Microsoft (MSFT, Financials), the software and cloud company behind Azure, Microsoft 365 and Copilot, remains a Buy at Citi even after the bank lowered its price target.
Citi cut the target to $570 from $620, mainly because software stocks are trading at lower valuation multiples. The firm did not change its positive view of Microsoft's business.
Recent checks were especially encouraging for Copilot, Citi said. The bank also expects Microsoft to report a strong fiscal fourth quarter when it releases results July 29. The bigger question comes after that.
Microsoft is spending heavily on data centers and other AI infrastructure, and investors may need to absorb another step up in capital expenditures during fiscal 2027. Citi also expects management to take a cautious approach when discussing operating margins for the new year.
Even so, the firm believes Azure and Microsoft 365 Copilot can post faster growth as adoption expands. That could support stronger revenue and earnings growth through the end of the decade.
For investors, the July 29 report should offer a clearer view of whether AI demand is growing fast enough to justify the company's rising infrastructure bill.