​Spotify Technology (SPOT) Down 23% YTD, Should You Buy Before the Next Bull Run?

​Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE:SPOT) has fallen more than 23% on a year-to-date basis, but the Street expects more than 33% upside from the current level. The company also ranks among our Best Stocks to Buy Before the Next Bull Run .

​Although 84% of the 44 analysts covering the stock maintain a Buy rating on Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE:SPOT), they have been cutting price targets after the company released its FQ1 2026 earnings. The company released its earnings on April 28. During the quarter, Spotify posted $5.31 billion, reflecting 11.3% year-over-year growth and topped expectations by $7.73 million. The GAAP EPS of $4.04 also topped expectations by $0.59.

​Despite the positive results, on April 29, Benchmark lowered its price target on the stock from $760 to $695 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares. The firm noted that management during the earnings call spent too much time explaining how costs will evolve, but didn’t clarify how revenue will improve in the future. In addition, Benchmark flagged three main pressure points for the company, including advertisement monetization lagging behind user engagement, a lack of a commercial framework for AI and other generative content, and a lack of quantitative projections of current AI expenditure.

​On the same day, Cantor Fitzgerald also lowered the price target on SPOT from $525 to $430, while maintaining a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm noted lowering the fiscal 2027 EBIT estimate to reflect incremental costs.

​Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE:SPOT) is a leading digital music streaming platform. The company is based in Luxembourg and was founded in December 2006 by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon.

While we acknowledge the risk and potential of SPOT as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than SPOT and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

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