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Is INTU Stock a Buy, Hold or Sell After Its 12.8% Plunge in 3 Months?
ZACKS· 2025-09-04 16:46
Core Insights - Intuit Inc. has reported strong fiscal fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, yet its shares have declined by 12.8% over the past three months, underperforming the broader market and peers [1][2]. Financial Performance - Full-year revenues for fiscal 2025 increased by 16% to $18.8 billion, with fourth-quarter revenues surging by 20% to $3.8 billion [5][9]. - GAAP operating income grew by 36% to $4.9 billion, and non-GAAP EPS advanced by 19% to $20.15 [5]. Growth Drivers - The launch of a virtual team of AI agents is expected to drive significant growth across QuickBooks, TurboTax, and the broader ecosystem, with early adoption rates exceeding expectations [6]. - Intuit is making strides in the $89 billion mid-market total addressable market (TAM) through its Intuit Enterprise Suite and QuickBooks Online Advanced, with fourth-quarter billed customers nearly doubling compared to the third quarter [7]. Segment Performance - TurboTax Live revenues increased by 47% for the full fiscal year, with customer growth of 24%, while Credit Karma revenues rose by 32% [7][10]. - The Consumer Group's performance is enhancing year-round engagement and monetization opportunities beyond the tax season [10]. Challenges - Mailchimp is a drag on performance, with expectations for it to return to double-digit growth only by the end of fiscal year 2026 [12]. - International growth has lagged, limiting diversification, and Intuit's performance is tied to small-business health and consumer spending dynamics [12]. Valuation and Market Position - Intuit currently trades at a forward Price/Sales (P/S) ratio of 8.75X, which is above the industry average of 8.33X [13]. - Compared to peers, Intuit trades at a discount to Autodesk but at a premium to Commvault Systems [13]. Strategic Outlook - Intuit is positioned well for sustained growth due to its durable moats in tax, accounting, and consumer finance, alongside solid cash flow and manageable debt [14]. - Despite the recent pullback improving entry points, the stock's valuation premium and macro risks temper near-term upside, suggesting a prudent hold strategy until more favorable conditions arise [15].
MSFT Challenges GPT-5 With New AI Models: What's Next for Investors?
ZACKS· 2025-09-01 16:31
Core Insights - Microsoft has introduced its first proprietary AI models, MAI-Voice-1 and MAI-1-preview, marking a strategic shift to reduce reliance on external AI providers like OpenAI's GPT-5 [1][11] - The launch of these models positions Microsoft as a direct competitor in the AI model space, rather than just a distributor [1] AI Model Performance - MAI-Voice-1 can generate one minute of audio content in under one second using a single GPU, which could significantly lower operational costs for AI services [2] - MAI-1-preview is a mixture-of-experts model trained on approximately 15,000 NVIDIA H100 GPUs, entering public testing on LMArena, indicating Microsoft's confidence in competing with established players [3] Capital Expenditure and Strategic Positioning - Capital Expenditure (CapEx) reached $24.2 billion in the fiscal fourth quarter and is projected to hit a record $30 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, primarily for AI infrastructure [4] - This investment aims to establish Microsoft as a key player in the global AI market, which is expected to grow into trillions over the next decade [4] Competitive Landscape - The timing of the AI model releases coincides with increasing competition in the AI model market, where control over foundational technology is crucial for market positioning [5] - Microsoft's investment in training infrastructure, including operational GB200 clusters, reflects its commitment to this strategic pivot [5] Future Growth Projections - Success in developing proprietary AI models could enhance Microsoft's competitive advantage in the AI services market and improve unit economics across its AI product portfolio [6] - Zacks forecasts a 14% annual revenue growth for Microsoft in 2026 and 14.4% in 2027, highlighting the potential impact of AI-driven CapEx on future success [6] Comparison with Rivals - Meta Platforms is pursuing a similar strategy with its LLaMA family of models, investing in custom silicon and training infrastructure to reduce external dependencies [7] - Alphabet's Google is also focusing on internal AI development through its Gemini models, with a planned increase in spending to $85 billion by 2025 to support proprietary research [8] Share Price Performance - Microsoft shares have appreciated 20.2% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Computer – Software industry growth of 15.8% and the Zacks Computer and Technology sector's growth of 12.9% [9]
MSFT Rides on AI Strategy: Can Rising CapEx Drive Future Growth?
