Mary Meeker, Morgan Stanley:
- Predicted that Facebook had a significant growth potential due to its large user base and its dominance in social media.
- Emphasized the company's strong revenue growth, driven by advertising.
Walter Piecyk, Barclays:
- Was more cautious, expressing concerns about valuation as Facebook's stock was priced relatively high compared to its peers.
- Advised investors to wait for a possible post-IPO dip before considering a long-term investment.
Scott Devitt, Stifel Nicolaus:
- Noted that Facebook faced intense competition from rivals such as Google+ and Twitter.
- Highlighted the importance of user engagement and the company's ability to adapt to evolving preferences in social media.
Ben Schachter, Macquarie Group:
- Expressed optimism, citing Facebook's strong brand recognition and mobile user growth as key factors driving its success.
- Emphasized the potential of the company's "ecosystem" of applications and services.
Mark Mahaney, Citigroup:
- Viewed Facebook as a strong long-term investment, due to its global reach and the continued growth of mobile and internet advertising.
- Advised investors to be patient, expecting potential volatility during the initial post-IPO period.
In general, experts held a range of opinions on Facebook's stock, reflecting the uncertainty and speculation surrounding the tech company's long-term prospects. While some analysts saw significant potential for growth, others cautioned against overvaluing the stock due to potential risks and intense competition in the social media landscape.