Skip to contentHome page Seeking Alpha - Power to InvestorsOct. 08, 2025 1:23 PM ETConfluent, Inc. (CFLT) StockCFLTStephen Ayers8.97K FollowersSummaryConfluent is up 10% on reports of a potential sale, following a 25% decline since my previous Sell rating.CFLT's growth has slowed to near 20% Y/Y, with minimal free cash flow, and faces intense competition in the streaming analytics market.Takeover rumors suggest a strategic premium could offer 15%-30% upside, but a deal is not guaranteed, and fundamentals remain weak.I upgrade CFLT to Hold from Sell, as M&A speculation creates a tradable floor, but fundamentals do not justify a Buy rating yet.We Are/DigitalVision via Getty ImagesIntroductionConfluent, Inc. (NASDAQ:CFLT) is down 25% since my Sell rating in late February.Then, the company was recording strong subscription revenue growth and improved free cash flow (FCF). However, my discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis implied that Confluent wasThis article was written byStephen Ayers8.97K FollowersWith a background as a RN, I analyze healthcare-related stocks by evaluating clinical data, treatment guidelines, and market dynamics. After completing my MBA, I expanded into tech, where I focus on identifying key valuation drivers and using DCF modeling for scenario-based forecasts. My writing is influenced by books such as "Superforecasting" and "Fooled by Randomness."Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.This article is intended to provide informational content and should not be viewed as an exhaustive analysis of the featured company. It should not be interpreted as personalized investment advice with regard to "Buy/Sell/Hold/Short/Long" recommendations. The predictions and opinions presented are based on the author's analysis and reflect a probabilistic approach, not absolute certainty. Efforts have been made to ensure the information's accuracy, but inadvertent errors may occur. Readers are advised to independently verify the information and conduct their own research. Investing in stocks involves inherent volatility, risk, and speculative elements. Before making any investment decisions, it is crucial for readers to conduct thorough research and assess their financial circumstances. The author is not liable for any financial losses incurred as a result of using or relying on the content of this article.Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.CommentsRecommended For YouAbout CFLT StockSymbolLast Price% Chg1D5D1M6M1Y5Y10YMarket CapRev Growth (YoY)Short InterestPrev. CloseMore on CFLTRelated StocksSymbolLast Price% Chg--1D5D1M6M1Y5Y10YTrending AnalysisTrending NewsSeeking Alpha - Power to InvestorsPower to InvestorsFollow usDownload appContact usSubscription Support: 1-347-509-6837© 2025 Seeking AlphaTo ensure this doesn’t happen in the future, please enable Javascript and cookies in your browser.Is this happening to you frequently? Please report it on our feedback forum.If you have an ad-blocker enabled you may be blocked from proceeding. Please disable your ad-blocker and refresh.