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On Monday, Piper Sandler reiterated a Neutral rating on Toast Inc. (NYSE: NYSE:TOST) shares, maintaining a $35.00 price target. The firm’s analysis forecasts continued strong growth and profitability for the company. According to InvestingPro data, Toast has demonstrated remarkable performance with a 78.76% return over the past year and currently trades above its Fair Value. Toast Inc. concluded 2024 with substantial growth in its subscription and financial products gross profit (subs+fins GP), nearly hitting a 40% increase, alongside a notable EBITDA margin of 28%. With an EBITDA of $113 million in the last twelve months, this performance marked a significant year for the company, with over 2000 basis points of EBITDA margin expansion while maintaining a growth rate above 30%.
Moving into 2025, Toast is poised to increase its investments in international markets, the food and beverage sector, and enterprise adoption. The company also plans strategic investments aimed at strengthening its core small and midsize business (SMB/midmarket) segment. With a market capitalization of $23 billion and revenue growth of 28.33% in the last twelve months, Toast shows strong momentum. Despite potential pressures on margin expansion due to these additional investments, initial guidance suggests an approximate 330 basis points improvement in EBITDA margins, which surpasses the management’s intraquarter commentary that projected a 100-200 basis points expansion. InvestingPro subscribers can access 12 additional key insights about Toast’s growth prospects and financial health.
The company’s impressive performance in profitability and growth during the previous year sets the stage for 2025 to be a pivotal year as Toast aims to demonstrate success in new markets. Piper Sandler’s price target of $35 is based on an anticipated 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through the estimated 2029 fiscal year and projects over $1.1 billion in free cash flow (FCF).
Toast’s strategic focus for the upcoming year includes not only enhancing its product offerings but also expanding its reach and customer base. With analyst price targets ranging from $27 to $60 and a strong financial health score from InvestingPro, the company shows promise. The firm’s analysis indicates confidence in the company’s ability to sustain its growth trajectory and profitability margins, despite the planned increase in investments. Piper Sandler’s stance reflects a cautious optimism, acknowledging Toast’s past achievements while considering the challenges of entering new markets and expanding its customer base. For detailed analysis and comprehensive insights, investors can access Toast’s Pro Research Report, part of InvestingPro’s coverage of over 1,400 US stocks.
In other recent news, Toast Inc. reported robust fourth-quarter earnings, surpassing expectations for both total revenue and adjusted EBITDA. This positive performance has led several firms to adjust their price targets for Toast. DA Davidson raised its target from $38 to $42, maintaining a Neutral stance, while Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) increased its target from $40 to $45, continuing with an Outperform rating. RBC Capital also raised its target to $45, noting Toast’s strong expansion into international and enterprise markets.
Compass Point, however, lowered its price target slightly from $49 to $47 but maintained a Buy rating, citing adjusted forecasts for the fiscal year 2025. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their target to $42, noting improved earnings per share forecasts for 2025 and 2026. Analysts have highlighted Toast’s growth initiatives, including international expansion and retail sector ventures, as key factors for future performance. The company has provided an optimistic outlook for 2025, projecting substantial growth in both Non-GAAP FinTech & Subscription gross profit and adjusted EBITDA. Despite varying opinions on the stock’s valuation, the consensus remains positive on Toast’s potential for sustained growth.
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