Snowflake (SNOW) stock is experiencing a significant decline, even after the data cloud company surpassed expectations for its second-quarter earnings and raised its full-year product revenue forecast. The market’s reaction has left many investors puzzled.
Key Takeaways
- Revenue Growth: Snowflake’s revenue increased by 28.9% year-over-year to $868.8 million.
- Product Revenue: Product revenue surged by 30% to $829.3 million.
- Earnings Per Share: EPS declined by 18.2% to 18 cents.
- Full-Year Forecast: The company raised its full-year product revenue forecast to approximately $3.356 billion.
- Stock Repurchase: Authorized an additional $2.5 billion in stock repurchases.
- Market Concerns: Wall Street is worried about the company’s operating margin guidance and rising costs.
Strong Q2 Performance
In the three months ending July 31, Snowflake reported a 28.9% increase in revenue year-over-year, reaching $868.8 million. This growth was driven by a 30% surge in product revenue, which amounted to $829.3 million. Despite these impressive numbers, the company’s earnings per share (EPS) fell by 18.2% to 18 cents.
Snowflake’s CEO, Sridhar Ramaswamy, highlighted the company’s strong performance and innovation in new artificial intelligence (AI) products. "Snowflake delivered another strong quarter, surpassing the high end of our Q2 product revenue guidance and, as a result, we’re raising our product revenue guidance for the year," Ramaswamy said.
Raised Full-Year Forecast
Due to its robust Q2 performance, Snowflake has raised its full-year product revenue forecast to approximately $3.356 billion for fiscal 2025, representing a year-over-year growth of about 26%. This is an increase from the previous forecast of around $3.3 billion. The company also expects a product gross profit margin of 75%, an operating income margin of 3%, and an adjusted free cash flow margin of 26%.
For the third quarter, Snowflake anticipates product revenue in the range of $850 million to $855 million, aligning with analysts’ expectations.
Stock Repurchase Program
Snowflake has authorized an additional $2.5 billion in stock repurchases and extended the expiration of its repurchase program to March 2027. As of July 31, $491.9 million remained for repurchase under its previous $2 billion authorization. Stock buybacks are often seen as a way to boost share prices.
Market Concerns
Despite the positive financial results, Wall Street has expressed concerns. William Blair analyst Jason Ader pointed out that the company’s decision to maintain its Q3 and full-year operating margin guidance of 3% amid higher commissions and R&D costs might be worrying investors.
Analyst Opinions
Snowflake’s stock has struggled in 2024, down 40% year-to-date. While Berkshire Hathaway sold its shares in Q2, Wall Street remains optimistic about the tech stock. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the average analyst target price for SNOW stock is $172.86, suggesting an upside of more than 45% from current levels. The consensus recommendation is a Buy.
Oppenheimer, a financial services firm, has given Snowflake an Outperform rating with a $180 price target. Analyst Ittai Kidron noted that improving execution, closing rates, and leadership in serving analytical workloads could drive growth in the upcoming fiscal year. However, concerns about competition and the company’s execution in AI persist.
Conclusion
While Snowflake’s Q2 performance and raised full-year forecast are promising, market concerns about operating margins and rising costs have led to a decline in its stock price. Analysts remain optimistic, but investor concerns about competition and AI execution continue to loom.
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