The upward trajectory for revenue and margins at Wayfair is still in progress, according to a recent report by Bernstein analysts led by Nikhil Devnani. In their report titled “Sofa, so good,” the analysts upgraded their recommendation on Wayfair (ticker: W) from Underperform to Market Perform. They also raised their price target to $65 from $60.
Shares of Wayfair were gaining 3.8% to $62.80 in premarket trading. So far this year, the stock has soared by an impressive 84%.
According to the analysts, this stock upgrade is a tactical call driven by improving revenue growth and margin commentary. The shares have already performed well this year and there is potential for an increase in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization over the next few quarters.
The report highlights that revenue growth has been on the rise and is expected to continue in the next few quarters. This can be attributed to lower prices which bolster order growth. The analysts believe that this trend will continue in the second half of 2023 as suppliers benefit from better input costs and look to clear excess inventory.
Margins: Supporting Growth Initiatives
According to analysts, margins remain a bright spot for the company. This comes as no surprise, as the company has already set in place the necessary resources to drive growth initiatives. This indicates that further progress in this area is highly likely.
Challenges on the Horizon
However, looking ahead to the second half of fiscal 2024, analysts warn of potential difficulties. These may include anticipated stabilization in supplier pricing, demand challenges, and a challenging macro environment. As a result, Wayfair will need to focus on achieving a beat and raise cycle on EBITDA, according to industry experts.
Striving for Long-Term Profitability
Regarding Investor Day targets for long-term profitability goals, analysts are predicting a margin of approximately 10% adjusted EBITDA. On the other hand, company management has expressed its belief that the company will eventually achieve margins of 10% or higher.
Navigating Competition and Responsible Growth
Analysts acknowledge that it may be challenging for Wayfair to rapidly accelerate revenue growth and achieve significant margin expansion while competing with Amazon, which is a primary competitor. In order to address this gap, it will be crucial for the company to focus on responsible growth rather than pursuing expensive growth strategies as it has done in previous years.
Impressive Second-Quarter Performance
In recent news, Wayfair exceeded expectations by surpassing second-quarter revenue and adjusted earnings estimates. This demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver strong results in a competitive market.