On Monday, Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) made a notable change in its stance on The RealReal Inc. (NASDAQ:REAL), elevating the company's stock rating from Equal Weight to Overweight.
This upgrade comes with a significant increase in the price target, now set at $15, a substantial rise from the previous $4. The stock, currently trading at $6.44, has delivered an impressive 220.4% return year-to-date and sits near its 52-week high of $6.57. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears to be trading above its Fair Value.
The upgrade is based on a reassessment of The RealReal's revenue and EBITDA projections for 2025, which are now positioned above the average market expectations. According to the analyst, the company has undergone a transformation that the market has yet to fully appreciate.
The company maintains impressive gross profit margins of 74.42% and has achieved revenue growth of 2.52% over the last twelve months. With a shift in margin structure and a resurgence in top-line growth, Wells Fargo sees a considerable opportunity for the stock to appreciate. Discover more detailed financial metrics and insights with InvestingPro, which offers 12+ additional exclusive tips for REAL stock.
Wells Fargo's commentary highlighted that The RealReal has, until recently, followed a 'growth at any cost' approach. This strategy led to concerns over the sustainability of the business model as margins shrank and operating losses grew. However, under new leadership, The RealReal has crafted a strategy aimed at profitability, scrutinizing the quality of marketplace revenue and the business mix.
The analyst pointed out that after a series of changes, The RealReal has managed to reset its incremental margins and return to double-digit growth in its top-line revenue. This shift indicates a more disciplined and potentially profitable path forward for the company, leading to the upgraded rating and price target.
In other recent news, The RealReal showcased a strong performance in its third quarter of 2024. The company reported a 6% increase in Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) to $433 million and an 11% rise in revenue to $148 million. This growth was accompanied by a positive adjusted EBITDA of $2.3 million, marking its second consecutive profitable quarter.
Following these results, BTIG raised its price target for The RealReal from $3.50 to $4.00, maintaining a Buy rating for the stock. The firm's outlook is supported by healthy supply and positive demand trends.
For the fourth quarter of 2024, The RealReal reiterated its guidance, projecting GMV between $484 million and $500 million, and revenue between $158 million and $165 million. The company's plans include maintaining its focus on operational excellence and customer service to drive further growth.
The RealReal's multi-channel approach, including the opening of new stores, has been a key factor in its success.
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