Unity share improvement overstates fundamental benefit of ad model upgrade: BTIG

Published 23/07/2025, 15:04
© Reuters.

Investing.com -- In a note to clients on Wednesday, BTIG downgraded Unity shares to Sell from Neutral, arguing that the stock’s recent rally, up more than 40% month-to-date, “overstates the fundamental benefit from an ad model upgrade.”

In the note, published ahead of Unity’s earnings report on August 6, BTIG analysts said the improvement driven by Vector, Unity’s upgraded advertising solution, has already been priced in. 

“A mark-to-market suggests shares may already reflect a level of success with both Vector and future Create opportunities,” the team wrote.

While acknowledging some progress, BTIG said it does not justify the extent of the stock’s recent gains. 

“Vector [is] improving, but not enough to justify [the] MTD run,” the note stated. 

The analysts said Unity’s outlook depends more heavily on the longer-term trajectory of its core operations. 

“Success for Unity should be defined by the company’s ability to recapture a podium position in the gaming UA market, and evolution of the Create business over a multi-year timeframe,” BTIG wrote.

The firm credited CEO Matt Bromberg with stabilizing the company after the controversial 2023–24 runtime fee changes, saying he “has done an admirable job of repairing developer relationships.” 

Still, BTIG believes that even with potential upside in Create, the stock has likely run too far ahead of fundamentals.

BTIG set a $25 price target on the stock, implying downside from current levels. 

“We see potential for incremental growth opportunities,” the firm added. However, they believe shares may already reflect much of that upside.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.