Adobe Inc. (ADBE) announced its Q2 earnings on June 5, and Morningstar has provided an analysis of the company’s performance and stock value.
Overview of Adobe’s Earnings
Adobe’s Q2 earnings surpassed expectations, with both revenue and non-GAAP operating margin showing strength across various segments and geographies. Both digital media and digital experience performed well, and margins remained robust despite significant investment in Firefly AI. Adobe’s management anticipates an increase in revenues and annual recurring revenue in the second half of 2023, leading to an upward revision of the guidance for Q3 and the full year.
The company’s earnings call emphasized its focus on artificial intelligence, building on announcements made at the recent Adobe Summit. Firefly AI, in particular, was highlighted for its potential to integrate seamlessly into existing products. Since the beta launch of Firefly in March, users have generated over half a billion creations, with Photoshop creations exceeding Adobe’s projections by 80 times.
Adobe’s Stock Value
Despite the strong performance, Morningstar views Adobe’s stock as fairly valued. The fair value estimate for Adobe is $485 per share, implying a fiscal 2023 enterprise value/sales multiple of 12 times, an adjusted P/E multiple of 31 times, and a 4% free cash flow yield. The company is expected to maintain a five-year revenue compound annual growth rate of approximately 11%.
Economic Moat Rating and Risks
Adobe has been assigned a wide economic moat due to switching costs and network effects. However, the company faces risks, particularly in the Creative Cloud segment, where a significant portion of high-margin revenue could be at risk if competitors gain ground. Adobe’s digital experience business, built largely through acquisitions, also poses risks if there are integration missteps.
Bullish and Bearish Views
Bulls argue that Adobe’s dominance in content creation software and PDF file editing, its shift to a subscription model, and its expansion into marketing services through digital experience will drive growth. Bears, on the other hand, point to slowing momentum in Creative Cloud and uncertainty in the digital experience segment. They also express concerns about potential disruption from inadequate integration efforts following acquisitions.
