Rare Bear Notes Hit Adobe Stock After Weak Guidance

ADBE has now shed 12% off its July peak

The shares of Adobe Inc (NASDAQ:ADBE) are down 3.6% to trade at $275.82 this morning, after a mixed quarterly report. The software company reported adjusted fiscal third-quarter earnings of $2.05 per share on $2.83 billion in revenue, topping forecasts for a $1.97 per-share profit on $2.82 billion in revenue. However, Adobe also trimmed its current-quarter revenue guidance, citing slow growth from its marketing software unit Marketo.

To analysts, the weak forecast overshadows the earnings and revenue beats. So far, five brokerages have issued price-target cuts, the lowest coming from BMO and Instinet to $310. The analyst in coverage at RBC thinks these revenue issues will remain over the next few years, but believes ADBE will remain at a premium valuation.

This is pacing to be Adobe stock's worst day in over a month, and puts it on pace to snap a five-day winning streak. Since a July 19 record high of $313.11, ADBE has given back 12%. During this skid, the shares' descending 30-day moving average has kept a lid on breakouts. Nevertheless, the equity is still up 22% on the year.

The security is at risk for more bearish analyst attention though, and that could keep the pressure on. Of the 21 brokerages covering ADBE, 14 rate it a "buy" or better, with zero "sells" on the books. In addition, the equity's consensus 12-month price target of $313.19 is now a nearly 14% premium from its current perch.