Stifel cuts Unity Software price target to $28, keeps Buy rating

Published 08/05/2025, 16:04
Stifel cuts Unity Software price target to $28, keeps Buy rating

On Thursday, Stifel analysts adjusted their outlook on Unity Software (NYSE:U), reducing the price target to $28 from the previous $35, while reaffirming a Buy rating on the company’s shares. Currently trading at $20.71, InvestingPro analysis suggests Unity is undervalued, with analyst targets ranging from $19 to $34.45. The analysts noted that Unity Software’s first-quarter performance exceeded conservative guidance, particularly within its Grow business, which is currently undergoing changes.

The company’s recent financial call and print were generally strong, according to Stifel, with most of the outperformance coming from the Grow business segment. With revenue of $1.81 billion and a robust gross margin of 74.32%, Unity maintains strong operational efficiency despite current challenges. The analysts pointed out that the conservative guidance for the second quarter and some uncertainties in the growth algorithm for the remainder of the year seemed to overshadow the positive aspects of the call.

The analysts had anticipated that the discussion around the rollout of Unity’s new product, Vector, would be the focal point of the earnings call. To their surprise, Vector’s rollout timeline and performance metrics surpassed expectations. Despite the positive developments with Vector, which is now on the market, the analysts believe that the market’s reaction to the earnings report was largely influenced by the cautious outlook for the upcoming quarter.

Stifel remains optimistic about Unity Software’s potential to improve its core business performance and regain market share in the mobile advertising space with Vector now available. The maintained Buy rating reflects the analysts’ confidence in the company’s ability to navigate through the current changes and drive growth moving forward.

In other recent news, Unity Software reported first-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations, with an adjusted EBITDA of $84 million, marking a 7% increase year-over-year. This performance surpassed both guidance and consensus estimates by 29%. The company also reported a significant earnings surprise for Q1 2025, with EPS reaching $0.24 compared to the forecasted $0.12. Revenue for the quarter was $435 million, surpassing the forecast of $417.13 million. Despite these positive financial results, Unity’s revenue in its Grow and Create segments experienced declines year-over-year.

Unity Software has been making strides in its product offerings, with the launch of Unity 6 and the Vector AI platform. The transition of Unity’s ad network to Vector was completed ahead of schedule, showing a 15-20% improvement in installs and in-app purchase value. However, Macquarie maintains a Neutral rating on Unity Software, citing the early phase of Vector’s deployment and potential short-term disruptions as legacy products are phased out. Unity has provided second-quarter revenue guidance of $415-425 million, with an adjusted EBITDA forecast of $70-75 million.

Despite high debt levels, Unity’s cash flow has improved, with free cash flow increasing by $22 million year-over-year to $7 million. The company holds $1.5 billion in cash against $2.2 billion in debt. Unity’s strategic focus remains on leveraging first-party data across its ecosystem, with expectations that its Grow business will return to revenue growth. The firm is also optimistic about the potential of its Vector AI platform, which is expected to enhance performance and deliver better returns on investment for its customers.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.