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On Wednesday, Citi reaffirmed its Buy rating on shares of Intuit (NASDAQ:INTU), maintaining a price target of $750.00. The firm's focus is on the anticipated fourth-quarter results, which are expected to show modest improvements, particularly in the Small and Medium Business (SMB) and Credit Karma (CK) segments.
Citi's analysis is based on digital footprint data that indicates some quarter-over-quarter stabilization in QuickBooks Online (QBO), aligning with trends seen in other SMB sectors. However, there is an observed slowdown in new customer acquisition.
The firm anticipates Intuit's fiscal year 2025 guidance to be a central point of interest, with expectations of it being more positive than previously feared. This outlook is underpinned by potential stability or price increases within the SMB segment. Nonetheless, Citi advises some caution regarding the growth and mix assumptions for TurboTax (TT) and the margin guide, which may indicate less expansion than initially hoped following a recent reduction in force (RIF).
Citi's stance on Intuit remains positive, suggesting confidence in the company's performance despite potential headwinds. The analyst expects that the fiscal year 2025 guidance will reflect this sentiment, providing reassurance to investors about the company's trajectory.
Intuit, known for its financial and tax preparation software, is navigating a challenging economic landscape that affects SMBs and consumer tax products like TurboTax. The company's upcoming guidance will be crucial for investors to gauge the health of the business and its prospects.
The reaffirmed Buy rating and price target signal Citi's belief in Intuit's value and its ability to navigate through the current uncertainties in the market. Investors will be closely watching as Intuit reports its fourth-quarter results and provides its fiscal year 2025 guidance.
In other recent news, Intuit has been the subject of both upgrades and downgrades from various financial institutions based on their projected growth. BMO Capital has maintained an Outperform rating on Intuit shares, encouraged by expected revenue growth in the Small Business and Credit Karma segments. The firm's 2025 estimates suggest a year-over-year revenue increase of around 12% and earnings per share (EPS) growth of 13% to $19.10.
On the other hand, Morgan Stanley has downgraded its rating on Intuit from Overweight to Equalweight, expressing concerns over the company's growth sustainability due to a recent shift from focusing on unit growth to prioritizing pricing and revenue per customer. This strategic shift could potentially affect the long-term growth trajectory of the company.
In other company news, Intapp, Inc. has reported fourth-quarter results that surpassed analyst expectations, posting adjusted earnings per share of $0.15 and a 21% year-over-year revenue increase to $114.4 million. The company forecasts an adjusted EPS of $0.12 to $0.14 on revenue between $117.2 million and $118.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2025.
These recent developments highlight the changing landscape for these companies in the financial software industry.
InvestingPro Insights
As Intuit (NASDAQ:INTU) stands on the brink of revealing its fourth-quarter results and fiscal year 2025 guidance, the company's financial health and market valuation come into focus. According to InvestingPro data, Intuit boasts a robust market capitalization of $186.54 billion and has demonstrated a solid revenue growth of 12.39% over the past twelve months as of Q3 2024. This growth is a testament to the company's strong presence in the software industry, particularly in the realms of financial and tax preparation software.
InvestingPro Tips highlight Intuit's impressive gross profit margins, which stand at 79.49%, underscoring the company's efficiency in managing its cost of goods sold relative to its revenue. This metric is particularly relevant for investors as it provides insight into the company's potential profitability and operational excellence. Additionally, Intuit has a track record of increasing its dividend for 14 consecutive years, reflecting a commitment to returning value to shareholders and a confidence in its financial stability.
With a high P/E ratio of 60.97, Intuit is trading at a premium, which could signal investor confidence in its future earnings potential. However, it's worth noting that the company also trades at a high P/E ratio relative to near-term earnings growth, suggesting that investors are paying a higher price for each dollar of earnings, which may warrant a closer look at the company's growth trajectory and market position.
For investors seeking a more in-depth analysis, InvestingPro offers additional insights and tips, with a total of 16 tips available for Intuit, which can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the company's financial health and market performance. These insights can be invaluable for making informed investment decisions, especially in light of the upcoming guidance and earnings report.
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