MNTN (NYSE:MNTN) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 10, 2026 04:30 PM ET Company ParticipantsAndrew Boone - Managing DirectorAndrew Marok - DirectorBrinlea Johnson - Managing PartnerChris Innes - CFOMark Douglas - CEOMark Mahaney - Senior Managing DirectorMatthew Weber - VP of Internet Equity ResearchRob Sanderson - Managing DirectorRon Josey - Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsLaura Martin - Senior AnalystShyam Patil - Senior AnalystOperatorHello, and welcome to the MNTN Fourth Quarter and Full Year ...

Core Viewpoint - The Trade Desk is a high-quality company in ad tech, but its investment potential is debated as competitive pressures increase going into 2026 [1] Reasons to Buy - The business remains fundamentally strong with revenue growth in the high teens and customer retention exceeding 95% in 2025, indicating continued advertiser reliance on the platform [3][4] - The growth of connected TV (CTV) and retail media provides long-term tailwinds as advertisers shift budgets to data-driven channels, positioning The Trade Desk to benefit from this structural market growth [4] - The AI-powered platform Kokai is gaining traction, leading to lower acquisition costs and improved engagement, which could provide a competitive advantage if it continues to deliver ROI [5][6] Reasons to Stay Cautious - Competition has intensified with Amazon's advertising business gaining traction, particularly through its partnership with Netflix, which poses risks to The Trade Desk's premium supply access [10][11] - The company's history of flawless execution has been disrupted, with a streak of beating revenue expectations ending in late 2024, leading to increased volatility and investor skepticism [12][13] - The stock carries a premium valuation with a P/E ratio of 46, requiring strong growth and stable margins to justify the price, which is uncertain given the current competitive landscape [16][18]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the US-based Internet and interactive entertainment industry, outlining 10 key themes for 2026 and identifying focus stocks for investment going forward [2][6]. Core Themes for 2026 1. **AI as a Transformative Technology**: AI is expected to significantly impact consumer computing habits, advertising landscapes, and cloud computing revenues. The rise of generative AI and its applications will be crucial [5][7]. 2. **Blurring Lines Between Advertising and Commerce**: The integration of social commerce and retail media is anticipated to create new growth opportunities [5][6]. 3. **Impact of AI on Advertising**: AI's influence on advertising strategies and monetization models will be a key focus area [5][6]. 4. **AI Investment Cycle**: The evolution of capital expenditures (capex) and free cash flow in relation to AI development will be critical for companies [5][6]. 5. **Competitive Dynamics in Local Commerce**: The rise of local commerce initiatives is expected to reshape competitive dynamics in the industry [5][6]. 6. **Future of Mobility Networks**: Developments in autonomous vehicles (AVs) and their adoption will be significant [5][6]. 7. **Evolution of Interactive Entertainment**: Changes in the interactive entertainment landscape will be closely monitored [5][6]. 8. **Transition to Spatial Computing**: A long-term shift from desktop and mobile computing to spatial computing and mixed reality is anticipated [5][6]. 9. **Health and Wellness Market Opportunity**: The growth potential in health and wellness sectors will be explored [5][6]. 10. **Balancing Growth and Investments**: Companies will need to manage growth investments while maintaining margins and capital returns [5][6]. Regulatory Environment - The global regulatory framework is highlighted as a potential factor affecting stock performance, although it is not articulated as a primary theme for 2026 due to a relatively stable regulatory environment observed in recent months [2][6]. Consumer Behavior Insights - The digital consumer remains stable and strong, particularly those valuing convenience in digital services. This stability has led to consistent digital advertising trends, especially in performance-based outcomes [8][9]. Investment Opportunities - **Mega Cap Stocks**: Amazon (AMZN) and Meta (META) are identified as having positive risk/reward profiles due to their alignment with AI themes and operational efficiencies [9][11]. - **Large Cap Stocks**: Dash (DASH), Uber (UBER), and Roblox (RBLX) are noted for their exposure to local commerce and interactive entertainment growth [14]. - **SMID Cap Stocks**: Companies like Peloton (PTON), Opra (OPRA), and Genius Brands (GENI) are highlighted for compelling risk/reward opportunities [14]. Market Sentiment and Valuation - Recent stock price resets have created attractive risk/reward opportunities for investors, despite concerns regarding AI investments and consumer health [8][9]. Conclusion - The report emphasizes the importance of AI and evolving consumer behaviors as central themes for investment strategies in 2026, while also identifying specific companies that are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends [2][5][9].