Roblox Stock Rises 10% Even as Strong Dollar Curbs Bookings

Dow Jones2022-06-16

A strong U.S. dollar is poised to curb Roblox's bookings growth for 2022, the online-gaming provider said Wednesday. But investors didn't seem too concerned, with the stock making a strong move higher.

In a press release, Roblox said the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other foreign currencies has had an "adverse impact on bookings" during 2022 -- an impact that was more pronounced in May compared to other periods throughout the year. When the dollar gains, foreign currency revenue is worth less in terms of greenbacks.

The company estimated that foreign currency fluctuations led to a 4% reduction in May bookings year over year. Bookings for the month were between $196 million and $199 million, down 9% to 11% year over year, the company said.

Benchmark analyst Mike Hickey called the monthly results "disappointing, " with the metrics continuing to show weakness as player engagement normalizes after the pandemic.

"We are cautious the pandemic pulled forward growth, and normalized behavior may dampen outlier engagement trends," he wrote. "The metaverse platform was a social utility during the pandemic, in our view, which could unwind as social restrictions are now removed, schools stay open, and parental spend reallocates."

But investors weren't as concerned, with Roblox stock up 10.64% to $28.9 on Wednesday. Potentially driving the rally was Roblox's estimate that revenue is estimated to be between $194 million and $197 million, up 28% to 30% year over year. Daily active users in May were 50.4 million, up 17% on an annual basis, while hours engaged rose by 10% from last May.

The shares have fallen 74% this year, and have been heavily shorted by some key investors. At an earnings conference last month, executives were upbeat that year-over-year bookings could improve in the coming year after bottoming in March.

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