It was a rough Monday for Shopify Inc. (SHOP) shareholders. The stock plunged, caught in a downdraft of broader market weakness that saw the Nasdaq Composite drop 1.38% and the technology sector fall 1.64%. But the story wasn't just about the market's mood; it was also about the company's own mixed report card.
Let's rewind to last week. On February 11, Shopify reported its fiscal fourth-quarter numbers. The headline revenue figure was impressive: $3.67 billion. That's up 30.6% from a year ago and, importantly, it beat the consensus estimate of $3.59 billion. That's the kind of top-line growth investors like to see.
However, the bottom line told a different story. Adjusted earnings came in at 48 cents per share. Wall Street was expecting 51 cents. It's a classic case of beating on revenue but missing on profit—a combination that often leaves the market unsure how to feel, and on Monday, the feeling was decidedly negative.
Where the Stock Stands: A Technical Look
So where does this leave the stock price? In a bit of a technical hole. As of Monday's trading, Shopify was positioned 5.7% below its 20-day simple moving average (SMA) and a more concerning 23.2% below its 100-day SMA. That's a significant gap.
Zooming out, the past 12 months have seen a modest total return of just 1.63% for the stock. More tellingly, it's currently trading much closer to its 52-week low of $69.84 than its high of $182.19. For traders watching the charts, key levels to note are resistance around $139.00 and support near $105.00.
Looking Ahead: The Next Catalyst and What Analysts Think
The next major event for Shopify is its earnings report scheduled for May 7. This will be a chance for the company to discuss its performance and strategy, offering clues about its future path. Expectations are already being set:
- EPS Estimate: 28 cents (up from 25 cents year-over-year)
- Revenue Estimate: $3.08 billion (up significantly from $2.36 billion YoY)
It's worth noting the valuation here. Shopify trades at a P/E ratio of 133.7x, which indicates the market is still pricing in a premium for its growth potential.
What are the professionals saying? The analyst consensus rating remains a Buy, with an average price target of $160.22. But recent actions show a nuanced view:
- Jefferies: Maintained a Hold rating but lowered its price target to $125.00 (Feb. 17).
- Truist Securities: Upgraded the stock to Buy and raised its target to $150.00 (Feb. 17).
- Citigroup: Maintained a Buy rating but lowered its target to $172.00 (Feb. 13).
So, you have one upgrade, one target cut on a Buy, and one firm staying on the sidelines with a lower target. It's not a uniform vote of confidence, but the overall bias is still positive.













