To quell concerns about the impact of AI, private software companies disclose financial reports to creditors in advance

Some software companies, including McAfee, have released their financial report data in advance to demonstrate to lenders their ability to withstand the impact of artificial intelligence.

On February 17, Bloomberg reported that McAfee disclosed to bond investors that its preliminary revenue for the fourth quarter was $626 million, roughly flat compared to the same period last year. Rocket Software revealed a 5.2% year-over-year revenue growth for 2025, reaching approximately $1.4 billion.

These early disclosures occurred against the backdrop of significant turmoil in the software industry, where the rapid development of AI technology threatens to turn substantial corporate debt into a burden. Market data indicates that early performance disclosures have indeed had some effect on stabilizing debt prices.

McAfee's approximately $2 billion unsecured bonds maturing in 2030 rose to 85 cents on February 9, up from 79.5 cents the previous week. Rocket Software's approximately $2.7 billion term loan maturing in 2028 was quoted at about 97 cents on Tuesday.

McAfee Maintains Performance Stability with AI Technology, While Rocket Shows Growth Momentum

McAfee Maintains Performance Stability with AI Technology.

McAfee's business relies on consumer cybersecurity subscriptions, and the company also informed lenders that its adjusted profit for the fourth quarter was $292 million, a 1% year-over-year decline.

According to reports citing informed sources, the company utilizes AI technology to detect fraud, following a 9% year-over-year decline in adjusted profit for the third quarter, primarily impacted by one-time marketing investments and increased PC shipments.

The company's approximately $2 billion unsecured bonds maturing in 2030 initially rebounded after the preliminary performance announcement but subsequently fell back near this year's low, caught up in the ongoing sell-off in the software industry.

Rocket Software Shows Growth Momentum.

Rocket Software, an IT modernization company backed by Bain Capital, saw its annual adjusted profit rise from $801 million the previous year to $850 million, with annual recurring revenue jumping 6.3% to approximately $1.1 billion.

Reports citing informed sources indicate that the company's financial performance release is related to its recent acquisition of the Vertica analytics database from OpenText, which provides secure information management for AI.

Multiple Companies Rush to Disclose Financial Data Early

In addition to McAfee and Rocket Software, Perforce Software has also joined the ranks of early disclosures.

Reports citing informed sources indicate that this company, supported by Clearlake Capital and Francisco Partners, reported annual revenue slightly decreased from $654 million in 2024 to $644 million.

In a recent conference call, Perforce's management detailed efforts to drive sales by embedding AI into products.

Data analytics company Cloudera, although typically secretive about financial information, also decided to publish a statement on its website highlighting its recent performance. The company supported by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and KKR & Co. stated that it achieved a strong finish in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026, with new and expanded business growing over 50% year-on-year, and annual recurring revenue showing robust growth.

Cloudera's $2.19 billion term loan maturing in 2028 is quoted at about 94 cents, up from 86.5 cents on January 30. Its $500 million second-lien loan maturing in 2029 is quoted at nearly 78 cents, up from 74 cents last week.

The software industry is facing a fundamental shift brought about by the rapid advancement of AI technology. Concerns that AI could crush the revenue growth of tech companies heavily reliant on borrowing have triggered a massive sell-off of debt in the industry, a phenomenon referred to as the "SaaS apocalypse."

Reportedly, the scale of distressed software loans surged by $18 billion within a week. However, many private lending institutions have defended the industry, arguing that a large number of borrowers will benefit from AI