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Reddit Facing Challenges in Ad Market: Hold or Fold the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-07-15 16:05
Core Insights - Reddit (RDDT) operates a community-driven social media platform with over 100,000 active subreddits, generating more than 90% of its revenue from digital advertising, reporting first-quarter revenues of $392 million, reflecting a 61% year-over-year growth [1] - The company faces significant competition in the digital advertising space, primarily from established players like Meta Platforms and Alphabet, which have advanced advertising infrastructures and extensive advertiser relationships [5][7] - Reddit shares have declined 10.3% year-to-date due to rising competitive pressures and a challenging macroeconomic environment, underperforming compared to the broader Zacks Computer & Technology sector and the Zacks Internet Software industry [2] Financial Performance - For 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Reddit's revenues is $1.85 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of 42.07%, with earnings estimated at $1.21 per share, an improvement from a loss of $3.33 per share in 2024 [12] - Daily Active and Weekly Active Unique users increased by 31% year-over-year, reaching 108.1 million and 401 million, respectively, in the reported quarter [15] Competitive Landscape - Reddit's advertising technology is less sophisticated than that of Meta Platforms and Alphabet, with weaker targeting and measurement tools, which may hinder its ability to compete for advertising budgets [8][9] - Reddit trades at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 12.67X, significantly higher than the industry average of 5.71X and competitors like Meta and Alphabet, which trade at P/S ratios of 9.1 and 6.36, respectively [9] Product Development and User Engagement - Reddit has been expanding its platform with tools like Reddit Answers, which reached one million weekly users, and Reddit Community Intelligence, aimed at generating marketing insights [13][14] - The company is enhancing user engagement through AI-powered features, which are expected to improve the value of its advertising inventory [8][14] Conclusion - While Reddit's growing product suite and user engagement show long-term potential, the current premium valuations, intense competition, and macroeconomic uncertainties suggest limited near-term gains [17][18] - The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating that investors should avoid the stock at current levels [19]
FSLY Stock is Slipping: Can a Steady Enterprise Base Hold the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-07-14 18:16
Core Insights - Fastly (FSLY) provides edge cloud infrastructure aimed at enhancing digital experiences, with over 90% of its revenue coming from enterprise customers, making customer engagement and platform adoption critical for future growth [1][9] Enterprise Metrics - Fastly's enterprise customer count is projected to increase to 600 in Q2 from 595 in the previous quarter, with enterprise revenues estimated at $135 million, reflecting an 11.6% year-over-year growth. However, net retention is expected to drop to 100.46% from 109.6% in the same quarter last year [2] Product Development and Partnerships - The company is expanding its product suite with AI-driven features such as bot detection and real-time cache APIs, which are designed to enhance secure, high-speed delivery for performance-sensitive workloads. Partnerships with major companies like Alphabet, VMware, Shopify, Azure, and AWS are expected to bolster long-term customer engagement [3] Revenue Guidance - Fastly has guided Q2 revenues to be between $143 million and $147 million, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $145.07 million, indicating a 9.59% year-over-year growth [4][9] Competitive Landscape - Fastly faces significant competition from Cloudflare and Akamai, both of which offer similar edge delivery and web security solutions. Cloudflare is enhancing its programmable edge platform, while Akamai is focusing on cloud security and enterprise solutions [5][6] Stock Performance and Valuation - FSLY shares have decreased by 28.9% year-to-date, contrasting with a 7.5% increase in the broader Zacks Computer & Technology sector and a 14.1% rise in the Zacks Internet Software industry. The current forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio for FSLY is 1.58X, significantly lower than the industry's 5.72X [7][10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FSLY's loss in 2025 is projected at 9 cents per share, unchanged over the past month. The company reported a loss of 12 cents per share in the same quarter last year [13]
Can Improving User Engagement Push the Reddit Stock Higher?
