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On Monday, Macquarie analysts downgraded Block Inc. (NYSE:XYZ) stock from Outperform to Neutral, significantly reducing the price target to $50.00, a sharp decrease from the previous $110.00. The firm’s decision follows Block’s recent financial performance, which included another EBITDA beat of $1.42 billion despite missing revenue expectations due to Bitcoin-related activities. The stock, currently trading at $46.53, has fallen over 20% in the past week. Additionally, the company’s Gross Profit (GP) also fell below forecasts, largely due to a weaker performance from its Cash App service. According to InvestingPro data, 22 analysts have recently revised their earnings expectations downward for the upcoming period.
The analysts at Macquarie cited the lower-than-expected GP and a cautious stance on the macroeconomic environment as key reasons for the downgrade. They highlighted concerns that further softness in consumer behavior could affect the company’s performance in the short term. This perspective comes after Block provided a lowered guidance for FY25, reflecting the recent GP miss and macroeconomic concerns.
Block’s financial results have shown a pattern of EBITDA outperforming estimates, even as revenue has been impacted by fluctuations in Bitcoin value. With a gross profit margin of 38.22% and revenue growth of 4.6%, the company maintains its position as a prominent player in the Financial Services industry. However, the recent decline in Gross Profit, particularly from its Cash App segment, has raised concerns about the company’s near-term growth prospects. InvestingPro’s comprehensive analysis suggests the stock is currently undervalued, with 12 additional ProTips available for subscribers.
The updated guidance from Block, which points to a cautious outlook for FY25, suggests that the company is adjusting its expectations in light of the current economic climate. Macquarie’s analysts have taken a conservative stance, revising their outlook to reflect the potential challenges Block may face.
Investors and stakeholders of Block Inc. are now left to consider the implications of Macquarie’s revised rating and price target as they assess the company’s future in a changing economic landscape. The new Neutral stance from Macquarie indicates a shift in expectation, with the firm acknowledging the possibility of continued consumer-related headwinds for Block.
In other recent news, Block Inc. has experienced a series of analyst downgrades and adjustments following its first-quarter earnings report. Seaport Global Securities downgraded Block from ’Buy’ to ’Neutral’ due to disappointing results and reduced full-year guidance, highlighting issues with the Cash App and skepticism about future growth. Needham, while maintaining a ’Buy’ rating, lowered its price target from $90 to $60, acknowledging the company’s weaker-than-expected performance and cautious future guidance. BMO Capital Markets also downgraded Block, from ’Outperform’ to ’Market Perform,’ setting a new price target of $58, and expressed concerns about the growth potential of the Cash App segment.
Benchmark followed suit by downgrading Block from ’Buy’ to ’Hold’ and removed its price target, citing stagnation in Cash App’s user growth. The firm noted the app’s potential as a banking alternative but expressed uncertainty about Block’s near-term prospects. Meanwhile, Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James maintained an ’Outperform’ rating but reduced the price target to $74, pointing out mixed financial results, including a shortfall in gross profit attributed to Cash App’s performance. Despite these challenges, Raymond James acknowledged management’s conservative guidance for 2025, which suggests potential acceleration in gross profit growth later in the year. These developments reflect ongoing concerns about Block’s financial performance and market position amid economic uncertainties.
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