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Okta shares target cut, maintains hold on mixed growth outlook

EditorNatashya Angelica
Published 29/08/2024, 13:28
OKTA
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On Thursday, Truist Securities adjusted its outlook on shares of Okta, Inc (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:OKTA), reducing the price target to $95 from the previous $105 while maintaining a Hold rating on the stock. The adjustment follows Okta's second-quarter fiscal year 2025 earnings report, which surpassed analyst expectations and prompted the company to raise its revenue and profit forecasts for the full year.

Despite the positive performance, Okta's third-quarter committed remaining performance obligations (cRPO) guidance fell short of projections.

Okta's earnings report highlighted the company's successful engagement with large customers and the encouraging adoption of its Identity Governance (OIG) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions.

The company is actively refining its go-to-market (GTM) strategy, implementing what it describes as a hunter-farmer approach to enhance sales productivity. The recent security incident in October was noted to have a negligible effect on the company's operations.

The firm's decision to maintain its Hold rating reflects concerns over Okta's growth in new business, particularly in the small and medium-sized business (SMB) sector, which has been described as lackluster. Despite the company's overall strong performance, the challenges in expanding its customer base in this segment have prompted a reassessment of future expectations.

The revised price target of $95 represents a cautious stance by Truist Securities, taking into account both the positive aspects of Okta's current business trajectory and the potential headwinds it faces. The report underscores the importance of customer diversification and market penetration as key factors for Okta's sustained growth moving forward.

In other recent news, Okta Inc . has been the subject of several analyst revisions following its Q2 results for fiscal year 2025. The company reported a 16% YoY revenue increase to $646 million, slightly surpassing consensus estimates, with subscription revenue up by 17%. Okta's calculated remaining performance obligations (cRPO) also exceeded expectations at $1,995 million, marking a 13% YoY rise.

However, several firms, including Baird, Scotiabank, and Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC), have lowered their price targets for Okta due to concerns about the company's growth and potential macroeconomic headwinds. TD Cowen maintained its hold position with a steady price target of $110.00, while JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) cut its target to $105, citing challenging macroeconomic conditions.

Evercore ISI initiated coverage on Okta with an Outperform rating and a price target of $122.00, acknowledging the company's strong performance amidst potential macroeconomic pressures.

Despite these challenges, Okta remains robust in its penetration into the Global 2000 companies, bolstered by partnerships with Global System Integrators. The company is also launching new initiatives such as Identity Security Posture Management and Identity Threat Protection, which are expected to open up additional growth opportunities. These are the recent developments in Okta's financial performance and analyst outlook.

InvestingPro Insights

As Okta, Inc (NASDAQ: OKTA) navigates through its fiscal year with a revised outlook from Truist Securities, InvestingPro provides a deeper dive into the company's financial health and market performance. With a market capitalization of $16.24 billion, Okta showcases a significant presence in the cybersecurity sector. Despite not being profitable over the last twelve months, analysts are optimistic about the company's potential to turn a profit this year, reflecting confidence in Okta's strategic initiatives and market position.

InvestingPro Tips highlight that Okta holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet and has liquid assets that exceed short-term obligations, indicating a robust financial structure that can support its growth ambitions. Moreover, with a revenue growth of 20.45% in the last twelve months as of Q1 2025, Okta demonstrates a strong capacity to expand its operations. The company's gross profit margin stands at an impressive 75.15%, emphasizing its ability to maintain profitability in its core activities despite the competitive landscape.

It is also noteworthy that Okta has delivered a high return over the last decade, which may interest long-term investors. However, the company does not pay a dividend, aligning with its growth-focused strategy. For readers seeking further insights, there are additional InvestingPro Tips available, which can be accessed for a comprehensive analysis and more tailored investment advice.

InvestingPro's fair value estimate of $120.56 suggests a potential undervaluation of Okta's stock, compared to the recent price target set by Truist Securities. This discrepancy could provide an opportunity for investors to consider the company's stock for their portfolios. As always, it is recommended to review the full range of InvestingPro Tips available for Okta to make an informed decision.

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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