Adobe SystemsADBEBUY ON WEAKNESSJun 22, 2018Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 05, 2026. Market Open.
We thought the Figma deal would be good for the company, but investors initially did not like it. At $20B, it 'sounded' big, but represented only about 10% of ADBE's market cap at the time of the first announcement. ADBE market cap has risen about another $90B since the offer, so Figma's significance has declined even more. Still, it is disappointing, and ADBE has to pay Figma a $1B cash break fee, but life will go on. ADBE noted this week it will use the cash earmarked for the deal to go to buybacks and more AI development. We would not let the failed deal change our positive opinion of the company's future.
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One of his favourite companies which has consistently delivered returns. Benefits big from the AI trend. However, shares tend to be volatile right after earnings. They report Wednesday. Last year, Adobe bought Figma, a design company. He disagrees with some, feeling that Figma was worth the price, because Figma's tools are so beloved by users. Regulators are challenging the deal over anti-trust concerns. Could Adobe walk away from the deal?
An original cloud king that went profitable a long time ago and is now into AI. Up 58% this year. But after reporting last Thursday, it slid 4% though has partially recovered. Some feel that Adobe's quarter dropped the ball, but he disagrees. They report a modest revenue beat with sales up 10% YOY, with the digital media business better than expected and non-GAAP EPS also beating. There was no problem in the guidance with the earnings outlook robust. Note: a week before the report Adobe announced price increases for subscribers starting Nov. 1 as it develops its Firefly AI. So, share rallied hot before the report. Shares ran up and typically people sell on the news and take profits. Also, Adobe moved its full-year forecast to next December, which spooked some weak-kneed investors. He wanted to hear an update about their Figma buy, but they couldn't yet. Buy this pullback.
Would selling be a good idea? He views this as a disciplined way to buy into a stock. This is a quality business, but it comes at a high valuation right now. He is already long his full allotment. Over the next 3-4 years, this stock will continue to strengthen.