Lightspeed or Real Matters: Is Either a Buy Today?

Lightspeed stock (TSX:LSPD)(NYSE:LSPD) and Real Matters stock (TSX:REAL) were both downgraded by analysts, so is either a buy at today’s prices?

| More on:
stock research, analyze data

Image source: Getty Images

Lightspeed Commerce (TSX:LSPD)(NYSE:LSPD) and Real Matters (TSX:REAL) both had their target prices lowered by analysts. Yet Lightspeed stock and Real Matters stock maintained their “buy” rating, and may even outperform in the next year.

But is the growth enough for Motley Fool investors? Especially those who have been burned before? Let’s take a look at whether Lightspeed or Real Matters are buys today.

Lightspeed stock

Lightspeed stock fell to 52-week lows last week before starting another climb. Shares of the e-commerce platform started to fall last September, when a short seller report came out with strong accusations against the company. This was followed by the company telling investors the next quarter might not be so strong because of supply chain issues. And then, a tech crash hit the company’s share price.

So what’s happening now? Well, earnings are due for Lightspeed stock on February 2, after the market closes. This alone could add some growth to Lightspeed stock. Another point is that while analysts have lowered their target prices, they’re still almost double where the stock is now.

Lightspeed stock now has a consensus target price of $108. However, two analysts recently sliced their targets to $75, $68, $62, and $40. Even still, it remains just above oversold territory after this movement. And despite cutting targets, analysts continue to recommend the stock ahead of earnings. Revenue is expected to reach $141 million, with an earnings per share loss of $0.44. It should then benefit from the reopening of the economy.

Shares of Lightspeed stock are up 27% after hitting 52-week lows as of writing.

Real Matters stock

Several analysts also had a lot to say about Real Matters stock after the company hit 52-week lows last week as well. Since then, shares have been shooting up for the tech company focusing on mortgage and loan lending. Yet it’s still far and away from all-time highs in the double-digits.

Because of this, analysts believe the stock to be “deeply undervalued.” This came after its earnings report announced revenue of $107.8 million, down 34.7% year over year and missing estimates. Earnings per share fell 71% to $0.04, also missing forecasts. This comes from ongoing weakness in the market, which may only get worse.

However, analysts remain confident about the stock’s long-term future. This is a novel, not a short story, and analysts believe it will continue to take market share as it brings on large lenders. Therefore, analysts believe Real Matters stock should outperform, and could indeed double or more in the next year. The consensus target price for the stock is about $9.50, a potential upside of 52% as of writing.

Shares of Real Matters stock are up 14% after hitting 52-week lows as of writing.

Foolish takeaway

When it comes down to it, I think Lightspeed stock is likely the better option for Motley Fool investors today. Lightspeed seems to already be showing some strength ahead of earnings. Its acquisitions are online, and the short seller report created a sell-off that far outweighed a correction. Now, the share price looks simply too good to pass up.

As for Real Matters stock, long-term investors may indeed see strong performance. But its sector is still very shaky. There are far too many question marks, in my opinion, and far less certainty when it comes down to it.

Therefore, if I were going to choose either, I’d definitely go with Lightspeed stock today. Especially before an earnings boost in share price.

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.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe owns Lightspeed Commerce. The Motley Fool recommends Lightspeed Commerce and Real Matters Inc.

More on Tech Stocks

Illustration of data, cloud computing and microchips
Tech Stocks

Missed Out on Nvidia? My Best AI Stock to Buy and Hold

NVIDIA stock has certainly warranted a place among headlines, but with the recent drop in shares, this stock is a…

Read more »

dividends grow over time
Tech Stocks

Underrated Canadian Stocks to Buy Now Before They Rally

These two Canadian stocks are ideal for those looking for a deal, while also gaining access to the burgeoning industries…

Read more »

AI microchip
Tech Stocks

3 AI Stocks I Like Better Than NVIDIA

Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) is a Canadian AI stock that is far cheaper than NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA).

Read more »

Data center servers IT workers
Tech Stocks

2 Things to Know About Dye & Durham Stock Before You Buy

Dye & Durham stock has given some good returns to those who bought the dip. Is the stock still a…

Read more »

cloud computing
Tech Stocks

3 No-Brainer Tech Stocks to Buy With $200 Right Now

Tech stocks aren't always volatile and can be downright undervalued when looking at these three winners.

Read more »

The letters AI glowing on a circuit board processor.
Dividend Stocks

Is OpenText Stock a Buy for Its 3.6% Dividend Yield?

OpenText stock has dropped 20% in the last year, yet now the company looks incredibly valuable, especially with a 3.6%…

Read more »

e-commerce shopping getting a package
Tech Stocks

Where Will Shopify Stock Be in 1/3/5 Years? 

Shopify stock is trading near its 52-week high. What lies ahead for this stock in the near and mid-term, and…

Read more »

Investor wonders if it's safe to buy stocks now
Tech Stocks

Balancing the Risks and Rewards of Investing in AI Stocks

Choosing a safe AI stock can be challenging if you need help understanding the underlying technology, business model, and, by…

Read more »