12:03 PM EDT, 10/31/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Getty Images ( GETY ) signed a global multi-year licensing agreement with Perplexity AI, a move Wedbush Securities called an important strategic step that could strengthen Getty's position in the evolving AI landscape.

The agreement should give Perplexity access to Getty's editorial and creative image libraries while allowing Getty to leverage Perplexity's AI technology to enhance its search and discovery capabilities, the brokerage said in a Friday note.

While deal details were limited, Wedbush said the timing is notable as Getty pursues its proposed merger with Shutterstock. The firm's advisor estimates a 50/50 chance of unconditional approval in the UK Competition and Markets Authority's likely Phase 2 review and expects behavioral remedies if required.

The firm said the deal underscores Getty's urgency to address rising competition from generative AI providers. It estimates a post-close enterprise value of about $3.4 billion for the combined entity, with pre-synergy earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of roughly $570 million.

Wedbush maintained an outperform rating and 12-month price target of $7.

Shares of Getty Images ( GETY ) were trading up nearly 10% in recent trading.

Price: 2.21, Change: +0.20, Percent Change: +9.80