Barclay Analysts Weigh In on GoPro (GPRO) and FireEye Inc (FEYE) Following Recent Earnings


Barclay’s analysts provide their insights on action camera maker GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO) and cyber security firm FireEye Inc (NASDAQ:FEYE) following Q1 earnings from each. Both analysts remain on the sidelines as one cites a lack of near term catalysts for GoPro due to launch delays while the other believes recent management changes endanger an acquisition of FireEye.

GoPro Inc

Analyst Joseph Wolf of Barclays weighed in on GoPro following the firm’s Q1:16 earnings released last week. The analyst cites a “fine” quarter with higher than expected revenues of $183.5 million, compared to consensus estimates of $169.1 million, as well as reaffirmed annual guidance. He specifically points to the delayed launch of the Karma Drone from the first half of 2016 to the holiday season. He states, “With annual guidance reaffirmed despite the delay, we question how large of an impact to overall sales Karma will have in 2016.” While the HERO5 launch, expected in the second half of 2016, could provide near-term upside, the analyst believes investors will wait until the company reports a full quarter of sales from the product before “getting too excited.” Overall, the analyst is unimpressed, stating, “We struggle to find a catalyst in the near-term to get us excited about the stock at current levels.”

Wolf notes that the company is currently in transition mode but does not predict any upside for the stock until the company executes in its various initiatives, such as drones, virtual reality, software and content. He states, “[all] [are] positive but will take quite a while (drones are the only one that we model revenues for) before contributing to the business.” The analyst also states in increased focus in acquiring a new customer base.

The analyst reiterates a Neutral rating on the stock with a $12 price target.

According to TipRanks statistics, out of all the analysts who have rated the stock in the past 3 months, 30% are bullish, 20% are bearish, and 5% remain on the sidelines. The average 12-monht price target for the stock is $11.25, marking an 11% upside from current levels.

FireEye Inc

Analyst Saket Kalia of Barclays commented on FireEye following Q1:16 earnings last week. The company reported revenues of $168 million and a net loss of $0.47 per share, compared to estimates of $171.82 million in revenue and a loss of ($0.50) per share. Moreover, the company posted billings of $186 million versus consensus estimates of $180 million and the analysts’ estimates of $180 million. Although the company posted “light” product sales, the analyst notes FEYE made up for hits miss with strong subscription and support sales. He specifically comments on management changes, believing it lowers the likelihood that the company will be acquired.

The analyst reiterates an Equal Weight rating on the stock and lowers his price target to $19 from $21.

He states, “Management shuffle lowers any acquisition premium in the stock, but Mandia and Berry bring other positives. Biggest news was that CEO Dave Dewalt is stepping aside as CEO but remaining Chairman, while Kevin Mandia becomes CEO and Mike Berry becomes COO. Management reshuffles always introduce risk, but we think given Mr. Dewalt’s track record of selling companies (McAfee & Documentum), this could make some investors think this probability is lower. But we think Mr. Mandia and Mr. Berry bring solid security and operational experience, so we view this as a net negative for the stock in the near term, but net neutral for the business.”

According to TipRanks, out of all the analysts who have rated the company in the past 3 months, 59% gave a Buy rating while 41% remain on the sidelines. The average 12-month price target for the stock is $22.64, marking a 78% upside from current levels.

 

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