ZACKS· 2025-08-25 17:11
Core Insights - Microsoft's aggressive AI strategy is central to its long-term growth vision, with significant capital expenditures driving this approach [1][3] - The demand for AI-powered solutions is increasing, with tools like Azure OpenAI and Microsoft 365 Copilot becoming essential for enterprises [2] - Heavy investments in data centers and AI infrastructure are expected to position Microsoft as a leader in global AI adoption [3] Financial Performance - In Q4 of fiscal 2025, Microsoft reported Azure cloud revenues up 27% year-over-year, contributing to overall cloud sales of $46.7 billion [1][9] - Capital expenditures reached $24.2 billion in Q4 and are projected to hit $30 billion in Q1 2026, primarily for AI infrastructure [3][9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 earnings is $15.35 per share, indicating a 12.54% year-over-year growth [12] Competitive Landscape - Meta is increasing its AI capital expenditures, projecting $66-$72 billion in 2025, focusing on advertising efficiency [5] - Alphabet plans to spend $85 billion in 2025 to enhance its cloud and data infrastructure, leveraging its strengths in search and digital ads [6] - Microsoft leads in enterprise-cloud integration, while Alphabet maintains a competitive edge in search and AI-driven monetization [6] Stock Performance - Microsoft's shares have appreciated 20.3% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Computer – Software industry and the broader technology sector [7]
Intuit Q4 Earnings Preview: Should You Buy the Stock Now or Wait?
ZACKS· 2025-08-20 16:46
Core Insights - Intuit Inc. is expected to report strong fourth-quarter results for fiscal 2025, with projected revenues between $3.72 billion and $3.76 billion, indicating growth of 17-18% [1][7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter revenues is $3.74 billion, reflecting a 17.6% increase year-over-year, while the earnings per share (EPS) consensus stands at $2.65, a rise of 33.2% from the previous year [2] - For the full fiscal year 2025, management anticipates revenues between $18.72 billion and $18.76 billion, suggesting approximately 15% growth, with non-GAAP EPS projected between $20.07 and $20.12, indicating growth of 18-19% [3] Revenue and Earnings Projections - The company expects Q4 revenues of $3.72 billion to $3.76 billion and EPS of $2.63 to $2.68, driven by AI integration across its platforms [7][8] - For fiscal 2025, the Global Business Solutions segment is projected to grow revenues by 16%, while Credit Karma revenues are expected to surge by 28% [11] AI Integration and User Engagement - Intuit's AI integration across its product suite has enhanced customer retention and engagement, leading to increased monetization opportunities [8] - TurboTax Live is projected to see a 24% increase in customer numbers and a 47% rise in revenues this fiscal year [9] Subscription Revenue Model - Subscription services account for 77% of total revenues, providing a stable revenue stream that supports long-term reinvestment [10] - The company's predictable revenue model underpins its growth and allows for sustained earnings growth [10] Market Performance and Valuation - Intuit shares have risen 11.5% year-to-date, compared to the Zacks Computer – Software industry's 19.1% appreciation [12] - The company is currently trading at a forward Price/Sales ratio of 9.28X, which is above the industry average of 8.66X, reflecting a premium valuation supported by its subscription-driven revenue [13][15] Growth Potential and Strategic Positioning - Intuit's evolution into an AI-powered financial operating platform positions it for durable long-term growth, serving 100 million users across various segments [16][17] - The strong performance in TurboTax, Credit Karma, and QuickBooks, along with accelerating AI adoption, makes Intuit a compelling choice for investors [17]
PTC's Q3 Earnings & Sales Top, Jump Y/Y, Raised Outlook Boosts Shares
ZACKS· 2025-07-31 14:32
