Summary
Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) reported its first quarter 2019 results, showing robust revenue growth driven by its advertising business. Total revenue increased by 26% year-over-year to $15.08 billion, with advertising revenue growing by the same percentage to $14.91 billion. This growth was primarily fueled by an increase in the number of ads delivered, particularly on mobile devices, which accounted for approximately 93% of advertising revenue. A significant event impacting the quarter was the company's reasonable estimation of a probable loss related to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) inquiry into its platform and user data practices, resulting in a $3.0 billion accrual. Despite this significant provision, the company continued to invest heavily in its core ecosystems (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp), long-term technology initiatives (connectivity, AI, AR/VR), and infrastructure expansion, leading to a substantial increase in costs and expenses. Consequently, net income for the quarter was $2.43 billion, a decrease from $4.99 billion in the prior year, with diluted EPS at $0.85 compared to $1.69. The company maintained a strong liquidity position with $45.24 billion in cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities as of March 31, 2019. While user growth remained steady at 8% year-over-year for both daily and monthly active users, the company anticipates continued expense growth to outpace revenue growth throughout 2019.
Financial Highlights
49 data points| Revenue | $15.08B |
| Cost of Revenue | $2.82B |
| Gross Profit | $12.26B |
| R&D Expenses | $2.86B |
| Operating Expenses | $11.76B |
| Operating Income | $3.32B |
| Net Income | $2.43B |
| EPS (Basic) | $0.85 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $0.85 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 2.86B |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 2.87B |
Key Highlights
- 1Revenue grew 26% year-over-year to $15.08 billion, driven by a 26% increase in advertising revenue to $14.91 billion.
- 2A $3.0 billion accrual was recorded for a probable loss related to the FTC inquiry concerning platform and user data practices, with an estimated total range of $3.0 billion to $5.0 billion.
- 3Net income decreased to $2.43 billion ($0.85 diluted EPS) from $4.99 billion ($1.69 diluted EPS) in the prior year, largely due to the FTC provision and increased operating expenses.
- 4Total costs and expenses increased significantly by 80% to $11.76 billion, driven by substantial investments in data centers, infrastructure, headcount, and R&D.
- 5Daily Active Users (DAUs) and Monthly Active Users (MAUs) both grew 8% year-over-year, reaching 1.56 billion and 2.38 billion, respectively, as of March 2019.
- 6Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $45.24 billion as of March 31, 2019, reflecting strong liquidity.
- 7Capital expenditures were $3.96 billion for the quarter, with a full-year 2019 capital expenditure forecast of $17 billion to $19 billion.