Etsy, the popular online marketplace for homemade items, saw a significant boost in its stock price on Tuesday. Shares of Etsy (ticker: ETSY) surged by 10% to reach $94.64, marking the largest percentage increase since November 2022. This positive trend continued over the course of two days, with shares up by 14%. The stock stood out as the second-best performer in the S&P 500 on Tuesday.
Despite facing challenges over the past year, during which its stock plummeted by 21%, Etsy seems to be making a comeback. In contrast, the S&P 500 experienced a 15% increase during the same period.
Etsy’s consumer-oriented focus has raised concerns among traders, particularly due to the uncertain economic climate. With inflation at historic highs, rising interest rates, and recession fears looming, there were doubts about the company’s performance.
According to the company’s first-quarter earnings report, gross merchandise sales declined compared to the previous year. This decline was attributed to shifts in consumer spending preferences from goods to services, as well as decreases in larger categories such as home and living and craft supplies. Lower household income buyers also faced pressures on discretionary spending.
JMP Securities analyst Nicholas Jones holds an optimistic view of Etsy’s prospects. He has assigned a Market Outperform rating to the stock and set a price target of $130, implying a 37% increase from its current price.
Jones emphasized that although consumer confidence reached its highest level in June, it still remains significantly below 2019 levels. Additionally, retail sales experienced modest growth in the second quarter, indicating the negative impact of the macroeconomic environment on consumer behavior.
Nonetheless, Jones maintains a bullish stance on Etsy, highlighting the importance of growth in active buyers and improved gross merchandise sales per active buyer. He believes these factors serve as evidence of the company’s successful efforts in enhancing brand awareness and driving repeat customers.
In conclusion, Etsy’s recent stock performance reflects a notable turnaround for the company. Despite previous challenges, the current trajectory indicates optimism for long-term success.