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Can AI-Driven Ad Gains at Ziff Davis (ZD) Shift the Earnings Growth Narrative?
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  • In the past week, Ziff Davis reported its second-quarter 2025 results, showing US$352.21 million in sales and US$26.34 million in net income, while completing a buyback of 1,084,846 shares for US$34.87 million and reaffirming full-year guidance.
  • AI-powered advertising gains and recent acquisitions, including the integration of CNET, have been highlighted as drivers of growth and operational efficiency improvements across Ziff Davis's digital media portfolio.
  • We'll explore how Ziff Davis's acceleration in advertising revenue, aided by AI initiatives, impacts its future earnings growth narrative.

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Ziff Davis Investment Narrative Recap

To own Ziff Davis shares, investors must have conviction in the company’s ability to accelerate revenue and margin growth through AI-driven advertising, acquisitions, and operational improvements, despite segment variability. The latest results reinforced short-term momentum, but have not materially changed the most important catalyst, advertising and Tech & Shopping segment outperformance, or the biggest risk: ongoing volatility in non-core segments like Connectivity and Cybersecurity.

The reaffirmation of full-year revenue guidance to between US$1,442 million and US$1,502 million is a relevant announcement, underscoring management’s confidence in growth targets despite recent margin and profit headwinds. While AI-powered initiatives and acquisitions such as CNET integration are featured as positives, the short-term direction will likely still hinge on the consistency of advertising gains and the addressing of underperforming segments.

In contrast, investors should be aware that persistent revenue softness or further disruption in the Connectivity segment remains an unresolved risk...

Read the full narrative on Ziff Davis (it's free!)

Ziff Davis is projected to reach $1.6 billion in revenue and $220.2 million in earnings by 2028. This outlook assumes a 4.0% annual revenue growth rate and an increase in earnings of $143.5 million from the current $76.7 million.

Uncover how Ziff Davis' forecasts yield a $44.29 fair value, a 28% upside to its current price.

Exploring Other Perspectives

ZD Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Aug 2025
ZD Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Aug 2025

Simply Wall St Community members provided two fair value estimates for Ziff Davis ranging from US$44.29 to US$106.71. While many are optimistic about AI integration boosting growth, continued instability in key business segments could still weigh on sentiment and future performance.

Explore 2 other fair value estimates on Ziff Davis - why the stock might be worth over 3x more than the current price!

Build Your Own Ziff Davis Narrative

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Disclaimer:This article represents the opinion of the author only. It does not represent the opinion of Webull, nor should it be viewed as an indication that Webull either agrees with or confirms the truthfulness or accuracy of the information. It should not be considered as investment advice from Webull or anyone else, nor should it be used as the basis of any investment decision.
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