Perion Network Ltd. (NASDAQ:PERI) is one of the cheap AI stocks to buy right now. On September 25, the company signed a strategic partnership with Albertsons Media Collective to provide advertisers with purchase-based audience data. Perion Network Ltd. (PERI) Partners with Albertsons Media Collective to Enhance Targeted Advertising everything possible/Shutterstock.com Advertisers will access audiences through Perion’s display and digital out-of-home advertising formats. The collaboration opens the door ...

Core Insights - Perion Network Ltd. and Albertsons Media Collective have formed a partnership to leverage Albertsons' first-party audience data for advertising across Perion's platforms [1][4] - The collaboration allows advertisers to access audience data from over 2,200 Albertsons store locations and a digital network with more than 100 million addressable IDs [2] - The integration supports advanced campaign measurement tools, including AI-based optimization and closed-loop reporting, enhancing targeting throughout the consumer purchasing journey [3][4] Group 1 - The partnership expands Perion's retail media offerings and enhances Albertsons' targeting and measurement capabilities across digital and in-store channels [4] - The collaboration reflects ongoing trends in the retail media sector, emphasizing the connection between data integration and media delivery [4] - Advertisers can utilize verified shopper audiences through Albertsons' retail data and activate campaigns across multiple channels using Perion's technology [5]

Group 1 - The focus has shifted from primarily tech stocks to include offshore drilling, supply industry, and shipping sectors such as tankers, containers, and dry bulk [1] - There is an emerging interest in the fuel cell industry, which is still in its nascent stage [1] Group 2 - The individual has a background in auditing with PricewaterhouseCoopers and transitioned to day trading nearly 20 years ago [2] - The experience includes navigating significant market events such as the dotcom bubble, the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks, and the subprime crisis [2]

Summary of Perion Network (PERI) FY Conference Call - August 13, 2025 Company Overview - Perion Network has transitioned from focusing on the supply side of advertising to becoming a centralized platform for marketers, particularly Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs), to manage their digital advertising spend in a fragmented industry [4][12][14]. Core Business Strategy - The company is now primarily focused on the demand side of advertising, aiming to streamline the orchestration of digital marketing budgets, which amount to approximately $1 trillion annually [4][12]. - Perion One is the company's strategy to unify various technologies and processes, allowing for a more efficient and cost-effective approach to digital marketing [12][14]. - The platform is designed to be channel agnostic, optimizing media investments without replacing existing Demand-Side Platforms (DSPs) [14][15]. Market Position and Target Audience - Perion targets advertisers using multiple DSPs, particularly those spending on platforms like YouTube and Meta, while also catering to the middle market [20][22]. - The company is not focused on small businesses but rather on medium to large advertisers who require more sophisticated solutions [21][22]. Product Offerings and Innovations - The company has introduced new features, including an algorithm for Connected TV (CTV) advertising, which is expected to grow significantly [5][34]. - Perion's CTV solutions are projected to outperform market growth, with expectations of over 20% annual growth [34][36]. - The introduction of AI-driven solutions aims to enhance efficiency in both managed and self-service advertising [25][32]. Financial Performance and Projections - Gross margins peaked at around 90% in 2022 but are projected to decline to approximately 74% due to the shift towards a platform model and increased CTV focus [72]. - The company anticipates becoming more efficient as it moves towards a self-service model, reducing the need for manual work and allowing for scaling without proportional increases in headcount [72][75]. Macro Economic Impact - There was initial nervousness in Q2 regarding advertising budgets, particularly in CTV, but confidence has returned, with expectations of increased spending in premium channels [67][70]. - The company has observed a ramp-up in digital ad spending as the year progresses, indicating a recovery in market confidence [69][70]. Cash Management and Shareholder Returns - Perion is maintaining a significant cash reserve while also accelerating share buybacks, believing that the stock is undervalued [88][90]. - The company plans to continue investing in growth opportunities while returning value to shareholders through buybacks [90]. Conclusion - Perion Network is strategically positioning itself as a leader in the ad tech space by focusing on unifying digital marketing efforts through its Perion One platform, leveraging AI, and targeting medium to large advertisers. The company is optimistic about future growth, particularly in CTV, while managing its financial resources effectively to support ongoing innovation and shareholder returns.

