Intel stock extends gains after report of possible U.S. government stake
On Tuesday, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) made a significant adjustment to its perspective on Block Inc. (NYSE: SQ), changing the stock’s rating from Underweight to Equalweight and setting a new price target of $65.00. The revision comes after a period of reflection on the company’s valuation and the potential growth of its various business segments. According to InvestingPro data, Block maintains strong fundamentals with a current ratio of 2.33 and sufficient cash flows to cover its obligations, supporting Morgan Stanley’s more balanced view.
Block’s stock, trading around $66 as of February 24, has seen a 20% decline since February 20. This recent drop in price has led Morgan Stanley to view the risk/reward balance for Block as more even, with the current valuation now more closely aligning with the challenges previously identified by the firm. These challenges include accelerating growth for Square Seller and the implications for Cash App, which Morgan Stanley believes has a valuation potential of approximately $25-$30 per share. InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently undervalued, with 13 analysts recently revising their earnings expectations. For detailed valuation metrics and more insights, check out the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available exclusively to InvestingPro subscribers.
Morgan Stanley’s analysis suggests that Cash App’s opportunity is limited to achieving a size and Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)/margins comparable to those of Capital One (NYSE:COF). Despite investor concerns about Block’s expected second-half 2025 gross profit growth being driven more by Cash App credit rather than Square Seller, Morgan Stanley sees the expansion plans for Cash App as a positive development. The firm anticipates that Block’s strategies to grow Cash App, including the expansion of Borrow and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) features on its debit card, will contribute positively to the company’s performance.
The upgrade reflects Morgan Stanley’s adjusted expectations for Block’s financial trajectory, considering the recent changes in the company’s stock performance and strategic initiatives. The new price target of $65.00 indicates Morgan Stanley’s revised forecast for the stock’s value based on these considerations.
In other recent news, Block Inc. reported fourth-quarter earnings and revenue that fell short of market expectations, although its adjusted EBITDA exceeded consensus estimates. Piper Sandler, Canaccord Genuity, Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) Securities, BMO Capital Markets, and UBS have all updated their analyses of Block, adjusting price targets and ratings in response to the company’s financial performance. Piper Sandler reduced its price target to $85 while maintaining an Overweight rating, noting Block’s profitability guidance for 2025 as a positive sign despite foreign exchange headwinds. Canaccord Genuity lowered its price target to $100, pointing out that Block’s gross profit forecasts for the first quarter and full year 2025 are below consensus expectations. Mizuho Securities cut its price target to $86, citing concerns about stagnation in Cash App’s Monthly Active Users but remains optimistic about future growth opportunities. BMO Capital Markets upgraded Block’s stock rating to Outperform, setting a new price target at $89, highlighting that the recent sell-off presents an attractive entry point for investors. UBS slightly adjusted its price target to $97, maintaining a Buy rating and noting anticipated growth in gross profit for Block’s Square and Cash App services. These developments reflect a mixed outlook among analysts, with some expressing optimism about Block’s strategic initiatives and others highlighting challenges in its current performance.
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