LiveRamp (NYSE:RAMP) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: LiveRamp - **Industry**: Digital Advertising and Data Connectivity Key Points and Arguments Long-term Strategy and Market Positioning - LiveRamp maintains a strong conviction in its long-term strategy, emphasizing the importance of first-party data for marketing [4][3] - The company enables seamless integration of first, second, and third-party data across a vast network of digital publishers and media platforms [4][3] Areas of Increased Demand 1. **Commerce Media**: LiveRamp has evolved its retail media success into commerce media, collaborating with companies like Uber and PayPal to enhance media buying [5][4] 2. **Connected TV (CTV)**: The company is expanding partnerships, notably with Netflix, to leverage first-party data for targeted advertising [6][5] 3. **Artificial Intelligence (AI)**: LiveRamp is focusing on integrating AI tools to enhance advertising and marketing capabilities [6][7] Sales Performance and Product Development - The sales cycle has improved, decreasing from 10 months to 9 months, indicating a healthier selling environment [17][8] - Annualized recurring revenue (ARR) grew by 7% year-on-year, with expectations for continued growth [18][17] - The launch of the Cross Media Intelligence product has received positive customer feedback and is expected to drive revenue growth in fiscal 2027 [12][11] Customer Base and New Pricing Model - Customer count has stabilized after a period of decline, aided by a shift from direct to reseller relationships in international markets [20][19] - A new pricing model is being piloted, designed to lower upfront commitments and allow for usage-based pricing, which is expected to attract mid-market customers [21][20] Infrastructure Migration and Cost Management - LiveRamp is migrating to a modern backend, which is currently increasing costs but is expected to improve speed, reliability, and scalability in the long term [35][34] - Gross margins are projected to return to the mid-70% range post-migration, with ongoing operational efficiencies being realized through offshoring and cost management [37][36] Financial Outlook and Capital Allocation - The company aims for a revenue growth target of over 10% for fiscal 2027, with a strong pipeline and positive momentum [31][30] - LiveRamp prioritizes organic investment for growth, strategic M&A opportunities, and returning excess cash flow to shareholders through buybacks [41][40] Market Sensitivity and Growth Segments - LiveRamp's Data Marketplace business grew by 14%, with expectations to outpace overall US digital ad spend growth due to exposure to faster-growing segments like retail and commerce media [32][31] - The company is well-positioned to leverage its customer base of larger enterprises, which tend to maintain spending during economic downturns [34][33] Additional Important Insights - The integration of AI into the platform aims to simplify usage for less technical users, enhancing the overall customer experience [28][27] - LiveRamp's strategy includes expanding its reach into the mid-market, which has historically been underserved [26][25] This summary encapsulates the key insights from LiveRamp's FY conference, highlighting the company's strategic focus, market dynamics, and financial outlook.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - On a consolidated basis, revenue increased by 24% to $120 million in Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024 [3] - The company reported an operating loss of $9 million in Q3 2025, down from an operating profit of $8 million in Q3 2024, primarily due to restructuring costs and impairment charges [3][15] - The overall operating loss included a non-cash impairment charge of $5.7 million and restructuring costs of $3.2 million [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Media segment revenue declined by 26% to $44.5 million in Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024, attributed to lower political revenue and weaker national advertising [4][9] - Advertising Technology and Services (ATS) segment revenue more than doubled to $76.1 million in Q3 2025, reflecting a 104% increase compared to Q3 2024 [5][10] - ATS operating profit was nearly $10 million in Q3 2025, significantly higher than the previous year, with a 378% increase [6][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The media business faced challenges due to advertiser uncertainty and the absence of significant political advertising in 2025, which was present in 2024 [9] - The ATS segment experienced exceptional performance with a sequential revenue growth of 38% from Q2 to Q3 2025 [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing local sales capacity and expanding digital sales operations in the media segment [5][7] - In the ATS segment, investments are being made to enhance technology and build AI capabilities, alongside increasing sales capacity [6][8] - The company aims to optimize its organizational structure and reduce expenses to align with revenue growth [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the need for improvement in operating performance and profitability, particularly in the media business [3] - The company is positioning itself for a strong political spending environment in 2026, emphasizing the importance of the Latino vote in upcoming elections [19][20] - Management expressed optimism about the future, particularly regarding political advertising opportunities and ongoing discussions to renew the affiliation agreement with TelevisaUnivision [22] Other Important Information - Corporate expenses decreased by 9% to $6.3 million in Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024, with a year-to-date reduction of $9.5 million [16] - The company maintained a strong balance sheet with over $66 million in cash and marketable securities at the end of Q3 2025 [16] - Total debt payments of $15 million were made during 2025, reducing credit facility indebtedness to approximately $173 million [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you comment on the outlook for political revenue in 2026? - Management is positioning for a strong political spending environment in 2026, highlighting the critical role of the Latino vote in key congressional races [19][20] Question: What's the status of renewing the affiliation agreement with TelevisaUnivision? - The affiliation agreement runs through December 31, 2026, and discussions for renewal are ongoing [21][22]

