Spotify forecasts profit above estimates as founder Daniel Ek moves to new role

Group 1 - Spotify forecasts first-quarter operating income of 660 million euros ($786.13 million), exceeding analysts' average estimate of 652.3 million euros [3] - The company projects quarterly revenue of 4.5 billion euros, slightly below the estimate of 4.57 billion euros [3] - Spotify's premium subscribers grew 10% to 290 million in the fourth quarter, compared to an estimate of 290.9 million [5] Group 2 - The company raised the price of its monthly premium subscription plan by $1 to $12.99 in the U.S., Estonia, and Latvia, following a similar increase in over 150 markets in 2025 [4] - Spotify's quarterly outlook for 759 million monthly active users (MAU) is above the estimate of 753 million, while the prediction for a 3 million increase in premium subscribers to 293 million is below estimates [4] - Gross profit increased by 10% year-over-year, aided by a 10% decline in operating expenses, resulting in a gross profit margin rise to 33.1% from 31.6% in the prior quarter [5] Group 3 - The company experienced its slowest revenue growth since its 2018 market listing, despite benefiting from strong user growth and price hikes [2] - Spotify has introduced an AI-powered playlist feature and invested in video podcasts, including a deal with Netflix, to enhance its competitive position against Apple and Amazon [2] - The total number of monthly active users reached 751 million, with net additions of 38 million exceeding expectations [5]