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US Stocks

Zoom Stock Slips 2.7% in After-Hours Trading Ahead of Earnings

May 22, 2026
02:34 AM
4 min read

Key Points

ZM stock falls 2.7% to $96.75 in after-hours trading ahead of earnings.

Benchmark raises price target to $121, implying 25% upside potential.

Company trades at 15.66 P/E with 39% net profit margin and strong cash position.

Meyka AI rates ZM with B+ grade, suggesting Buy recommendation for investors.

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Zoom Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM) stock declined 2.7% to $96.75 in after-hours trading on May 21, 2026, as the market awaits the company’s earnings announcement. The software-as-a-service leader faces investor scrutiny despite strong analyst support. Benchmark recently raised its price target to $121, suggesting potential upside. ZM stock has climbed 12.1% year-to-date, reflecting resilience in the competitive collaboration software market.

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ZM Stock Performance and Technical Setup

ZM stock trades above its 50-day average of $88.76 and 200-day average of $84.84, signaling sustained upward momentum. The stock opened at $99.00 today before retreating to $96.75, with intraday range between $95.36 and $100.07.

Volume surged to 8.92 million shares, well above the 30-day average of 5.05 million, indicating heightened trading interest ahead of earnings. The elevated volume reflects investor positioning before the company reports results after market close.

Analyst Outlook and Price Targets

Benchmark upgraded ZM stock with a new $121 price target, implying 25% upside from current levels. The firm maintains a “Buy” rating, citing the company’s strong fundamentals and growth trajectory. Across Wall Street, 13 analysts rate ZM as “Buy” while 8 recommend “Hold,” with no sell ratings.

The consensus price target sits at $97.57, just slightly above today’s close. This modest consensus reflects cautious optimism as investors digest quarterly results and forward guidance.

Financial Metrics and Valuation

ZM trades at a P/E ratio of 15.66, below the software sector average, offering reasonable valuation for a profitable SaaS leader. The company generates $6.18 earnings per share with a 39% net profit margin, demonstrating pricing power and operational efficiency. Free cash flow per share reached $6.49, supporting the company’s strong balance sheet with $26.37 cash per share.

Market capitalization stands at $28.5 billion USD, with Meyka AI rating ZM stock with a grade of B+, suggesting a “Buy” recommendation. This grade factors in S&P 500 benchmark comparison, sector performance, financial growth, key metrics, and analyst consensus. These grades are not guaranteed and we are not financial advisors.

Growth Trajectory and Institutional Interest

ZM delivered 88% net income growth in fiscal 2026, far outpacing 4.4% revenue growth, reflecting margin expansion and operational leverage. The company’s 3-year net income growth of 1,708% demonstrates exceptional profitability improvement. Institutional investors remain engaged, with North Dakota State Investment Board establishing a new $1.65 million position in the stock during Q4.

Meyka AI’s forecast model projects ZM stock reaching $102.45 in three years, implying 5.8% annualized upside from current prices. Track ZM on Meyka for real-time updates on analyst coverage and price targets.

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Final Thoughts

ZM stock faces a critical earnings moment with mixed signals from the market. While after-hours weakness suggests caution, analyst upgrades and strong fundamentals support the bull case. Benchmark’s $121 price target and the company’s B+ Meyka grade indicate confidence in long-term value creation. Investors should monitor earnings results and forward guidance closely, as management commentary on AI adoption and enterprise demand will shape near-term direction. The stock’s position above key moving averages provides technical support for recovery.

FAQs

Why did ZM stock fall in after-hours trading?

ZM declined 2.7% to $96.75 as investors took profits ahead of earnings. After-hours weakness is typical before major announcements.

What is Benchmark’s price target for ZM stock?

Benchmark raised its price target to $121, implying 25% upside. The firm maintains a Buy rating on the stock.

How does ZM’s valuation compare to peers?

ZM trades at 15.66 P/E, below software sector averages. Its 39% net margin and strong cash generation support this valuation.

Disclaimer:

Stock markets involve risks. This content is for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Meyka AI PTY LTD provides market analysis and data insights, not financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting a licensed financial advisor.

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