Meta Platforms posted better-than-expected third-quarter results
Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META) stock is sporting a post-earnings deficit, down 4.2% at $287 at last glance. The tech concern beat third-quarter revenue and earnings estimates, but warned of lower advertising revenue in the current quarter and forecast 2024 spending to exceed expectations. What's more, finance chief Susan Li warned of unpredictability in the Middle East amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Evercore ISI did point out that Meta's brand advertising has slowed due to the war, while Jefferies said investors should not sweat current-quarter commentary. A flood of analysts chimed in with price-target adjustments in both directions today, though none adjusted their ratings. Of the 59 firms in coverage, a whopping 53 carry a "buy" or better rating on META, while the 12-month consensus price target of $368.52 is a 27% premium to current levels.
Today's pullback has the security trading at its lowest levels since August, though its 140-day moving average appears to be keeping losses in check. Since the start of the year, META is up 141.1%.
So far in the options pits, 453,000 calls and 235,000 puts have been exchanged, which is five times the overall volume typically seen at this point. The November 27 put is the most popular contract.