Latest news with #sportsmarketing
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Pinterest Down 12.5% in Three Months: Should You Avoid PINS Stock?
Pinterest, Inc. PINS declined 12.5% over the past three months against the Internet - Software 's growth of 2.4%.The stock has also underperformed the Zacks Computer & Technology sector and the S&P 500's growth of 4.5% and 1%, respectively. However, it has outperformed peers like Snap Inc. SNAP but lagged Meta Platforms, Inc. META over this period. Snap has declined 15.5%, while META has fallen 1.1% during this period. Key Growth Catalysts for PINS Pinterest serves a wide range of end markets, including retail, consumer packaged goods, travel, financial services, and auto. The company is actively seeking to expand into new markets to increase its user engagement. Pinterest recently formed a collaboration with the championship-winning WNBA team, New York Liberty. Through this partnership, Pinterest aims to bring exclusive content and in-game experiences to its platform, inspiring fans and expanding community outreach. Interest in women's basketball is increasing steadily, and this collaboration will allow PINS to tap into the growing audience base in the WNBA. This will likely open up monetization opportunities in the sports marketing space from various athletic wear companies and fitness organizations. The company's focus on improving operational rigor and incorporating sophisticated AI models to enhance relevancy and personalization is likely to bring long-term benefits. It also emphasizes building new ad tools and formats to help grow the scope of monetization on the platform. This will enable advertisers to measure the results and conversion rates, which will improve their decision-making. Its newly added visual search feature is expected to provide a more personalized discovery experience to its user base. Instead of finding the right keywords, the tool allows users to use images as their search starting point. A refinement bar enables the user to filter based on color, style and fabric. Its Visual Language Models and industry-leading multimodal embedding models empower users to find exact content through a combination of text and image. Integration of such leading-edge generative AI tools will likely boost engagement on the platform. Management's focus on enhancing monetization opportunities is driving revenue growth. In the first quarter of 2025, Shopping ad revenues in the international market grew three times faster than overall revenue growth in those regions. Advertisers and retailers are benefiting from enhanced ad efficiency and campaign performance by using Pinterest's AI-powered Performance+ suite. The company is also integrating AI capabilities to improve productivity across operations. Major Challenges for PINS Pinterest is heavily dependent on advertising as its primary source of revenue. Any adverse changes in the advertising industry, shift in advertiser preferences, or economic downturns can significantly affect the company's financial performance. Although the company recorded 49% growth in ad impressions in the first quarter, ad pricing declined 22% year over year, owing to lower ad pricing in Pinterest's newly expanded international markets. The company is facing intense competition from various media companies such as Meta (including Facebook and Instagram), Google (including YouTube), Snap, Reddit, TikTok and X. Many of its competitors are larger and have significant financial resources. To fend off the competition, Pinterest has to continuously increase its investments in new tool development, which is putting pressure on its margins. In the first quarter of 2025, Total costs and expenses were $890.5 million, up from $794.4 million in the year-ago quarter. On a GAAP basis, research and development expenses rose to $331.7 million from $280.3 million. Macroeconomic volatility is impacting some subsectors of the consumer-packaged goods vertical. Moreover, various Asia-based e-commerce retailers are lowering ad spend in the U.S. market, owing to tariff changes. These factors remain a major concern for the company. Estimate Revision Trend of PINS Pinterest is currently witnessing a downtrend in estimate revisions. Earnings estimates for PINS for 2025 have moved down 1.62% to $1.82 over the past 60 days, while the same for 2026 has decreased 2.3% to $2.12. The negative estimate revision portrays bearish sentiments about the stock's growth potential. Key Valuation Metric of PINS From a valuation standpoint, Pinterest appears to be relatively cheaper compared to the industry and below its mean. Going by the price/sales ratio, the company shares currently trade at 4.8 forward sales, lower than 5.44 for the industry and lower than the stock's mean of 5.21. End Note Pinterest is witnessing strong monthly active user growth across all regions. Strong emphasis on enhancing shoppability and monetization potential across the platform and the incorporation of advanced AI-integrated tools to support advertisers and retailers are tailwinds. Strategic collaboration to venture into a new market segment is positive. However, macroeconomic factors, geopolitical volatility and tariff changes are impacting ad spend in some regions. Growing operating expenses to support the expansion of domestic and international operations are weighing on margins. Stiff competition from other consumer internet companies remains a headwind. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), PINS appears to be treading in the middle of the road, and new investors could be better off if they trade with caution. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock It's only 1/9,000th the size of NVIDIA which skyrocketed more than +800% since we recommended it. NVIDIA is still strong, but our new top chip stock has much more room to boom. With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $803 billion by 2028. See This Stock Now for Free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Snap Inc. (SNAP): Free Stock Analysis Report Pinterest, Inc. (PINS): Free Stock Analysis Report Meta Platforms, Inc. (META): Free Stock Analysis Report
