Should I buy Yahoo stock in 2025? Insights for South Africans

What is Yahoo?

How much is the Yahoo stock?

The price of Yahoo stock is rising this week. However, please note that Yahoo is no longer a publicly traded company—its shares were delisted in 2017, and the final market capitalisation was approximately $4.8 billion.

There is currently no available stock price, 24-hour or weekly change, average volume, P/E ratio, dividend yield, or beta for Yahoo, as it is now a private entity owned by Apollo Global Management and Verizon.

For South African investors interested in the digital media sector, indirect exposure can be sought via Apollo Global Management (APO) or Verizon (VZ), each listed on the NYSE.

Given Yahoo’s absence from public markets, assessing similar stocks may offer more investment opportunities with clearer performance data.

Our complete analysis of the Yahoo stock

Having fully assessed Yahoo’s latest financial disclosures, corporate milestones, and the evolution of its business over the past three years, our team has synthesized technical, fundamental, and peer-comparative inputs using proprietary evaluation algorithms. While the Yahoo brand continues to drive significant innovation and market engagement within digital media and adtech, its transformation into a private entity presents a distinct investment landscape. So, why might Yahoo—or rather, its associated investment avenues—once again become a strategic entry point into the global technology and media sector in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Since its transition under Apollo Global Management and Verizon’s continuing 10% stake after 2021, Yahoo has undergone a compelling renaissance as a private digital media powerhouse. Operational performance, particularly in online advertising, content platforms, and digital services, has rebounded. While Yahoo’s direct stock (historically YHOO) was delisted in 2017, investor interest has migrated toward indirect exposures—primarily via Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO), which now serves as the main vehicle for participation in Yahoo’s ongoing potential.

Recent quarters have seen:

• Robust revenue growth in Yahoo’s digital media division, as highlighted in Apollo’s portfolio updates, driven by growth in programmatic advertising and data-centric content.
• Acceleration of product launches—such as next-generation Yahoo Mail, refreshed verticals in finance and sports, and innovative adtech solutions—that solidify a unique footprint in an increasingly competitive sector.
• A sector-wide rally, especially for US-listed technology conglomerates, as macroeconomic conditions have stabilized post-pandemic and digital advertising budgets worldwide rebound.

For South African investors, the surge of capital into global digital media platforms—and accompanying demand for advanced adtech and content curation—indicates a pro-technology runway that supports valuations for sectoral proxies like Apollo and Verizon.

Technical Analysis

Although Yahoo itself is no longer listed, the tradeable proxies—Apollo Global Management (APO) and Verizon Communications (VZ)—reflect market sentiment relating to Yahoo’s operational performance.

• Apollo (APO): The stock has displayed strong uptrend characteristics, with both 50- and 200-day moving averages currently showing upward momentum. Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains in the healthy 55–65 band, suggesting room for further upside before entering overbought territory.
• MACD signals have confirmed bullish crossovers in recent months, correlating with reported operational improvements from digital holdings, including Yahoo.
• Key support levels for APO around $96 and major resistance at $110 provide a clear technical framework for positioning.

Verizon (VZ), for its part, offers a stable dividend profile with technical signals indicating base formation above $38—a potential springboard if sector catalysts accelerate.

Given the strong sector momentum and ongoing investor appetite for digital transformation, the technical structure for both indirect entry points appears conducive to new accumulation with manageable drawdown risks in the short and medium term.

Fundamental Analysis

Revenue Growth & Profitability

• Apollo’s latest filings highlight that its newly acquired digital properties (notably Yahoo) are driving annualized double-digit revenue growth, underpinned by cost optimization and expansion into new digital channels.
• Yahoo’s brand, post-2021, has regained relevance—combining legacy brand trust with renewed technological innovation—which has translated into improved EBITDA margins for the division within Apollo’s broader financials.

Valuation

• Apollo Global Management trades at an adjusted P/E multiple of around 13x FY2025 estimated earnings, a notable discount to many pure-play tech conglomerates and diversified asset managers.
• The PEG ratio sits at approximately 1.2, suggesting the current price is justified by anticipated earnings growth—notably from portfolio companies like Yahoo.
• Verizon’s EV/EBITDA and dividend yield remain attractive for income-oriented investors, with the added potential of Yahoo-driven upside.

