Facebook CFO Punches Out, as Earnings Blow Out Estimates
April 23, 2014 by Jon C. Ogg
Thomson Reuters consensus estimates were $0.24 in operating earnings per share (versus $0.24 a year ago and versus $0.31 in the fourth quarter of 2013). Revenues expectations were $2.36 billion, up from $1.46 billion a year ago and versus $2.586 billion in the fourth quarter of 2013. The company’s non-GAAP operating margin was 55% for the first quarter of 2014, up from 39% for the first quarter of 2013. Its non-GAAP net income for the first quarter was $885 million, up 184% compared from a year ago.
Free cash flow for the first quarter of 2014 was $922 million. Cash and marketable securities were $12.63 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2014. Facebook’s non-GAAP costs and expenses were $1.13 billion in the first quarter of 2014, up 26% compared to $895 million for the first quarter of 2013.
One wild card is that CFO David Ebersman is stepping down later this year. He will be succeeded by David Wehner, effective June 1.
If you want proof of how high expectations were, WhisperNumber.com sent us a whisper number at $0.30 in earnings per share. It even said that the “whisper range” was $0.26 to $0.34 per share.
Revenue from advertising was $2.27 billion, up 82% from a year ago. Daily active users (DAUs) were 802 million on average for March 2014, up 21% from a year ago. Mobile DAUs were 609 million on average for March 2014, up 43%.
Credit Suisse came out with a key upgrade just on Tuesday ahead of the report, raising the Facebook rating to Outperform from Neutral with the price target raised to $87 from $65.
Another observation ahead of earnings was that Facebook put options went ballistic earlier this week — with the January 2015 $45 puts seeing over 30,000 contracts trade, about 150% of its total open interest.
Wednesday’s pre-earnings move was down by 2.65% to $61.36, but the social media giant was up 14% year to date even with a drop of over 410 from its peak. Facebook shares were up 2.7% at $63.03 initially in the after-hours session after the report.
Facebook’s stock chart showed a bit of a dilemma ahead of the report: its 50-day moving average is up above at $65.07 and the 200-day moving average was down at $51.49.
Essential Tips for Investing: Sponsored
A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.