We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best AI Penny Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Nerdy Inc. (NYSE:NRDY) stands against the other AI penny stocks.
Kim Forrest, chief investment officer at Bokeh Capital Partners, recently appeared on CNBC’s ‘The Exchange’ on November 13 to discuss why tech could be a winner in a new Trump administration, focusing her discussion on the current state of AI, particularly the distinction between large language models and smaller, targeted AI solutions.
Forrest noted that while LLMs have garnered significant attention and represent impressive technological advancements, they are not without their flaws. Specifically, she pointed out that these models are still prone to errors, which can hinder productivity and limit their practical applications in real-world scenarios. This concern leads her to advocate for what she refers to as small AI, which emphasizes targeted solutions aimed at addressing specific problems rather than attempting to cover a broad spectrum of tasks.
Her background as a software engineer and her experience working with AI tools have shaped her perspective on the matter. She believes that smaller, more focused AI models will ultimately prove to be more effective in driving productivity gains. Unlike the more complex and exotic LLMs that may resemble something out of science fiction, like HAL 9000 from “2001: A Space Odyssey”, small AI solutions are designed to tackle particular challenges efficiently. Forrest argues that this targeted approach is where true productivity can be realized, making small AI a compelling area for future development and investment.
When discussing investment opportunities in the tech sector, she highlighted several key players in the semiconductor industry that are essential for powering AI technologies. NVIDIA was noted as a natural leader in this space due to its dominance in graphics processing units (GPUs) that are crucial for AI computations. However, she also expressed continued confidence in AMD, despite its recent struggles in the market.
In addition to semiconductor companies, Forrest pointed out opportunities within software firms that are leveraging AI technologies. Microsoft was cited as a prime example, the company is actively working on providing access to LLMs while also narrowing focus to practical applications. For instance, it’s developing finance-oriented GenAI tools designed specifically for accounting tasks. This kind of targeted application exemplifies how LLMs can be adapted for specific industries, enhancing their utility and effectiveness.
Forrest also mentioned C3.ai as another noteworthy player in the AI space. It offers targeted AI solutions but has a significant service component mixed into its revenue model. While this diversification can provide stability, she cautioned that it may also limit scalability compared to bigger companies, which primarily focus on software products with higher margins. She emphasized the importance of understanding the business models of these companies when considering investment opportunities.
Overall, her insights reflect a nuanced understanding of the current tech landscape and the potential of both small and large AI solutions. She advocates for a balanced investment strategy that recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of various companies within the AI ecosystem. As AI continues to evolve, Forrest’s perspective underscores the critical need for investors to remain adaptable and informed about emerging trends and innovations in this dynamic field, which is why we’re here with a list of the 10 best AI penny stocks to buy according to analysts.
Methodology
We used ETFs, stock screeners, and financial media reports to compile an initial list of the top AI penny stocks, with a share price under $5. From that list, we narrowed our choices to 10 AI penny stocks that analysts were the most bullish on. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of analysts’ upside potential.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).
An instructor in front of a large group of students, providing adaptive self-study options using live online classes.
Nerdy Inc. (NYSE:NRDY)
Average Upside Potential: 257.57%
Share Price as of November 5: $0.90
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14
Nerdy Inc. (NYSE:NRDY) is an online education company that operates a platform for live learning, primarily through its flagship service, Varsity Tutors. It connects students of all ages with tutors and subject matter experts across a range of subjects using advanced technology, including AI. The platform offers various learning formats, such as one-on-one tutoring, small group classes, and adaptive self-study tools, aiming to provide personalized educational experiences.
The company reported mixed financial results for Q3 2024. While the company achieved revenue of $37.53 million, in line with expectations, a 6.86% year-over-year decline was recorded due to a decrease in average revenue per member (ARPM) to $893. This shift towards lower-frequency learning memberships suggests a focus on AI-powered personalized learning experiences that require less frequent interaction with human tutors.
Despite the revenue decline, Nerdy Inc. (NYSE:NRDY) made significant progress toward its key goals. The company invested in product enhancements to improve the quality and reliability of live learning, and expanded access to its Varsity Tutors for Schools platform, reaching 1.1 million students, bringing the total to 4.4 million. These efforts demonstrate its commitment to making high-dosage tutoring accessible through its AI-powered platform.
Looking ahead, the company remains optimistic about the growing demand for live, AI-powered tutoring. Its focus on high-dosage tutoring and its strong financial position with $65 million in cash on the balance sheet position it well to capitalize on this trend.
Overall NRDY ranks 4th on our list of the best AI penny stocks to buy according to analysts. As we acknowledge the growth potential of NRDY as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold great promise for delivering high returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NRDY but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.