Shift4 Payments (FOUR), a fintech company that has recently garnered attention, has seen its fair share of ups and downs.
The company's stock, currently valued at just under $7 billion, has been a topic of interest for investors and analysts alike, particularly following a series of acquisition bids that ultimately fell through.
Acquisition Bids and Valuation
Shift4 Payments was the subject of acquisition interest, with bids valuing the company at approximately $7.7 billion. This was a significant premium over its market valuation at the time, which hovered around $5 to $6 billion. However, these bids were deemed insufficient by Shift4's Chief Operating Officer, who stated that the offers failed to fully value the payment processor. As a result, the acquisition talks were shelved, a move that could benefit long-term investors. With the company growing rapidly and maintaining profitability, shareholders might find more value in holding onto their stock rather than accepting a modest premium in a bullish market.
Financial Metrics and Market Position
Despite the acquisition fallout, Shift4’s financial metrics present a compelling investment case. The company's forward P/E ratio stands at 18.8, its EV to EBITDA is 8.9, price to sales is 1.2, and price to free cash flow is 14.5. These figures are significantly lower than their four-year averages, indicating that the stock is currently undervalued. Comparatively, PayPal, another major player in the fintech space, has a higher forward P/E and slower growth rate, while SoFi exhibits a much higher forward P/E and price to sales ratio.
Despite the acquisition fallout, Shift4’s financial metrics present a compelling investment case. The company's forward P/E ratio stands at 18.8, its EV to EBITDA is 8.9, price to sales is 1.2, and price to free cash flow is 14.5. These figures are significantly lower than their four-year averages, indicating that the stock is currently undervalued. Comparatively, PayPal, another major player in the fintech space, has a higher forward P/E and slower growth rate, while SoFi exhibits a much higher forward P/E and price to sales ratio.
Analyst Projections and Earnings Report
Analysts have set an average price target of $90 for Shift4, suggesting a potential 30% growth from its current price. Projections for the coming years are optimistic, with a 45.5% year-over-year revenue growth expected in 2024 and 30% EPS growth. Similar growth rates are anticipated for 2025 and 2026.
In its latest earnings report, Shift4 highlighted a 55% year-over-year increase in end-to-end volume, a 33% growth in gross profit, and a 35% increase in gross revenue less network fees. The company also reported a net income of $19.2 million, a 44% growth in adjusted EBITDA, and $105.3 million in net cash provided by operating activities. Restaurant-related SaaS revenue surged by 69% year-over-year, with new locations launched in the UK and Canada and an AI-powered restaurant website builder introduced. Additionally, Shift4 secured significant sports and entertainment clients, including the New York Yankees and the LA Dodgers.
Analysts have set an average price target of $90 for Shift4, suggesting a potential 30% growth from its current price. Projections for the coming years are optimistic, with a 45.5% year-over-year revenue growth expected in 2024 and 30% EPS growth. Similar growth rates are anticipated for 2025 and 2026.
In its latest earnings report, Shift4 highlighted a 55% year-over-year increase in end-to-end volume, a 33% growth in gross profit, and a 35% increase in gross revenue less network fees. The company also reported a net income of $19.2 million, a 44% growth in adjusted EBITDA, and $105.3 million in net cash provided by operating activities. Restaurant-related SaaS revenue surged by 69% year-over-year, with new locations launched in the UK and Canada and an AI-powered restaurant website builder introduced. Additionally, Shift4 secured significant sports and entertainment clients, including the New York Yankees and the LA Dodgers.
Strategic Guidance and Leadership
Shift4 issued its Q2 guidance, projecting gross revenue less network fees between $312 million and $317 million, which is below the FactSet consensus of $323.13 million. For Q3, the company’s guidance aligns with expectations, and for FY24, it projects gross revenue less network fees of $1.30 billion to $1.35 billion, consistent with the consensus estimate of $1.32 billion.
CEO Jared Isaacman, known for his role in SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission, remains a driving force behind Shift4's strategic direction. Isaacman’s commitment to aligning his interests with shareholders is evident in his rejection of inadequate acquisition offers and his disciplined approach to capital deployment. This includes a fresh $500 million stock buyback authorization, emphasizing his confidence in the company’s future growth.
Recent Developments
In a notable insider move, Shift4’s Chairman and CEO purchased 85,916 shares at prices ranging from $66.84 to $67.32, totaling nearly $5.8 million. This vote of confidence from the leadership underscores a belief in the company’s undervaluation and potential for growth.
Last week, Shift4 reported Q1 earnings of $0.54 per share, missing the FactSet consensus by $0.08. Gross revenue less network fees rose 31.9% year-over-year to $263.7 million, slightly below the consensus of $267.81 million. Despite these misses, the company provided a strategic update, reaffirming its growth trajectory and commitment to delivering high returns on capital.
In a notable insider move, Shift4’s Chairman and CEO purchased 85,916 shares at prices ranging from $66.84 to $67.32, totaling nearly $5.8 million. This vote of confidence from the leadership underscores a belief in the company’s undervaluation and potential for growth.
Last week, Shift4 reported Q1 earnings of $0.54 per share, missing the FactSet consensus by $0.08. Gross revenue less network fees rose 31.9% year-over-year to $263.7 million, slightly below the consensus of $267.81 million. Despite these misses, the company provided a strategic update, reaffirming its growth trajectory and commitment to delivering high returns on capital.
Conclusion
Shift4 Payments stands out as a solid investment opportunity in the fintech sector. While acquisition bids have fallen short, the company’s robust growth metrics and strategic leadership suggest a promising future. Investors may find value in holding Shift4 stock, as the company continues to expand and execute its vision under the guidance of a forward-thinking CEO. As the fintech landscape evolves, Shift4 Payments remains a company to watch.
Shift4 Payments stands out as a solid investment opportunity in the fintech sector. While acquisition bids have fallen short, the company’s robust growth metrics and strategic leadership suggest a promising future. Investors may find value in holding Shift4 stock, as the company continues to expand and execute its vision under the guidance of a forward-thinking CEO. As the fintech landscape evolves, Shift4 Payments remains a company to watch.
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