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Stephens cuts Accolade shares price target, keeps Overweight rating

Published 10/09/2024, 08:14 PM
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Stephens has revised its price target on shares of Accolade Inc. (NASDAQ: ACCD) to $8.00, down from the previous $10.00, while retaining an Overweight rating on the stock.

The adjustment follows Accolade's latest quarterly performance, which was considered strong, and the reaffirmation of the company's forecasts for fiscal year 2025 and beyond.

Accolade's stock outperformed on the day, which was attributed to low expectations and valuation, coupled with speculation regarding potential acquisition interest.

According to the firm, for a more robust and sustained confidence in the stock, it would be necessary to observe a stabilization in the deceleration of revenue growth and the emergence of catalysts for potential upside.

Stephens has adjusted its model to reflect a 12% revenue growth for Accolade in fiscal years 2025 and 2026, a figure that is slightly more conservative than other street estimates.

The analyst highlighted potential catalysts for Accolade that are not yet factored into current expectations. These include off-cycle large deals, further expansion within the health plan channel, and additional revenue from government contracts, such as those with the Department of Defense.

Accolade's commitment to meeting its quarterly targets and long-term profitability goals was also emphasized. The company achieved positive free cash flow in the quarter and confirmed expectations that its EBITDA would double in the next year.

In other recent news, Accolade Inc. has reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2025, surpassing revenue expectations with a total of $106.4 million and exceeding its adjusted EBITDA guidance.

This positive performance led to several adjustments from analyst firms. Canaccord Genuity, Truist Securities, and BofA Securities all revised their price targets for Accolade, maintaining a Buy rating despite reduced targets.

Accolade's management has expressed confidence in the company's ability to meet performance guarantees and secure new business, supported by a diverse pipeline across employers, health plans, and government segments. The company's competitive edge in the expert medical opinion product market and its successful management of marketing expenses have been notable developments.

However, slower revenue growth is anticipated in fiscal year 2026 due to staggered launches. Accolade has reaffirmed its fiscal year 2025 revenue guidance at $460 million to $475 million, and projects a positive adjusted EBITDA of $15 million to $20 million.

InvestingPro Insights

Accolade Inc.'s financial landscape reveals both challenges and potential opportunities. According to InvestingPro data, the company's market capitalization stands at $325.37 million, reflecting its current position in the healthcare technology sector. Despite a strong revenue growth of 16.04% over the last twelve months, Accolade is not yet profitable, with an operating income margin of -21.24%.

InvestingPro Tips highlight that Accolade's stock price movements have been quite volatile, which aligns with the analyst's observations about the company's recent performance and market expectations. The stock has experienced a significant hit over the last six months, with a -57.92% price total return. However, it's worth noting a strong return of 18.82% over the last three months, which could indicate a potential turnaround or increased investor interest.

Another InvestingPro Tip points out that Accolade operates with a moderate level of debt and its liquid assets exceed short-term obligations. This financial stability could support the company's efforts to achieve its profitability goals, as mentioned in the article.

For investors seeking a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers additional tips and insights that could provide a deeper understanding of Accolade's financial health and market position. There are 5 more InvestingPro Tips available for Accolade, which could be valuable for those looking to make informed investment decisions in this volatile healthcare technology stock.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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