Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of online marketing software technologist Constant Contact (CTCT.DL) soared 28% today after its preliminary quarterly results topped Wall Street expectations.
So what: Constant Contact shares have slumped in 2014 on concerns over slowing growth, but today's upbeat view -- management now sees 16% full-year revenue growth versus a prior view of 13% -- is quickly easing those worries. Additionally, management expects full-year EBITDA margin to expand 200 basis points, to roughly 18.2%, suggesting that its competitive position and cost structure are improving, as well.
Now what: Management now expects Q1 revenue of $78.7 million-$78.8 million, and a full-year top line of $330 million, versus the consensus of $77.34 million and $323.38 million, respectively. According to CEO Gail Goodman:
In the coming weeks, we will be rolling out significantly enhanced bundles that combine products and capabilities to deliver a more powerful experience for our customers. This is an exciting milestone in our evolution from an email marketing company to a robust marketing platform for small businesses. We expect this will drive higher average revenue per user (ARPU) and improved customer retention rates, while driving a meaningful acceleration of revenue growth in 2014 and beyond.
Of course, with the stock now up about 140% over its 52-week lows, and trading at a 25-ish forward P/E, I'd wait for a wider margin of safety before buying into that growth.
