The advertising industry is experiencing significant changes, with some companies emerging as winners while others struggle to keep up. As Meta Platforms Inc. and Google leverage their effective ad-targeting capabilities to drive revenue growth, companies like Snap Inc. are facing challenges in converting their engaged user base into tangible financial gains. Additionally, cautious behaviors from clients, particularly in the tech industry, have further complicated the situation.
Roku stands out as a particularly interesting player in this ever-evolving streaming landscape. Despite a “muted” ad market, according to Macquarie analyst Tim Nollen, Roku has the potential to benefit from Netflix’s successful ad-supported tier of service. However, the company also faces uncertainties due to potential strikes in Hollywood that could limit new content available on streaming platforms.
Key Points to Consider for Roku’s Earnings Report:
1. Earnings: Analysts anticipate Roku to report $1.27 per share in GAAP losses, compared to 82 cents per share in the previous year.
2. Revenue: Based on insights from FactSet analysts, revenues for the June period are expected to reach $774 million, marking a slight increase from $764 million in the previous year.
3. Stock Movement: Roku shares have experienced gains in four out of the past five earnings reports, including an 11% increase after the most recent one. So far this year, the stock has risen by 76%, outperforming the S&P 500’s 19% growth.
In conclusion, as the advertising industry undergoes a transformative phase, Roku’s unique position within the streaming landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. The upcoming earnings report will shed light on the company’s performance and market trajectory moving forward.
Roku’s Stock Analysis
According to FactSet, out of the 33 analysts covering Roku’s stock, 13 have buy ratings, 14 have hold ratings, and six have sell ratings. The average price target for the stock is $70.50.
The Potential of Own-Branded TVs
Despite the current downturn in the consumer-electronics market, Macquarie’s Nollen finds Roku’s rollout of its self-branded televisions this year intriguing. Nollen suggests that this move will lead to double-digit growth in Roku’s devices division and help solidify its 43% market share in the US.
Advertising Outlook
While caution remains, there are some positive signals in the advertising market. According to Wells Fargo’s Steven Cahall, the chatter market, which deals with ads that aren’t purchased upfront, shows slight improvement. However, Cahall points out that media and entertainment companies may face tougher times ahead as consumers continue to cut back on spending.
Wedbush’s Alicia Reese raises concerns about Roku’s heavy dependence on the scatter market for advertising. She highlights that the scatter market is currently experiencing limited ad spending due to the challenging macroeconomic environment. However, Reese anticipates that Roku will reach an inflection point in ad revenue during the fourth quarter. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to management’s forward-looking commentary.
In conclusion, despite the uncertain market conditions, there are opportunities for Roku to grow its own-branded TV division and make strides in the advertising sector. Analysts will closely monitor these developments and management’s guidance for further insights.