ZACKS· 2025-07-14 17:55
Core Insights - Reddit (RDDT) is a community-driven platform focused on real-time discussions across over 100,000 active communities, with advertising as its primary revenue source [1] - The platform's growth is dependent on expanding and retaining a highly engaged user base, which is attractive to marketers seeking high-conversion platforms [1] User Engagement and Revenue - Reddit's Daily Active Uniques (DAUq) and Weekly Active Uniques (WAUq) increased by 31% year over year in Q1, reaching 108.1 million and 401 million, respectively [2] - Average revenue per user (ARPU) rose 23% year over year to $3.63 in the reported quarter, with a Zacks Consensus estimate of $3.85 for Q2 [2][9] - The core ad business grew 61% year over year to $358.6 million in Q1, with a Zacks Consensus estimate of $394.2 million for Q2 [4] Platform Enhancements - A series of platform enhancements, including AI-powered feed ranking and Community Intelligence tools, are expected to improve user engagement and ad targeting [3] - Features like Reddit Answers and guided contribution flows are designed to promote active participation and retention [3] Competitive Landscape - Reddit faces significant competition from Meta Platforms and Nextdoor in scaling ad revenues through user engagement [5] - Meta Platforms leverages its AI-powered ad delivery and extensive user base to drive high ARPU and retention [5] - Nextdoor is enhancing its localized performance ad model, which aligns with Reddit's strategy of converting engagement into monetizable intent [6] Stock Performance and Valuation - Reddit shares have declined 10.9% year to date, contrasting with increases in the broader Zacks Computer & Technology sector and the Internet Software industry [7] - Reddit's stock is trading at a premium, with a forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio of 12.62X compared to the industry's 5.72X [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Reddit's 2025 earnings is $1.21 per share, an improvement from a loss of $3.33 per share in 2024 [14]
Astera Labs Drops 33% Year to Date: Buy, Sell or Hold the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-07-14 16:40
Core Viewpoint - Astera Labs (ALAB) has experienced a significant decline in share price, down 32.8% year to date, underperforming compared to its peers and the broader technology sector [1][8]. Performance Summary - ALAB's shares have underperformed compared to Broadcom (AVGO) and Credo Technology (CRDO), which have seen increases of 17.5% and 43.7% respectively YTD [1][2]. - The company is facing challenges from stiff competition and tariff uncertainties, impacting its performance [2]. Product and Market Position - Astera Labs has a strong portfolio in next-gen data center connectivity, including PCIe 6.0, Ultra Accelerator Link, and CXL 3.0, which is expected to support recovery in stock performance [3][6]. - The demand for the Aries and Taurus product families is anticipated to grow, contributing to revenue guidance of $170 million to $175 million for Q2 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 7% to 10% [8][14]. Financial Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q2 2025 revenues is $172.71 million, indicating a substantial year-over-year growth of 124.74% [15]. - Earnings per share are expected to be between 32 cents and 33 cents, with a consensus mark of 33 cents, suggesting a year-over-year growth of 153.85% [16]. Competitive Landscape - Astera Labs is competing with Broadcom's PCIe Gen 6 portfolio and Credo Technology's advancements in the optical segment, which are gaining market share [2][12]. - The company is expanding its partner base and has showcased interoperability with NVIDIA's Blackwell GPU and Micron's NVMe SSD, enhancing its market position [12][13]. Valuation Metrics - ALAB shares are currently trading at a premium, with a forward Price/Sales ratio of 19.49X, significantly higher than the sector average of 6.59X [17][18].
RGTI's High Price/Book Ratio Sparks Debate: Time to Hold or Sell?
ZACKS· 2025-07-14 15:56
Core Insights - Rigetti Computing (RGTI) has a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 17.07X, significantly higher than the Zacks Internet Software industry average of 6.55X, indicating strong investor optimism about its potential in quantum computing [1][9] - The elevated valuation reflects a broader trend of high multiples in the early-stage quantum ecosystem, with peers like IonQ (14.3X) and D-Wave Quantum (20.9X) also trading at high valuations [2][3] - Rigetti's differentiated offerings, such as pulse-level control and proprietary superconducting architecture, attract investors seeking innovation, although current financial metrics show limited revenue and margins [3][6] Valuation and Financial Performance - Rigetti's P/B ratio of 17.07 suggests that investors are betting on future growth, despite only reporting $1.5 million in revenues for Q1 2025 and expecting an 18.6% decline in sales for the year [7][13] - The company's revenue is primarily derived from short-term, project-based contracts, leading to a lack of predictable, recurring income, which raises concerns about future cash flow visibility [11] - Rigetti's shares have underperformed compared to the Zacks Internet Software industry and peers, with a year-to-date loss of 20.2%, while IBM and D-Wave Quantum have gained 29% and 76.3%, respectively [12] Future Outlook - Rigetti's ambitious technical roadmap includes launching a 36-qubit multi-chip module and a 100+ qubit system by the end of 2025, with a long-term goal of a 336-qubit processor by 2026 [5][10] - The company's future success hinges on its ability to translate technical advancements into commercial traction, as current fundamentals do not support the high valuation [10][15] - Investors may consider monitoring Rigetti closely for progress in executing its roadmap and achieving sustained business performance before making investment decisions [4][16]
CRWV Stock Jumps 209% in 3 Months: Hold Steady or Make an Exit?
