In this article, we will look at some of the best advertising agencies, according to hedge funds. On March 31, ALM Corp. presented its Global Ad Growth Forecast for 2026. The firm stated that while the global ad market started 2026 on a positive note, an ongoing energy crisis may remove almost $100 billion in potential gains from the sector. A similar grim conclusion was drawn by WARC in its most recent scenario-forecasting exercise. Although the forecast growth for the sector is 10.4% (translating to $1.32 trillion), a major shock could cause a $50 billion loss in 2026, with cumulative losses of approximately $93.9 billion by 2027.
For the advertiser, the problem lies in the extent of the slowdown rather than any increase in expenditure. The travel and transport sector is the one that will be affected first due to the nature of energy prices and logistical issues associated with it. Digital powerhouses that have been able to build successful performance-based platforms are expected to fare better than others in the coming months.
In today’s climate, the brands that will sustain better are those that enter the new era with data, prioritization, value communication, and flexibility. Growth can still occur, but flexibility becomes a key prerequisite for success.
With that background, let’s explore our 8 Best Advertising Agency Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.
Allen.G/Shutterstock.com
Our Methodology
To identify relevant stocks for this article, we conducted a screening of U.S.-listed advertising agencies. We only shortlisted stocks with at least 20% upside potential, according to consensus, as of the April 17 close.
Next, we identified the number of hedge funds holding positions in these stocks as of the end of the fourth quarter of 2025. Finally, we selected 8 stocks with the highest number of hedge funds holding stakes and ranked them in ascending order.
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 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
8. Criteo S.A. (NASDAQ:CRTO)
Criteo S.A. (NASDAQ:CRTO) is one of the 8 best advertising agency stocks to buy according to hedge funds.
Criteo S.A. (NASDAQ:CRTO) has been grabbing headlines lately because of its expansion into new markets. On April 16, the company unveiled plans to expand its relationship with DoorDash Inc. (NASDAQ:DASH) into Canada. The company will act as an extended arm of DoorDash’s advertising sales business in Canada, providing extra branding and agency demand on the platform.
This move supports the stock’s standing as one of the best advertising agency names, as per hedge funds, and is based on an increase in demand for deliveries among consumers. Statistics show that almost 19% of Canadian consumers have increased their orders through deliveries as compared to the prior years. Over 56% orders are placed through third-party apps because of the underlying convenience provided by such apps. There is already good early momentum for DoorDash marketing campaigns launched by Criteo in the United States.
In the words of Janine Flaccavento, Managing Director of Criteo, the company can now allow brands to engage with high-intent customers during their purchase journey on the platform. Advertisers will be able to access sponsored products and sponsored brands, as well as video, display, search, and social campaigns, through the DoorDash platform.
Criteo S.A. (NASDAQ:CRTO) offers platforms that help measure and keep track of business outcomes. These platforms are used for various purposes, like connecting shoppers with brands through customized ads, commerce activation monetization, and customer acquisition and retention solutions. It also offers AI-based solutions for optimization, product-level measurement, and more.
7. PubMatic Inc. (NASDAQ:PUBM)
PubMatic Inc. (NASDAQ:PUBM) is one of the 8 best advertising agency stocks to buy according to hedge funds.
On March 25, PubMatic Inc. (NASDAQ:PUBM) announced its partnership with Untapped Growth, which is a multibillion-dollar media buying consortium for independent agencies, to integrate its member agencies with AgenticOS. Such a collaboration supports a bullish argument in favor of the stock, which appears to be one of the most favored names by hedge funds across the advertising sphere.
With this partnership, member agencies will be able to launch proprietary buyer agents within PubMatic’s platform. This would allow them to build and launch campaigns using the best data partners and premium inventory across connected TV, mobile, and online video. Kyle Dozeman, the Chief Revenue Officer at PubMatic, stated that the agentic technology usually just replaces manual work and doesn’t solve the underlying issues in the supply chain. However, PubMatic’s technology only requires one connection, providing users with access to the entire dataset and premium inventory.
The results of early AgenticOS campaigns have shown a reduction of 40-50% in supply chain costs. There was a 40% increase in impressions, a 30% decrease in eCPMs, 87% increase in campaign setup speed, and a 70% increase in error troubleshooting speeds as compared to standard working methods.
PubMatic Inc. (NASDAQ:PUBM) is a provider of a cloud-based platform that allows real-time programmatic advertising transactions. It offers platforms for the sales and purchase of digital advertising inventory and header bidding. It also facilitates buyers to directly execute deals and get additional insights and data. The company is engaged in the sale of ID management systems and commerce media solutions as well.
6. NIQ Global Intelligence plc (NYSE:NIQ)
NIQ Global Intelligence plc (NYSE:NIQ) is one of the 8 best advertising agency stocks to buy according to hedge funds.
On April 7, NIQ Global Intelligence plc (NYSE:NIQ) and Sun Pacific agreed to a partnership that will leverage NIQ’s retail analytics to help Sun Pacific gain a larger share of the produce market. NIQ will deliver data-driven insights into consumer retail behavior, seasonal trends, and benchmarks across fresh categories.
By leveraging its consumer panel, NIQ will be able to find out areas to improve in consumer demand based on geographical location and retailers, and it will use analytics to give an improved assortment strategy to Sun Pacific in Citrus, Mandarins, Kiwis, and Table Grapes.
On April 1, NIQ Global Intelligence plc (NYSE:NIQ) introduced the Ask Arthur Chat, a brand-new AI-powered conversational interface created especially to substantially enhance how customers access and utilize core NIQ data. The deployment of this interface represents a major strategic move in the company’s ongoing investment in artificial intelligence innovation, which makes it stand out as an investment prospect within the advertising space.
This platform allows increasing access to data and opens up whole new avenues for deep client connection, especially among limited to medium-sized organizations. Chief Product Officer Troy Treangen stated:
“Ask Arthur Chat expands how we bring NIQ to market. By combining AI with our trusted datasets, we are making insights more accessible while creating new opportunities to engage clients and support their growth.”
NIQ Global Intelligence plc (NYSE:NIQ) is a developer of analytical solutions and software applications. It provides an AI-based application that helps gather, harmonize, and enhance consumer buying data. It also offers omni-channel measurement, retail solutions, and analysis on pricing, promotion strategy, target audience, new product introduction, and more.
While we acknowledge the potential of NIQ to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NIQ and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Advertising Agency Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.
Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