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $110.5 million, representing an 8% year-over-year growth [15] - Contribution ex-TAC was $51 million, up 7% year-over-year, maintaining a healthy 46% margin [15][20] - Adjusted EBITDA increased 63% year-over-year to $12.1 million, reflecting improved operational leverage [14][20] - Non-GAAP net income was $12.5 million, resulting in a non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.28, a 22% year-over-year increase [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CTV revenue grew 75% year-over-year, driven by demand for advanced formats [17] - Retail media revenue increased by 40% year-over-year, reflecting strong momentum in this vertical [18] - Digital out-of-home revenue rose 26% year-over-year, now accounting for 22% of total revenue [18][19] - Web revenue declined by 11% year-over-year due to lower advertiser appetite for standard display and video formats [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail media market in the US is projected to be a $60 billion opportunity, growing at double-digit annual rates [8] - CTV and digital out-of-home channels combined represented 37% of total revenue, up from 28% in the same quarter last year [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on becoming the platform of choice for modern CMOs, unifying media, data, and outcomes through the Perion One strategy [5][6] - New products like Outmax and Soda are designed to enhance performance-driven advertising and optimize monetization for publishers [4][10] - The company is expanding its share repurchase program to $200 million, reflecting confidence in long-term value [3][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining growth and profitability, supported by operational efficiency and scalable technology [15][24] - The company aims to capture more market share in 2026 and beyond, with expectations for continued strong performance from core growth engines [27][30] Other Important Information - The company has a strong cash position of $315 million, providing financial flexibility for growth and capital allocation [22] - The share buyback program has repurchased a cumulative total of 10.4 million shares for $94.2 million, underscoring confidence in long-term value [22][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the drivers behind the CTV strength in Q3? - Management noted that performance CTV and the new algorithm, Outmax, are performing well, contributing to significant growth [26] Question: Why is the Q4 guidance range wide? - Management indicated that the quarter is trending in line with expectations and expressed confidence in meeting guidance during the holiday season [27] Question: How does the company view the web business decline? - Management clarified that the web business decline was primarily due to strategic decisions made earlier in the year, and they expect a potential return to growth in the future [38] Question: How is the company using AI internally? - Management stated that AI is increasingly integrated into R&D and operations, aiming to reduce manual work and enhance efficiency [40] Question: What is the potential of Soda and the Digital Out-of-Home Player? - Management explained that these products are designed to be integrated into the tech stack of inventory owners, increasing predictability and visibility into revenue streams [42]

Q3 2025 Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 8% year-over-year to $110.5 million[48] - Contribution ex-TAC increased by 7% year-over-year[17] - Adjusted EBITDA increased significantly by 63% year-over-year[17, 46] to $12.1 million[48] - Non-GAAP Net Income was $12.5 million[48] - Diluted Non-GAAP EPS reached $0.28, an 8% year-over-year increase[48] Growth Engines Momentum - CTV revenue grew substantially by 75% year-over-year[17, 45, 50], reaching $16.6 million[63] - Retail Media revenue increased by 40% year-over-year[45, 55] - DOOH revenue increased by 26% year-over-year[45, 52, 63], reaching $24.1 million[63] Capital Allocation - The company expanded its share repurchase program by $75 million, bringing the total to $200 million, pending regulatory approval[17] - The implied return of the $75 million buyback expansion is 18%, with an aggregate implied return of 49% for the total $200 million plan, based on a market cap of $410 million[90] Strategic Initiatives - Strategic partnership with Albertsons Media Collective to expand into the $60 billion Retail Media market, growing at approximately 15% CAGR[24]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $85.6 million, representing a 7% year-over-year increase and a 10% quarter-over-quarter increase, exceeding the midpoint of guidance [32] - Contribution XTAC totaled $53 million, up 12% year-over-year and 10% sequentially, reaching the high end of guidance [32] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $16 million, growing 9% year-over-year and 42% sequentially, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 30% [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Excluding political ad spend from the prior year, Q3 revenue increased 19% year-over-year, and contribution XTAC increased 22% year-over-year on a pro forma basis [33] - CTV accounted for a record high of 46% of total platform spend, with nearly half running through Direct