AI Disruption Weighs on Software Stocks as Adobe Gets Downgraded
Software stocks continue to underperform in 2025, marking their second consecutive year of lagging behind the broader market. The rise of AI technologies has shifted investor focus toward semiconductor and hardware players, leaving application software developers vulnerable. Oppenheimer's downgrade of Adobe—removing its Outperform rating entirely—signals growing skepticism about traditional software models in the AI era.
Adobe shares fell over 5% following the announcement, compounding a 20% decline over the past year. Analysts cite delayed AI agent deployments and structural threats from generative AI as key pressures. The slowdown contradicts earlier expectations that 2025 WOULD bring robust growth through AI-integrated software solutions.
Market dynamics now favor crypto infrastructure plays over legacy software. Blockchain platforms enabling AI compute or data storage—like FIL, RNDR or AKT—are attracting capital flows while traditional SaaS valuations contract. This divergence highlights how AI is reshaping not just product roadmaps, but entire investment theses across tech sectors.