On Tuesday, CFRA, a notable equity research firm, upgraded its price target for SAP AG (NYSE:SAP) shares from the previous $198.00 to $232.00, while reaffirming a Buy rating on the stock.
The adjustment comes after SAP reported its second-quarter earnings per share (EPS) of EUR 1.10, surpassing the consensus estimate of EUR 1.09.
The company saw a 10% increase in sales, closely aligning with market expectations.
This was attributed to a robust 25% growth in cloud services, which somewhat cushioned the impact of a 5% decline in software licenses and support.
The firm's analyst noted the positive trend in SAP's profit mix, highlighting an expansion in cloud gross margin to 73.3% from 71.4%.
This margin improvement is significant as cloud services now account for over 80% of the company's profits compared to the corporate average of 72.7%.
Additionally, the cloud backlog growth, which is an indicator of future revenue, increased by 28%, building on the 27% growth observed in the first quarter.
The cloud-based ERP suite from SAP experienced a notable 33% uptick.
SAP's financial outlook for 2024 remains robust, according to CFRA, with the anticipation of further efficiencies contributing to an upside in the 2025 margin projections.
The research firm has adjusted its 2024 EPS forecast for SAP to EUR 4.66 from EUR 4.35 and its 2025 estimate to EUR 6.15 from EUR 6.00, initiating a 2026 EPS projection at EUR 7.03.
The valuation is based on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 30 times the firm's 2026 EPS forecast, which is above the average of SAP's peers and historical figures, largely due to the company's artificial intelligence (AI) prospects.
The analyst also emphasized the potential of SAP's Business AI initiatives and strategic partnerships in sustaining the company's financial outlook for 2024, while also improving efficiency margins for 2025.
By 2025, cloud revenues are expected to represent 56% of total sales, with predictable revenues projected to reach 86%.
SAP is actively integrating AI tools such as Joule into its RISE program for consultants and developers, which is anticipated to enhance the monetization of AI as the company shifts towards premium services.
In other recent news, SAP SE (ETR:SAPG) has seen a series of positive developments.
The company has reported a 10% growth in its Cloud & Software segment and has exceeded analyst expectations in its operating margin.
These improvements have led TD Cowen to maintain a Hold rating on SAP shares, while raising the price target from $188.00 to $214.00.
Additionally, SAP's Cloud ERP Suite revenue has grown, leading BMO Capital Markets to increase its price target for the company to $248.
Analysts from Jefferies and HSBC (LON:HSBA) have maintained a "Buy" rating on SAP's stock, with Jefferies raising its price target and HSBC increasing it to €200.
JMP Securities also provided a "Market Outperform" rating with a price target of $220.
SAP's strategic initiatives such as the acquisition of WalkMe and the rollout of the Joule solution have been noted as significant moves in transitioning its customers to cloud-based solutions.
InvestingPro Insights
With SAP AG (NYSE:SAP) showcasing a strong financial performance and CFRA raising its price target, investors may find additional context from InvestingPro metrics and tips useful.
SAP's market capitalization stands at a robust $246.19B, reflecting its significant presence in the industry.
The company's P/E ratio, currently at 47.29, suggests a premium valuation possibly due to its growth prospects and innovation in the cloud and AI sectors.
Investors should note that SAP has maintained a consistent dividend for 33 consecutive years, indicating a commitment to shareholder returns.
Additionally, the firm's revenue growth over the last twelve months was 5.36%, underscoring steady business expansion.
Among the myriad of InvestingPro Tips, a couple stand out in light of the article: SAP is trading at a low P/E ratio relative to near-term earnings growth, which may appeal to growth-oriented investors.
Moreover, the company is acknowledged as a prominent player in the software industry, reinforcing its market position.
For those interested in a deeper dive, there are 11 more InvestingPro Tips available, which can be accessed with the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription.
These insights complement the positive outlook presented by CFRA, offering investors a broader perspective on SAP's financial health and market standing.
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