Oppenheimer Lowers Sina's Estimates

In a research report published today, Oppenheimer lowered estimates for Sina Corp.

following a weak 1Q outlook and regulatory issues. Oppenheimer commented in the report, “. As expected, SINA provided weak 1Q12 non-GAAP revenue guidance of $101-104M, below our prior estimate of $111M and consensus of $114M, suggesting a likely soft patch in online brand advertising. Understandably, investors may react negatively to SINA's 1Q guidance and Weibo's moderating user growth and regulatory uncertainty. Should there be a sell-off, it would offer investors a chance to warm up to the dominant portal and one of the leading social media outlets in China at attractive valuation levels, especially given recalibrated expectations and the "accelerated" Weibo monetization plan.” Oppenheimer maintains its Perform rating on Sina, which closed yesterday at $62.95.