Media
Why More Than 10 Analysts Are Chasing Facebook Shares Even Higher
Published:
Last Updated:
Facebook Inc. (NASDAQ: FB) won on earnings through explosive mobile usage, and as a result the stock is cruising near all-time highs. Just looking around these days, it is evident that most people use their smartphones for social media, whether it’s posting pictures of their lunch to Instagram or hitting up Facebook Messenger at a red light. Facebook has a secure grasp on the market.
The obsession is very real, especially on the mobile platform. Analysts have seen evidence of this and are raising their ratings and targets to new highs, reflecting not only the strong earnings from this quarter but also the equally strong outlook as well.
Facebook reported that revenue was $4.501 billion, up from $3.203 billion last year and above the $4.37 billion consensus estimate from Thomson Reuters. The adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.57, versus $0.43 a year ago and the consensus estimate of $0.52.
Of the $4.501 billion in revenues, some $4.299 billion was in advertising, up 45%. Facebook’s total costs and expenses rose by 68% to $3.042 billion. Excluding the impact of year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates, the company showed that total revenue would have increased by 51%.
The metrics that matter here were as follows:
ALSO READ: 4 S&P 500 Stocks That Could Be Up 50% by Year’s End
What is shocking about these statistics is that with a global population of roughly 7.4 billion, DAUs total 13.6% and MAUs total nearly 21% of the entire global population. Considering this global exposure, Facebook is easily the largest media stock out there, with a market cap of over $300 billion. The next largest media stock would be Disney with a market cap of roughly $190 billion.
Making such a monumental move to new highs, Facebook is drawing analyst calls like moths to a flame. While most firms have Buy or Outperform ratings, many price targets were hiked:
Shares of Facebook were recently trading up nearly 6% at $110.06, after hitting a new all-time high. The stock has a consensus analyst price target of $112.73 and a 52-week trading range of $72.00 to $110.65.
ALSO READ: 3 Tech Stocks to Own for a Possible Year-End Rally
Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?
Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.
Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.
Have questions about retirement or personal finance? Email us at [email protected]!
By emailing your questions to 24/7 Wall St., you agree to have them published anonymously on a673b.bigscoots-temp.com.
By submitting your story, you understand and agree that we may use your story, or versions of it, in all media and platforms, including via third parties.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.