Marqeta, Inc. (NASDAQ:MQ) shareholders are probably feeling a little disappointed, since its shares fell 5.4% to US$16.69 in the week after its latest second-quarter results. Revenues were US$176m, approximately in line with whatthe analysts expected, although statutory earnings per share (EPS) crushed expectations, coming in at US$0.07, an impressive 551% ahead of estimates. The analysts typically update their forecasts at each earnings report, and we can judge from their estimates whether their view of the company has changed or if there are any new concerns to be aware of. Readers will be glad to know we've aggregated the latest statutory forecasts to see whether the analysts have changed their mind on Marqeta after the latest results.

Taking into account the latest results, the consensus forecast from Marqeta's 13 analysts is for revenues of US$705.8m in 2026. This reflects a modest 4.2% improvement in revenue compared to the last 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are predicted to bounce 110% to US$0.21. Before this earnings report, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of US$708.8m and earnings per share (EPS) of US$0.16 in 2026. There was no real change to the revenue estimates, but the analysts do seem more bullish on earnings, given the sizeable expansion in earnings per share expectations following these results.

There's been no major changes to the consensus price target of US$20.80, suggesting that the improved earnings per share outlook is not enough to have a long-term positive impact on the stock's valuation. The consensus price target is just an average of individual analyst targets, so - it could be handy to see how wide the range of underlying estimates is. The most optimistic Marqeta analyst has a price target of US$28.00 per share, while the most pessimistic values it at US$18.00. As you can see, analysts are not all in agreement on the stock's future, but the range of estimates is still reasonably narrow, which could suggest that the outcome is not totally unpredictable.

Of course, another way to look at these forecasts is to place them into context against the industry itself. The analysts are definitely expecting Marqeta's growth to accelerate, with the forecast 8.6% annualised growth to the end of 2026 ranking favourably alongside historical growth of 1.1% per annum over the past five years. Compare this with other companies in the same industry, which are forecast to grow their revenue 5.8% annually. Factoring in the forecast acceleration in revenue, it's pretty clear that Marqeta is expected to grow much faster than its industry.

The Bottom Line

The biggest takeaway for us is the consensus earnings per share upgrade, which suggests a clear improvement in sentiment around Marqeta's earnings potential next year. Fortunately, they also reconfirmed their revenue numbers, suggesting that it's tracking in line with expectations. Additionally, our data suggests that revenue is expected to grow faster than the wider industry. The consensus price target held steady at US$20.80, with the latest estimates not enough to have an impact on their price targets.

With that said, the long-term trajectory of the company's earnings is a lot more important than next year. We have estimates - from multiple Marqeta analysts - going out to 2028, and you can see them free on our platform here.

Even so, be aware that Marqeta is showing 1 warning sign in our investment analysis , you should know about...

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.