Cantor Fitzgerald Optimistic On Facebook's Long-Term Opportunities

In a report published Tuesday, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Youssef Squali reiterated a Buy and $80.00 price target on Facebook FB on long-term opportunity. Squali remarked on the “multitude” of revenue drivers for Facebook across the short-term and continuing through the long-term. These drivers include, “1) further penetration of mobile, including FAN, 2) launch of auto-play video ads on Facebook, 3) monetization of Instagram, likely to start in 2015, and 4) monetization of WhatsApp, likely in 2016 and beyond.” The analyst expects mobile revenue growth to continue with news feed ads, volume and pricing growth, auto-play ads and the launch of Facebook Audience Network (FAN). Cantor Fitzgerald sees the “data treasure trove” of FAN raising advertisers' interest and increase its targetability. Shares of Facebook closed at $58.56 on Tuesday and are currently trading at $58.69, up 0.22 percent.