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Investing.com - Berenberg upgraded Autodesk (NASDAQ:ADSK) stock rating from Hold to Buy on Friday, while raising its price target to $365.00 from $325.00, citing underappreciated margin expansion opportunities. The software giant, with a market capitalization of $65.2 billion, currently maintains impressive gross profit margins of 92%, according to InvestingPro data.
The research firm highlighted a "compelling margin-expansion opportunity" at Autodesk, estimating the company can deliver 800 basis points of "underlying" margin expansion over the next three years, excluding impacts from its go-to-market model. This optimistic outlook aligns with recent analyst sentiment, as 23 analysts have revised their earnings expectations upward for the upcoming period.
Berenberg projects earnings will grow at a 16% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), even under modest top-line growth assumptions that exclude potential AI-related upside opportunities.
The firm believes this growth potential is "underappreciated by the market" and sees an "attractive 20% upside potential in the stock."
The upgrade comes as Berenberg concludes "it is now the time to shift attention" to Autodesk’s margin expansion capabilities, leading to its more bullish stance on the software company.
In other recent news, Autodesk has reported notable financial achievements and adjustments to its outlook. Piper Sandler increased Autodesk’s price target to $361, maintaining an Overweight rating, following the company’s first-quarter results, which showed an 11% increase in constant-currency revenue growth. This growth was primarily driven by the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations sector, with profitability exceeding expectations as free cash flow reached $556 million. Citi also raised its price target for Autodesk to $376, highlighting the company’s strong performance in the first quarter and the successful renewal of large Enterprise Business Agreements. Citi’s analyst expressed confidence in Autodesk’s ability to maintain robust top-line growth and improve margins, despite the company’s cautious stance on full-year revenue projections.
Meanwhile, DA Davidson adjusted Autodesk’s price target to $305, maintaining a Neutral rating, following the company’s robust first-quarter fiscal year 2026 performance. Autodesk reported an 11% normalized revenue growth for the quarter, with a 22% year-over-year increase in billings. Despite this, the company revised its normalized billings forecast slightly downward by approximately 1%, reflecting potential future risks rather than current demand issues. BMO Capital reaffirmed its Market Perform rating for Autodesk, citing stable customer demand trends and the company’s ongoing business transformations. While artificial intelligence developments are underway, significant impacts are expected to be several years away.
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