Izea Worldwide Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

IZEA Worldwide reported a 20% decline in total revenue for Q2 2020, totaling $3.1 million compared to Q2 2019. Managed Services revenue dropped 17% to $2.5 million, while SaaS Services saw a 31% decrease to $645,000. Despite a net loss of $1.8 million, improvements in Managed Services bookings were noteworthy, showing a 50% increase compared to the prior year. The company raised $15.4 million through a securities offering, enhancing its financial position.

IZEA Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: IZEA) announced the integration of Instagram Reels into its influencer marketing platform, Shake. This addition, made just days after Instagram's Reels feature launched, allows influencers to monetize short video content. Shake serves as a marketplace for creators to showcase their services at a self-determined price, catering to various types of creators. CEO Ted Murphy emphasized the growing popularity of short-form content and the platform's role in connecting influencers with marketers.

IZEA Worldwide has secured a contract with a Fortune 500 financial services firm for its influencer marketing software and services. This agreement marks a significant win-back after a period of non-activity, enhancing the scope of their relationship. CEO Ted Murphy noted that IZEA's software is well-suited for regulated industries, streamlining workflows while ensuring compliance. The company also reported a recovery in managed services bookings following COVID-19 impacts, signaling potential long-term growth in licensing agreements.

IZEA Worldwide is launching an influencer marketing campaign to promote mask-wearing in Kentucky, partnering with Doe-Anderson. This initiative aims to combat misconceptions about masks and educate residents on their effectiveness in reducing COVID-19 transmission. The campaign coincides with Governor Andy Beshear's executive order mandating mask usage in public places. IZEA encourages local influencers to participate by signing up on its platform. The move aligns with CDC recommendations and seeks to address ideological challenges regarding mask compliance.

IZEA announced the launch of BrandGraph® Pulse for Microsoft Teams, enhancing its influencer marketing technology. This integration enables users to monitor social media mentions of brands and receive updates directly through Teams, which has over 75 million active users. The BrandGraph platform, utilizing IZEA’s content classification engine, provides insights on influencer activity, sentiment changes, and engagement rates. This new feature aims to improve efficiency for corporate customers who rely on Microsoft technology.

IZEA Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: IZEA) released an industry brief analyzing influencer marketing in travel and tourism during COVID-19. The report reveals a 66% decline in sponsored content from February to April 2020, with hotels down 80% and airlines 77%. July showed a 34% recovery, yet content remains under half of last year's levels. While some categories like media improved, travel is particularly affected. IZEA emphasizes influencers' role in reassuring consumers and driving safe travel narratives as brands reopen post-lockdown.

IZEA Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: IZEA) has secured a significant mid six-figure contract with a leading entertainment company, marking its largest award from this client to date. This contract follows successful influencer marketing campaigns generating over ten billion views. Additionally, IZEA was awarded another multi-national initiative by a Fortune 500 manufacturing company, promoting athletic wear across Europe and Asia. These contracts reflect a shift in marketing strategies due to COVID-19, presenting growth opportunities for influencer marketing.

IZEA Worldwide released a research report titled “The Second Wave: Consumer Intent as COVID-19 Cases Spike in the United States”. This report, based on a survey of 1,251 U.S. Internet users, highlights a shift in consumer behavior amid the ongoing pandemic. Notably, 94% are willing to wear masks at retail or restaurant locations. The average stress level fell from 65 in April to 58 in July, indicating a perceived normalization. Despite promising trends, only 10% plan to visit hotels soon. The findings suggest significant changes in online shopping behaviors, especially among parents with minor children.

IZEA Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: IZEA) announced a conference call set for August 13, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. EST to discuss its second quarter 2020 financial results. The call will feature Chairman and CEO Ted Murphy, interim CFO LeAnn Hitchcock, and COO Ryan Schram, followed by a Q&A session. Interested parties are urged to join five minutes early. A replay will be available after 8:00 p.m. ET on the same day until August 20, 2020. IZEA operates online platforms automating influencer marketing and custom content development.