Cardlytics(CDLX) - 2024 Q3 - Quarterly Results

Executive Summary & Business Update This section covers the CEO's statement on performance, key Q3 financial results, and user engagement metrics CEO Statement The CEO reported Q3 results exceeded guidance, emphasizing a long-term business transformation focused on network performance and partnerships - Q3 results beat the high end of guidance, reflecting a relentless focus on addressing short-term challenges[1] - Business transformation will take time, with priorities to build a more performant network and scale partnerships to maximize consumer engagement and rewards[1] Q3 2024 Financial Highlights The company reported a 15% revenue decrease and a significantly widened net loss of $(145.2) million due to a major impairment charge | Metric | Q3 2024 (Millions) | Q3 2023 (Millions) | YoY Change (%) | YoY Change Excl. Entertainment (%) | | :---------------------------------- | :----------------- | :----------------- | :------------- | :--------------------------------- | | Revenue | $67.1 | $79.0 | (15)% | (13)% | | Billings (non-GAAP) | $112.0 | $116.4 | (4)% | (2)% | | Adjusted Contribution (non-GAAP) | $36.4 | $42.9 | (15)% | (11)% | | Net Loss | $(145.2) | $(24.0) | n/a | n/a | | Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | $(1.8) | $3.9 | n/a | n/a | | Adjusted Net Loss (Income) (non-GAAP) | $(7.5) | $0.5 | n/a | n/a | | Net cash provided by operating activities | $1.4 | $1.2 | 17% | | | Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP) | $(3.9) | $(2.0) | (95)% | | - Net Loss significantly increased to $(145.2) million, or $(2.90) per diluted share, from $(24.0) million in Q3 2023, largely impacted by impairment of goodwill and intangible assets[2][13][21] Key Performance Metrics Monthly Active Users (MAUs) grew by 2% year-over-year, but Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) declined significantly | Metric | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YoY Change (%) | | :---------------- | :------------ | :------------ | :------------- | | Cardlytics MAUs | 166.4 million | 162.5 million | 2% | | Cardlytics ARPU | $0.40 | $0.49 | (18.4)% | Company Overview This section describes the company's business model as a digital advertising platform integrated with financial institution rewards programs Business Description Cardlytics operates a digital advertising platform within financial institution rewards programs, leveraging transaction data for targeted marketing - Cardlytics is a digital advertising platform that partners with financial institutions to run rewards programs, promoting customer loyalty and deepening relationships[6] - The platform has a secure view into approximately 1 of every 2 card-based transactions in the U.S., using these insights to help marketers identify, reach, and influence likely buyers at scale[6] Financial Outlook - Q4 2024 This section provides the company's financial guidance for the fourth quarter of 2024 and details for the earnings teleconference Q4 2024 Guidance The company anticipates continued year-over-year declines in Q4 2024 across key metrics including Billings, Revenue, and Adjusted EBITDA | Metric | Q4 2024 Guidance | YoY Change | YoY Change Excluding (3) Entertainment | | :-------------------------- | :------------------- | :----------- | :------------------------------------- | | (1) Billings | $102.0 - $108.0 | (23%) - (18%) | (22%) - (18%) | | Revenue | $62.0 - $67.0 | (30%) - (25%) | (30%) - (24%) | | (2) Adjusted Contribution | $33.0 - $36.0 | (30%) - (24%) | (29%) - (22%) | | (2) Adjusted EBITDA | ($5.0) - ($1.0) | ($15.0) - ($11.0) | ($15.3) - ($11.3) | - The Q4 2024 guidance reflects continued challenges, with significant year-over-year declines anticipated across all key financial metrics, including Billings, Revenue, and Adjusted Contribution[4] Earnings Teleconference Information Cardlytics will host a live audio webcast on November 6, 2024, to discuss its third-quarter 2024 financial results - A live audio webcast for Q3 2024 financial results will be held on November 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT, with a replay available online[5] Non-GAAP Measures and Other Performance Metrics This section introduces and defines the non-GAAP financial measures and other performance metrics used by the company to supplement GAAP results Introduction to Non-GAAP Measures The company uses non-GAAP measures and performance metrics to provide additional insights into its operating results - Non-GAAP measures (Billings, Adjusted Contribution, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net (Loss) Income, Free Cash Flow) and performance metrics (MAUs, ARPU) are provided to supplement GAAP results and offer additional insights into operating performance[8] - These non-GAAP measures have significant limitations and should be considered in conjunction with, not as a substitute for, GAAP financial information[8] Definitions of Non-GAAP Measures and Performance Metrics This section defines key non-GAAP metrics such as Billings, Adjusted Contribution, Adjusted EBITDA, and Free Cash Flow - Billings represents the gross amount billed to customers and marketers for services, recognized gross of Consumer Incentives and Partner Share for the Cardlytics platform[10] - Adjusted Contribution measures the degree by which revenue generated from marketers exceeds the cost to obtain purchase data and digital advertising space from partners[10] - Adjusted EBITDA represents Net Loss adjusted for various non-cash and non-operating items including interest, depreciation, stock-based compensation, and impairment charges[10] - MAUs are defined as targetable customers who have engaged with an offer from the Cardlytics platform during a monthly period, while ARPU is total revenue divided by the average number of MAUs[10] Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements This section presents the company's unaudited balance sheets, statements of operations, stock-based compensation details, and cash flow statements Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Total assets decreased significantly due to a substantial reduction in goodwill and intangible assets as of September 30, 2024 | Metric (in thousands) | Sep 30, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Change | | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | :----------- | :----------- | :------- | | Total Assets | $399,393 | $574,144 | $(174,751) | | Cash and cash equivalents | $66,988 | $91,830 | $(24,842) | | Accounts receivable and contract assets, net | $105,587 | $120,622 | $(15,035) | | Intangible assets, net | $12,826 | $35,003 | $(22,177) | | Goodwill | $159,429 | $277,202 | $(117,773) | | Total Liabilities | $329,696 | $439,346 | $(109,650) | | Convertible senior notes, net | $167,448 | $227,504 | $(60,056) | | Total Stockholders' Equity | $69,697 | $134,798 | $(65,101) | - The significant decrease in total assets is largely attributable to the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets[12][13][21] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Revenue decreased by 15% year-over-year, while a $131.6 million impairment charge drove a substantial increase in net loss | Metric (in thousands) | Three Months Sep 30, 2024 | Three Months Sep 30, 2023 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2024 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2023 | | :-------------------------------------- | :------------------------ | :------------------------ | :----------------------- | :----------------------- | | Revenue | $67,057 | $79,005 | $204,301 | $220,037 | | Total costs and expenses | $215,603 | $99,657 | $391,486 | $252,785 | | Operating Loss | $(148,546) | $(20,652) | $(187,185) | $(32,748) | | Net Loss | $(145,182) | $(23,966) | $(173,715) | $(33,866) | | Net Loss per share, basic and diluted | $(2.90) | $(0.63) | $(3.66) | $(0.95) | | Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets | $131,595 | — | $131,595 | — | - The significant increase in total costs and expenses and the resulting operating and net loss are primarily driven by a $131.6 million impairment charge for goodwill and intangible assets in Q3 2024[13] Stock-Based Compensation Expense Total stock-based compensation expense decreased to $8.07 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 | Expense Category (in thousands) | Three Months Sep 30, 2024 | Three Months Sep 30, 2023 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2024 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2023 | | :------------------------------- | :------------------------ | :------------------------ | :----------------------- | :----------------------- | | Delivery costs | $675 | $667 | $2,039 | $1,800 | | Sales and marketing expense | $2,096 | $2,683 | $8,140 | $9,487 | | Research and development expense | $3,448 | $3,661 | $12,031 | $12,248 | | General and administration expense | $1,846 | $3,238 | $9,484 | $6,421 | | Total stock-based compensation expense | $8,065 | $10,249 | $31,694 | $29,956 | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Net cash used in operating activities increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the prior year | Cash