CHICAGO, Nov. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include the Facebook Inc. (Nasdaq:FB-Free Report), Yahoo (Nasdaq:YHOO-Free Report), Twitter (NYSE:TWTR-Free Report) and Google (Nasdaq:GOOGL-Free Report).
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
Here are highlights from Friday's Analyst Blog:
Can Facebook's Privacy Basics Boost User Growth?
Facebook Inc. (Nasdaq:FB-Free Report) recently launched a new privacy tool called Privacy Basics. This tool is expected to guide users on how they can control what they would like to share on the site.
The company has also incorporated some changes in its privacy policy. The new policy statement comprises only 2700 words as against 9000 words in the previous one. Moreover, certain important points in the statement have been highlighted in certain specific colors to place special emphasis.
Facebook has provided users with the option of commenting on the newly launched policy till Nov 20, following which the final version of the policy will be framed. The final version of the policy will come into effect after 30 days commencing Nov 20, 2014.
Facebook declared that the aim of the newly developed tool was to make users comprehend membership conditions fully before accepting them.
Generally, Facebook uses the information people share on its site, along with the apps they use and the other websites they visit, to show advertisements relevant to them. In the recently concluded third quarter, the company reported advertising revenues of $2.94 billion, which soared 63% year over year.
Of late, Facebook has been accused of sharing personal information with outsiders without the consent of its users. In 2011, Facebook had entered into an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission, requiring it to ask users' permission before changing the way personal information is gathered and handled.
Moreover, Facebook had conducted an anonymous inquiry last year, the results of which concluded that users' data were safe with the social networking site.
However, there is still some skepticism among users worldwide. We believe that this new initiative has been taken by the company with an eye to pacify agitated users and regain their confidence.
Per a recent Pew Research report, almost 91% of Americans feel that they have lost control over the way in which their data is collected and used while 80% are insecure about sharing their personal information over the social networking medium. Hence, we believe that the timing of the new policy has been impeccable and will help revive lost confidence going forward.
Facebook regularly upgrades its applications and features, which reflect its strong focus on enhancing user experience and promoting long-term growth. The company is also engaged in the expansion of ad tools and programs that would attract new clients.
We believe that Facebook's growing mobile user base, Instagram's increasing popularity, frequent launch of new products and international expansions will boost the company's top line and profitability going forward.
However, stiff competition from Yahoo (Nasdaq:YHOO-Free Report), Twitter (NYSE:TWTR-Free Report), LinkedIn and Google (Nasdaq:GOOGL-Free Report) remains a major headwind going forward.
Currently, Facebook has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
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