Twitter is not the next Facebook. Twitter and Facebook are often compared directly against one another but in reality they are very different animals. Facebook productises its 1.3bn users who spend 18% of their smartphone time using its app and sells this data to advertisers. Twitter has a core of active users that generate content...
Apple Pay is the victim of a much bigger conflict. It looks like mobile based payments are at last about to see some traction, catalysed by Apple Pay, but already the battle lines are being drawn CVS and Rite Aid, the number 2 and 3 pharmacy chains in the US have both decided withdraw support...
Microsoft has the bit between its teeth while Amazon flounders. Microsoft and Amazon reported results on 23rd October leaving me in no doubt that a strong preference for Microsoft over Amazon is the right way to go. Microsoft Q1 15A Microsoft reported excellent results with Q1 15A revenues and EPS of $23.2bn / $0.54 compared...
Apps for Android signal a real change in strategy. Microsoft Garage is a skunkworks inside Microsoft known for being a geeky haven, and it has just released three free apps for Android. These apps are free and feature no internal purchases meaning that there is no direct means by which these apps can be monetised....
Yahoo! must focus on registered users to have any chance of growth. Yahoo! reported reasonable Q3 14A results but still the commentary and promises are failing to show through in the numbers. Q3 14A Revenues-ex TAC / EPS were $1.09bn / $0.52 compared to estimates of $1.05bn / $0.30. Display based advertising continues to be...
Apple on course for a superb quarter to the detriment of Samsung. Apple reported Q4 14A results that comfortably beat estimates and guided above consensus as demand for the iPhone 6 continues to outstrip even the most bullish forecasts. Q4 14A revenues and EPS were $42.1bn / $1.42 compared to consensus at $39.8bn / $1.29....
Samsung has one chance to avoid the fate of its predecessors. Samsung looks to be teetering on the edge of suffering the same fate as all market leaders before it as its products have become commodities. In order to prevent disaster, it must add something back to its products to make them again desirable to...
Slowing growth does not make the shares unattractive. Google reported slightly disappointing results as growth from its core advertising business in fixed Internet slowed a bit more quickly than expected. Q3 13A revenues (ex-TAC) and EPS were $13.2bn / $6.35 compared to consensus at $13.2bn / $6.54 and RFM at $13.0bn / $6.28. RFM has...
Q4 14E will be the most competitive ever for devices. Apple’s accidental launch of the new iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 combined with Google’s attempt to steal its thunder with its new Nexus devices sets the scene for brutal competition in Q4 14E. First up was Apple’s accidental launch of its new iPads...
Facebook Q3 14A – The morning after
The easy growth looks over. Investments are now required. Facebook reported good Q3 14A results but there are signs that growth is starting to slow meaning that investments have to ramped up to develop the addressable market further. . Q3 14A Revenues / EPS were $3.2bn / $0.43 compared to consensus forecasts at $3.1bn /...