Supportive Data on Block, Meta & Changing Auto Market
THE DATA.
1. Block Data Supportive
Web traffic up vs peer
2. Meta Leads All in App Downloads
Over 150m downloads…
3. Avg Car Age Pushing Higher
14 years now…
📅 THIS WEEK
Just now the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), came in below or aligned with market expectations. This supports our prediction that rate cuts are on the horizon, likely starting in the upcoming months. We anticipate the economy will transition from the robust growth in 2023 to a slower pace in the latter half of 2024. The earnings season has largely concluded, with notable updates from companies such as Salesforce and Best Buy. Salesforce reported an increase in sales cycles, a trend we are noticing across the board. Meanwhile, Best Buy experienced some increased demand, particularly in the PC market, and anticipates this trend to continue with a flattening overall. In the coming weeks, we will host a webcast to summarize our earnings analysis and other key insights. To receive a notification for our webcast, please send an email to [email protected].
Data #1
Data Continues to Support Block’s Competitive Advantage
Why does this data matter?
Our investment strategy prioritizes short-term data to confirm long-term trends. This week, we analyzed a key indicator: 90-day web traffic for Block's Cash App and Square compared to PayPal's core app and Venmo. The results are very positive, suggesting continued high demand for both Block products. Encouragingly, data for AfterPay (also owned by Block) shows healthy traffic and customer satisfaction trends. Specifically, Cash App and Square web traffic have grown by 21% and 17% respectively.
Data #2
Meta Continues to Be Leader in App Downloads Across Family of Apps
Why does this data matter?
Expanding on web traffic data, here's a look at app downloads across Android and Apple app stores. Meta, despite its large user base, continues to experience significant growth. Notably, Meta apps within the top 10 most downloaded apps have seen a combined increase of 150 million downloads. Additionally, Threads, a Meta app, sits as a #3 app overall and ranks within the top 10 in total downloads. This data aligns with Mark Zuckerberg's positive comments on Threads' post-launch performance during the recent earnings call. Furthermore, the strength of Chinese apps is evident with TikTok, CapCut, and Temu all experiencing significant downloads. This is important as Chinese pressures continue to emerge from a political standpoint.
Data #3
Avg Age of Cars Continues to Extend
Why does this data matter?
Several factors are contributing to longer car ownership: engineering advancements, improved durability, and affordability challenges. In 2024, the average car age hit a record high of 14 years, a 3-year increase from 2012. This trend has potential consequences. Lower annual car sales volume means fewer new cars on the road, potentially impacting technological advancements in vehicle safety and features. Additionally, when interest rates eventually drop, a surge in car buying could occur as pent-up demand from those who delayed purchases due to affordability is released. This data suggests a fascinating dynamic in the auto industry, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds.
About Avory & Co.
Investing where the world is headed.
Avory specializes in high-conviction equity strategies, emphasizing Secular Growth and Transformation Stories driven by exceptional teams. Data guides decisions. We cater to high net worth investors, family offices, and institutional investors. Note: This information doesn't constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any mentioned securities. Avory is based in Miami, Florida with clients all across the globe.
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Disclaimer: Not a recommendation to purchase or sell any securities mentioned. This is for educational purposes only.