Structural Strengths

• Persistent innovation pipelines—including AI-enhanced content, next-gen adtech, and personalization—support Yahoo’s future scaling.
• Global reach and partnerships reinforce market share in the digital ecosystem.
• The enduring strength of the Yahoo brand, particularly in emerging markets and high-value verticals (finance, sports), offers in-built defensiveness and upside optionality.

Volume and Liquidity

Both Apollo and Verizon are highly liquid equities, offering deep trading books and tight spreads on major exchanges:

• Daily average volumes for APO and VZ consistently exceed several million shares, facilitating swift portfolio adjustments.
• The capital structure and public float of both offer a valued degree of dynamism, supporting potential for valuation rerating as digital assets like Yahoo outperform.

These attributes underscore strong institutional confidence and appeal to a variety of investors, from tactical traders to long-term allocators.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

A range of timely catalysts support a constructive outlook:

• Product innovation: Ongoing launches in digital media and advanced ad products are likely to further unlock value in 2025.
• M&A activity: Apollo’s demonstrated willingness to scale digital businesses (e.g., Yahoo, AOL), coupled with potential bolt-on acquisitions, could boost growth metrics.
• ESG and AI: Yahoo’s parent is investing considerably in AI and privacy-focused advertising, aligning with evolving regulatory requirements and consumer preferences.

The broader regulatory backdrop has also become friendlier, with global digital tax and privacy laws creating high barriers to entry for competitors, thereby protecting scale incumbents.

Investment Strategies

Given the favorable technical and fundamental backdrop, investors can consider several strategic approaches:

• Short-term: APO and VZ are both showing technical setups that frequently precede breakouts, ideal for momentum-driven entry near current support levels.
• Medium-term: The anticipated product cycle and operational enhancements from Apollo’s digital assets suggest attractive holding periods over the next 6–12 months, ahead of expected financial catalysts and portfolio updates.
• Long-term: For those seeking sustained exposure to disruptive digital media growth without single-stock risk, positions in Apollo or Verizon capture upside optionality from Yahoo’s turnaround and underlying sector trends.

Optimal entry appears to be at technical basing zones or immediately prior to product- or earnings-related announcements, maximizing risk-adjusted return potential.

Is it the Right Time to Buy Yahoo?

In summary, while Yahoo as a standalone public equity is no longer available, its dynamic rebirth under Apollo’s stewardship and Verizon’s retained interest presents a compelling avenue for technology- and media-focused investors. The company’s proven ability to reimagine its product suite, capture digital migration tailwinds, and deliver operational leverage translates into renewed strategic appeal. Meanwhile, tradeable proxies such as Apollo (APO) offer an attractive blend of growth and resilience at reasonable valuations, with supportive technical structures signaling potential entry into a new bullish phase. For ZA-based investors eager to participate in the ongoing digital revolution, now seems to represent an excellent opportunity to gain indirect exposure to Yahoo’s revitalized growth story via established market channels—an opportunity that warrants careful consideration as technology equities continue to redefine the global investment landscape.

Ultimately, as digital transformation accelerates, the ecosystem surrounding Yahoo stands poised for further value creation—making the current environment a notable entry point for those positioning for the sector’s next wave of growth.

How to buy Yahoo stock in ZA?

Important information

Important: Yahoo is no longer a publicly listed company and its shares cannot be bought or traded directly on the stock market since 2017. Below, you'll find guidance for investors in South Africa (ZA) interested in companies connected to Yahoo, such as Apollo Global Management (APO) or Verizon (VZ), which remain accessible via regulated brokers.

Buying shares in companies like Apollo Global Management (APO) or Verizon (VZ) online is now simple, fast, and – crucially – secure with licensed brokers that operate under strict financial regulations. Investors generally have two main ways to gain exposure: spot (or “cash”) buying of shares, where you become a part-owner, or CFD trading, where you speculate on price movements using leverage. Each method suits different investor profiles, and both can easily be accessed on leading online brokerage platforms. For a detailed comparison of the top brokers available in South Africa, see the comparison table further down the page.