Flow Activity (in thousands) | Nine Months Sep 30, 2024 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2023 | | :-------------------------------- | :----------------------- | :----------------------- | | Net Loss | $(173,715) | $(33,866) | | Net cash used in operating activities | $(11,803) | $(3,119) | | Net cash used in investing activities | $(14,660) | $(8,695) | | Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | $1,646 | $(20,074) | | Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $(24,842) | $(31,845) | | Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash — End of period | $66,988 | $90,140 | - The increase in net cash used in operating activities is partly due to higher net loss and changes in working capital, despite significant non-cash adjustments like goodwill impairment[15] - Financing activities shifted from a net use to a net provision of cash, primarily due to new debt issuance and common stock proceeds, offsetting debt principal payments[15] Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures This section provides detailed reconciliations of GAAP financial measures to their corresponding non-GAAP counterparts Reconciliation of GAAP Revenue to Billings Consolidated Billings decreased by 4% year-over-year to $112.0 million in Q3 2024 | Metric (in thousands) | Three Months Sep 30, 2024 | Three Months Sep 30, 2023 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2024 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2023 | | :-------------------- | :------------------------ | :------------------------ | :----------------------- | :----------------------- | | Consolidated Revenue | $67,057 | $79,005 | $204,301 | $220,037 | | Plus: Consumer Incentives | $44,901 | $37,425 | $123,260 | $101,443 | | Consolidated Billings | $111,958 | $116,430 | $327,561 | $321,480 | - Cardlytics platform Billings decreased from $110.49 million in Q3 2023 to $106.01 million in Q3 2024, while Bridg platform Billings remained relatively stable[17] Reconciliation of GAAP Gross Profit to Adjusted Contribution Consolidated Adjusted Contribution for Q3 2024 decreased by 15% year-over-year to $36.4 million | Metric (in thousands) | Three Months Sep 30, 2024 | Three Months Sep 30, 2023 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2024 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2023 | | :------------------------------------------ | :------------------------ | :------------------------ | :----------------------- | :----------------------- | | Consolidated Revenue | $67,057 | $79,005 | $204,301 | $220,037 | | Minus: Partner Share and other third-party costs | $30,675 | $36,144 | $94,476 | $108,698 | | Minus: Delivery costs | $7,830 | $7,012 | $21,664 | $20,451 | | Consolidated Gross Profit | $28,552 | $35,849 | $88,161 | $90,888 | | Plus: Delivery costs | $7,830 | $7,012 | $21,664 | $20,451 | | Consolidated Adjusted Contribution | $36,382 | $42,861 | $109,825 | $111,339 | - Cardlytics platform Adjusted Contribution decreased by 16.9% year-over-year in Q3 2024, while Bridg platform Adjusted Contribution saw a smaller decrease of 4.2%[19] Reconciliation of GAAP Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA turned to a loss of $(1.8) million in Q3 2024 from a gain of $3.9 million in the prior year | Metric (in thousands) | Three Months Sep 30, 2024 | Three Months Sep 30, 2023 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2024 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2023 | | :------------------------------------------ | :------------------------ | :------------------------ | :----------------------- | :----------------------- | | Net Loss | $(145,182) | $(23,966) | $(173,715) | $(33,866) | | Plus: Interest expense, net | $1,479 | $915 | $3,859 | $1,497 | | Plus: Depreciation and amortization | $6,970 | $5,990 | $19,749 | $19,765 | | Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | $8,065 | $10,249 | $31,694 | $29,956 | | Plus: Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets | $131,595 | — | $131,595 | — | | Adjusted EBITDA | $(1,816) | $3,946 | $(3,875) | $(6,218) | - The substantial impairment of goodwill and intangible assets was a primary factor in the shift from positive to negative Adjusted EBITDA in Q3 2024[21] Reconciliation of Adjusted Contribution to Adjusted EBITDA This reconciliation bridges Adjusted Contribution to Adjusted EBITDA by subtracting operating expenses and adding back stock-based compensation | Metric (in thousands) | Three Months Sep 30, 2024 | Three Months Sep 30, 2023 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2024 