Autodesk stock boosted by resilient demand and EBIT margin strength - Citi

EditorEmilio Ghigini
Published 03/09/2024, 07:42 pm
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On Tuesday, Citi updated its financial model for Autodesk (NASDAQ:ADSK) stock, leading to an increase in the software company's price target to $325.00, up from the previous target of $316.00. The firm sustained its Buy rating, following Autodesk's second-quarter results which indicated a resilient demand environment and an unexpected rise in margins.

The company's key performance indicators (KPIs) for the quarter surpassed consensus estimates, although billings were affected by co-terming and seasonal factors.

Despite a roughly 2-point reduction in billings guidance due to the timing shift of billings into fiscal year 2026 rather than 2025, Citi highlighted the effective elevation in EBIT margins as a significant outcome from the report.

Citi's analysis suggests that Autodesk is on a faster track to achieving margin efficiency, a positive sign for the company's financial health. As a result of the second-quarter performance, Citi has adjusted its estimates to align with the higher end of Autodesk's new guidance range.

The price target adjustment reflects Citi's confidence in Autodesk's operational strength and its ability to navigate the current macroeconomic landscape. With the new target set at $325, Citi's outlook for Autodesk remains optimistic as the company continues to show potential for growth and profitability.

In other recent news, Autodesk has seen notable financial growth. The company's second-quarter fiscal year 2025 results surpassed consensus estimates, reporting a 2% rise in revenue, earnings per share of $2.15, and free cash flow of $203 million.

Autodesk's transition to a subscription model and system consolidation by customers have contributed to a more predictable and robust earnings growth trajectory.

Analyst firms including HSBC, Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), Oppenheimer, and Stifel have revised their outlook on Autodesk, with HSBC upgrading the stock from Hold to Buy and Goldman Sachs moving from Sell to Neutral.

Autodesk is also on track to achieve its fiscal year 2026 operating margin targets of 38-40% ahead of schedule in fiscal year 2025. Furthermore, Autodesk has successfully implemented a direct customer billing transaction model in North America, leading to an 11% increase in its full-year 2025 revenue growth guidance. These are recent developments for Autodesk.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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