Why Shopify Stock Rose 21% in 2021

While Shopify (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP) stock managed to post double-digit gains last year, it was its worst yearly performance so far.

| More on:

Canadian tech stocks have been going through a sharp correction lately. In December, investors’ speculations about the U.S. Federal Reserve’s latest moves triggered tech sector-wide correction, driving the shares of most tech companies across North America lower. In this article, we’ll look at how the largest Canadian tech firm, Shopify (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP), traded in 2021 and find out whether it’s still worth buying in 2022.

Shopify stock

In 2021, Shopify stock rose by 21.2% — slightly underperforming the broader market, as the TSX Composite Index yielded 21.7% positive returns. While the stock managed to post double-digit gains last year, it was its worst yearly performance so far. Notably, SHOP stock delivered outstandingly high over 170% positive returns each in 2019 and 2020.

Key factors from 2021

In order to understand why 2021 proved to be Shopify stock’s worst year so far, we need to look at its financial growth trends in the last couple of years. In 2020, COVID-19-related restrictions badly affected operations of physical stores, accelerating their shift to e-commerce. This shift created strong demand for Shopify’s easy-to-use commerce platform and boosted its financial growth.

As a result, Shopify posted a record revenue growth of 86% YoY (year over year) in 2020 with the help of a solid 96% increase in its gross merchandise volume. The e-commerce giant’s adjusted earnings for the year jumped by 1,227% to $3.98 per share. Similarly, its 2020 adjusted net profit margin massively expanded to 16.8% from just 2.2% in the previous year. This sudden massive financial growth triggered a buying spree in SHOP stock, helping it post 178.4% gains in 2020.

While the global pandemic skyrocketed the demand for Shopify’s services unexpectedly, it was clear that this high-growth trend won’t sustain in the post-pandemic world, as the restrictions on physical stores start easing. This is one of the reasons why Shopify’s management, on many occasions in 2020, warned investors about an expected slowdown in its financial growth. And that’s exactly what happened in 2021 — especially in the second half of the year.

In Q1 2021, Shopify’s total revenue rose by a record 110% YoY to US$988.7 million. Since then, its sales growth has consistently been declining. In the latest reported quarter ended in September 2021, its total revenue rose by 46.4% YoY, showcasing a sharp decline in its growth rate. This slowing financial growth rate could be the primary reason why SHOP stock didn’t perform as well last year as in the past. Apart from these company-specific factors, a tech sector-wide correction in the second half of 2021 also pressurized the stock.

What to expect in 2022

Despite this expected slowdown amid easing pandemic-related restrictions, Shopify is still likely to continue posting solid double-digit growth in its sales as well as earnings in the medium term with solid profitability. Moreover, its recent financial growth trends still look much better and stable than most of its peers. These are the reasons why a expect SHOP stock to outperform the broader market and most other tech stocks in the medium term, making it worth buying in 2022.

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 owns and recommends Shopify. Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Tech Stocks

Rocket lift off through the clouds
Tech Stocks

2 Growth Stocks That Could Skyrocket in 2025 and Beyond

Wondering what types of stocks could rapidly rise in 2025? Check out these two stocks with substantial upside if they…

Read more »

up arrow on wooden blocks
Tech Stocks

The 3 Smartest Tech Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

Tech stocks can be seen as a bit risky, but these three have far less risk and more stability for…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Tech Stocks

Shopify: A Must-Have Growth Stock for Your TFSA Now (and the Next 10 Years)

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) stock isn't just a top growth company, it's a titan worth owning in your decades-long TFSA fund.

Read more »

cloud computing
Tech Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Manulife vs CIBC

Want the best stocks? These two are certainly the best options. But which is the better buy?

Read more »

profit rises over time
Tech Stocks

4 Reasons to Buy Constellation Software Stock Like There’s No Tomorrow

Constellation Software stock continued its climb upwards after recent earnings, and this only adds to its appeal.

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Tech Stocks

1 Stock That’s Just as Hot as Nvidia (Without All the Hype)

Nvidia stock may look like a strong option, but its valuation is through the roof. Enter this other under-the-radar stock.

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Tech Stocks

3 Growth Stocks Wall Street Might Be Sleeping on, But I’m Not

Don’t miss your chance to load up on these three beaten-down stocks.

Read more »

think thought consider
Tech Stocks

Is CGI Stock a Buy Even With No Dividend Yield?

CGI stock may not have a dividend to speak of. But does that necessarily mean you should ignore this top…

Read more »