Core Insights - PTC Inc. reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 non-GAAP EPS of $1.64, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 34.4% and up from 98 cents in the prior-year quarter [1][9] - Revenues reached $644 million, a 24% year-over-year increase, surpassing the consensus estimate by 10.6% [2][9] - The company is focusing on digital product innovation and transitioning to SaaS and subscription models, which is establishing a stable revenue base [2][3] Financial Performance - Recurring revenues were $613.6 million, up 27.4% year over year, while perpetual licenses increased by 10.1% to $7.8 million [6] - License revenues accounted for 39% of total revenues at $251.5 million, a 68.6% increase from the previous year, while support and cloud services revenues rose 8.9% to $370 million [7] - PLM revenues were $404 million, growing 23% year over year, and CAD revenues were $240 million, up 27% [10] Operating Metrics - Total operating expenses were $324 million, compared to $310.9 million in the prior-year quarter, with non-GAAP operating income rising to $285.2 million from $164.4 million [12] - The non-GAAP operating margin increased by 1,260 basis points year over year to 44% [12] Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - As of June 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $199 million, down from $235 million as of March 31, 2025, while total debt decreased to $1.23 billion from $1.54 billion [13] - Cash provided by operating activities was $244 million, up from $214 million in the prior-year quarter, and free cash flow was $242 million compared to $212 million [13] Shareholder Returns - During the fiscal third quarter, PTC repurchased $75 million worth of its stock as part of a $300 million buyback plan for fiscal 2025 [14] Future Guidance - PTC now projects fiscal 2025 revenues in the range of $2,570 to $2,630 million, indicating a 12-14% year-over-year increase, and non-GAAP EPS is estimated to be between $6.63 and $7.03, suggesting a rise of 31-38% [15] - For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, revenues are estimated to be between $725 and $785 million, with non-GAAP EPS projected in the range of $2.10 to $2.50 [17]
SAP's Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenues Miss, Stock Falls
ZACKS· 2025-07-23 15:16
Core Insights - SAP SE reported a strong second-quarter 2025 performance with non-IFRS earnings per share of €1.50 ($1.70), a 37% increase year-over-year, although it fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.63 [1] - Total revenues on a non-IFRS basis reached €9.03 billion ($10.24 billion), marking a 9% year-over-year increase, but also below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $10.37 billion [1] - The company's cloud revenue surged by 24% year-over-year, driven by robust growth in Cloud ERP Suite revenues [5][8] Financial Performance - Non-IFRS operating profit rose 32% to €2.57 billion, with a margin increase to 28.5%, attributed to improved operational efficiency and cost controls [13] - Non-IFRS gross profit increased 10% to €6.64 billion, with cloud gross profit rising 27% to €3.86 billion [12] - Free cash flow increased significantly by 83% to €2.36 billion during the quarter, indicating strong operational strength [14] Cloud Business Growth - The current cloud backlog surged 22% to €18.1 billion, a key indicator of market success [4] - Cloud revenues reached €5.13 billion, with a notable 30% growth in Cloud ERP Suite revenues [5] - The cloud and software segment accounted for 88.2% of total revenues, generating €7.97 billion, an 11% year-over-year increase [4] Strategic Initiatives - SAP's investment in AI and data platforms is yielding positive results, with the AI assistant Joule enhancing process efficiency and user productivity [2] - The "RISE with SAP" program continues to attract global organizations, indicating strong client adoption [7] - The company initiated a transformation program in January 2024, concluding in Q1 2025, aimed at enhancing operational scalability [16] Customer Engagement - Significant customer wins were reported, including partnerships with major organizations such as Accenture, BMW Group, and L'Oréal [10] - The cloud revenue growth was particularly strong in the APJ and EMEA regions, with standout performances in countries like Brazil, France, and India [11] Future Outlook - SAP reaffirmed its 2025 financial outlook, anticipating cloud revenues between €21.6-€21.9 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 26-28% [17] - Cloud and software revenues are expected to be in the range of €33.1-€33.6 billion, with a projected increase of 11-13% year-over-year [18] - Free cash flow is estimated to reach around €8 billion, a significant rise from €4.22 billion in 2024 [19]
Adobe Trades 38% Below 52-Week High: Right Time Buy the ADBE Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-07-21 17:46