National Post
3 days ago
- Business
- National Post
12BET Makes the Shortlist at the 2025 EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards
Article content Article content Article content LONDON — 12BET, a pioneering name in the igaming world since 2007, is honored to be shortlisted in two categories at the 2025 EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards: Sportsbook Marketing Campaign, and Marketing Team of the Year – B2C. This recognition highlights the brand's ongoing dedication to creating meaningful and original experiences that resonate with sports audiences and digital communities. Article content The EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards are among the most respected accolades in the online gaming industry. Held annually, the awards celebrate creativity, strategic thinking, and innovation across the sector, attracting participation from many of the world's leading companies. For 12BET, being named a finalist is a meaningful milestone that showcases the brand's energy, originality, and deep-rooted passion for sports culture. Article content 12BET's approach to creativity is rooted in connection. From immersive storytelling to interactive challenges and global sports initiatives, the brand focuses on delivering fresh ways for audiences to engage with the sports they love. Every initiative is designed to build community, spark excitement, and reflect the evolving interests of its users. Article content Built on a foundation of trust, energy, and continuous innovation, 12BET remains committed to shaping the future of sports-driven digital experiences. The team thanks its community for their ongoing support and looks forward to what comes next with confidence and imagination. Article content 12BET, founded in 2007, is a pioneering igaming company with over a decade of experience delivering multilingual services across Europe and Asia. Recognized globally and ranked 17th by eGaming Review Magazine's Annual Power 50, 12BET has become a major force in Asia's igaming market. Built on the core values of sincerity, fairness, and kindness, 12BET provides a secure, reliable, and exceptional entertainment experience for users around the world. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
CBS News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
The hidden meaning behind the Golden State Valkyries' logo and court design
The first thing fans will see when they walk into Chase Center this summer is the Valkyries brand new playing court. It's a design that was months in the making, and one Kimberly Veale, the team's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, said holds a plethora of hidden meaning. "We wanted something that was unique, ownable and that really stood out for the Valkyries," Veale said. It starts with the court's signature violet border. No other sports team in the world has this shade of purple as their main color and that was intentional. "It was important to come out with a bold, strong color that really amplified the story of the Valkyries," Veale said. Also unique is the court's chevron-patterned flooring. "This chevron, to us, leans into the bold angular features of the brand, and it points into Vs so when you zoom out and look at it from the bowl, you can see kind of that subtle V pattern throughout the entire court," said Veale. In the center of the court is the team's logo, a nod to both the Valkyries mascot and the Bay Area. "Overarchingly, the shape is a V for victory, for Valkyries. Down the middle we've got the Bay Bridge which is the connecting point, the connector between San Francisco where Chase Center's located, where we play our home games and the Sephora Performance Center in Oakland where our team goes to work every day, that's where they practice, where our front office is headquartered," Veale explained. "It also doubles as a sword, which is a common symbol associated with the Valkyries in the mythology." There is also a nod to the Valkyries' entry into the WNBA. "On the sides, you've got five slices which double as the bridge cables and wings. So we know Valkyries can fly, it's one of their superpowers, so building that into the logo was important for us. And then throughout the entire logo, there's 13 lines to represent that we're the 13th team entering the WNBA," Veale said. There are also a few additions solely for this inaugural season, including a crest that the players will run over every time they sub into a game. Veale told KPIX the goal was to create a bold, memorable look that both fans would love to look at and players would love to play on. She feels like they've succeeded in that, and now it's just time to put the shiny new court to some use. "It's really special to have had such a strong team designing it, the intentionality that went into it. But it's going to be really exciting to see this team come to life on this hardwood," Veale said.
