** Shares of Microsoft MSFT.O down 6.2% at $415 early Thurs after co forecasted disappointing growth in its cloud computing business
** If MSFT shares exceed 6.05% decline on Oct 31, 2024, they would register biggest one-day pct drop since a 7.7% fall on Oct 26, 2022
** MSFT CFO Amy Hood said Azure unit would grow 31%-32% in current qtr, below Wall Street's expectations of 33%
** Some analysts, however, view MSFT's cloud outlook as a 'short-term blip'
** BofA Global Research said in note that rare execution challenges impacted Azure, though appear fixable, and reiterated 'buy' rating and $510 PT
** Several brokerages cut their PTs, including Bernstein, UBS, and Morgan Stanley
** Of 57 brokerages covering MSFT, recommendation breakdown is 53 "strong buy" or "buy," and rest "hold"; median PT is $500 - LSEG
** With move on Thurs, stock down 1.6% YTD. In comparison, Dow Jones Industrial avg .DJI up 5.5% and S&P 500 Tech sector .SPLRCT off 2.7% in 2025
(Lance Tupper is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own)
((lance.tupper@tr.com 1-646-279-6380))