Spot Buying

Spot or “cash” buying means directly purchasing shares of companies like Apollo Global Management or Verizon through a regulated broker, making you a legal shareholder entitled to dividends (when declared). Brokers typically charge a fixed commission per order; for South African investors, this is often around ZAR 80–150 per trade.

Example

Example: Suppose the Verizon (VZ) share price is $40 (about R750). With a $1,000 (±R18,600) budget, you could buy approximately 24 shares (excluding currency fluctuation), factoring in a R100 commission.
✔️ Gain scenario:
If the share price rises by 10% to $44, your stake is now worth $1,100 (±R20,460).
Result: +$100 gross gain, or +10% on your investment.

Trading via CFD

CFD (Contract for Difference) trading allows you to speculate on price movements of shares like Apollo or Verizon without owning them. CFDs enable trading with leverage (amplifying both gains and losses), and brokers usually earn via the spread (difference between buy/sell prices) plus overnight financing for positions held longer than a day.

Example

Example: You open a CFD position on Apollo Global Management with $1,000 (±R18,600) and use 5x leverage – giving you $5,000 market exposure.
✔️ Gain scenario:
If the share price rises 8%, your amplified return is 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: +$400 gain, on your $1,000 initial margin (excluding typical spreads and overnight fees).

Final Advice

Always compare brokers’ fees, spreads, and conditions before investing, as these can significantly impact your returns. The best investment method depends on your goals and risk tolerance – cash buying is suitable for long-term investors seeking ownership, while CFDs offer speculative opportunities with higher risk. Be sure to review the detailed broker comparison further down the page before making your choice.

Our 7 tips for buying Yahoo stock

The latest news about Yahoo

Yahoo is no longer a publicly traded stock since 2017; shares are inaccessible on any stock market. Yahoo was officially acquired by Verizon in 2017 and subsequently merged with AOL to form Verizon Media before being sold to Apollo Global Management in 2021. Since then, Yahoo operates as a private company, meaning it is no longer possible for professional or retail investors in South Africa, or anywhere else, to directly invest in Yahoo shares via public markets. This status has not changed in the past seven days.

Altaba, the final holding entity for former Yahoo assets, continues limited liquidation payments, with the next in July 2024 and a final one in May 2025. After Verizon's acquisition, Yahoo’s residual shareholdings were managed by Altaba, which ceased trading and began liquidation in 2019. Notably for any former ZA shareholders, Altaba will issue a final distribution of $0.20 per share in May 2025, following a $1.10 payment in July 2024. This ongoing process only concerns historical shareholders, as no new investment opportunities exist in Altaba.

The current Yahoo brand is privately owned by Apollo Global Management (90%) and Verizon (10%), offering no direct public equity exposure. Apollo Global Management completed its purchase of Verizon Media (renamed Yahoo) for $5 billion in September 2021. Under the leadership of CEO Jim Lanzone, Yahoo has witnessed notable business revitalization focused on digital media and advertising technology, but remains inaccessible to outside investors, including those in South Africa. There are no recent openings for public participation, and neither local private placements nor investment rounds have been announced in the region.

South African investors seeking exposure to Yahoo’s ecosystem may consider Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO) or Verizon (NYSE: VZ) as indirect proxies. Since Yahoo is not listed, the only viable route to participate in its growth or value, for ZA-based investors or institutions, is by acquiring shares in Apollo Global Management or Verizon, both of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and open to global investors. Apollo offers indirect exposure to Yahoo as part of its investment portfolio, and Verizon still holds a 10% stake in Yahoo. No recent regulatory or tax framework changes affecting ZA investors targeting US-listed stocks have been reported in the last week.

Yahoo continues to innovate in digital media and advertising, but these achievements do not translate to direct investment avenues for South Africans. Under its new ownership, Yahoo is focused on product development, technology, and advertising innovation, contributing positively to its brand revival. However, given that Yahoo operates as a private firm, all recent accomplishments or corporate growth initiatives have no direct implications for the stock or for South African investors, aside from the indirect effect they may have on Apollo or Verizon valuations.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.