Oppenheimer lowered its price target on Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) to $275 from $300, lowering its revenue and non-GAAP EPS estimates for 2023 and 2024 by 4% and 6%, respectively, or 4% below the Street estimates for both years.
According to the analysts, half the reduction is F/X, the other diminished demand, with the most acute pressure continuing in More Personal Computing (PCs, gaming, etc.).
The analysts noted that the last quarter was only the second in five years that the company missed the Street estimates, indicative of the current precarious macro overriding its historically durable franchise.
The analysts also mentioned that the company is a top two provider in the rapidly expanding $200 billion Cloud industry, and slower growth is seen to be temporary and likely helps it strengthen its long-term position with enterprises.