Detailed narrative
AI Strategy and Browser Innovation
Opera is positioning itself as a tech enabler and platform in the evolving AI landscape, facilitating user choice and partner access. The company's strategy includes integrating AI functionalities natively into its browsers, such as AI-supported product comparisons and Browser Connector for leading AI services like Claude and ChatGPT. This approach allows users to choose their preferred AI services while retaining the browser as a central interface, reinforcing Opera's independence and appeal to technologically sophisticated users.
User Engagement and Monetization
Users engaging with AI in Opera's browsers spend significantly more time and conduct more searches, directly contributing to ARPU growth. The company notes that acquired revenue is growing 1.4x faster in Western markets, where AI-driven activity is already being monetized. Rapid product innovation, including native AI functions, drives increased engagement and connects high-intent users with relevant partners, enhancing traffic monetization.
Opera GX and Western Market Growth
Opera GX reached 37 million active users, adding nearly 2 million in the quarter, driven by AI integration and partnerships with game developers. The Western monetized user base grew 4% year-over-year to 61 million, with mobile particularly strong at 8% growth. This growth, especially in competitive markets like the UK (66% Android/iOS MAU growth) and US (40% Android/iOS MAU growth), is attributed to differentiated features and regulatory changes opening up alternative browser adoption on iOS.
Mini Pay Progress and Ecosystem Expansion
Mini Pay continued its growth trajectory, reaching 18 million wallets and 518 million transactions since its last update, expanding to over 66 countries with 57 mini apps. The platform launched a Visa card in collaboration with Visa across the EU, with gradual introduction in Africa, North America, and Asia. Mini Pay aims to make stablecoins useful for everyday savings, transport, and spending, leveraging Opera's ability to rapidly scale and build partnerships.
Financial Performance and Capital Allocation
Opera exceeded Q2 guidance for both revenue and adjusted EBITDA, with revenue growing 25% to $178.1 million and adjusted EBITDA growing 32% to $42.4 million. The company maintains a low CapEx business model, enabling significant capital returns to shareholders. Since 2020, Opera has returned $577 million through dividends ($320 million) and share buybacks ($256 million), repurchasing 37.2 million shares at an average cost of $6.88.
Advertising and E-commerce Growth
Advertising revenue grew 27% to $25 million, primarily led by e-commerce. Opera's in-house 'Homo' platform connects users with deals from over 100 merchants and 100 million products, leveraging AI for product comparisons. The company's performance-based campaigns deliver measurable outcomes for partners, expanding its partner ecosystem and monetization opportunities. The total addressable audience, including OEM white-label solutions, has reached over 700 million.