Microsoft Corporation is setting the stage for a transformative leap in business productivity and workflow efficiency with its latest Copilot AI tools. After attending the company’s Envision event in New York, analysts at Jefferies are “increasingly bullish” on the potential of Microsoft Copilot to significantly boost revenue in 2024 and beyond. Let’s delve into why these experts—and perhaps investors—should be paying close attention.
Copilot’s Expanding Ecosystem
Microsoft Copilot is not just a single feature but an expansive set of AI tools designed to integrate seamlessly into Microsoft’s apps and services. Among them are Microsoft 365 Copilot, GitHub Copilot X, Dynamics 365 Copilot, Copilot in Microsoft Viva, and Microsoft Security Copilot. These tools leverage cutting-edge large language models (LLMs) such as GPT-3 and GPT-4, developed by OpenAI, to assist users in a variety of tasks—from drafting emails and creating presentations to writing code and managing customer relationships.
The Enterprise Stampede
While Microsoft 365 Copilot is currently available in a private preview to about 600 enterprise customers, thousands of organizations are already in the pipeline awaiting its general availability. “Our conversations suggest that the demand is north of 10,000 organizations, even with a significant pricing uplift of $30 per user per month,” noted the Jefferies analysts.
Upselling with Sales Copilot
Microsoft is also set to monetize the integration of Copilot tools with third-party CRM systems. If users of M365 Copilot wish to leverage data from non-Dynamics CRM systems, they would need to purchase Sales Copilot at an additional $40 per user per month. This presents a substantial opportunity for incremental revenue, driving the total cost for organizations but also amplifying the value they receive.
Investor Appetite and Market Response
Despite Microsoft shares trading at $338.15 in pre-market trading on Friday—a 4% decline since their fiscal fourth quarter—the analysts reiterate their ‘Buy’ rating with a $400 price target. “The risk/reward looks attractive,” they wrote, particularly when considering that revenue uplift from AI is not yet factored into their financial model.
Analysts See Undervalued AI Potential
What stands out is that the general investor sentiment has been conservative regarding Microsoft’s near-term AI revenue. This creates an attractive risk-reward landscape, according to Jefferies. “We are bullish on Microsoft’s Copilots’ ability to exceed expectations for the 2025 financial year,” they emphasized.
The Long Game
Microsoft’s Copilot AI tools aim to make work more conversational, personalized, and creative. They are part of a broader strategy to cement Microsoft’s position as the go-to platform for business productivity and security solutions. As AI continues to evolve, Microsoft is poised not just to ride the wave but also to steer the direction in which it flows.
Navigating the Future
As Microsoft continues to fine-tune its Copilot offerings, the company is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of an AI-driven transformation in how businesses operate. The Jefferies analysts, among others, foresee a brighter revenue landscape for Microsoft than what is currently priced into the stock. Whether or not the market has fully awakened to this potential, one thing is clear: Microsoft’s Copilot suite is gearing up to be a game-changer in business productivity and AI utility.
