Falling Facebook stocks suggest scandals may finally be taking toll

Shares drop 7% after hours despite fourth-quarter earnings report showing $21bn in revenue

Facebook's stocks stumbled on Wednesday afternoon after it posted fourth-quarter earnings, suggesting continuing scandals and regulatory roadblocks may finally be catching up with the social media giant.

Shares fell 7% in after hours trading despite a reported $21bn in revenue in the fourth quarter of 2019, higher than the $20.89bn forecast. The average revenue per user reported by Facebook was $8.52, higher than the $8.38 forecast.