智通财经网·2025-10-27 09:33Core Viewpoint - Microsoft is expected to report strong earnings driven by its cloud segment, particularly Azure, which is projected to show significant growth, potentially revitalizing its stock price after a period of stagnation [1][7]. Group 1: Financial Performance Expectations - Microsoft will announce its Q1 FY2026 earnings on October 29, with investors anticipating a strong performance that exceeds expectations [1]. - Analysts predict a nearly 11% profit growth for Microsoft, primarily attributed to Azure's robust performance, with revenue expected to surge over 30% year-over-year [1]. - The Intelligent Cloud segment's year-over-year growth rates are projected to be around 26.5% for Q1 FY2026, with operating margins expected to be around 40% [3][4]. Group 2: Analyst Insights - UBS analyst Karl Keirstead notes an improvement in enterprise customer sentiment and expects Azure's growth trend to accelerate, setting a target price of $650, which is 25% above the current stock price [2]. - CFRA Research analyst Angelo Zino maintains a "strong buy" rating with a target price of $620, suggesting that capital expenditure growth will slow and shift towards more profitable AI growth [4]. - Allspring LT Growth ETF manager Jack Selz believes Microsoft's recent underperformance is unjustified given its dominance in Azure and cloud computing [6]. Group 3: Valuation Analysis - Despite Microsoft's stock nearing historical highs and having risen nearly 25% year-to-date, its valuation remains reasonable with a price-to-earnings ratio of about 28 times expected earnings for the next fiscal year, consistent with its five-year average [5].