Why Absolute Software (TSX:ABST) Stock Fell 20% Today

Here’s the main reason why Absolute Software (TSX:ABST)(NASDAQ:ABST) stock fell by 20% today. Let’s also discuss why I still find it worth buying.

| More on:

What happened?

Absolute Software’s (TSX:ABST)(NASDAQ:ABST) share price tanked by nearly 20% this morning. At 11:15 AM EST, it was trading at $13.90 per share with about 19% losses for the month against a 1% rise in the TSX Composite Index. With this, ABST stock today has slipped below a major support level near $15.75 per share for the first time in 2021.

So what?

Absolute Software mainly focuses on providing endpoint security and data risk management solutions to businesses and governments. The company reported its fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 results yesterday after market closing time. Its revenue for the quarter rose by nearly 17% YoY (year over year) to US$31.8 million. The quarterly sales figure was also better compared to analysts’ expectations.

In contrast, ABST’s fiscal 2021 missed Street’s earnings estimate of US$0.17 per share by a wide margin. For the fiscal year, it reported adjusted earnings of US$0.07 per share. This could be one of the primary reasons that took a toll on investors’ sentiments and drove its share price down by nearly 20% today. It’s a third consecutive day when ABST stock was sliding as it has seen nearly 22% value erosion this week so far.

Now what?

Despite missing analysts’ earnings estimates in the last quarter, the Vancouver-based tech company’s overall future growth outlook remains strong. Interestingly, the company has consistently reported net profitability in the previous 13 quarters (before Q4 2021).

The COVID-19-related operational challenges have triggered supply chain issues lately that are causing global tech shortages. Nonetheless, Absolute Software has shown the ability to consistently improve its top line with strong profitability in the last couple of years.

Nearly 93% of its total revenue came from the cloud services segment in the last fiscal year. As remote work culture is exploding these days, the demand for Absolute Software’s cloud services and IT security solutions could also skyrocket in the near term. These factors justify why Street analysts expect the company to consistently report exponential earnings gains in the next few years. That’s why long-term investors can consider the recent massive declines in Absolute Software stock an opportunity to buy this fundamentally strong tech stock cheap.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

The Motley Fool recommends Absolute Software Corporation. Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Tech Stocks

An investor uses a tablet
Tech Stocks

Canadian Tech Stocks to Buy Now for Future Gains

Not all tech stocks are created equal. In fact, these three are valuable options every investor should consider.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Tech Stocks

2 Rapidly Growing Canadian Tech Stocks With Lots More Potential

Celestica (TSX:CLS) and Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) are Canadian tech darlings worth watching in the new year.

Read more »

BCE stock
Tech Stocks

10% Yield: Is BCE Stock a Good Buy?

The yield is bigger than it's ever been in the company's history. That might not be a good thing.

Read more »

Happy shoppers look at a cellphone.
Tech Stocks

So You Own Shopify Stock: Is it Still a Good Investment?

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) stock has had a run, but there's still room to the upside.

Read more »

A person uses and AI chat bot
Tech Stocks

AI Where No One’s Looking: Seize Growth in These Canadian Stocks Before the Market Catches Up

Beyond flashy headlines about generative AI, these two Canadian AI stocks could deliver strong returns for investors who are willing…

Read more »

Data center servers IT workers
Tech Stocks

Better Buy: Shopify Stock or Constellation Software?

Let's dive into whether Shopify (TSX:SHOP) or Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) are the better options for growth investors in this current…

Read more »

nvidia headquarters with nvidia sign in front
Tech Stocks

Nvidia Just Delivered a Beat-and-Raise Quarter. There’s 1 Red Flag Investors Shouldn’t Ignore.

The chipmaker continued to benefit from robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI). But can it last?

Read more »

GettyImages-1473086836
Tech Stocks

Why Super Micro Computer Stock Is Soaring Today

The volatile stock is getting a boost from Nvidia.

Read more »