A number of stocks fell in the morning session after markets pulled back as a hotter-than-expected wholesale inflation report for July dampened hopes for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. The U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI), a key measure of wholesale inflation, rose 0.9% month-over-month in July, far exceeding the 0.2% increase that economists had predicted. Annually, prices at the wholesale level jumped 3.3%, also surpassing the 2.5% forecast. This hotter-than-expected data has poured cold water on widespread expectations for an interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve next month. Persistent inflation makes it less likely for the central bank to ease monetary policy. Sectors with high-growth stocks, such as SaaS, are particularly sensitive to interest rate changes, as the prospect of higher rates for longer can diminish the present value of their future earnings, leading to a decline in stock prices.
A number of stocks jumped in the afternoon session after the SaaS sector continued to rally as favorable inflation data bolstered hopes for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. This optimism was largely driven by a benign July Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which solidified investor expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. Following the release of the inflation data, which showed a year-over-year increase of 2.7%, the probability of a rate cut in September surged to over 96%. Lower interest rates are typically beneficial for growth-oriented technology stocks, as they can reduce borrowing costs and increase the present value of future earnings. Adding to the positive sentiment was a 90-day delay in the imposition of higher tariffs on Chinese goods, which reduced trade-related uncertainty for the technology sector.
A number of stocks jumped in the afternoon session after cooler-than-expected inflation data ignited investor optimism for a potential Federal Reserve interest rate cut. The July Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, an important measure of inflation, came in cooler than expected, showing prices holding steady at an annual rate of 2.7%. This data has led to speculation that the Federal Reserve might lower interest rates. For growth-focused sectors like SaaS, lower interest rates are particularly beneficial as they increase the present value of companies' future earnings, making their stocks more appealing.
Value stocks typically trade at discounts to the broader market, offering patient investors the opportunity to buy businesses when they’re out of favor.
The key risk, however, is that these stocks are usually cheap for a reason – five cents for a piece of fruit may seem like a great deal until you find out it’s rotten.
Social media management software company Sprout (NASDAQ:SPT) reported Q2 CY2025 results topping the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 12.5% year on year to $111.8 million. Guidance for next quarter’s revenue was better than expected at $114.8 million at the midpoint, 1.1% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.18 per share was 19% above analysts’ consensus estimates.
Shares of social media management software company Sprout (NASDAQ:SPT)
fell 8% in the afternoon session after analyst firm Oppenheimer slashed its price target on the stock, fueling investor concerns despite a positive earnings report. The firm cut its price target to $23 from $32. This negative sentiment from Wall Street appeared to overshadow the company's strong second-quarter performance, where both earnings and revenue topped analyst forecasts. Sprout Social also lifted its full-year revenue guidance. However, another firm, Cantor Fitzgerald, maintained its cautious "Neutral" rating, citing the need to see a reacceleration in revenue growth before becoming more positive. The analyst actions suggested that the market focused more on future growth prospects than on the recent earnings beat.
Social media management software company Sprout (NASDAQ:SPT) announced better-than-expected revenue in Q2 CY2025, with sales up 12.5% year on year to $111.8 million. Guidance for next quarter’s revenue was better than expected at $114.8 million at the midpoint, 1.1% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.18 per share was 19% above analysts’ consensus estimates.
Social media management software company Sprout (NASDAQ:SPT)
will be reporting results this Wednesday after market close. Here’s what investors should know.
Volatility cuts both ways - while it creates opportunities, it also increases risk, making sharp declines just as likely as big gains.
This unpredictability can shake out even the most experienced investors.
Small-cap stocks in the Russell 2000 (^RUT) can be a goldmine for investors looking beyond the usual large-cap names.
But with less stability and fewer resources than their bigger counterparts, these companies face steeper challenges in scaling their businesses.
Many small-cap stocks have limited Wall Street coverage, giving savvy investors the chance to act before everyone else catches on.
But the flip side is that these businesses have increased downside risk because they lack the scale and staying power of their larger competitors.
Companies with more cash than debt can be financially resilient, but that doesn’t mean they’re all strong investments.
Some lack leverage because they struggle to grow or generate consistent profits, making them unattractive borrowers.
The stocks in this article have caught Wall Street’s attention in a big way, with price targets implying returns above 20%.
But investors should take these forecasts with a grain of salt because analysts typically say nice things about companies so their firms can win business in other product lines like M&A advisory.
Social media management software company Sprout (NASDAQ:SPT) reported Q1 CY2025 results topping the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 12.9% year on year to $109.3 million. Guidance for next quarter’s revenue was better than expected at $110.8 million at the midpoint, 0.7% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.22 per share was 48.4% above analysts’ consensus estimates.
From commerce to culture, software is digitizing every aspect of our lives. This secular theme makes SaaS companies attractive investment candidates but also comes with higher valuations that cause volatility.
Unfortunately, the rich prices have haunted them over the past six months as the industry has shed 8.8%. This drawdown was worse than the S&P 500’s 1.9% decline.
After a rough start to the year, small- and mid-cap software stocks may be finding their footing. Goldman Sachs analyst Adam Hotchkiss says first-quarter results across his coverage were better than feared, suggesting the worst of the downturn could be behind the sector.
Growth is a hallmark of all great companies, but the laws of gravity eventually take hold.
Those who rode the COVID boom and ensuing tech selloff in 2022 will surely remember that the market’s punishment can be swift and severe when trajectories fall.
