Spotify Could Be a No-Brainer Buy Right Now

Core Viewpoint - Spotify Technology has shown remarkable stock performance, with a significant increase in its stock price since late 2022, making it an attractive investment opportunity in a challenging market environment [1][4]. Company Performance - Spotify's stock has increased by 670% since late 2022, resulting in a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 128%, outperforming competitors like Netflix and Meta Platforms [4]. - The company has successfully grown its subscriber base from 206 million in late 2022 to approximately 265 million, indicating strong customer retention and engagement [7][8]. Financial Health - Spotify has transitioned from a net loss of over $1 billion in fiscal year 2022 to a net profit of$1.2 billion in 2024, showcasing a significant turnaround in profitability [11]. - Free cash flow has also improved, reaching $2.5 billion, which positions the company well for potential shareholder returns through stock buybacks or dividends [11][12]. Competitive Advantage - The "stickiness" of Spotify's subscriber base is a key asset, as evidenced by low churn rates and high customer loyalty, allowing the company to implement price increases without losing subscribers [6][9]. - The combination of rapid growth and a relatively modest valuation makes Spotify an appealing option for investors [12].