Core Insights - Adobe shares closed at $365.79, approximately 38% below its 52-week high of $587.75, with a year-to-date appreciation of 17.7%, underperforming the Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the Zacks Computer – Software industry [1][2] Financial Performance - Since the second-quarter fiscal 2025 report on June 12, Adobe shares have dropped 11.5%, reflecting modest revenue growth prospects amid stiff competition in the AI space [2][9] - Fiscal 2025 revenues are projected between $23.5 billion and $23.6 billion, with non-GAAP earnings expected between $20.50 and $20.70 per share [15][16] - Digital Media Annual Recurring Revenue is expected to grow 11% year over year, with segment revenues anticipated between $17.45 billion and $17.50 billion [16] Competitive Landscape - Adobe's AI business is small compared to competitors like Microsoft and Alphabet, which are leveraging AI for significant revenue growth [3] - Adobe faces competition from DocuSign in the document services and e-signature domain [3] AI Portfolio Development - Adobe is expanding its AI portfolio with products like GenStudio and Firefly Services, tracking ahead of its $250 million Annual Recurring Revenue target for fiscal 2025 [4][9] - The company reported a Digital Media ARR of $18.09 billion, up 12% year over year [4] User Engagement and Product Innovation - Adobe's tools, such as Acrobat AI Assistant and Adobe Express, are gaining traction among business professionals and creators, with over 700 million monthly active users [12] - The Firefly App enhances Creative Cloud applications and supports third-party models, which is expected to boost its popularity [13] Strategic Guidance - Adobe's strategy includes leveraging the Adobe Experience Platform to deliver personalized customer experiences, enhancing advertising effectiveness [14] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings is pegged at $5.16 per share, indicating a 10.97% growth from the previous year [17] Investment Outlook - Despite a premium valuation and competition, Adobe's focus on monetizing its AI tools presents a positive outlook for investors, supported by a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) and a Growth Score of B [18]
Steady Transition to Windows 11 Aids MSFT: What's the Path Forward?
ZACKS· 2025-07-18 17:11
Core Insights - Microsoft continues to lead the desktop operating system market with Windows, driven by the transition to Windows 11 and increased enterprise adoption, resulting in a 6.5% year-over-year increase in global PC shipments to 68.4 million in Q2 2025 [1][10] Group 1: Market Dynamics - PC vendors increased shipments to the U.S. in anticipation of higher tariffs, with Lenovo holding a 24.8% market share, followed by HP at 20.7% and Dell at 14.3%, all offering Windows-powered devices [2] - Windows 11 commercial deployments surged by 75% year-over-year in Q3 2025 as enterprises prepare for the end-of-support for Windows 10 in 2025, indicating strong enterprise-led upgrades [2][10] Group 2: Product Innovations - Microsoft launched Copilot+ PCs, featuring AI-optimized capabilities and exclusive features like Recall and Click to Do, enhancing user experience through collaborations with Adobe, Canva, and Zoom [3][10] Group 3: Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, Microsoft expects revenues from its More Personal Computing segment to be between $12.35 billion and $12.85 billion, with an estimated $12 billion indicating a 1% year-over-year growth [3][4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Microsoft's fiscal 2025 earnings is $13.34 per share, reflecting a 13.05% year-over-year growth [14] Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Microsoft faces competition from Alphabet's ChromeOS, which has evolved into a secure, AI-focused operating system, and Apple's growing market share due to strong demand for its latest Mac devices powered by the M4 family of chips [5][6][7] Group 5: Stock Performance - Microsoft shares have appreciated by 21.3% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Computer – Software industry growth of 19.6% and the Zacks Computer and Technology sector's growth of 9.6% [8] - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio of 12.04X, compared to the industry's 8.97X, indicating a Value Score of D [12]
Intuit Stock Rises 19.3% Year to Date: Still a Buy or Time to Wait?
