Benchmark cuts Vivid Seats price target to $6, maintains Buy rating

Published 13/03/2025, 15:06
Benchmark cuts Vivid Seats price target to $6, maintains Buy rating

On Thursday, Benchmark analyst Daniel Kurnos adjusted the price target for Vivid Seats Inc. (NASDAQ: SEAT) to $6.00 from the previous $8.00 while still recommending a Buy rating for the stock. The company reported a stronger-than-anticipated fourth quarter, surpassing expectations in both revenue and EBITDA, with trailing twelve-month revenue reaching $774 million and EBITDA of $94.2 million. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears undervalued based on its Fair Value model. Despite this, Vivid Seats’ 2025 guidance fell short of analysts’ predictions, with the midpoint below and the high-end just reaching the consensus.

The announcement of increased spending to maintain market share in the competitive ticketing industry, particularly against rivals like Stubhub, led to a 23% decline in Vivid Seats’ share price on the day of the report. InvestingPro data shows the stock has fallen 37% year-to-date and is currently trading near its 52-week low of $2.67. Nonetheless, the stock recovered somewhat from its daily low by the market’s close. Kurnos noted that while a potential acquisition seems unlikely in the short term and a recession may be looming, the company’s resilience in the entertainment and sports sectors could be a positive sign.

With a remaining $77 million in their repurchase authorization, Vivid Seats is positioned at 9.3x EV/EBITDA, despite the ongoing presence of private equity. Kurnos highlighted that the current market conditions might not favor the company’s competitors, possibly leading to reduced competition or capitulation, which could benefit Vivid Seats. The company’s strong cash position, with a healthy gross profit margin of 74% and levered free cash flow of $38.2 million, was seen as an indicator that the risk-reward balance may lean towards the upside, even in a weaker economic environment. For deeper insights into Vivid Seats’ financial health and detailed valuation metrics, access the comprehensive Pro Research Report available exclusively on InvestingPro.

In other recent news, Vivid Seats Inc. reported its fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial results, revealing a modest 1% year-over-year increase in fourth-quarter revenue to $199.8 million, but a significant 87% drop in net income for the full year, down to $14.3 million from $113.1 million the previous year. The company’s Marketplace Gross Order Value (GOV) also saw a 1% decrease for the full year. Despite these challenges, Vivid Seats achieved a 9% increase in full-year revenue, reaching $776 million. Analysts from Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) and Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James have adjusted their outlooks on Vivid Seats, with Morgan Stanley lowering its price target to $3.75 while maintaining an Equalweight rating, and Raymond James downgrading the stock to Market Perform with a $5.00 price target. Canaccord Genuity also adjusted its price target to $5.00 but maintained a Buy rating. The company has provided guidance for 2025, projecting Marketplace GOV between $3.7 billion and $4.1 billion, with revenues ranging from $730 million to $810 million. Vivid Seats anticipates a return to growth in the second half of 2025, supported by strategic investments in marketing and technology. Analysts from Citi and RBC Capital have noted that the 2025 guidance fell short of expectations, with potential challenges from increased competition in the ticketing industry.

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