Core Insights - The partnership between Paramount and Taboola aims to revolutionize the advertising industry by combining high-impact TV ads with performance-driven online advertising technology [3][9] - The traditional approach to TV advertising is being challenged as advertisers seek measurable results rather than relying on hope for consumer action [2][4] Advertising Industry Transformation - The TV advertising market is valued at approximately $100 billion and is undergoing significant changes as advertisers demand more accountability [2] - Advertisers can now utilize a dashboard provided by Paramount to enable Taboola's technology, allowing them to track conversions and performance across the open web [6][8] Technology Integration - The integration of AI technology from Taboola allows advertisers to see their TV ads and related content across various online platforms, enhancing visibility and engagement [3][4] - This new service is expected to launch across all Paramount properties by Q1, targeting small business advertisers initially [8] Competitive Landscape - The partnership draws inspiration from Amazon's successful advertising model, which demonstrates the effectiveness of tracking consumer actions from ads to purchases [9][10] - The shift towards performance-based advertising is seen as essential for various sectors beyond retail, including healthcare and small businesses [6][10] Future Outlook - There is optimism regarding the role of AI in enhancing the open web experience for both consumers and advertisers, emphasizing the importance of trusted publishers in decision-making processes [13][15] - The younger generation's preference for authenticity and trust in media sources is expected to drive demand for reliable advertising platforms [15]

Core Insights - LinkedIn has introduced new features aimed at simplifying ad campaign creation for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), including enhanced auto-targeting, AI-generated ad variants, and improved optimization recommendations [1][2]. Group 1: Auto-Targeting Enhancements - LinkedIn's improved auto-targeting tools allow businesses to reach their ideal audience with minimal input, utilizing professional signal intelligence to create a high-value audience based on a few key signals [2][3]. - The new auto-targeting capabilities enable businesses to find receptive users who may have been overlooked in previous targeting efforts, thus broadening the potential audience [3]. Group 2: AI Tools for Ad Creation - LinkedIn has launched "Draft with AI," which leverages existing ad content, Shutterstock visuals, and generative AI to quickly produce new ad variations, including headlines and intro text [4][5]. - The AI-generated outputs are editable, allowing businesses to maintain creative control while increasing ad production efficiency [5][6]. - This combination of automated targeting and ad generation signifies a shift towards more automated advertising processes, potentially enhancing response rates [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in Q2 was approximately $343 million, reflecting an increase of 60% year over year on an as-reported basis, primarily driven by the impact of the acquisition [20] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $27 million, representing an increase of nearly 2.5 times compared to Q1 [24] - Free cash flow was $19 million in the quarter, with adjusted free cash flow at $22 million after excluding transaction costs [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The US market experienced a year-over-year decline of more than 20%, which was identified as a significant headwind [9] - CTV business saw 80% year-over-year growth in Q2 on a pro forma basis, indicating strong demand in this segment [10] - The retail media front announced a partnership to activate performance campaigns, aiming to grow presence in retail media [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted softness in key verticals such as consumer goods, automotive, and luxury goods, primarily due to tariff-related uncertainty and softer demand in certain geographies [21] - Despite challenges in the US, other markets in Europe have shown growth, indicating a mixed performance across regions [48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing integration decisively and making critical organizational changes to improve effectiveness [5] - Aiming to deliver $40 million in cost savings for 2025, with a full-year run rate of $60 million expected in 2026 [9] - The strategic rationale behind the merger is to build a go-to platform for advertisers seeking scaled, high-quality performance on the open Internet [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic changes made and the potential for market share gains and growth in the second half of the year [19] - There is an expectation of clear momentum building into Q4, despite challenges faced in Q3 [27] - Management is closely tracking leading indicators and believes that the changes implemented will positively impact revenue trends [35] Other Important Information - The company is accelerating investment in its next-generation advertising platform, Teams Ad Manager, expected to launch in H1 2026 [15] - The company has made a deliberate reduction in publishers that do not meet quality standards, resulting in a 5% year-over-year reduction in legacy Outbrain revenues [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why not spend all free cash flow on buying in debt? - Management indicated that they used what they were comfortable with in terms of excess cash and are open to more in the future [33] Question: How much of the US decline is structural? - Management noted that the issues are within their control and are tracking leading indicators that are trending up, indicating potential recovery [35] Question: Will the company cut more expenses if top-line growth does not materialize? - Management is currently focused on growth and believes they have the right cost structure to achieve this [38] Question: What is the confidence level for Q4? - Management expressed confidence in the changes made and the potential for improved performance in Q4 based on leading indicators [48] Question: How is the company addressing the impact of AI on traffic? - Management acknowledged the risk but noted that they are continuously improving monetization and tracking the situation closely [55]