Access premium publishers [36] - Revenue attached to the Iris ID more than doubled sequentially versus the prior quarter, indicating strong demand for contextually targeted campaigns [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Spend across emerging digital channels, including CTV, streaming audio, and digital out of home, represented approximately 56% of total platform spend in Q3, up from 50% in 2024 and 43% in 2023 [36] - The majority of leading streaming services have joined the Direct Access program, enhancing the platform's capabilities [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain its dominant position in the mid-market while expanding up-market with major U.S. advertisers and down-market to performance advertisers [23] - The launch of AI Decisioning is expected to enhance the self-service capabilities of the platform, making it more accessible for SMBs and direct-to-consumer e-commerce companies [29] - The partnership with Molson Coors highlights the company's ability to attract major U.S. brands seeking data-driven campaigns [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the underlying performance of the business, with expectations for accelerating growth in 2026 driven by new client onboarding [44] - The company anticipates significant EBITDA margin expansion in 2026, supported by improved operational efficiencies and the integration of recent acquisitions [44] Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 with $161 million in cash and cash equivalents, no debt, and full access to a $75 million credit facility [39] - The share repurchase program has returned $59.6 million to shareholders since its launch, signaling confidence in long-term value [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the difference with the third AI product launching in Q4? - Management indicated that AI Decisioning will complete the Viant AI suite, enabling full self-driving capabilities for ad campaigns, reducing the need for human intervention [51][52] Question: Is the 600 basis point headwind from a merger client a one-time issue? - Management clarified that the headwind is primarily from a seasonal client and will not significantly impact other quarters [48] Question: How does the company plan to grow awareness among SMB advertisers? - The strategy includes channel partnerships and a self-service sign-up flow to attract direct-to-consumer e-commerce companies [58][60] Question: What is the expected incremental spend from the Molson Coors partnership? - While specific figures cannot be disclosed, management expects the partnership to scale over time, contributing to the $250 million incremental spend pipeline [62] Question: How does the competitive environment look with companies like Amazon and Google? - Management noted that competition remains consistent, with Viant's objective buy-side approach differentiating it from competitors who have conflicts of interest [64][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Trade Desk reported Q3 2025 revenue of $739 million, representing an 18% year-over-year growth, and a 22% growth when excluding political spend from the previous year [40][41] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was approximately $317 million, or about 43% of revenue [40] - Adjusted net income for the quarter was $221 million, or $0.45 per diluted share [42] - Free cash flow was $155 million in Q3, with a strong cash and liquidity position of about $1.4 billion at the end of the quarter [43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Connected TV (CTV) remains the largest and fastest-growing channel, representing around 50% of the business in Q3 [40] - Mobile accounted for a low 30% share, display for a low double-digit share, and audio for around 5% [40] - The Trade Desk's focus on retail media is seeing rapid scaling and strong adoption across various verticals [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America represented 87% of the business, while international markets accounted for about 13% [41] - Growth in international markets, particularly EMEA and APAC, is outpacing growth in North America [41] - Strong growth was noted in verticals such as medical health, automotive, and technology [41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leading the open internet and enhancing operational efficiency through new leadership and structural changes [33][57] - Investments in AI and automation are aimed at improving campaign performance and operational productivity [19][58] - The Trade Desk is committed to building a more data-driven culture and enhancing client relationships through joint business plans (JBPs) [15][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the potential of the open internet and the shift towards programmatic advertising [30] - The company anticipates continued growth in CTV and audio channels, driven by premium content and authenticated audiences [40][41] - The Trade Desk expects Q4 revenue to be at least $840 million, with an estimated growth of approximately 18.5% year-over-year when excluding political ad spend [44] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased nearly $2 billion in stock since the beginning of its repurchase program, effectively offsetting