.

A: Bill said there was a slight impact to Q2 guide due to on-prem deals in Middle East, but conversations are ongoing and full year guide was maintained.

Q: Brad Selnick from Deutsche Bank asked about ServiceNow's differentiation in agentic orchestration.

A: Bill and Amit said context from 22 years of data, 95 billion workflows, and context engine gives differentiation.

Q: Gabriela Borges from Goldman Sachs asked about customers negotiating down classic parts.

A: Bill said core is reinvigorated by AI, and Amit said platform is AI native so no pressure.

Q: Peter Weed from Alliance Bernstein asked about autonomous workforce strategy.

A: Peter was told about end-to-end resolution by AI specialists, reducing resolution time and expanding TAM.

Q: Keith Wise from Morgan Stanley asked about inorganic contribution and acceleration.

A: Bill said VESA and Paramin had tiny contribution, guide was held with Armis impact spelled out.

Q: Alex Zukin from Wolf Research asked about enterprise spending environment.

A: Bill said customers are excited about AI but confused, but ServiceNow's story is resonating.

Q: Samad Samana from Jefferies asked about changes in organization and priorities.

A: Bill said company is fired up, focused on revenue acceleration, and Krishna Gidwani is new CSO for M&A integration.

Q: Michael Turin from Wells Fargo asked about M&A feedback and guiding customers.

A: Bill said customers love acquisitions, Moveworks integration is successful, and Gina said guidance is prudent with upside from acquisitions.