ZACKS· 2025-07-14 14:16
Core Viewpoint - CoreWeave, Inc. (CRWV) stock has seen a significant appreciation of 208.5% over the past three months, closing at $125.84, which is more than three times its initial opening price of $39 on March 28, 2025 [1][2]. Company Performance - CRWV is strategically positioned to benefit from the AI infrastructure boom with its GPU-based cloud solutions tailored for AI workloads, supported by partnerships with major players like OpenAI and NVIDIA, and a substantial revenue backlog of $259 billion [2]. - Despite the impressive stock performance, CRWV experienced a 21% decline following the announcement of a $9 billion acquisition of Core Scientific on July 7 [5][8]. Financial Metrics - The company anticipates capital expenditures (capex) between $20 billion and $23 billion for 2025, driven by accelerated investments to meet customer demand, which raises concerns about sustaining high capital intensity if revenues do not keep pace [6][10]. - Interest expenses surged to $264 million in the first quarter, exceeding expectations, and are projected to remain elevated between $260 million and $300 million in the current quarter, impacting adjusted net income and free cash flow generation [8][9]. Competitive Landscape - CoreWeave faces intense competition in the AI cloud infrastructure market, dominated by Amazon and Microsoft, with Nebius also emerging as a strong competitor, showcasing a revenue growth of 385% in the last reported quarter [11][12]. - Customer concentration poses a significant risk, with 77% of total revenues in 2024 derived from the top two customers, raising concerns about potential revenue loss if these clients migrate [12]. Valuation Concerns - CoreWeave's valuation appears lofty, with a Price/Book ratio of 31.69X, significantly higher than the Internet Software industry's average of 6.54X, indicating that much of the future growth may already be priced into the stock [14].
Better Artificial Intelligence Stock: SoundHound AI vs. Nvidia
The Motley Fool· 2025-07-13 07:50
Group 1: AI Market Overview - The current AI boom has significantly driven stock market gains, with SoundHound AI and Nvidia being notable beneficiaries [1] - SoundHound's stock has increased by 310% over the past three years, while Nvidia's stock has surged by 910% [1] Group 2: SoundHound AI Analysis - SoundHound is capitalizing on the growing conversational AI market, projected to reach $152 billion by 2033 [5] - The company's revenue rose by 151% in Q1 to $29 million, and it holds $246 million in cash with no debt [6] - However, SoundHound reported a non-GAAP loss of $0.06 per share in Q1, and its gross margins decreased to 51% from 66% year-over-year [7] - The stock is considered expensive with a price-to-sales ratio of 46, compared to the average of 7 for the internet software sector [7] - Year-to-date, SoundHound's shares have fallen by 36% due to concerns over valuation and lack of profitability [8] Group 3: Nvidia Analysis - Nvidia dominates the AI data center processor market, accounting for up to 95% of all processors used [9] - The company experienced a 69% revenue increase to $44 billion in Q1, with earnings per share rising by 33% to $0.81 [10] - Nvidia is expected to continue benefiting from the expanding AI data center market, projected to reach $2 trillion by 2029 [11] - Despite a price-to-earnings ratio of 51, Nvidia's valuation is considered reasonable compared to the semiconductor industry's average of 64 [12] - Nvidia's strong revenue, profitability, and market dominance position it as a favorable long-term investment [13]
GWRE Stock Rises 36% in 6 Months: Stay Invested or Book Profits?
ZACKS· 2025-07-10 15:25
Core Viewpoint - Guidewire Software (GWRE) has seen a stock appreciation of 36.4% over the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Internet Software industry's growth of 17.3% [1] Group 1: Company Performance - GWRE closed at $231.25, which is 12.1% lower than its 52-week high of $263.20 [2] - The company reported 17 deal wins in the fiscal third quarter of 2025, including 14 for various InsuranceSuite Cloud applications and three InsuranceNow deals [3] - Non-GAAP gross margin improved to 65.5% from 62.6% year-over-year, with the subscription and support segment's gross margin increasing to 70.6% from 65.6% [6] Group 2: Financial Outlook - For the fiscal fourth quarter, non-GAAP operating income is estimated to be between $52 million and $60 million, with fiscal 2025 non-GAAP operating income expected between $187 million and $195 million [9] - Guidewire expects total revenues for fiscal 2025 to be between $1.178 billion and $1.186 billion, an increase from earlier guidance of $1.164 billion to $1.174 billion [11] - The company generated $32.4 million in cash from operations in the last quarter, with free cash flow nearly at $27.8 million [10] Group 3: Market Position and Challenges - Guidewire's focus on enhancing its cloud platform with new capabilities is expected to boost long-term sales of subscription-based solutions [4] - The company is expanding its global footprint, with new customers from diverse markets, which presents forex and integration risks [14] - GWRE's stock is trading at a premium valuation, with a forward 12-month price/sales ratio of 14.58X compared to the industry's 5.88X [15]
Will CRWV's Core Scientific Buyout Unleash Financial & AI Synergies?