Reuters
21-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Esports Insights from GGBET UA Discussion Panel at SBC Summit Ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine, May 21, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- On May 15, 2025, licensed bookmaker GGBET UA, opens new tab headed to Kyiv's opens new tab to hold an exciting panel discussion with leading esports market experts to debunk persistent stereotypes about esports held by the broader public. This discussion was a key topic at the third SBC Summit Ukraine 2025, opens new tab All-Ukrainian sports marketing conference. GGBET UA also presented a museum exhibition to visitors, featuring unique trophies won by Ukrainian esports teams, as well as important facts about the history of esports' development within Ukraine. SBC Summit Ukraine is the third all-Ukrainian sports marketing conference and brings together sports and business to create new projects. GGBET UA is once again a premium sponsor of the event. The Ukraine in esports: facts and fakes panel discussion was the first forum for professional dialog involving experts from this industry in the history of SBC Summit Ukraine. They discussed three common assumptions many people have about esports: that 'esports is not a serious industry,' 'esports in Ukraine can never be as popular as traditional sports,' and 'it's easier to succeed in esports than in traditional sports.' During the discussion, the speakers shared interesting facts and insights about their niche. Yevhen Zolotarov, CEO of Ukraine's most successful club, NAVI, said that esports clubs currently have balanced business models and more formats for monetization than traditional sports (e.g., digital items), which creates additional possibilities for partners and sponsors. Vitalii "v1lat" Volachai, legendary commentator and co-founder of Maincast, shared his opinion that NAVI's match in the final of the CS2 World Championship in 2024 was one of the top three most-watched sports events, behind two football matches featuring Shakhtar and Dinamo. Viktor Proniakin, head of product at Esports Charts' analytics service highlighted the fact that when it comes to qualifier matches, esports is already beating traditional sports — an average event could draw in 30-50 thousand views from a Ukrainian-language audience. Andriy Hryshchenko, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Esports Federation, spoke about an important topic: socializing and reintegrating soldiers through esports. The federation already dedicates time to working with veterans and soldiers in active service and is developing ideas offered by soldiers and finding great potential in them. 'We have collected assumptions about esports that are widely held, but controversial. This enabled us to facilitate a lively and open discussion. For a long time, esports has had its fans, its system of tournaments, its structure and partnerships, and disciplines such as CS2 and Dota 2, which are now included in the top 10 sports on GGBET UA. This industry unites generations, and we are delighted that we could demonstrate its true scale to SBC Summit Ukraine participants,' stated Sergii Mishchenko, CEO of GGBET UA. GGBET UA also presented a museum of esports, at which visitors could check out original trophies won by Ukrainian teams from global tournaments, find out about the history of Ukraine's esports scene, and be persuaded that esports is an important component of modern sporting culture. SBC Summit Ukraine 2025 also saw a raffle held of two CS:GO record books — an exclusive publication detailing world records in this cult game created by GGBET in collaboration with global publishers Dot Esports. About is an international betting brand with a presence in the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and other countries across Europe and Asia. The company actively supports the development of sports and esports by sponsoring international tournaments, funding streams, and creating unique content with renowned experts, casters, and influencers. Its leading online platform, specializing in esports betting, traditional sports betting, and casino gaming, is designed to provide secure, engaging, and diverse opportunities for its achievements have been recognized by industry leaders. The brand was named Esports Operator of the Year at the EGR Global Operator Awards 2024, while GGBET UA was honored with the Operator of the Year for Central and Eastern Europe award at the EGR Global Europe Awards 2025. For more information, visit Media Contact Press Officepr@ ### SOURCE: Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire See release on EZ Newswire
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Elevate expands global reach with acquisition of rise group
