Asana Stock Surges on Record Revenue, Upbeat Forecast

Work management software concern Asana Inc (NYSE:ASAN) just took a trip to the earnings confessional, and its stock is surging in response. ASAN was last seen up 16.1% at $22.11, after the company posted slimmer-than-expected second-quarter losses of 34 cents per share on a record $134.90 million in revenue that also bested analysts' expectations. What's more, the company issued current-quarter revenue guidance that topped estimates as well.

The brokerage bunch is rushing in with bull notes following the results. So far, no less than five analysts have lifted their price targets, including Baird to $32. The broker also noted that it views Asana as a "secular leader," adding that its outlook has turned even more positive due to the company's "FCF timing and improved capital position." There was one hold out, though, as J.P. Morgan Securities slashed its price objective to $22 from $25. 

Heading into today, covering analysts were somewhat hesitant, with six calling Asana stock a "hold" or worse, compared to four "buy" or better ratings. Meanwhile, the 12-month consensus price target of $32.52 is a hefty 70.8% premium to last night's close. 

Short sellers, on the other hand, have been jumping ship. Short interest dropped 5.5% in the last reporting period. However, the 13.13 million shares sold short still make up 18.1% of the stock's available float, meaning a further unwinding of these bearish bets could put even more wind at the equity's back. 

Thanks to today's premarket pop, ASAN is set to open back above a recent ceiling at the 80-day moving average, which the stock briefly popped over in early August before breaking back below here later in the month. Asana stock has shed 74.5% this year, though it looks to have found a floor at the $17.50 mark.