Getty Images CEO's Statement: Craig Peters indicated that Getty Images may reconsider its UK operations if the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocks its acquisition of Shutterstock.
Impact of AI on Market: Peters criticized the CMA for not recognizing the rapid changes in the image-generation market due to AI, which he believes should influence their decision on the takeover.
Financial Implications: The in-depth investigation by the CMA is expected to cost Getty and Shutterstock over $50 million, which Peters described as a significant expense for a small segment of UK businesses.
Potential Business Exit: If the deal is blocked, Peters warned that it could lead to reduced investment in the UK and possibly the exit of certain business segments from the market.
Wall Street analysts forecast GETY stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for GETY is 7.00 USD with a low forecast of 7.00 USD and a high forecast of 7.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
2 Analyst Rating
Wall Street analysts forecast GETY stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for GETY is 7.00 USD with a low forecast of 7.00 USD and a high forecast of 7.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
1 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 1.300
Low
7.00
Averages
7.00
High
7.00
Current: 1.300
Low
7.00
Averages
7.00
High
7.00
Citi
Ronald Josey
Neutral
downgrade
2025-08-12
Reason
Citi
Ronald Josey
Price Target
AI Analysis
2025-08-12
downgrade
Neutral
Reason
Citi analyst Ronald Josey lowered the firm's price target on Getty Images to $1.85 from $2.05 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm views the company's Q2 results as mixed, saying its agency headwinds continue.
Benchmark
Buy
to
Hold
downgrade
2025-08-12
Reason
Benchmark
Price Target
2025-08-12
downgrade
Buy
to
Hold
Reason
Benchmark downgraded Getty Images to Hold from Buy.
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Benchmark
Buy
to
Hold
downgrade
2025-08-12
Reason
Benchmark
Price Target
2025-08-12
downgrade
Buy
to
Hold
Reason
As previously reported, Benchmark downgraded Getty Images to Hold from Buy and removed the firm's previous $3.50 price target, telling investors that Q2 results and guidance "left more questions than answers." Topline headwinds are becoming increasingly apparent, says the analyst, who sees business model uncertainty and a lack of second half growth visibility in each of its primary revenue segments suggesting Getty may struggle to achieve the low end of FY25 revenue guidance.
Benchmark
Mark Zgutowicz
Buy
downgrade
2025-05-13
Reason
Benchmark
Mark Zgutowicz
Price Target
2025-05-13
downgrade
Buy
Reason
Benchmark analyst Mark Zgutowicz lowered the firm's price target on Getty Images to $3.50 from $4.50 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. Q1 performance was a result of a modestly weaker demand environment, particularly within Agency, reflecting macro pressures, the analyst tells investors. Following the report, the firm raised its FY25 total revenue estimate modestly to $934.8M, but lowered its price target to reflect reduced out-year estimates.
About GETY
Getty Images Holdings, Inc. is a global visual content creator and marketplace company. The Company offers a full range of content solutions to meet the needs of any customer around the globe. Through its Getty Images, iStock and Unsplash brands, websites and application programming interfaces (APIs), the Company serves customers and discovers, purchases and shares visual content from photographers and videographers. The Company covers approximately 160,000 news, sport and entertainment events, providing depth and breadth of coverage. The Company also maintains photographic archives in the world with millions of images dating back to the beginning of photography. It works with approximately 557,000 contributors and more than 320 content partners to deliver a range of content. Its Getty Images, iStock, and Unsplash brands categorize its content and services into three categories: Creative, Editorial, and Other. Its Gettyimages.com offers premium creative content and editorial coverage.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
