Private software companies are rushing to release earnings reports early as concerns mount over artificial intelligence's impact on the sector. McAfee, backed by Advent International and Permira Advisers, disclosed preliminary fourth-quarter revenue of $626 million, showing minimal change from the prior year. The cybersecurity firm advanced its earnings announcement to provide clarity during market volatility.

Rocket Software, supported by Bain Capital, reported 2025 revenue grew 5.2% to about $1.4 billion, while Perforce Software saw slight annual revenue decline to $644 million from $654 million in 2024. The software industry faces what analysts call "SaaSpocalypse" as AI threatens to disrupt companies that relied heavily on borrowing. This has triggered a major selloff in tech debt markets.

McAfee's unsecured bonds due in 2030 rose to 85 cents on the dollar before dropping amid continued software sector volatility. Cloudera, backed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and KKR, broke from its usual privacy to highlight "over 50% year-over-year growth in new and expansion business" for fiscal year 2026. The preemptive earnings releases aim to reassure lenders about companies' resilience to AI disruption, as private lenders argue many borrowers will ultimately benefit from AI integration.