** Shares of customer engagement platform Braze BRZE.O down 14.5% to $30.87, over one-month low, early Fri after software firm slashes earnings forecast

** BRZE shares on track for biggest one-day pct drop in exactly nine months, when they shed 19.4% after qtrly report

** New York-based firm late Thurs guided for FY 2026 adj EPS of 15-18 cents, down from prior forecast of 31-35 cents

** Fiscal Q1 rev of $162.1 mln, up ~20% y/y, topped analysts' estimate of $158.7 mln, and adj EPS of 7 cents beat by 2 cents, according to LSEG data

** At least 7 brokerages cut their PTs reacting to the report, including JP Morgan to $45 from $47, UBS to $48 from $51

** TD Cowen said in note BRZE's customer net retention rate expected to remain pressured near term, which is likely an overhang, but analysts see path for rebound in late 2025

** Of 21 brokerages covering BRZE, recommendation breakdown is 20 "strong buy" or "buy" and 1 "hold"; median PT of $43 down from $50 a month ago - latest LSEG data

** With move on Fri, stock down 26% YTD vs Nasdaq's .IXIC 1% advance

(Lance Tupper is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own)

((lance.tupper@tr.com 1-646-279-6380))