Spotify's Massive Rally: Can New Features Sustain the Momentum?
Nathan Reiff
Spotify has seen a significant stock rally, rising from $500 in April to nearly $750 by late June, marking a 50% increase and a 64% year-to-date return. Analysts have mixed views, with most recommending a Buy. The consensus price target is $630, lower than current levels. Future growth may rely on new features, regulatory risks, and financial performance.
The company plans to introduce a lossless audio tier and a music import tool. These features aim to enhance competitiveness but lack official launch dates. Regulatory scrutiny is rising over a controversial bundled plan combining music with audiobooks.
Spotify's financials show mixed results; earnings per share underperformed while quarterly revenue exceeded expectations with a 15% year-over-year growth. The company's high P/E ratio indicates overvaluation, but anticipated earnings growth and increased subscription prices could drive future gains.
Efforts to improve financials include cost reduction, increased ad sales, and AI use for enhancing engagement. These helped achieve a 12% subscriber growth and improved gross margin. Despite the high price-to-sales ratio, investors may see potential but are advised to exercise caution amid valuation concerns.