Snap Inc.’s (NYSE:SNAP) stock surge on Friday highlights the ongoing volatility surrounding the company’s earnings reports. What sets this episode apart is the direction of the swing: upward.
Shares of the Snapchat parent soared by as much as 30%, showcasing the company’s penchant for significant post-earnings movements. Over the past year, ten out of the last 12 earnings reports have triggered double-digit swings, ranging from a nearly 40% decline to an almost 60% increase.
According to data compiled by Bloomberg, the average price swing in response to Snap’s earnings announcements has been a substantial 19.8%. Among its peers in the Internet media & services industry, Roku Inc. (NASDAQ:ROKU) stands out as similarly volatile, averaging a 16% move. However, the industry average sits at around 10%, roughly half of Snap’s volatility.
Friday’s rally was fueled by Snap’s robust sales forecast, which alleviated concerns about the company’s prospects and prompted at least one analyst upgrade. Notably, this marks the first positive share-price reaction to Snap’s results since April 2022.
In contrast, previous earnings reports have typically acted as negative catalysts for Snap’s stock. Leading up to the latest report, the company experienced selloffs following its past seven earnings announcements. In February, shares plunged approximately 35% after disappointing fourth-quarter results underscored growth concerns. Despite Friday’s gains, Snap’s stock remains down about 15% for the year, contrasting with the 24% increase seen by industry leader Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META)
While Snap’s most significant price movements have historically occurred on earnings days, its largest single-day decline occurred in May 2022 when it slashed its forecast.
Featured Image: Megapixl
Author Faith Yakubu 
