Although Square Capital has been extending credit to Square (SQ) customers since 2014, some analysts think their newest loan product is might be moving the business in an overly risky direction.
BTIG, the privately-held investment banking firm, has published a report suggesting that Square is becoming too dependent on their loan revenue, and estimates that their stock is currently overpriced by about 75%. The report caused the stock price to dip by 8.5% at the close of markets today.
Also implicated in the report was Paypal (PYPL), which, like Square, began as a payment processor and has since ventured into the business of lending. The BTIG report cited past examples of online lenders who failed to properly gauge the risks of lending, and suggested that the current subjects of inquiry are making similar mistakes.
Square’s new loan product, called Square Installments, is offering lower-than-average interest rates for business clients making significant purchases, which can be repaid over three, six, or twelve month installment periods. BTIG analyst Mark Palmer does not believe Square has built in sufficient compensation for themselves considering the risk they are taking, and he suggests that even attempting to pass the risk on in the credit markets will not adequately mitigate the risk, especially given the smaller margin they have available to split with potential credit investors.
More companies, like Intuit (INTU), Payanywhere, Clover, and Sumup have entered the small business payment processing space since Square got started, and the increasing popularity of micro-loans, as well as mobile banking, non-traditional investing, and other new financial applications, present companies like Square with many tantalizing opportunities for diversification. The question is, will they get it right?
The 10-day moving average for SQ crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on April 18, 2024. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on April 04, 2024. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on SQ as a result. In of 77 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for SQ turned negative on March 19, 2024. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 45 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In of the 45 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at .
SQ moved below its 50-day moving average on April 15, 2024 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SQ declined for three days, the price rose further in of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
The Aroon Indicator for SQ entered a downward trend on April 24, 2024. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. of 61 cases where SQ's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are .
Following a 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SQ advanced for three days, in of 328 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
SQ may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SQ’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.682) is normal, around the industry mean (29.911). SQ's P/E Ratio (4073.000) is considerably higher than the industry average of (155.220). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.918) is also within normal values, averaging (2.725). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.081) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.282) is also within normal values, averaging (55.249).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. SQ’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 90, placing this stock worse than average.
The average fundamental analysis ratings, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, are as follows
a provider of credit card reader solutions for mobile devices
Industry PackagedSoftware