Financial technology leader Block (SQ -2.74%) reported mixed third-quarter earnings on Thursday, Nov. 7. Revenue for the quarter reached $5.98 billion, up 6% year over year but short of analysts' consensus estimates for $6.24 billion. Adjusted EPS of $0.88 met the analysts' estimate and was up 76% year over year. Despite these positive results, the strategic acquisition of buy now, pay later (BNPL) service provider Afterpay back in January 2022 continues to raise questions.
Overall, the quarter was marked by robust performance in key segments, though broader strategic challenges persist.
| Metric | Q3 2024 | Analysts Estimate | Q3 2023 | Change (YOY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusted EPS | $0.88 | $0.88 | $0.50 | 76% |
| Revenue | $5.98 billion | $6.24 billion | $5.62 billion | 6% |
| Cash App gross profit | $1.31 billion | N/A | $1.08 billion | 21% |
| Square gross profit | $932 billion | N/A | $805 million | 16% |
| Adj. operating income | $444 million | N/A | $89.7 million | 394% |
Source: Block. Note: Analyst consensus estimates for the quarter provided by FactSet. YOY = Year over year.
Overview of Block's Business
Block operates in the financial technology sector, focusing on digital payments and financial services through its main products, Cash App and Square. The company positions these platforms as distinct ecosystems, each serving a specific user base. Cash App caters to peer-to-peer money transfers and consumer financial services, while Square targets businesses with payment processing and commerce tools. Both platforms are strategically integrated to leverage Block's broader financial service offerings, maximizing customer engagement and monetization opportunities.
Block's recent focus has been on ecosystem integration and strategic segmentation. This involves enhancing the functionality between Cash App and Square to drive user engagement and profitability. Among the key success factors is Block's ability to monetize its user base effectively through transaction fees, subscriptions, and service charges. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for risk management and underwriting also plays a crucial role in differentiating Block's offerings from traditional financial models.
Quarterly Highlights and Developments
Block benefitted from strong contributions from its Cash App and Square platforms in Q3. Cash App's gross profit surged by 21% year over year, supported by 57 million active monthly users. The Square platform's gross profit rose 16%, buoyed by digital payment technologies and software solutions. Together, these platforms highlight Block's successful monetization strategy across its ecosystems.
Afterpay is now fully integrated into Cash App. This move signals Block's ongoing strategy to enhance cross-platform synergy and monetization. The company's $323 million operating income and $444 million adjusted operating income underscored a solid turnaround from operating losses the year before. Notably, the company also saw a significant $807 million adjusted EBITDA, indicating improved financial health.
The Afterpay integration and elevated stock-based compensation continue to weigh down earnings. The acquisition of Afterpay at a peak market price raises questions about its strategic timeframe and fit within Block's long-term goals. Stock-based compensation, meanwhile, presents a potential share dilution risk to be carefully managed to safeguard investor value.
On the technology front, Block continues to embrace AI to solidify its competitive advantage in fintech. Machine learning aids in underwriting and predictive loan capabilities, delivering optimized credit offerings to Cash App users. Cash flow and net revenue models are thoroughly integrated to maximize growth with a focus on increasing profitability margins.
International expansion also contributed during the quarter, with Square's gross profit in international markets jumping by 30% year over year. Block's partnerships in countries like Japan and Ireland reflect a commitment to broadening its global footprint alongside growing domestic business metrics.
Looking Ahead
Block provided upbeat guidance for the fourth quarter of 2024, projecting a 14% year-over-year increase in gross profit to $2.31 billion and an adjusted EBITDA of $725 million. For the full year 2024, Block raised its adjusted EBITDA guidance by $100 million to $3 billion and its adjusted operating income guidance from $1.44 billion previously to $1.56 billion. These expectations illustrate confidence in sustaining profitable growth and reaching strategic long-term objectives. The company is also in the process of incorporating Afterpay capabilities into its 24 million active Cash App Cards,
As part of its strategy, Block has set its sights on achieving the "Rule of 40" by 2026, balancing sustainable growth with profitability. Investors should watch developments in the Cash App and Square integrations, as well as Block's ongoing strategic initiatives in AI and product development. Monitoring new product launches and potential shifts in financial strategy or regulation compliance will be critical as the company advances into future financial quarters.
