2245 GMT [Dow Jones]--Continued concern over the pace and potential scale of AI-driven disruption keeps Jefferies cautious on Xero despite what analyst Roger Samuel says is a strong operating performance. Maintaining a hold rating on the stock, Samuel tells clients in a note that the accounting-software provider's annual earnings were 2% above the consensus forecast and that Xero's fiscal 2027 guidance helps make its targets for the subsequent year look attainable. However, Samuel thinks the integration of Anthropic's Claude with multiple providers including Xero levels the playing field for all SaaS brands. This means Xero needs to keep spending on brand awareness, he warns. Jefferies cuts its target price 9.2% to A$77.00. Shares are at A$73.68 ahead of the open. (stuart.condie@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
May 14, 2026 18:47 ET (22:47 GMT)
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