The Newest Stock in the S&P 500 Has Soared 237% Since Its 2021 IPO, and It's a Buy Right Now, According to Wall Street

Core Viewpoint - Robinhood Markets has demonstrated significant growth and is set to join the S&P 500, reflecting its strong market position and potential for future expansion [2][3][4]. Company Performance - Since its IPO in mid-2021, Robinhood's stock has increased by 237%, outperforming the S&P 500's 48% gain [3]. - Revenue has surged by 169%, while net income has skyrocketed by 1,440% despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic [3]. - In Q2, revenue grew 45% year over year to $989 million, with earnings per share (EPS) doubling to $0.42 [10]. - Transaction-based revenue increased by 65% to $539 million, contributing to a 34% rise in average revenue per user (ARPU) to $151 [10]. - The company's Rule of 40 score stands at 112%, indicating a healthy balance of revenue growth and profitability [10]. Growth Strategy - Robinhood's growth strategy includes expanding its trading platform to cover various asset classes, increasing user wallet share, and broadening its financial ecosystem with new features and services [9][11]. - The funded customer base has grown to 26.5 million, a 10% increase year over year, while premium tier subscribers surged by 76% [15]. Market Position and Analyst Sentiment - Wall Street remains optimistic about Robinhood, with 14 out of 23 analysts rating the stock as a buy or strong buy [12]. - The stock has increased by 497% over the past year, and analysts suggest further upside potential, with a price target of $160 indicating a 36% increase from current levels [12][13]. - Despite appearing expensive based on traditional valuation metrics, Robinhood's price/earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio of 0.34 suggests it may be undervalued [13]. Financial Metrics - Total platform assets reached $279 billion, reflecting a 99% increase, while net deposits climbed 4% to $13.8 billion [15].