Core Viewpoint - The DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc. is facing a class action lawsuit alleging violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, with claims of misleading statements and undisclosed risks impacting the company's stock performance during the specified class period [1][3]. Company Allegations - The lawsuit claims that DoubleVerify's customers shifted ad spending from open exchanges to closed platforms, where the company's technological capabilities were limited, affecting its competitive position [3]. - It is alleged that the development of technology for closed platforms was more expensive and time-consuming than disclosed, limiting DoubleVerify's ability to monetize its Activation Services [3]. - Competitors were reportedly better positioned to incorporate AI into their offerings, which negatively impacted DoubleVerify's profits and competitive edge [3]. - The company is accused of systematically overbilling customers for ad impressions served to bots, and its risk disclosures were misleading, presenting adverse facts as mere possibilities [3]. Stock Performance Impact - Following a lower revenue growth expectation announcement on February 28, 2024, DoubleVerify's stock price fell over 21% [4]. - On May 7, 2024, after cutting its full-year 2024 revenue outlook due to reduced customer ad spending, the stock price dropped nearly 39% [5]. - A report on February 27, 2025, detailing lower-than-expected sales and earnings due to reduced customer spending led to a further stock price decline of more than 36% [6]. Legal Process - Investors who purchased DoubleVerify common stock during the class period can seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the class action lawsuit, representing the interests of all class members [7].

Core Viewpoint - A securities class action lawsuit has been filed against DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc. for allegedly making false and misleading statements regarding its business operations and financial performance during the class period from November 10, 2023, to February 27, 2025 [1] Group 1: Allegations Against the Company - The lawsuit claims that the company's customers were shifting ad spending from open exchanges to closed platforms, where DoubleVerify's technological capabilities were limited [2] - It is alleged that the company's ability to monetize its high-margin Activation Services was constrained due to the high costs and time required for technology development for closed platforms [2] - The complaint states that monetization of Activation Services on certain closed platforms would take several years, contrary to what was disclosed to investors [2] - Competitors were reportedly better positioned to integrate AI into their offerings on closed platforms, negatively impacting DoubleVerify's competitive stance and profitability [2] - The company is accused of systematically overbilling customers for ad impressions served to declared bots operating from known data center server farms [2] - The risk disclosures provided by the company were claimed to be materially false and misleading, presenting adverse facts as mere possibilities [2] - As a result of these issues, the positive statements made by the company regarding its business and prospects were deemed materially false or misleading [2] Group 2: Investor Information - Investors who acquired shares of DoubleVerify are encouraged to contact the law firm before the lead plaintiff motion deadline of July 15, 2025 [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a consolidated revenue increase of 17% to $91.9 million in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024 [4][14] - Excluding non-cash accounting charges, the operating loss was $3.9 million in Q1 2025 [4][24] - The net loss attributable to common stockholders was $48 million, primarily due to non-cash charges [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Media segment revenue decreased by 10% to $41 million in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, attributed to reduced local advertising spend [5][15] - Advertising Technology and Services (ATS) segment revenue increased by 57% to $50.9 million in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, driven by more customers and higher spend per customer [9][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The media segment experienced a decline in active local advertisers, while the average spend per active advertiser increased slightly [5] - The ATS segment's growth was supported by investments in technology and increased sales capacity [9][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on increasing local sales capacity and expanding digital sales capabilities in the media segment [7][11] - In the ATS segment, the strategy includes investing in engineering to enhance technology and AI capabilities [9][20] - The overall goal is to optimize organizational structure and reduce expenses while driving revenue growth [12][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the need for improvement in operating performance, particularly in the media segment [4][21] - There is optimism regarding the ATS segment's growth potential and the effectiveness of ongoing investments [20] Other Important Information - Corporate expenses were reduced by 36% to $7.8 million in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024 [21][22] - The company incurred non-cash charges totaling $48.9 million due to asset write-downs and office relocation [23][24] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet with $78 million in cash and marketable securities [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: How has Entravision's business been impacted by recent changes in trade policy and tariffs? - Management indicated that the advertising services business is not directly subject to tariffs, and many advertisers are local service businesses not impacted by tariffs [29][30] - No changes to forecasts or strategic plans have been made in response to trade policy changes [31]

Core Viewpoint - AppLovin Corporation is facing a class action lawsuit due to allegations of misleading investors regarding its digital advertising platform and manipulative practices that inflated financial metrics [3][4]. Group 1: Class Action Details - The class action lawsuit represents investors who purchased AppLovin securities between May 10, 2023, and February 25, 2025, with a deadline of May 5, 2025, for filing a lead plaintiff motion [1]. - The lawsuit claims that AppLovin misled investors by promoting its AXON 2.0 platform and AI technologies as beneficial for advertising efficiency, while allegedly engaging in deceptive practices [3]. Group 2: Allegations Against AppLovin - Allegations include the exploitation of advertising data from Meta Platforms and the use of a "backdoor installation scheme" to force unwanted apps onto users' devices, leading to inflated installation metrics [3]. - Reports on February 26, 2025, indicated that AppLovin was reverse engineering Meta's advertising data and employing deceptive methods to artificially boost ad performance, resulting in a share price decline of over 12% [4].