Industry Overview - The Internet-Software & Services industry is closely tied to the economy, with initial estimates declining due to anticipated negative impacts from tariffs, inflation, and interest rate decisions [1] - The industry is currently experiencing operating leverage, leading to improved margins as revenue has rebounded alongside capital investments [1] Key Companies - Companies like Globant (GLOB) and NetEase (NTES) are notable for their global operations, which spread revenue and risk internationally [2] - Both companies have established client retention systems through subscriptions and platforms, and are leveraging AI in their operations [2] Long-term Outlook - The industry is considered the backbone of the digital economy, with a diverse range of players contributing to its resilience [3] - Valuations have significantly decreased, making the industry attractive at current levels [3] Technology Adoption - The level of technology adoption by businesses is crucial for growth, with many companies enhancing their platforms for AI development [7] - The increasing demand for cloud-based software and services is driving infrastructure buildout, which raises costs and affects profitability [7] Market Performance - The Zacks Internet – Software & Services Industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Computer and Technology Sector and the S&P 500, returning 41.8% over the past year compared to 29% and 20.3% respectively [12] - The industry is currently trading at a median forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 22.15X, which is a 2.4% discount to the S&P 500 and a 21.3% discount to the technology sector [15] Company Highlights: Globant (GLOB) - Globant has shown impressive growth with a revenue CAGR of 28.3% from 2014 to 2024, while improving customer concentration [21] - The company is focusing on AI-related opportunities and has a subscription model that provides steady revenue inflows [20] - In the last quarter, Globant's revenue grew 7% year-over-year, but it missed the Zacks Consensus estimate by 5.7% [23] Company Highlights: NetEase (NTES) - NetEase focuses on diverse online services, including gaming and education, and has a strong in-house R&D team [27] - The gaming segment has shown significant momentum, with recent titles performing well [28] - NetEase's shares have gained 43.8% over the past year, with earnings for the March quarter exceeding estimates by 23.5% [29]