Meta Platforms (FB) closed the most recent trading day at $329.82, moving -0.22% from the previous trading session. This change was narrower than the S&P 500’s 0.72% loss on the day.
Heading into today, shares of the social media company had gained 0.89% over the past month, outpacing the Computer and Technology sector’s loss of 0.64% and the S&P 500’s gain of 0.11% in that time.
Wall Street will be looking for positivity from Meta Platforms as it approaches its next earnings report date. On that day, Meta Platforms is projected to report earnings of $3.78 per share, which would represent a year-over-year decline of 2.58%. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $33 billion, up 17.56% from the prior-year quarter.
Looking at the full year, our Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest analysts are expecting earnings of $13.91 per share and revenue of $117.74 billion. These totals would mark changes of +37.86% and +36.97%, respectively, from last year.
Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for Meta Platforms. These recent revisions tend to reflect the evolving nature of short-term business trends. As such, positive estimate revisions reflect analyst optimism about the company’s business and profitability.
Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell). It has a remarkable, outside-audited track record of success, with #1 stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Within the past 30 days, our consensus EPS projection has moved 0.37% lower. Meta Platforms is holding a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) right now.
Looking at its valuation, Meta Platforms is holding a Forward P/E ratio of 23.77. This valuation marks a discount compared to its industry’s average Forward P/E of 64.02.
Investors should also note that FB has a PEG ratio of 1.18 right now. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock’s expected earnings growth rate. Internet – Software stocks are, on average, holding a PEG ratio of 3.71 based on yesterday’s closing prices.
The Internet – Software industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 197, putting it in the bottom 23% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank includes is listed in order from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
To follow FB in the coming trading sessions, be sure to utilize Zacks.com.
Zacks’ Top Picks to Cash in on Artificial Intelligence
This world-changing technology is projected to generate $100s of billions by 2025. From self-driving cars to consumer data analysis, people are relying on machines more than we ever have before. Now is the time to capitalize on the 4th Industrial Revolution. Zacks’ urgent special report reveals 6 AI picks investors need to know about today.
See 6 Artificial Intelligence Stocks With Extreme Upside Potential>>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days.
Click to get this free report