Roku Tops Quarterly Sales Estimates But Warns of Uncertainty

(Bloomberg) -- Roku Inc. shares were little changed postmarket Wednesday after the video-streaming platform company reported second-quarter revenue that topped the highest analyst estimate but warned that its short-term outlook remains murky.

The company had revenue of $356.1 million, which beat the highest analyst estimate at $349.0 million, according to Bloomberg data. However, Roku declined to give a formal forecast. In a letter to shareholders, it wrote that “the short-term outlook is both variable and uncertain.”

“We’re still growing significantly, but it is slower growth than we would’ve otherwise expected, given the macro environment,” Chief Financial Officer Steve Louden said in a phone interview. “There might be some short-term volatility with the ad market, but overall this environment is very good for Roku. It is clear that the long-term trend to streaming has being accelerated by Covid.”

Roku added 3.2 million active accounts in the quarter for a total of 43 million and reported 14.6 billion streaming hours. Bloomberg Consensus data had pointed to about 41.5 million active accounts and 14.4 billion streaming hours.

The company also reported a net loss of 35 cents a share. Wall Street had been looking for a loss of 55 cents per share, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Roku initially rose as much as 8% in postmarket trading but the stock later erased the gain. Roku shares have gained about 160% off a March low and are trading near record levels.

Louden said discussions for Roku to offer the recently launched HBO Max and Peacock streaming services are ongoing. “We want to carry all content, but it is important that any agreement we pursue be win-win-win,” he wrote. “We’re very clear that we can add a lot of value.”

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