KeyBanc steps to sidelines on Criteo stock amid macro uncertainties By Investing.com

On Tuesday, Criteo S.A. (NASDAQ:CRTO) stock was downgraded by KeyBanc from Overweight to Sector Weight, signaling a shift in the firm’s outlook on the advertising technology company. The change comes as the analyst suggests that the previously anticipated positive catalysts for Criteo’s performance are now reflected in the current stock price.

The rationale behind the downgrade is tied to a variety of factors. According to the analyst, the positive impacts expected from changes to the Privacy Sandbox and the growth of Retail Media have already been accounted for in Criteo’s share price. This adjustment suggests that the potential for significant gains may be limited, given the current valuation.

The analyst noted that Criteo’s shares are trading at 6.8 times the estimated 2025 enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA). This valuation is considered by the firm to be a signal for investors to adopt a more cautious stance, especially considering the uncertain economic landscape that retailers are facing.

The downgrade comes as the company prepares to release its earnings report. The analyst’s comments indicate a belief that the stock now presents a balanced risk/reward profile. This perspective is shaped by the broader macroeconomic environment, which is described as mixed for the retail sector.

KeyBanc’s decision to downgrade Criteo to Sector Weight reflects a conservative approach for investors in light of the anticipated challenges and the stock’s current market position. The firm advises a neutral stance, suggesting that the potential for both upside and downside is now evenly balanced for Criteo’s shares.

In other recent news, Criteo has been making significant strides in the retail media sector. The company reported a 38% year-over-year growth in activated media spend for the first quarter of 2024, accompanied by a substantial increase in adjusted EBITDA.

Analysts from BMO Capital Markets have upgraded Criteo’s stock from Market Perform to Outperform, citing potential growth in its Retail Media and Performance Media segments. Stifel also maintained its Buy rating on the company, keeping a $44.00 price target.

In addition to its financial achievements, Criteo has also undergone strategic management changes to boost its growth trajectory. Brian Gleason has been promoted to the dual role of Chief Revenue Officer and President, Retail Media, and Ryan Damon now serves as Chief Legal and Transformation Officer. These leadership changes are expected to enhance Criteo’s market presence and increase efficiency in its rapidly expanding sectors.

Recently, Criteo announced a strategic collaboration with Microsoft (NASDAQ:) Advertising. This partnership aims to integrate Microsoft’s demand into Criteo’s global network, enhancing the buying experience for advertisers and providing new revenue opportunities. These are just some of the recent developments that highlight Criteo’s strong performance and positive outlook from analysts.

InvestingPro Insights

As Criteo S.A. (NASDAQ:CRTO) navigates recent analyst downgrades, real-time data from InvestingPro provides a snapshot of the company’s financial health. With a market capitalization of $2.5 billion and a robust gross profit margin of 45.98% for the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, Criteo demonstrates substantial profitability in its operations. Additionally, the company’s stock has seen a significant price uptick, with a 25.8% return over the last three months and a remarkable 69.28% over the last six months.

InvestingPro Tips highlight that Criteo’s management has been actively repurchasing shares, a move often interpreted as confidence in the company’s future. Furthermore, the company’s balance sheet is fortified by holding more cash than debt, which could provide resilience in uncertain economic times. For investors seeking detailed insights, InvestingPro offers several additional tips, such as the company’s expected net income growth this year and its ability to cover interest payments sufficiently with cash flows.

For those considering a deeper analysis, there are 15 additional InvestingPro Tips available for Criteo, providing a comprehensive view of the company’s financial outlook. To access these insights and make informed investment decisions, use coupon code PRONEWS24 to get up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription.

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