Oracle (ORCL) stock jumped nearly 12% out of the gate Wednesday after the software giant announced artificial intelligence (AI) partnerships with OpenAI and Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google, which helped offset a top- and bottom-line miss for its fiscal fourth quarter.
In the three months ended May 31, Oracle's revenue increased 3.3% year-over-year to $14.3 billion, driven by a 9.2% rise in its Cloud Services & License Support segment to $10.2 billion. The company said earnings per share (EPS) declined 2.4% to $1.63 from the year-ago period.
The results were less than encouraging and came in below analysts' estimates. According to CNBC, Wall Street was anticipating revenue of $14.55 billion and earnings of $1.65 per share.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
However, the double miss was overshadowed by comments from Oracle CEO Safra Catz, who said she expects "strong AI demand" to fuel "double-digit revenue growth this fiscal year." Additionally, in two separate press releases, Oracle disclosed partnerships with Open AI and Google Cloud.
"In Q3 and Q4, Oracle signed the largest sales contracts in our history – driven by enormous demand for training AI large language models in the Oracle Cloud," Catz said in a statement. "In Q4 alone, Oracle signed over 30 AI sales contracts totaling more than $12.5 billion – including one with Open AI to train ChatGPT in the Oracle Cloud."
The deal with OpenAI will extend Microsoft's (MSFT) Azure platform to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). This will give OpenAI additional capacity, Oracle said.
"The race to build the world's greatest large language model is on, and it is fueling unlimited demand for Oracle's Gen2 AI infrastructure," said Larry Ellison, chief technology officer and chairman of Oracle. "Leaders like OpenAI are choosing OCI because it is the world's fastest and most cost-effective AI infrastructure."
Meanwhile, the partnership with Alphabet will bring Oracle's database to Google Cloud later this year. The move will allow customers to combine Oracle and Google Cloud technologies to accelerate their application migrations and modernization without facing data transfer charges.
"Customers want the flexibility to use multiple clouds," Ellison said in a statement. "To meet this growing demand, Google and Oracle are seamlessly connecting Google Cloud services with the very latest Oracle Database technology. By putting Oracle Cloud Infrastructure hardware in Google Cloud datacenters, customers can benefit from the best possible database and network performance."
Is Oracle stock a buy, sell or hold?
"Oracle is one of the world's largest and most profitable software companies," says UBS Global Research analyst Karl Keirstead, who adds that the company's earnings report shows "the AI narrative is powerful."
Keirstead has a Buy rating on the tech stock and lifted his price target to $160 from $150 after earnings.
The UBS analyst finds himself in good company with his bullish outlook toward the blue chip stock, too. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the consensus analyst target price for ORCL stock is $143.92, representing implied upside of about nearly 5% to current levels. Additionally, the consensus recommendation is Buy.
Related Content
-
A Modern Guide to Money Etiquette: Gifts, Tips, Splitting Bills and MoreWhat is modern money etiquette? The customs for splitting a restaurant check, purchasing a wedding gift, tipping and more have evolved. These guidelines can help.
-
Want to Give Money to Your Adult Children? 10 Things You Should KnowIt’s less taxing to give money to your adult children than you might think. A good plan can help you avoid certain pitfalls — and drama.
-
Potential Ripple Effects of Taxing Unrealized Capital GainsThe proposed tax on unrealized gains would be limited to those with a net worth above $100 million, but some see a broad impact on markets and businesses.
-
Succession Musts: Thoughtful Planning and Frank DiscussionsWhen it comes to passing on the family business, you don't want anyone to be surprised about who will control or inherit the business after the owner's death.
-
How to Navigate Finances as a Blended FamilyIf you’re planning to become part of a blended family, consider these financial issues as you and your spouse start a new life.
-
Here's How to Find Your Way Out of the Inherited IRA MazeTo navigate complex rules on inherited IRAs and RMDs, start by breaking down key terms and common scenarios. A clearer picture of your next steps will emerge.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Rally on Strong Netflix EarningsMega-cap tech leads the charge as markets rise for a sixth straight week.
-
Why American Express Earnings Have the Dow Stock LowerAmerican Express is the worst Dow Jones stock Friday after the payments giant reported a top-line miss in its third quarter. Here's what you need to know.
-
CVS Stock Falls After Karen Lynch Ouster: What to KnowCVS stock is lower Friday after the embattled healthcare company said Karen Lynch is out as CEO, effective immediately
-
Netflix Stock Jumps to the Top of the S&P 500 After Earnings. Here's WhyNetflix stock is spiking Friday after the streaming giant beat third-quarter expectations and gave an upbeat fourth-quarter outlook.
