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Verizon to Sell Tumblr to Focus on Premium Original Content
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Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ - Free Report) recently inked an agreement to divest the social media blogging site Tumblr for an undisclosed amount. The blogging platform is being sold to San Francisco-based web developer firm Automattic Inc., which is the parent of publishing site WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, Simplenote, Longreads, and more.
Although the selling price was not officially revealed, various unconfirmed reports have valued the transaction at about $20 million, which is less than 20% of its original buyout price. In 2013, Tumblr was acquired by Yahoo for $1.1 billion, when it was at the peak of its business. Later, this iconic brand became part of Verizon, when the telecom major acquired Yahoo for $4.8 billion in 2017.
With the gradual emergence of social media sites like Facebook, Inc. , Twitter, Inc. , Reddit and Instagram, Tumblr lost its relevance among netizens, leading to mass exodus of users. The once-dominating blogging platform that boasts more than 475 million independent blogs was up for sale as Verizon Media, of which it was part of, conducted a strategic evaluation to focus on core assets that centered on premium original content.
Tumblr is a strategic fit for Automattic with similar operating businesses in the form of WordPress.com, one of the most popular publishing tools in the Internet, along with Jetpack and Simplenote. Notably, WordPress.com, Automattic’s flagship product, and Tumblr are considered to be the pioneers in blogging platform and share common vision and interests. As part of the deal, Automattic will likely absorb 200 Tumblr employees.
Verizon is increasingly focusing on video streaming content. The company has collaborated with industry-leading web-based video playback services providers — THEO Technologies and IRIS.TV — to deliver new mobile video services with advertising functionality and monetize video content. The AI-powered programming platform will use machine learning techniques to generate unique insights about audience behavior while retaining viewers through personalized touch.
United States Cellular delivered average positive earnings surprise of 38.3% in the trailing four quarters, beating estimates thrice.
More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!
It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.
Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020.
Image: Bigstock
Verizon to Sell Tumblr to Focus on Premium Original Content
Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ - Free Report) recently inked an agreement to divest the social media blogging site Tumblr for an undisclosed amount. The blogging platform is being sold to San Francisco-based web developer firm Automattic Inc., which is the parent of publishing site WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, Simplenote, Longreads, and more.
Although the selling price was not officially revealed, various unconfirmed reports have valued the transaction at about $20 million, which is less than 20% of its original buyout price. In 2013, Tumblr was acquired by Yahoo for $1.1 billion, when it was at the peak of its business. Later, this iconic brand became part of Verizon, when the telecom major acquired Yahoo for $4.8 billion in 2017.
With the gradual emergence of social media sites like Facebook, Inc. , Twitter, Inc. , Reddit and Instagram, Tumblr lost its relevance among netizens, leading to mass exodus of users. The once-dominating blogging platform that boasts more than 475 million independent blogs was up for sale as Verizon Media, of which it was part of, conducted a strategic evaluation to focus on core assets that centered on premium original content.
Tumblr is a strategic fit for Automattic with similar operating businesses in the form of WordPress.com, one of the most popular publishing tools in the Internet, along with Jetpack and Simplenote. Notably, WordPress.com, Automattic’s flagship product, and Tumblr are considered to be the pioneers in blogging platform and share common vision and interests. As part of the deal, Automattic will likely absorb 200 Tumblr employees.
Verizon is increasingly focusing on video streaming content. The company has collaborated with industry-leading web-based video playback services providers — THEO Technologies and IRIS.TV — to deliver new mobile video services with advertising functionality and monetize video content. The AI-powered programming platform will use machine learning techniques to generate unique insights about audience behavior while retaining viewers through personalized touch.
We remain impressed with the healthy growth prospects of this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock. Another top-ranked stock in the industry is United States Cellular Corporation (USM - Free Report) , carrying a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
United States Cellular delivered average positive earnings surprise of 38.3% in the trailing four quarters, beating estimates thrice.
More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!
It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.
Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020.
Click here for the 6 trades >>