There Are Several Risks To Cloud And Software Stocks, But Microsoft Is Still Favorite, Analyst Asserts

Piper Sandler analyst Brent A. Bracelin lowered ratings and revised estimates for several Cloud Applications and Analytics stocks.

The move reflects analysts' view on near-term demand stabilization trends that may not support 'an overly optimistic acceleration' in consensus growth rates, which are expected to increase by ~550bps to 19% in Q4 FY24 from 14% in Q4 FY23.

Also, the analyst writes that the budget priority has shifted in favor of testing and implementing generative AI features and thus creates a high risk of a 'potential H2 airpocket'.

The analyst is also concerned about 2024 growth on a meaningful slowdown in unique visitor growth for many SW stocks in September. 

Downgrades

The analyst revised EPS estimates to $9.33 from $9.31 for FY24.

Price Action: CRM shares are down 0.36% at $203.01, and MSFT shares are up 1.49% at $331.55 on the last check Monday.

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