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Will Data Fiasco Leave a Mark on Facebook (FB) Q2 Earnings?
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Facebook is set to report second-quarter 2018 earnings on Jul 25.
The social media giant has a solid record of earning surprises in recent quarters, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average positive surprise of 18.89%.
The company’s first-quarter 2018 earnings of $1.69 per share and revenues of $11.97 billion handily beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.36 and $11.43 billion, respectively.
For the second quarter of 2018, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Facebook’s earnings and revenues are pegged at $1.75 and $13.43 billion, respectively, representing an increase of 44.1% and 32.6% from the year-ago period.
Consistent performance and positive outlook have been primary drivers behind Facebook’s stock’s 19% return on a year-to-date basis. The industry has lost 0.4% during the same time frame.
Let’s see how things are shaping up for the announcement.
How Much the Data Fiasco Has Hurt User Base
Last quarter was not good for Facebook. The company has already been facing issues related to the Russian meddling in 2016 U.S. Presidential Elections, along with the proliferation of fake news, terrorism related content and political propaganda.
The Cambridge Analytica data privacy scandal (which surfaced in mid-March) that impacted almost 87 million users further put the company in a fix. The data fiasco gained significant attention from regulators globally. Moreover, it was alleged that Facebook had improperly accessed some phone and text message data from users who used the Facebook mobile app on Android phones.
The multi-faceted allegations helped the #deletefacebook movement gain momentum with fear of mass exodus from the social network. Although, the movement fizzled out by the end of the quarter, investors would eagerly be watching whether it did some damage to the user base growth.
Further, the company’s data sharing and handling procedures were questioned. Facebook recently stated that it had granted a few companies a six-month extension to work in compliance with its new data sharing policy that was enacted in 2015.
These may have negatively impacted the engagement levels that along with user base are the key metrics to attract advertising dollars.
Growth Drivers Abound
Nevertheless, Facebook has been benefiting from its massive user base, increasing engagement levels and frequent updates of Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram applications. Moreover, the company is leaving no stone unturned as it continues to introduce features aimed at customer retention.
Per a recent report by Sensor Tower, Messenger, WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram were the most downloaded apps on both iOS and Android in the first half of 2018.
Additionally, Facebook’s average price per ad growth to 39% is a positive, given its advertising supported business. Further, the company’s initiative to secure its platform is a tailwind.
What Our Model Says
According to the Zacks model, a company with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or #3 (Hold) has a good chance of beating estimates if it also has a positive Earnings ESP. The Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 or #5) are best avoided.
Facebook has a Zacks Rank #2 and an Earnings ESP of -0.67%, which indicates an unlikely positive surprise. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Stocks to Consider
Here are few stocks you may consider as our proven model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.
Twitter has an Earnings ESP of +7.06% and a Zacks Rank #1. The company is set to report on Jul 27.
Upland Software (UPLD - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +0.93% and a Zacks Rank #1. The company is expected to report on Aug 9.
Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside?
Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana.
Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look.
Image: Bigstock
Will Data Fiasco Leave a Mark on Facebook (FB) Q2 Earnings?
Facebook is set to report second-quarter 2018 earnings on Jul 25.
The social media giant has a solid record of earning surprises in recent quarters, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average positive surprise of 18.89%.
The company’s first-quarter 2018 earnings of $1.69 per share and revenues of $11.97 billion handily beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.36 and $11.43 billion, respectively.
For the second quarter of 2018, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Facebook’s earnings and revenues are pegged at $1.75 and $13.43 billion, respectively, representing an increase of 44.1% and 32.6% from the year-ago period.
Consistent performance and positive outlook have been primary drivers behind Facebook’s stock’s 19% return on a year-to-date basis. The industry has lost 0.4% during the same time frame.
Let’s see how things are shaping up for the announcement.
How Much the Data Fiasco Has Hurt User Base
Last quarter was not good for Facebook. The company has already been facing issues related to the Russian meddling in 2016 U.S. Presidential Elections, along with the proliferation of fake news, terrorism related content and political propaganda.
The Cambridge Analytica data privacy scandal (which surfaced in mid-March) that impacted almost 87 million users further put the company in a fix. The data fiasco gained significant attention from regulators globally. Moreover, it was alleged that Facebook had improperly accessed some phone and text message data from users who used the Facebook mobile app on Android phones.
The multi-faceted allegations helped the #deletefacebook movement gain momentum with fear of mass exodus from the social network. Although, the movement fizzled out by the end of the quarter, investors would eagerly be watching whether it did some damage to the user base growth.
Facebook, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
Facebook, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Facebook, Inc. Quote
Further, the company’s data sharing and handling procedures were questioned. Facebook recently stated that it had granted a few companies a six-month extension to work in compliance with its new data sharing policy that was enacted in 2015.
These may have negatively impacted the engagement levels that along with user base are the key metrics to attract advertising dollars.
Growth Drivers Abound
Nevertheless, Facebook has been benefiting from its massive user base, increasing engagement levels and frequent updates of Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram applications. Moreover, the company is leaving no stone unturned as it continues to introduce features aimed at customer retention.
Per a recent report by Sensor Tower, Messenger, WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram were the most downloaded apps on both iOS and Android in the first half of 2018.
Additionally, Facebook’s average price per ad growth to 39% is a positive, given its advertising supported business. Further, the company’s initiative to secure its platform is a tailwind.
What Our Model Says
According to the Zacks model, a company with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or #3 (Hold) has a good chance of beating estimates if it also has a positive Earnings ESP. The Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 or #5) are best avoided.
Facebook has a Zacks Rank #2 and an Earnings ESP of -0.67%, which indicates an unlikely positive surprise. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Stocks to Consider
Here are few stocks you may consider as our proven model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.
Castlight Health (CSLT - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +11.11% and a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. The company is set to report on Jul 30.
Twitter has an Earnings ESP of +7.06% and a Zacks Rank #1. The company is set to report on Jul 27.
Upland Software (UPLD - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +0.93% and a Zacks Rank #1. The company is expected to report on Aug 9.
Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside?
Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana.
Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look.
See the pot trades we're targeting>>