dilution [43] - The introduction of new products and upgrades, such as Audience Unlimited and trading modes, is expected to drive future growth [28][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on Amazon as a competitor - Management clarified that while Amazon is a significant player in advertising, their focus is primarily on owned and operated inventory, which differs from The Trade Desk's emphasis on the open internet [46][49] Question: Areas for impact as new CFO - The new CFO highlighted the importance of disciplined resource allocation and a metrics-driven approach to drive growth and efficiency [52][53] Question: Broader advertising trends for 2026 - Management noted that the open internet is gaining importance, and the company is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend through its restructuring efforts [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in Q3 was approximately $319 million, reflecting an increase of 42% year-over-year on an as-reported basis, driven primarily by the impact of the acquisition [15] - On a pro forma basis, there was a year-over-year decline of 15% in Q3 [15] - Ex-tech gross profit in the quarter was $131 million, an increase of 119% year-over-year on an as-reported basis [19] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $19 million, with adjusted free cash flow being a use of cash of $24 million in the quarter [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Connected TV (CTV) revenue grew around 40% in Q3 and is projected to reach $100 million for the year [18] - The CTV business focuses on three key pillars: on-screen placements, proprietary formats, and cross-screen activations [9] - Cross-sell revenue showed notable inflection, with October revenue and bookings growing by more than 55% month-over-month [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S., U.K., and France, which represent about 50% of revenue, are driving headwinds for the legacy Teads business [16] - The DACH region is noted as neutral or growing, contrasting with the declines in the key markets [16] - Page views on premium publishers declined by 10% to 15%, attributed to increased adoption of AI summaries and volatility in programmatic supply [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on three main dimensions: portfolio optimization, operational efficiency, and cost optimization [6][7] - The growth strategy centers on connected TV, deepening relationships with agencies, expanding performance campaigns, and algorithmic advancements [14] - A detailed three-year outlook and roadmap will be shared at an upcoming Investor Day in March [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in integration and operational changes taking longer than anticipated, but remains confident in the long-term vision [14] - The company is committed to generating positive cash flow and improving its cost structure [21] - Visibility remains challenged due to shorter planning cycles from advertisers, impacting guidance for Q4 [22] Other Important Information - The company welcomed Molly Spielman as the new Chief Commercial Officer, bringing extensive experience from Criteo and Oracle Advertising [8] - The company recognized $4 million of acquisition and integration-related costs and $1 million of restructuring charges in the quarter [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack the headwinds in the quarter? - Management noted a combination of factors including distractions from the merger and execution challenges taking longer than expected, with some weakness in key geographies [23][24] Question: What is your willingness to protect free cash flow? - The company is committed to generating positive free cash flow and has a transformational plan to focus on key areas [28] Question: Can you provide insights on the loss of several big clients? - The loss was attributed to changes in client business models and the company's strategic decisions around quality, impacting the DSP business [34][36] Question: What are the expectations for free cash flow going forward? - The company expects to be around break-even for the year, with a focus on cash flow optimization and improvements in EBITDA [42][43] Question: What are the assumptions for Q4 guidance? - Guidance reflects caution due to visibility challenges and expected impacts from headwinds in the DSP business [45][46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 2025 total revenue was $179 million, an increase of 11% from Q3 2024 [19] - Contribution ex TAC was $167 million, up 12%, exceeding guidance [19] - Adjusted EBITDA grew 13% to $57 million, resulting in a margin of 34% [21][19] - Net income for the quarter was $20 million, compared to $5 million in Q3 2024 [21] - GAAP earnings per diluted share were $0.13, up from $0.04 in Q3 2024 [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CTV contribution ex TAC was $76 million, up 18% year-over-year or 25% excluding political [19][21] - DV+ contribution ex TAC was $91 million, an increase of 7% or 10% excluding political [20][21] - The contribution ex TAC mix for Q3 was 45% CTV, 39% mobile, and 16% desktop [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Health and fitness, shopping, and technology were the strongest-performing