Why Snap shares were bouncing back today

A day after the stock tumbled, investors saw a buying opportunity.

| More on:
woman using snapchat on her smartphone

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

What happened

A day after Snap (NYSE: SNAP) plunged 43% on a guidance cut, the social media stock was bouncing back as investors seemed to spy an opportunity in the sell-off. 

As of 12:22 p.m. ET today, the stock was up 9.8%. 

So what

On Monday night, Snap issued a filing saying it now expected second-quarter revenue and EBITDA to come in below the bottom end of its previous guidance due to a deteriorating macroeconomic environment. In other words, the company now expects revenue growth of less than 20% in the second quarter, and to report an EBITDA loss for the quarter. 

That warning was enough to sink the whole tech sector yesterday with a number of digital advertising stocks falling double digits. However, today investors seemed to spy a buying opportunity in Snap stock, and it's easy to see why.

If Snap's argument about macro conditions is correct, then a 43% sell-off in the stock seems excessive. The company isn't losing market share and its long-term growth plans are still intact. However, there are a number of signs that the overall economy is decelerating. The Federal Reserve is aggressively raising interest rates. Inflation is at a 40-year-high, and a number of tech companies have announced layoffs or hiring freezes.

After yesterday's plunge, the stock trades at a price-to-sales ratio of just five, the cheapest it's been since it went public.

Now what

Advertising is cyclical, so it makes sense that companies like Snap would see demand falling in a weakening economy. However, the overall business still looks solid as it continues to grow its user base and remains popular with teens even as TikTok has grown.

While the next few quarters could be tough for Snap, there's a decent chance the stock could be significantly higher in a few years. 

Jeremy Bowman has positions in Snap Inc. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. 

More on International Stock News

A tech worker wearing a mask holds computer chip up to the camera.
International Stock News

Will Nvidia be a $10 trillion stock by 2029?

The idea is not as far-fetched as you think.

Read more »

Man pointing at a blue rising share price graph.
International Stock News

Why artificial intellingence (AI) stock super Micro Computer popped this week

A short-seller report knocked the stock down, but Supermicro says business is booming.

Read more »

Three women athletes lie flat on a running track as though they have had a long hard race where they have fought hard but lost the event.
International Stock News

3 beaten-up US stocks Aussie investors are buying the dip on

Aussie investor interest in these sold-off US stocks surged over the past quarter.

Read more »

A woman in jeans and a casual jumper leans on her car and looks seriously at her mobile phone while her vehicle is charged at an electic vehicle recharging station.
International Stock News

Should you buy Tesla stock before Robotaxi Day?

The leading electric automaker faces its toughest challenges yet.

Read more »

Three exuberant runners dash towards the camera. One raises her arms in triumph; another jumps in the air with arms raised. The third runner gives a satisfied smile.
International Stock News

These are the 3 fastest-growing artificial intelligence (AI) US stocks

What's driving explosive growth in the AI sector? These are three high-octane growth stories in the artificial intelligence sector.

Read more »

A man looks surprised as a woman whispers in his ear.
International Stock News

Meta Platforms just hinted that Nvidia is going to have a monster 2025

Demand for Nvidia's GPUs is still growing.

Read more »

a man in a suit holds up a hand and a stop sign at a roadblock positioned over a bitumen road .
International Stock News

Why the Chinese stock rally just stalled

A press release by a key Chinese economic committee did little to excite investors and sent Chinese stocks tumbling.

Read more »

Boys making faces and flexing.
International Stock News

Nvidia stock: 3 reasons the AI superstar can move higher in Q4

The AI-chip leader's stock price could hit another all-time high in the fourth quarter.

Read more »