Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares were trading a little lower on Tuesday afternoon ahead of a key earnings report expected after hours.
For fiscal 2Q, analysts at Jefferies estimate revenue of $60.9 billion and GAAP EPS of $2.74.
Jefferies analysts have issued a Buy rating on Microsoft with a price target of $465, implying a potential 15% upside.
Shares of Microsoft were trading around $407.53 midafternoon Tuesday, around 0.5% below opening levels.
Jefferies is anticipating 15% year-over-year growth in constant currency, driven by a nine-point easier comparison and a three-point benefit from Activision Blizzard (ATVI).
Despite a positive outlook for 2Q, the analysts expect Microsoft's 3Q and FY24 guidance to be cautious, even with potential benefits from artificial intelligence (AI).
The analysts are keen on understanding the qualitative and quantitative impact of AI on Microsoft's top line, particularly the ramp-up of Copilot revenue. They expect AI adoption to increase in the second half of CY24, with significant revenue potential in CY25.
AI's contribution to Azure growth is expected to rise, driven by strong demand for Azure AI services and increased workloads.
Meanwhile, the availability of M365 Copilot and strong demand could lead to increased capital expenditures in FY24. The report models FY24 Capex, including financial leases, at $50B, above the consensus of $46.6 billion. The easier comparison in 2Q with a nine-point benefit from ATVI is considered positive, according to Jefferies.