Industry Overview - The Internet Software & Services industry is closely tied to the economy, with initial estimates declining due to concerns over tariffs, inflation, and interest rates, although the economy has remained relatively stable [1] - The industry is characterized by a diverse range of players, which leads to some dissonance, but overall valuations have decreased significantly, making it attractive for investors [4] Key Themes - Technology adoption is crucial for growth, with companies leveraging AI and cloud services to stay competitive, leading to increased demand for software and services [6] - The U.S. economy is performing better than expected, despite concerns about job growth and geopolitical tensions affecting oil prices and supply chains [6] - Subscription-based models are becoming more prevalent, providing stability and allowing companies to retain customers and adjust pricing as needed [7] Market Performance - The Zacks Internet – Software & Services Industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Computer and Technology Sector and the S&P 500, returning 33% over the past year compared to 27.6% and 16.3% respectively [11] - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 223.7X, which is slightly above its median level, indicating that shares are not overvalued on average [14] Company Highlights Criteo S.A. (CRTO) - Criteo operates a commerce media platform that connects advertisers with retailers and publishers, leveraging AI to enhance its services [16][20] - The company has maintained a client retention rate close to 90% and reported a 11% growth in Retail Media ex-TAC contributions [18][19] - Despite a challenging market, Criteo's shares have decreased by 53.5% over the past year, but earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have shown positive revisions [23] NetEase, Inc. (NTES) - NetEase is focused on online services, primarily in gaming, which is its largest revenue contributor, supported by a strong in-house R&D team [26][27] - The company has seen significant success with popular game titles and is expanding its international business with new content [28][29] - NetEase's shares have gained 59% over the past year, with positive earnings and revenue growth expected for 2025 and 2026 [29]