Summary of Perion Network (PERI) FY Conference Call - August 12, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Perion Network (PERI) - **Industry**: Digital Advertising Key Points and Arguments Transformation and Positioning - Perion has undergone a significant transformation, shifting focus from supply-side advertising technology to demand-side solutions for Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) [3][4] - The company aims to create a unified platform for CMOs to manage their media investments across various channels, likening its platform to a "Salesforce for CMOs" [4][5] Business Momentum - The company reported strong momentum in its digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising segment, which is growing rapidly, especially in the APAC and EMEA regions [6][7] - Perion's performance in Connected TV (CTV) is also promising, with the launch of a new performance CTV solution [7][26] Market Inefficiencies - A major inefficiency identified in the market is the frequent turnover of CMOs, which complicates budget management and performance tracking [10][12] - The lack of a centralized platform for data and metrics makes it difficult for CMOs to demonstrate ROI to CFOs [12][13] Product Offerings - Perion One is designed to address market inefficiencies by consolidating data and utilizing AI for optimization across various advertising channels [15][16] - The acquisition of Greenbids enhances Perion's optimization capabilities, allowing for customized AI bidding across multiple platforms [20][25] Growth Projections - The company expects to outpace the market growth rate of 13% for CTV, projecting growth above 20% [34][36] - Digital out-of-home advertising is projected to grow at 8% in the US, with programmatic DOOH growing at 15% [40][42] Financial Outlook - For the current year, Perion anticipates revenues of approximately $440 million and EBITDA between $44 million and $46 million [52][53] - The company expects continued double-digit growth in its core business segments, excluding search [52][53] Strategic Focus - Perion is focusing on larger brands initially, with plans to expand to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and eventually self-serve options for small businesses [18] - The company aims to be a leader in AI-driven advertising solutions, positioning itself as a key player in managing a trillion-dollar market [55] Additional Important Insights - The digital out-of-home market in APAC is expected to reach $21 billion next year, highlighting significant growth potential [43] - Perion's partnerships in Japan and China are facilitating cross-border advertising opportunities, enhancing its market presence [45][46] - The search business is expected to decline, with an estimated revenue of $20 million per quarter, as consumer behavior shifts away from web search [48][49] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the Perion Network conference call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, market opportunities, and financial outlook.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the second quarter was $103 million, marking an 8% year-over-year increase in advertising solutions revenue [24] - Adjusted EBITDA was $7.1 million, resulting in a 7% adjusted EBITDA margin and a 15% ex TAC margin [24][29] - Non-GAAP net income was $12 million, resulting in non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of 26 cents [24][30] - Operating cash flow generated was $21.3 million, reflecting the strength of the business model [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advertising solutions business returned to year-over-year growth for the first time since 2023, driven by strong performance in digital out of home, retail media, and web [20] - Digital out of home revenue increased by 35% year-over-year, now accounting for 17% of total revenue, up from 12% last year [25] - Retail media generated $22.3 million in the second quarter, representing a 27% year-over-year increase [22] - CTV revenue declined by 5% year-over-year, representing 9% of total revenue, attributed to budget shifts to the second half of the year [25][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expanded its programmatic digital out of home footprint in APAC and EMEA, with new partnerships in Korea, Germany, and Italy [11] - The U.S. market for CTV is projected to exceed $36 billion in ad spend by 2026, with the company expecting to capture a greater share [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on becoming a centralized platform for CMOs, with the Perion One strategy aimed at integrating all technologies and brands under one unified platform [5][8] - The strategic shift towards Perion One has been in planning since late 2023, involving long-term transformation and product evolution [6] - The company aims to improve speed and efficiency while deepening global adoption across brands, agencies, and retailers, unlocking long-term growth and margin leverage [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about CTV growth despite a slight decline, expecting a strong annual performance as budgets shift back [21][49] - The company is confident in its ability to execute and drive long-term shareholder value, operating in a high-growth industry with proven innovation culture [18] - The full-year revenue guidance remains in the range of $430 million to $450 million, with adjusted EBITDA expected between $44 million and $46 million [33] Other Important Information - The company acquired Greenbids, an AI-first company, to enhance its offerings and optimize performance [7][22] - A new performance CTV solution was launched, integrating high-impact technology with performance metrics [12][13] - The company has a strong cash balance of $318.5 million, providing financial flexibility for growth opportunities and capital returns to shareholders [31][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the 5% decline in CTV - Management attributed the decline to budget shifts rather than an industry-wide issue, noting that CTV budgets are expected to shift back in the second half of the year [36][39] Question: Changes in campaign lengths among marketers - Management has not observed any major changes in campaign lengths, indicating that business continues as usual despite economic concerns [42] Question: Confidence in CTV growth in the back half of the year - Management expressed confidence in CTV growth, expecting to outpace the market growth of approximately 13% [49] Question: Sales organization alignment with Perion One - Management indicated that the sales organization is being optimized for efficiency, with potential headcount growth expected but not on a large scale [50] Question: Use of cash over the next six months - Management plans to continue share buybacks and is evaluating M&A opportunities while maintaining a balance between growth and capital returns [51][52] Question: Impact of AI search on web revenue - Management acknowledged potential risks from AI search but emphasized a focus on delivering outcomes for advertisers regardless of channel [61][64] Question: Targeting mid-market customers with performance CTV - Management clarified that there are no immediate plans for self-serve features for mid-market customers, focusing instead on larger agencies and holding companies [68]

Core Insights - Perion Network (PERI) reported quarterly earnings of $0.26 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.17 per share, with an earnings surprise of +52.94% [1] - The company posted revenues of $102.98 million for the quarter ended June 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.49%, although this represents a decline from year-ago revenues of $108.69 million [2] - Perion Network shares have increased approximately 20.5% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 8.6% [3] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.26 on revenues of $110.5 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.99 on revenues of $440.66 million [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Perion Network was mixed prior to the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) for the stock, indicating expected performance in line with the market [6] Industry Context - The Internet - Content industry, to which Perion Network belongs, is currently ranked in the top 41% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to lower-ranked industries [8] - Similarweb (SMWB), another company in the same industry, is expected to report a quarterly loss of $0.00 per share, with revenues projected at $68.88 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 13.6% [9]

