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Workday’s Post-Earnings Whiplash Linked to Program Trading and AI Concerns

Analysts highlight costly AI plans that put management credibility in focus.

Overview

  • Workday beat expectations for the latest quarter with $2.53 billion in revenue and $2.47 in adjusted earnings per share.
  • Fiscal first‑quarter guidance disappointed, with subscription revenue projected at $2.335 billion and an adjusted operating margin of 30.5%.
  • Shares have fallen about 48% over the past year and 35% year to date, with Jim Cramer citing AI competition and program trading for sharp swings after results.
  • Cramer praised the executive now running Workday as a seasoned leader, arguing that management quality is a key factor for investors.
  • Baird cut its price target to $190 while keeping an Outperform rating, and BTIG lowered its target to $230 with a Buy rating and warned that Workday’s AI strategy will require hefty investment.