ZACKS· 2025-07-17 17:41
Core Insights - Intuit Inc. (INTU) has shown strong performance in 2025, with a stock increase of 19.3%, surpassing the Zacks Computer – Software industry's growth of 17.5% [1] - The company's transformation into a comprehensive financial technology platform powered by artificial intelligence has garnered investor confidence [1][4] - Intuit's growth is driven by strong results across its Consumer, Credit Karma, and Global Business Solutions segments, positioning it as a one-stop solution for individuals and small to mid-sized businesses [2] Financial Performance - Intuit's third-quarter fiscal 2025 results indicated a revenue growth of 15.1%, prompting the company to raise its full-year guidance [4] - TurboTax Live is projected to see a 24% increase in customer numbers and a 47% rise in revenues for the fiscal year [5] - Credit Karma reported a 31% revenue increase in the third quarter, highlighting its expanding role beyond traditional offerings [5] Growth Drivers - The integration of AI-driven tools and a subscription-based model, which accounts for 77% of total revenues, is enhancing revenue growth and operational efficiency [8][12] - Intuit's Generative AI Operating System provides a competitive edge, automating complex tasks and improving user experiences [6][9] - The introduction of proactive Intuit AI agents is expected to transform small business operations by automating workflows and providing real-time insights [10] Market Opportunities - Intuit is targeting the mid-market segment, which represents an $89 billion total addressable market opportunity, through its Enterprise Suite (IES) [11] - The company's diversified revenue streams and strong presence in the mid-market are key pillars for future growth [18] Valuation and Outlook - Intuit's forward 12-month Price/Sales (P/S) ratio is currently at 10.04X, above the industry average of 8.82X, indicating a premium valuation [15][16] - Despite the premium, the reliable subscription-driven revenue model and the ability to capitalize on a rapidly expanding market justify this valuation [16] - Analysts have revised EPS estimates upward for fiscal 2025 and 2026, reflecting bullish sentiments towards the company's growth prospects [13] Conclusion - Intuit's strong performance in 2025, driven by AI transformation and diversified revenue streams, positions it well for long-term value creation [18][19] - The company's ongoing momentum across TurboTax, Credit Karma, and QuickBooks, along with increasing AI adoption, makes it an attractive option for growth-focused investors [19]
Salesforce Bets Big on Agentforce: Can AI Agents Power Growth?
ZACKS· 2025-07-17 13:30
Core Insights - Salesforce, Inc. is focusing on Agentforce, its AI agent platform, as a key growth driver, offering AI-powered software to automate business tasks and enhance productivity [1] Group 1: Agentforce Performance - Within two quarters of its launch, Agentforce has secured over 4,000 paid deals and achieved more than $100 million in annual recurring revenues, indicating strong early adoption and customer value recognition [2][9] - In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, nearly one-third of Agentforce bookings were from customers expanding their usage, showcasing the platform's integration into existing workflows [3][9] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - To accelerate Agentforce adoption, Salesforce has introduced new usage-based pricing models, industry-specific templates, and enhanced the AgentExchange marketplace, while also hiring additional sales staff [4][9] - The platform utilizes real-time data from Salesforce's Data Cloud to automate work, improve decision-making, and reduce manual effort [3] Group 3: Financial Outlook - If executed successfully, Agentforce could significantly contribute to Salesforce's revenue growth and customer retention, with Zacks Consensus Estimates indicating year-over-year revenue growth of 8.6% for fiscal 2026 and 9.2% for fiscal 2027 [5] - Salesforce's shares have declined 22.8% year-to-date, contrasting with the Zacks Computer – Software industry's growth of 17.5% [8] - The forward price-to-earnings ratio for Salesforce is 21.7, notably lower than the industry average of 34.48, suggesting potential undervaluation [10] Group 4: Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Salesforce's fiscal 2026 and 2027 earnings suggests year-over-year increases of approximately 10.8% and 11.5%, respectively, with upward revisions in estimates over the past 30 days [11]