Executive Summary
Shopify Inc (SHOP) reported a record-breaking fourth quarter in 2023, achieving $2.1 billion in revenue, representing a 24% year-over-year increase. This quarter marks the first time in Shopify's history that the company surpassed $2 billion in revenue in a single quarter. The robust performance was driven by the significant growth of its Merchant Solutions segment, which accounted for $1.6 billion in revenue, primarily driven by increased GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume) and higher penetration of Shopify Payments. With a strong focus on innovation, Shopify has launched several AI-powered tools and enhanced its platform to provide better services for merchant partners. The company's ability to attract more merchants globally, particularly in the EMEA region where it experienced 40% growth year-over-year, highlights its expanding market position and operational agility.
Key Performance Indicators
QoQ: 67.62% | YoY:208.34%
QoQ: -8.50% | YoY:205.18%
QoQ: -3.64% | YoY:208.16%
Key Insights
1. **Revenue**: $2.1 billion in Q4, up 24% YoY; annual revenue reached $7.1 billion, a 26% increase.
2. **Gross Profit**: $1.1 billion in Q4, 33% YoY growth, achieving a gross margin of 49.5%.
3. **Operating Income**: $289 million or 13.5% of revenue,
4. **Free Cash Flow**: $446 million in Q4, translating to a free cash flow margin of 21%.
5. **Customer Growth**: 35% more merchants added internationally, with significant contributions from markets outside North America.
6. Management hig...
Financial Highlights
1. Revenue: $2.1 billion in Q4, up 24% YoY; annual revenue reached $7.1 billion, a 26% increase.
2. Gross Profit: $1.1 billion in Q4, 33% YoY growth, achieving a gross margin of 49.5%.
3. Operating Income: $289 million or 13.5% of revenue,
4. Free Cash Flow: $446 million in Q4, translating to a free cash flow margin of 21%.
5. Customer Growth: 35% more merchants added internationally, with significant contributions from markets outside North America.
6. Management highlighted the successful Black Friday-Cyber Monday, where over $9.3 billion in sales were processed, an increase of 24% from prior year.
7. Merchant Solutions revenue reached $1.6 billion, driven by GMV exceeding $75.1 billion in Q4, a 23% YoY increase, as more merchants utilized its platform for payments.
Income Statement
Metric |
Value |
YoY Change |
QoQ Change |
Revenue |
2.14B |
23.58% |
25.09% |
Gross Profit |
1.06B |
33.00% |
17.87% |
Operating Income |
204.50M |
208.34% |
67.62% |
Net Income |
657.00M |
205.18% |
-8.50% |
EPS |
0.53 |
208.16% |
-3.64% |
Key Financial Ratios
operatingProfitMargin
9.54%
operatingCashFlowPerShare
$0.35
freeCashFlowPerShare
$0.35
Management Commentary
1. Management Perspective on Growth: Harley Finkelstein emphasized, '2023 was a phenomenal year for Shopify. Commerce moved fast and we moved faster,' highlighting the company’s agility and strategic pivot to support diverse merchants across various sectors.
2. AI Integration: The management noted the introduction of AI tools designed to enhance merchant productivity, with Finkelstein stating that 'our strategy involves integrating AI at the heart of our platform.'
3. Success Metrics: Jeff Hoffmeister conveyed, 'This represents the third consecutive quarter that our growth has been greater than 25% on an organic basis ex logistics.'
Harley Finkelstein: 'We have 35% more merchants from outside North America launch and grow their businesses on Shopify.'
— Harley Finkelstein
Jeff Hoffmeister: 'We expect our existing merchant cohorts to continue to deliver strong growth... While we remain disciplined on head count growth.'
— Jeff Hoffmeister
Forward Guidance
For Q1 2024, management expects revenue growth in the low 20s on a GAAP basis and mid to high 20s when excluding the impact of the recently sold logistics business, continuing the momentum seen in Q4. Gross margins are projected to increase by around 150 basis points quarter-over-quarter, primarily driven by a higher mix of subscription solutions revenue. The focus will remain on disciplined headcount growth while leveraging AI and market opportunities to enhance efficiency.