Latest news with #MichaelMorton
Globe and Mail
12 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Why One Top Analyst Is Bullish on Amazon Stock (AMZN) Despite AWS Cost Pressures
Amazon (AMZN) rose 2% on Tuesday to close at $212.77, and one top Wall Street analyst sees more upside ahead. In a new update, analyst Michael Morton at MoffettNathanson raised his price target on the stock from $250 to $253 while keeping a Buy rating, suggesting about 19% potential upside from current levels. Morton believes Amazon is well-positioned to beat profit estimates in 2025 and 2026, even as cost pressures rise in its cloud unit, Amazon Web Services (AWS). Confident Investing Starts Here: It is worth noting that Morton has a success rate of 70%, with an average return per rating of 22.5% over a one-year timeframe. Top Analyst's Take on Amazon The analyst said that while Amazon is known for its shopping business, its real profits come from AWS and advertising. Following Amazon's latest quarterly breakdown on segment-level depreciation, Morton updated his AWS forecast and believes that most analysts may be underestimating the rising costs from Amazon's large cloud investments. He expects Amazon to spend about '$200 billion from FY24 to FY26 ' to expand AWS, mostly on servers and network equipment, which lose value quickly over time. As a result, depreciation costs at AWS are set to rise from '13% in Q424 to 23% in Q426.' This could lower AWS profit margins by about 10 percentage points. Even with some margin pressure ahead, Morton remains upbeat about Amazon's outlook. He sees the next 18 months as strong, particularly for AWS margins in 2025. He expects Amazon to beat profit estimates in both 2025 and 2026, supported by strong demand, better cost efficiency, and steady growth in its high-margin advertising business. His updated price target of $253 reflects the view that Amazon's strong earnings performance in the near term is not yet fully priced in by the market. What Is the Price Target for Amazon Stock? Overall, Wall Street is bullish on Amazon stock, with a Strong Buy consensus rating based on 47 Buys and one Hold recommendation. The average AMZN stock price forecast of $243 indicates 14.21% upside potential. See more AMZN analyst ratings
The South African
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
'Announcing a farewell mid-season isn't the best strategy' – Ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder
Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Michael Morton implied that Jose Riveiro's announcement of his departure from the club mid-season might have affected the Buccaneers. The 49-year-old Spanish coach has had a great three-year stint at Pirates, winning five trophies in six finals. Last month, Riveiro dropped a bombshell when he announced that he won't be renewing his contract at the end of the season when his contract expires. At the time, Orlando Pirates were in a hunt for a treble, having already won the MTN8. The Soweto giants were already in the CAF Champions League and still in a chance to win the Betway Premiership. Everything seemed to have collapsed when Riveiro's men were knocked out in the CAF CL semi-final by Egyptian side Pyramids. After that, Pirates slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat to Sekhukhune United, which all but ended their title hopes. This past weekend, the Sea Robbers lost their first final under Riveiro following a 2-1 loss to rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Speaking on X (Twitter), Morton asked if coaches announcing their exit mid-season was a good idea. 'Two managers, two mid-season farewell announcements, two treble pursuits…both falling short. Perhaps announcing a farewell mid-season isn't the best strategy'? The former Orlando Pirates star asked. Many Bucs fans also felt Riveiro's departure may have affected the players' morale. 'The announcement was premature and as a result, it demoralised the team. Perhaps the coach should have waited until the end of the season,' tweeted @TSOliphant. With only the MTN8 to show this season, Orlando Pirates will feel they could have deserved more, given how they played. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