Q2 2025 Financial Performance - The company's Q2 2025 revenue reached $103 million[39] - Adjusted EBITDA was $7.1 million with a 7% margin[39] - Contribution ex-TAC margin was 46%[39] - Non-GAAP net income was $12 million, resulting in a diluted non-GAAP EPS of $0.26[39] - Cash flow from operations amounted to $21.3 million[39] Growth & Channel Performance - DOOH revenue increased by 35% year-over-year[36, 54], reaching $17.6 million[54] - Retail Media revenue increased by 27% year-over-year[36, 46] - Web revenue increased by 5% year-over-year[22, 54], reaching $53.1 million[54] - CTV revenue decreased by 5% year-over-year[36, 43], reaching $9.7 million[54] - Search revenue decreased by 35% year-over-year[54], reaching $22.4 million[54] Strategic Initiatives & Outlook - The company reiterates its FY2025 revenue guidance of $430 million to $450 million[37, 81] - The company expects an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 10% and an Adjusted EBITDA/Contribution ex-TAC margin of 22% for FY2025[81]

Summary of Perion Network (PERI) FY Conference Call - May 13, 2025 Company Overview - Perion Network has transitioned into a full-stack platform for Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs), similar to how other roles have dedicated platforms like Salesforce for CROs and Jira for CTOs [1][3] - The company aims to connect various technologies rather than replace them, recently announcing an integration partnership with Trade Desk [2] Key Points Business Strategy and Market Position - Perion is focusing on enhancing its platform to provide a unified solution for CMOs, allowing them to manage campaigns from planning to execution and reporting [3][20] - The company has acquired an AI-first company to improve its capabilities in closed gardens like YouTube and Facebook, significantly expanding its total addressable market [4][18] - The shift in advertising budgets from brand awareness to performance is a critical focus, with 80% of agency budgets now coming from social media [8][9] Financial Performance - Perion reported a significant improvement in its open web numbers, which were down 26-28% previously but are expected to grow again [5][49] - The company has seen increased spending from existing customers and is attracting new clients, aided by the acquisition of GreenBits, which has enhanced their performance capabilities [50][51] Technology and Innovation - The company emphasizes the need for a unified platform that integrates various advertising channels, including CTV and digital out-of-home (DOOH) [20][59] - Perion's SORT technology, which started as a unique ID solution, has evolved to focus on outcomes rather than just user identification, providing a competitive advantage [96][102] Competitive Landscape - Perion differentiates itself from competitors like Trade Desk by focusing on creative optimization through Dynamic Creative Optimization (DCO) and integrating various data sources [110][113] - The company believes that being closer to advertisers who control budgets is more advantageous than merely managing inventory [132] Future Outlook - The management team is optimistic about the future, with a strong pipeline and backlog of potential business opportunities [51][52] - The focus on AI and technology advancements is expected to drive efficiency and growth, with no immediate plans to increase employee numbers [134] Additional Insights - The conversation highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between CMOs and CFOs, emphasizing that CMOs need to demonstrate the ROI of their campaigns in terms that CFOs understand [16][24] - The discussion also touched on the evolving landscape of digital advertising, where traditional metrics like CTR and viewability are being replaced with more meaningful business outcomes [15][20] This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Perion Network FY Conference Call, reflecting the company's strategic direction, financial performance, and competitive positioning in the advertising technology landscape.

Q1 2025 Financial Performance - Revenue reached $89.3 million[48] - Adjusted EBITDA was $1.8 million, representing a 2% margin[48] - Non-GAAP net income amounted to $5.4 million, with a 5% ex-TAC margin[48] - Diluted non-GAAP EPS stood at $0.11[48] - Net cash reached $358.5 million[48] Revenue Breakdown by Channel - DOOH revenue increased by 80% year-over-year to $17.4 million, accounting for 19% of total revenue[53] - CTV revenue increased by 31% year-over-year to $10.7 million, accounting for 12% of total revenue[53] - Web revenue decreased by 28% year-over-year to $41.3 million, accounting for 46% of total revenue[53] - Search revenue decreased significantly by 76% year-over-year to $19.6 million, accounting for 22% of total revenue[53] Growth Engines - Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) experienced 80% year-over-year revenue growth[23] - CTV saw a 31% year-over-year revenue growth[23] - Retail Media achieved a 33% year-over-year revenue growth[23] Greenbids Acquisition - The company acquired Greenbids for a total consideration of $50 million, including $27.5 million in cash upon closing and a $22.5 million two-year cash earnout[82] - An additional $15 million was allocated for a three-year employee retention plan involving cash and equity[82] 2025 Financial Outlook - The company raised its full-year 2025 revenue guidance from $400-$420 million to $430-$450 million[85] - Adjusted EBITDA guidance was also raised from $40-$42 million to $44-$46 million, maintaining an Adjusted EBITDA/Revenue margin of 10% and an Adjusted EBITDA/Contribution ex-TAC margin of 22%[85]