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2023 | | :------------------------------------------ | :------------------------ | :------------------------ | :----------------------- | :----------------------- | | Consolidated Adjusted Contribution | $36,382 | $42,861 | $109,825 | $111,339 | | Minus: Delivery costs | $7,830 | $7,012 | $21,664 | $20,451 | | Minus: Sales and marketing expense | $13,163 | $14,161 | $41,306 | $43,314 | | Minus: Research and development expense | $13,194 | $12,430 | $39,712 | $38,841 | | Minus: General and administration expense | $12,076 | $15,561 | $42,712 | $44,907 | | Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | $8,065 | $10,249 | $31,694 | $29,956 | | Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA | $(1,816) | $3,946 | $(3,875) | $(6,218) | - Operating expenses, particularly sales and marketing, R&D, and G&A, significantly reduced Adjusted Contribution to result in a negative Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2024[23] Reconciliation of GAAP Net Loss to Adjusted Net (Loss) Income and Adjusted Net (Loss) Income Per Share Adjusted Net Loss was $(7.5) million in Q3 2024, a significant downturn from an Adjusted Net Income of $0.5 million in Q3 2023 | Metric (in thousands, except per share) | Three Months Sep 30, 2024 | Three Months Sep 30, 2023 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2024 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2023 | | :-------------------------------------- | :------------------------ | :------------------------ | :----------------------- | :----------------------- | | Net Loss | $(145,182) | $(23,966) | $(173,715) | $(33,866) | | Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | $8,065 | $10,249 | $31,694 | $29,956 | | Plus: Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets | $131,595 | — | $131,595 | — | | Adjusted Net (Loss) Income | $(7,480) | $474 | $(19,128) | $(17,147) | | Adjusted Net (Loss) Income per share, diluted | $(0.15) | $0.01 | $(0.40) | $(0.48) | - The significant impairment charge for goodwill and intangible assets was a major factor in the shift from Adjusted Net Income to Adjusted Net Loss in Q3 2024[24] Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow Free Cash Flow was negative $(3.9) million in Q3 2024, a decline from negative $(2.0) million in the prior year | Metric (in thousands) | Three Months Sep 30, 2024 | Three Months Sep 30, 2023 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2024 | Nine Months Sep 30, 2023 | | :------------------------------------------ | :------------------------ | :------------------------ | :----------------------- | :----------------------- | | Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $1,388 | $1,194 | $(11,803) | $(3,119) | | Plus: Acquisition of property and equipment | $(507) | $(51) | $(1,439) | $(393) | | Plus: Capitalized software development costs | $(4,750) | $(3,094) | $(13,423) | $(8,302) | | Free Cash Flow | $(3,869) | $(1,951) | $(26,665) | $(11,814) | - The negative Free Cash Flow for Q3 2024 indicates that cash from operations was insufficient to cover capital expenditures, particularly capitalized software development costs[25] Reconciliation of Forecasted GAAP Revenue to Billings Forecasted Billings for Q4 2024 are expected to be between $102.0 million and $108.0 million | Metric (in thousands) | Q4 2024 Guidance | | :-------------------- | :--------------- | | Revenue | $62.0 - $67.0 | | Plus: Consumer Incentives | $40.0 - $41.0 | | Billings | $102.0 - $108.0 | Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This section outlines the risks and uncertainties associated with the forward-looking statements made in the press release Forward-Looking Statements The press release contains forward-looking statements subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially - The press release contains forward-looking statements related to growth opportunity, ability to deliver stronger execution and shareholder value, and financial guidance for Q4 2024[7] - Actual results could differ materially due to factors such as unfavorable global economic conditions, fluctuations in quarterly operating results, and substantial dependence on key financial institution partners[7] - The company undertakes no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law[7] Contacts This section provides contact information for public and investor relations inquiries Contact Information Contact information for public relations and investor relations is provided for inquiries - Public Relations contact: pr@cardlytics.com[26] - Investor Relations contact: ir@cardlytics.com[26]