Benchmark maintains Hold on Weibo stock amid ad revenue concerns

Published 24/05/2025, 12:02
Benchmark maintains Hold on Weibo stock amid ad revenue concerns

On Friday, Benchmark analysts maintained a Hold rating on shares of Weibo Corp (NASDAQ:WB), following the company’s first-quarter results for 2025. Trading at $9.37, with an impressive gross profit margin of 78.84% and a P/E ratio of 6.35, Weibo’s performance slightly outperformed market expectations, although its advertising revenue remained flat. This stagnation is attributed to a combination of modest improvements in the economic environment and persistent competitive pressures. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears undervalued based on its Fair Value estimates.

The management team at Weibo has indicated a cautious approach, opting to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with the intention of defending the company’s current market share. Despite these efforts and the fact that Weibo’s execution appears to be on track with unchanged guidance, Benchmark analysts expressed concerns about the company’s future growth. InvestingPro data reveals the company maintains strong financial health with a "GREAT" overall score, offering an attractive 8.54% dividend yield. Subscribers can access 10+ additional ProTips and comprehensive analysis through the Pro Research Report.

Weibo’s dependence on brand advertising and what Benchmark analysts consider to be a less sophisticated advertising technology stack could potentially limit the company’s ability to expand. The analysts have suggested that, at best, Weibo may function as an industry tracker, but they anticipate that the company will likely continue to lose market share in the competitive landscape.

The commentary from Benchmark analysts highlights the challenges Weibo faces in leveraging its brand advertising model and technology to keep up with industry peers. As the company looks to AI investments to bolster its position, the Hold rating reflects a cautious outlook on Weibo’s growth prospects in the near term.

In other recent news, Weibo Corporation reported its first quarter 2025 results, surpassing analyst expectations. The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $0.45, beating the consensus estimate of $0.40. Revenue reached $396.9 million, slightly exceeding projections of $394.24 million and remaining flat year-over-year. Advertising and marketing revenues were reported at $339.1 million, consistent with the previous year, though advertising revenue from Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) saw a significant increase of 89% to $42.6 million. Weibo’s non-GAAP net profit reached $120 million, a 12% increase from the prior year, thanks to lower operating expenses and increased interest income. BofA Securities analyst Miranda Zhuang adjusted Weibo’s stock price target to $8.50 from $8.90, maintaining an Underperform rating. Zhuang cited the company’s advertising growth lagging behind peers as a reason for this stance. The company’s operating margin improved to 28% from 25% last year, indicating better efficiency. Weibo ended the quarter with $2.08 billion in cash and short-term investments.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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