Autodesk's stock (ADSK) is changing hands at $289 this morning, a 1.07% pre-market gain to follow a 1.24% increase in yesterday's session. This leaves ADSK almost flat YTD, down approximately 1%. leading in to earnings after today's market close.
The street is expecting EPS of $2.45, an improvement on the $2.15 this time last year, and on the $2.29 reported in the most recent quarter leading in.. Revenue growth is also anticipated to be strong, with expectations of a 14.6% increase to $1.72 billion.
A major development influencing sentiment in recent times was Autodesk's decision to abandon its proposed acquisition of PTC. This move, announced in July, was largely interpreted as a response to pressure from activist investor Starboard Value, which has been advocating for cost-cutting and greater efficiency.
The company stated it would refocus on core strategic priorities like cloud computing, platform development, and artificial intelligence (AI), while also optimizing sales and marketing efforts to improve profit margins. The immediate market reaction was positive, with the stock jumping nearly 5% on the news.
However, the long-term impact of this decision remains to be seen. Will Autodesk's renewed focus on internal growth initiatives generate the same value that the PTC acquisition might have offered? This question is likely to be a key focus during the earnings call.
Adding another layer of complexity is the ongoing board restructuring. Elizabeth ‘Betsy' Rafael, a long-standing board member and former Interim CFO, will not be seeking re-election. This departure, coupled with Starboard Value's nomination of three candidates for the board, signals potential shifts in the company's governance and strategic direction.
Recent analyst adjustments to price targets further reflect the uncertainty surrounding Autodesk. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered its price target to $280.00, while Morgan Stanley adjusted its target to $330.00. These revisions indicate differing opinions on the company's future prospects, with some analysts taking a more cautious stance. The average price target of $342.07 reflects a healthy upside, if execution is on point.
Markets are pricing in a ~4.7% move in the ADSK stock price off the back of earnings.
Searching for the Perfect Broker?
Discover our top-recommended brokers for trading stocks, forex, cryptos, and beyond. Dive in and test their capabilities with complimentary demo accounts today!
- eToro Wide range of instruments available to trade – Read our Review
- Vantage High levels of account and deposit protection – Read our Review
- BlackBull 26,000+ Shares, Options, ETFs, Bonds, and other underlying assets – Read our Review
YOUR CAPITAL IS AT RISK. 76% OF RETAIL CFD ACCOUNTS LOSE MONEY
