- UBS analysts downgraded
Peloton ,Chewy , andFiverr to "sell" ratings this week. - The
tech companies are "emblematic of a market that values growth over any semblance ofvaluation ." - The analysts expect the trio to grow strongly, but argue those prospects are priced in.
- $4.
Investors are so infatuated with
The team led by managing director Eric Sheridan slapped "sell" ratings on $4, $4, and $4 at the start of this week. They argued the stock prices of the premium exercise-equipment maker, the pet-supplies e-retailer, and the online freelance marketplace have outpaced their growth prospects.
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"We collectively see all three as emblematic of a market that values growth over any semblance of valuation
that can be justified on a multiple-year view based on our fundamental analysis," the UBS analysts said.
"While not having a negative view of their business models per se, we can no longer maintain even a neutral rating on certain
Peloton stock fell as much as 7% on Tuesday, Chewy shares slid as much as 4%, and Fiverr slumped as much as 14%. The declines wiped up to $6 billion from their combined market capitalizations.
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Sheridan and his team also issued a warning about the immense hype around tech companies that have cashed in during the pandemic, such as Zoom and Peloton, or gone public in recent months, such as Snowflake and Airbnb.
"Investors need to be wary of the rising trend of bull-market optimism in a handful of businesses that have been either COVID-19 'beneficiaries' and/or have come to the public
The UBS analysts continue to anticipate robust growth and improving profitability at Chewy, Fiverr, and Peloton over the next few years. But they believe those gains are priced in by their current stock prices, meaning the risks of investing may well outweigh the rewards.