It was the night of the financial Oscars for the technology giants in the United States which showed stellar accounts in the fourth quarter of 2023. There is anticipation for the opening of the US market, after not everyone made profits yesterday in the afterhours.
Meta, with tripled profits, will distribute a dividend for the first time
What shines brightest are the numbers Meta, parent company of Facebook e Instagram which closed the fourth quarter of 2023 with profits tripled to 14 billion dollars, equal to 5,33 dollars per share, higher than the 4,65 billion, ($1,76 per share), of the same quarter of the previous year. Earnings per share beat analysts' expectations of $4,96. Revenue rose by 25% to 40,1 billion dollars, from 32,2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022, and above the 39,2 billion expected by consensus. Furthermore, for the first time a dividend: will pay a coupon of $0,50 per share.
Amazon amazes analysts with profits and turnover
Amazon also exceeded market expectations for profits and turnover, so much so that the stock gained +8 percentage points in afterhours trading on Wall Street yesterday. The e-commerce giant concluded the fourth quarter of 2023 with a net profit of 10,6 billion dollars, equal to 1 dollar per share, compared to the 278 million, (3 cents per share) recorded in the same period of the previous year and against the 80 cents per share estimated by analysts. Turnover rose to 170 billion, better than the 166,2 billion indicated by the consensus, thanks also to the strong growth in online consumer spending during the Christmas holidays.
Apple above expectations, but sales in China weigh on it
Also the profits and revenues of Apple they exceeded expectations, but the Cupertino company's stock came under pressure due to weakness in China and doubts about the outlook provided. The actions have gave up 4% in after-hours trading on Wall Street. Apple closed the fourth quarter of 2023 with a net profit of 33,9 billion, up 13% compared to the same period of the previous year. Earnings per share stood at $2.18, higher than the consensus estimate of $2.10. Revenue was also above expectations, rising by 2% to 119.6 billion, compared to the 117.9 billion expected by analysts. The sales in China fell short of expectations by 13% across the entire Greater China region.
The weak outlook. During the conference call following the quarterly announcement, Apple leaders indicated a possible weakness in iPhone sales during the current quarter.
