LOS ANGELES, Feb. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediaAlpha, Inc. (NYSE: MAX), today announced that it will release fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results on Monday, February 23, 2026 after market close. The company will host a Q&A conference call to discuss these results at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on the same day. A live webcast of the call will be available on MediaAlpha’s Investor Relations website at https://investors.mediaalpha.com. To register for the webcast, click ...

Core Insights - JCDecaux has secured a 10-year exclusive advertising contract with CFL, the Luxembourg National Railway Company, to operate advertising assets across the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, emphasizing a 100% digital offering [1][8] Group 1: Contract Details - The new contract will commence on June 1, 2026, and includes a rollout of a new media concept tailored for Luxembourg's rail network [3] - The advertising system will expand from 24 to 44 stations, featuring 143 digital screens nationwide, achieving a fully digital inventory [4] Group 2: Technological Advancements - The latest-generation screens (75-inch and 55-inch) will provide superior image quality while being energy-efficient, integrated with JCDecaux's Adtech ecosystem for high-performance advertising campaigns [5] - The digital offering will utilize programmatic advertising capabilities through integration with VIOOH and Displayce platforms, allowing brands to target audiences effectively [5] Group 3: Sustainability and Innovation - JCDecaux aims to enhance passenger experience and advertiser visibility while adhering to high standards of service quality and sustainability, focusing on renewable energy and waste management [6] - The company will employ a 100% electric vehicle fleet for maintenance and utilize rainwater for operations, with adaptive lighting systems in place [6] Group 4: Market Position - The renewal of the advertising concession reinforces JCDecaux's status as a leading outdoor advertising partner in Luxembourg, aligning with the country's modernization and digitization efforts [8] - JCDecaux's extensive portfolio includes advertising concessions for bus shelters, Luxembourg Airport, and shopping malls, showcasing its diversified offerings in the region [7]

Core Insights - The Trade Desk, Inc. has launched OpenAds, a new auction environment aimed at providing publishers and sellers with a transparent and high-integrity alternative for programmatic advertising, supported by major publishing partners [1][9] Group 1: OpenAds Initiative - OpenAds is designed to enhance transparency, visibility, and signal in programmatic advertising, addressing advertiser concerns by delivering a cleaner auction framework [2] - The initiative reflects a shift towards cleaner auction mechanics, enabling advertisers to better understand their purchases and audience reach [3] - Key elements of OpenAds will be open-sourced, allowing for industry review and participation from other buyers and DSPs [4] Group 2: Complementary Tools - OpenAds complements Trade Desk's existing initiatives like OpenPath and PubDesk, which aim to improve efficiency and trust between buyers and sellers [5] - These tools are focused on aligning incentives around quality rather than volume, enhancing the overall media supply chain dynamics [5] Group 3: Future Development - The company anticipates that OpenAds will continue to develop actively and expand through 2026, with plans for additional publisher integrations [6] - Management believes that a healthier auction environment will improve outcomes for both advertisers and publishers, reinforcing the competitiveness of the open Internet [6] Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Amazon's advertising business is rapidly expanding, leveraging consumer data and partnerships to enhance its advertising reach, including collaborations with platforms like Netflix and Spotify [7] - PubMatic has launched AgenticOS, an AI-powered system for programmatic advertising, and is focusing on diversifying its DSP mix to reduce reliance on legacy buyers [8][10]