Dubai: Today, Elevate, a global, integrated agency network committed to helping properties, brands, and universities forge deeper connections with their audiences to unlock growth, has announced the acquisition of RISE Group (RISE), a leading commercial services consultancy in the Middle East. This deal is subject to customary regulatory approval. Elevate expands its global network in partnership sales and brand representation by harnessing RISE's proven expertise. This move also extends Elevate's operations into the region for the first time, adding RISE's strong presence in Riyadh, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai to Elevate's established footprint across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. RISE is an award-winning independent marketing and commercial services consultancy that creates, implements, and activates commercial opportunities for public and private clients. Since its inception in 2014, RISE has worked with clients across the Middle East, including Qiddiya, Savvy Games Group, NEOM, the Saudi Pro League (SPL), PepsiCo, the Saudi Tourism Authority, the Dubai Sports Council, and the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi. 'This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for Elevate as we expand into one of the world's most dynamic and rapidly growing sports markets,' said Al Guido, Chairman and CEO, Elevate. 'RISE has built an incredible reputation for driving commercial success and delivering impactful brand activation campaigns across the Middle East, and we look forward to combining our global expertise with their deep regional insights to create even greater value for our clients.' As part of this acquisition, RISE co-founders Seth Holmes and Tom Berrington will take on key leadership roles within Elevate, bringing their vision and strategic insight into the broader organization. Elevate will also welcome 60 RISE team members to its global roster of nearly 500 employees and maintain Elevate offices in Riyadh and Dubai. "Joining forces with Elevate is a pivotal moment that will propel RISE onto the global stage,' said Tom Berrington, Managing Partner, RISE. 'We are particularly excited by the significant opportunities to scale our operations and contribute to the ambitious mega projects underway in the MENA region's sport, culture, and entertainment industries. The synergy between our organisations makes this a powerful and strategic alignment." As its first major project under the Elevate umbrella, the team will support the San Francisco 49ers as its agency of record globally, including in the United Arab Emirates as part of the NFL's Global Market Program, expanding the team's fan base and corporate partnership footprint in the region, and growing interest in American and flag football. Seth Holmes, Managing Partner, RISE, added: 'With complementary strengths and a shared vision for the future, RISE and Elevate are a natural and strategic fit, creating a powerful alliance capable of delivering immense value to brands, rights holders, talent, and IP owners globally. Together, we recognise the immense potential in the MENA region and are confident that our combined strengths position us to positively support the growth of sport, culture, and entertainment in the build-up to the 2034 FIFA World Cup™, and beyond.' This move follows a period of significant growth for Elevate. Just last year, Elevate acquired SRI to form Elevate Talent, enabling the consultancy to assist its clients in sourcing exceptional leaders from across sports, entertainment, gaming, lifestyle brands, and media to meet the complex challenges of today's consumer environment. As a direct result of this success, Sports Business Journal has once again nominated Elevate for its Best in Property Consulting, Sales, and Client Services Award for 2025, following Elevate's victory in the category in 2023. About Elevate: Elevate is a global, integrated agency network committed to helping properties, brands, and universities forge deeper connections with their audiences to unlock growth. Serving more than 1,000 clients across sports, entertainment, consumer products, retail, and more, Elevate transforms followers into devoted fans. An agency rooted in innovation, Elevate leverages EPIC, its proprietary intelligence platform powered by advanced data and AI technology. EPIC integrates tools for consumer insights, ticketing, property analytics, and more, empowering clients to maximize ROI, enhance fan engagement, and craft campaigns that foster lasting loyalty. Founded in 2018, Elevate partners with clients worldwide from offices across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, visit us at About RISE Group: RISE is the fastest-growing independent sports, culture, and entertainment (SCE) agency in the Middle East. We exist to drive partnerships and commercial success for our clients in the region, offering consulting, sales, and activation solutions for brands and rights holders. We create, implement, and activate strategy for our clients, combining data-driven insights with creative execution to maximise commercial value. We work across the entire commercial lifecycle, delivering measurable outcomes for many of the region's best-known brands, events, leagues, teams, commercial properties, and other rights holders. Our award-winning team services a client roster that includes Qiddiya, NEOM, Saudi Tourism Authority, Department of Culture & Tourism Abu Dhabi, Savvy Games Group, Flynas, the Saudi Pro League (SPL), PepsiC,o and Dubai Sports Council.