categories, while automotive was one of the weakest [20] - Ad spend from top holding companies grew nearly 20% in Q3 year-over-year [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its CTV business and enhancing its technology offerings, including AI integration [8][15] - Plans to integrate AI assistance and workflows into Clear Line, powered by the acquisition of Streamer.ai [8][15] - The company is optimistic about growth opportunities with major partners like Netflix and Roku [5][6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth potential from the Google Ad Tech trial, indicating that any market share shift could significantly benefit the company [17][18] - The company anticipates contribution ex TAC growth for 2026 to be at least 11%, with a focus on maintaining margin expansion [27][39] Other Important Information - The company has a cash balance of $482 million at the end of Q3, up from $426 million at the end of Q2 [22] - Capital expenditures for Q4 are expected to be approximately $23 million, with a full-year estimate of $80 million [23][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of The Trade Desk's changes on Magnite - Management noted that they have worked with major buyers to reconnect Magnite as a preferred supply path and believe the impact has been limited to DV+ [30] Question: Growth of DV+ with Amazon - Management confirmed strong spend from leading DSPs, particularly Amazon, and highlighted the importance of partnerships in driving growth [33] Question: AI integration and its impact - Management discussed the integration of AI technologies and the potential for increased efficiency and monetization through new products [15][36] Question: Google Ad Tech case updates - Management remains optimistic about the outcomes of the case and believes it presents a generational opportunity for the company [39] Question: CTV market dynamics and CPM trends - Management indicated stability in CTV CPMs and does not foresee significant downward pressure on revenues from lower-cost ad units [42] Question: CapEx and employee growth - Management explained that the increase in CapEx is aimed at securing data center space and enhancing technology capabilities, while also planning to add personnel to support growth initiatives [44]

Summary of Verve (M8G) 2025 Earnings Call Company Overview - **Company**: Verve (formerly known as Gamigo) - **Industry**: Advertising Technology - **Focus**: Digital advertising, particularly in mobile and connected TV channels Key Points and Arguments Market Dynamics - The advertising market is diverse and complex, with a total spend of $1.1 trillion globally per year, and $1,200 spent per person annually in the U.S. [9][12] - Digital advertising accounts for $600 billion of the total, with mobile being the largest segment, contributing 96% of Verve's revenues [10][12]. - Emerging channels such as mobile, connected TV, and digital out-of-home are the focus areas for growth, as traditional channels are declining [7][8]. Business Model and Strategy - Verve operates a tech platform that connects advertisers with publishers, utilizing a supply-side platform (SSP) and demand-side platform (DSP) for ad placements [16][21]. - The company aims to unify its technology platforms to enhance efficiency and scalability, having integrated multiple SSPs and DSPs into a single platform [41][86]. - Privacy regulations, particularly GDPR, are reshaping the advertising landscape, leading to a focus on ID-less targeting solutions [25][78]. Financial Performance - In Q2, Verve reported a 10% revenue growth, with a 1% increase in adjusted EBITDA, reaching a margin of 28% [39][108]. - The company faced challenges due to platform unification issues, which impacted revenue from the SSP side, leading to a 3% decline in that segment [108]. - Demand-side activities grew by 82%, indicating strong performance in that area despite overall challenges [108]. Customer and Market Position - The U.S. market accounts for 79% of Verve's revenues, with a strong position in mobile advertising [12][34]. - The company has a high customer retention rate of 98%, indicating strong satisfaction among clients [39][57]. - Verve aims to expand its sales team from 35 to 150 sellers in the U.S. to better address the market [50][93]. Future Outlook - The company maintains a mid-term guidance of 25% to 30% revenue CAGR and aims for over €1 billion in revenues and €330 million in EBITDA in the future [101][102]. - Verve plans to expand into new markets, including the U.K., Scandinavia, Brazil, and Mexico, while continuing to focus on organic growth [94][96]. Additional Important Insights - The advertising market is experiencing a shift towards programmatic advertising, which is growing faster than traditional methods [56][59]. - Verve is investing in AI-powered programmatic optimization to enhance ad targeting and efficiency [80][82]. - The company is also focusing on verticalization by industry, tailoring its services to specific sectors such as digital brands and fast-moving consumer goods [66][69]. This summary encapsulates the key points from the Verve earnings call, highlighting the company's strategic focus, market dynamics, financial performance, and future growth plans.