Adobe shares rose in price after the publication of its financial report for the second quarter of fiscal 2024, which ended on May 31. Both revenue and profit exceeded investor expectations, prompting the company to raise its own annual forecast.
Adjusted earnings per share for the reporting period were $4.48, surpassing the expected $4.39. Revenue reached $5.31 billion, slightly higher than the anticipated $5.29 billion. The company’s revenues increased by 10% year on year. For the third quarter of fiscal 2024, Adobe forecasts earnings per share in the range of $4.50 to $4.55 with revenue of $5.33 billion to $5.38 billion, while analysts had expected $4.48 and $5.4 billion, respectively. Net annual recurring revenue for the digital media business, which includes Creative Cloud subscriptions, was $487 million, exceeding analysts’ forecast of $437.4 million.
Updated Annual Forecast and Market Context
Adobe also raised its forecast for the 2024 fiscal year. Adjusted earnings per share are now expected to be between $18.00 and $18.20, and revenue is projected to be from $21.40 billion to $21.50 billion. Analysts had predicted figures of $18.02 and $21.46 billion, respectively. In March, the forecast was $17.60 to $18.00 in adjusted earnings per share, with revenue ranging from $21.30 billion to $21.50 billion.
In contrast, several software companies, including SentinelOne, UiPath, and Veeva, have recently lowered their full-year revenue forecasts, citing a weak economy and rising interest in artificial intelligence. However, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen stated that there have been no significant economic changes worth noting.
Product Launch and Market Impact
During the reporting period, Adobe launched Firefly, a service for fine-tuning generative AI models for companies, which aids in generating images in accordance with brand guidelines. According to Adobe executives, access to Firefly provides a compelling reason for customers to renew their Creative Cloud subscriptions. Before the publication of the financial report, Adobe shares had lost 23% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 index had gained 14%, adds NIX Solutions.
We’ll keep you updated on further developments as Adobe continues to navigate the evolving market landscape.