ZACKS· 2025-07-10 14:00
Core Acquisition Overview - CoreWeave, Inc. has agreed to acquire Core Scientific, Inc. in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $9 billion, aimed at modernizing AI and high-performance computing infrastructure [1][8] - The acquisition is part of CoreWeave's strategy to deepen vertical integration, accelerate growth, enhance operational efficiency, and achieve long-term market leadership [1] Transaction Details - CoreWeave will issue 0.1235 shares of its Class A common stock for each share of Core Scientific, valuing Core Scientific at $20.40 per share, which is a 66% premium over its unaffected closing price as of June 25, 2025 [2] - The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, with Core Scientific shareholders owning less than 10% of the combined company post-acquisition [2] Infrastructure and Financial Impact - CoreWeave will gain Core Scientific's 1.3 GW power infrastructure, with an additional 1 GW expansion potential, providing significant growth opportunities for AI infrastructure [2] - The acquisition will allow CoreWeave to eliminate $10 billion in lease obligations, leading to projected annual cost savings of $500 million by the end of 2027 [3][8] - The combination of Core Scientific's capabilities in data center construction and power procurement with CoreWeave's expertise in AI and HPC cloud workloads will create a more vertically integrated company [3] Strategic Acquisitions - CoreWeave is focused on acquisitions to enhance AI advancements across industries, strengthen existing infrastructure, and improve customer engagement, which is expected to lead to higher revenues and shareholder value [4] Competitive Landscape - CoreWeave faces competition from Nebius Group N.V., which is building its AI infrastructure business through organic growth and has raised $72 million for its ventures [5] - Microsoft is a major player in AI infrastructure, investing $16.7 billion in cloud and AI infrastructure in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, further solidifying its position in the market [6] Stock Performance - CoreWeave's shares have gained 282.6% year to date, significantly outperforming the Internet Software industry's growth of 17.7% [7]
QUBT Stock Surges 3427% in a Year: Correction in Store or More Upside?
ZACKS· 2025-07-08 20:01
Core Insights - Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) is transitioning from deep-tech R&D to a commercially focused quantum-photonics player, leading to a significant increase in share prices in 2025 [1] - Key growth drivers include the launch of an entangled photon source for quantum communication, operational rollout of the TFLN chip foundry, and rising adoption of the Dirac-3 optimization machine across various sectors [1] Stock Performance - QUBT shares have experienced a remarkable 3427% increase over the past 12 months, significantly outperforming the broader Internet Software industry, which grew by 35.5%, and the S&P 500 index, which rose by 13.8% [3] - Despite this rally, QUBT stock is still trading 27.8% below its 52-week high, indicating potential for further upside as the company expands into high-value markets [4] Growth Drivers - The U.S.-based Quantum Photonic Chip Foundry in Tempe, AZ, is fully operational, enabling in-house production of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic integrated circuits (PICs), with initial purchase orders already received [5] - The Dirac-3 optimization machine is being utilized by institutions like NASA and Memorial Sloan Kettering for advanced applications, showcasing its real-world deployment and effectiveness [6][9] Financial Strength - Quantum Computing raised a total of $185.7 million in two quarters, enhancing its financial position with cash and cash equivalents reaching $166.4 million as of March 2025 [10] - The company reported a net income of $17 million in the first quarter of 2025, indicating improved financial stability [10] Index Inclusion - In May 2025, QUBT was included in both the Russell 3000 and Russell 2000 Indexes, which enhances its visibility among institutional investors and may lead to increased liquidity and capital inflows [11] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Quantum Computing's 2025 earnings suggests a 90.4% year-over-year improvement [12] Price Target Analysis - QUBT is currently trading 12.45% above its average Zacks price target, indicating limited near-term upside potential [14]