*By Michael Teich*
Facebook may have impressed Wall Street with strong advertising revenue and user growth, but the social media company has not yet escaped from the Cambridge Analytica data privacy scandal unscathed, said Scott Devitt, an analyst at Stifel.
Shares of Facebook surged Thursday, a day after the company reported first-quarter advertising revenue grew 50 percent compared with a year ago. The news eased investors’ fears that advertisers would flee the platform after a backlash from users ー and Congress ー about the security of their personal information.
In its earnings call on Wednesday, the company also addressed Europe's new General Data Protection Regulation, warning the new privacy requirements could flatten or reduce the number of active users in Europe when they go into effect May 25.
Devitt said in an interview with Cheddar that he doesn’t see this being a major burden for Facebook, adding that the new rules may only have a minor effect on the number of users abroad.
“The bigger question is fatigue with the platform,” said Devitt, who has a “hold” rating and $175 price target on Facebook stock.
Facebook saw its first-ever decline in users in the U.S. and Canada in the last quarter of 2017, but it got back on track in the first quarter of this year ー it reported 185 million users, up from 184 million last year. Devitt said the revival is a promising sign.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/what-data-scandal-facebook-stock-jumps-on-earnings-beat).
Fed Chair Jerome Powell said higher rates are here to stay for now.
Jenna Helwig, food director at 'Real Simple,' joined Cheddar News to provide tips on how to save on purchasing kitchen gadgets ahead of the holiday season and which essentials are needed when cooking.
You may soon be able to charge your car while driving. Cheddar News explains.
The holiday season is underway and it's a good time to put your Christmas tree up if you haven't already. But making your home festive can be costly. Cameron Forbes, founder of Forbes Functions, joined Cheddar News to provide tips for decorating on a dime.
Google is moving forward with its previously-announced plan to delete inactive accounts and all associated data.
Federal regulators are investigating Chevrolet Volt hybrid cars after some drivers reported issues including sudden power loss and failure to restart.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell weighed in on interest rates, some of Tesla's cybertrucks have been delivered, Apple and Paramount have reportedly discussed bundling their streaming services together and Panera Bread has reportedly filed to go public.
Accounting firm PWC is facing a $7 million fine from U.S. regulators.
Build-A-Bear Workshop has been one of the most recognizable and beloved toy brands in the world since opening in 1997. Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, spoke with Cheddar News about its plans for the holiday season this year as well as the company's first animated feature film.
Pfizer will stop the development of its twice-daily weight loss pill due to adverse side effects.
