StockNews.com Downgrades LivePerson (NASDAQ:LPSN) to Sell

LivePerson (NASDAQ:LPSN - Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at StockNews.com from a "hold" rating to a "sell" rating in a report issued on Thursday.

Several other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. Barclays increased their price objective on LivePerson from $0.75 to $1.00 and gave the stock an "underweight" rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a "hold" rating on shares of LivePerson in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Mizuho decreased their price objective on shares of LivePerson from $2.00 to $0.50 and set a "neutral" rating for the company in a report on Monday, May 13th. Finally, Craig Hallum lifted their target price on shares of LivePerson from $1.25 to $1.40 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $1.32.

LivePerson Stock Performance

Shares of NASDAQ LPSN remained flat at $1.27 during mid-day trading on Thursday. 1,621,890 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,254,760. The business's 50-day moving average price is $1.07 and its 200 day moving average price is $1.03. LivePerson has a 12 month low of $0.45 and a 12 month high of $4.74. The company has a current ratio of 1.36, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $112.54 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.88 and a beta of 1.73.

LivePerson (NASDAQ:LPSN - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The technology company reported ($0.74) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of ($0.16) by ($0.58). The firm had revenue of $79.88 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $77.62 million. LivePerson had a negative net margin of 24.23% and a negative return on equity of 101.10%. Equities research analysts predict that LivePerson will post -0.54 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Alex Kroman sold 120,047 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $0.64, for a total value of $76,830.08. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Alex Kroman sold 120,047 shares of the company's stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $0.64, for a total value of $76,830.08. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Monica L. Greenberg sold 34,441 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1.12, for a total value of $38,573.92. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 181,607 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $203,399.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 246,696 shares of company stock worth $220,795. Corporate insiders own 9.00% of the company's stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On LivePerson

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Raymond James & Associates bought a new stake in LivePerson during the 4th quarter valued at about $148,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. increased its position in shares of LivePerson by 11.3% during the fourth quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 163,581 shares of the technology company's stock valued at $620,000 after acquiring an additional 16,560 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in LivePerson in the 4th quarter worth approximately $39,000. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC lifted its position in LivePerson by 60.6% in the 4th quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 175,559 shares of the technology company's stock valued at $665,000 after acquiring an additional 66,215 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Worth Venture Partners LLC purchased a new stake in LivePerson during the 4th quarter valued at $1,519,000. Institutional investors own 79.83% of the company's stock.

About LivePerson

LivePerson, Inc engages in conversational artificial intelligence. It enables brands to leverage the Conversational Cloud's intelligence engine to connect with consumers through an integrated suite of mobile and online business messaging technologies. The company offers the Conversational Cloud, an enterprise-class digital customer conversation platform, which enables businesses and consumers to connect through conversational channels, such as voice, in-app, and mobile messaging.

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