iHeartMedia Conference Summary Company Overview - iHeartMedia is the number one audio company in America, generating approximately $4 billion in annual advertising revenue [4][5] - Revenue composition: about $2.7-$2.8 billion from the multi-platform group (broadcast radio and network business) and about $1.2-$1.3 billion from the digital audio group (podcasting, streaming, websites) [4][5] - The company owns 850 radio stations and operates in 150 cities, reaching approximately 273 million people in the U.S. [4][5] Industry Insights - Broadcast radio listening has increased over the past 10-20 years, contrary to perceptions of decline in traditional media [6][8] - iHeartMedia's audience remains resilient compared to declining viewership in ad-supported television and print media [8][9] - The company believes in the monetization of consumer relationships and has a strategic advantage with a large sales force across the country [9][10] Revenue Challenges - Revenue shrinkage is attributed to economic challenges and advertising recession rather than a decline in listenership [10][11] - iHeartMedia expects the multi-platform group to return to low single-digit revenue growth due to audience resiliency and efficiency [14][20] Digital Transformation - iHeartMedia is implementing a digital programmatic initiative to allow advertisers to buy broadcast inventory similarly to digital ads, enhancing scalability and ease of purchase [16][17] - The total addressable market (TAM) for digital entertainment is estimated at $250-$300 billion, with iHeartMedia aiming to capture a share of this market [18][19] Podcasting Growth - Podcasting is the primary growth driver for iHeartMedia, with projected revenue of $550 million in 2025, up from $50 million in 2019, reflecting a 22% growth rate [21][23] - iHeartMedia is the largest podcast publisher in the U.S., surpassing the combined revenue of its closest competitors [22][23] - The company emphasizes the importance of promoting podcasts through its broadcast channels to maximize audience reach [24][25] Cost Management and Efficiency - iHeartMedia has implemented a $150 million cost reduction program for 2025 and an additional $50 million for 2026, focusing on efficiency across both multi-platform and digital groups [31][32] - The company has reduced its workforce from 13,000 to 8,500 and cut office space from 4 million sq ft to 2 million sq ft [36] Financial Position - iHeartMedia aims to reduce its leverage ratio to 3-3.5 times EBITDA, currently standing at approximately 5.5-6 times [37][38] Future Outlook - The company is optimistic about its digital transformation, with broadcast inventory now being sold programmatically and measured similarly to digital campaigns [40][41] - iHeartMedia anticipates a strong year in political advertising due to the upcoming election cycle [20][42] - The management is focused on creating value for stakeholders through innovative revenue streams and leveraging existing assets [27][42]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 2025 was $63.4 million, up 2% year-over-year, and within the guidance range of $62 million to $67 million [14][15] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $10.2 million, exceeding $8.8 million in the same period last year [18] - National advertising revenue totaled $49.9 million, up 6.6% from $46.8 million in the prior year [15] - Total operating expenses decreased to $65.2 million from $69.9 million in the same period last year [18] - Free cash flow for the quarter was negative $1.8 million, an improvement from negative $2.4 million in the prior year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Programmatic revenue grew approximately four times compared to last year, marking the strongest programmatic quarter ever [6][7] - Self-serve platform revenue increased by 23% quarter-over-quarter, driven by expanded outreach [7] - Platinum revenue was up 19% year-over-year, achieving the highest third-quarter Platinum sales in NCM's history [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - NCM's quarterly audience was 109 million, down 11% compared to Q3 2024, reflecting a decline in overall attendance [4][5] - National revenue per attendee was $0.46, up 20% year-over-year, the highest in the last five years [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its programmatic and self-serve advertising capabilities to capture a greater share of the advertising market [6][7] - NCM is enhancing its local sales organization and refining its structure to better align with market opportunities [8] - The company is optimistic about upcoming tentpole releases, which are expected to drive attendance and related revenues [12][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that advertiser sentiment stabilized in Q3, with a rebound in demand across key advertising categories [4] - The company expects sustained momentum through year-end, driven by a strong holiday film slate [12][23] - Management expressed confidence in the growth trajectory for 2026, anticipating a strong box office and attendance [41][42] Other Important Information - The company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.03 per share, amounting to $2.8 million, to be paid on November 26, 2025 [21] - NCM has repurchased 3.3 million shares at an average price of $5.78 year-to-date, with additional shares repurchased post-quarter end [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the programmatic and ad categories adopting that format? - Management highlighted that programmatic revenue was four times higher than last year, with most new clients coming from various segments [26][27] Question: Is the renewal with AMC Theatres affecting profit growth? - Management explained that the extra week in Q4 would lead to higher theater access fees, impacting margins [28] Question: Are advertisers waiting to commit to campaigns for new IP? - Management indicated that advertisers generally buy impressions across various movies, not specifically avoiding new IP [34][36] Question: What is the outlook for 2026? - Management expressed optimism for 2026, citing good momentum from Q3 into Q4 and expected growth in box office and attendance [41][42]

Core Insights - ITN and Magnite have launched the first Local Linear TV Private Marketplace, aiming to bridge the programmatic gap for local broadcast [1][3] - This initiative allows buyers to utilize digital-like workflows for local linear TV, enhancing flexibility, visibility, and automation while maintaining local stations' control over their inventory [1][3] Group 1: Collaboration and Technology - Local linear TV inventory is now accessible through Magnite's ClearLine platform, enabling buyers to discover, package, and activate video ad campaigns in one place [2] - The integration of local broadcast's scale and cultural impact with digital execution's efficiency marks a significant advancement towards independent local TV programmatic activation [3][4] - Future enhancements will include advanced capabilities for spot TV, direct-to-station access, and precision audience targeting, solidifying linear TV's role in the programmatic landscape [5] Group 2: Features and Benefits - Bid multiplier forecasting allows for impression-based planning in linear delivery, improving precision and efficiency in media activation [4] - ITN has introduced advanced campaign management tools that provide buyers with digital-like control and transparency throughout the campaign process [4][6] - Buyers can now activate live local linear TV alongside streaming and digital video through real-time bidding, creating a converged media strategy [7] Group 3: Company Profiles - ITN is recognized for its automated activation technology and aims to redefine local TV activation across various channels, enhancing operational efficiency for agencies [8] - Magnite, as the largest independent sell-side advertising company, provides technology for publishers to monetize content across multiple formats, ensuring access to high-quality ad inventory [9]

Core Points - JCDecaux has been awarded a 10-year exclusive advertising contract for Barcelona's Bus Shelters and City Information Panels, marking its return to the city [1][2] - The contract includes the operation of over 1,400 bus shelters and nearly 500 City Information Panels, with a total of 3,000 analogue advertising panels and 300 new digital screens [2] - The new digital screens will be larger and more energy-efficient, utilizing the latest LED technology [2][4] - The contract aligns with JCDecaux's Climate Strategy, aiming for Net Zero Carbon by 2050, and includes measures to reduce carbon emissions through an eco-friendly vehicle fleet and renewable energy sources [4] - JCDecaux will expand its street furniture presence in Spain, with over 30,000 displays in 25 of the 30 largest cities, targeting a young and mobile audience [5][6] Company Overview - JCDecaux reported a revenue of €3,935.3 million for 2024 and €1,868.3 million for H1 2025 [7] - The company is the number one out-of-home media company globally, with a daily audience of 850 million people across more than 80 countries [7] - JCDecaux operates 1,091,811 advertising panels worldwide and is present in 3,894 cities with populations over 10,000 [7] - The company has received high ratings for its extra-financial performance, including recognition from CDP, MSCI, and EcoVadis [9]

Core Thesis - The Trade Desk, Inc. (TTD) is positioned as a leading independent player in the programmatic advertising space, leveraging its AI-driven Kokai platform and strong partnerships in connected TV (CTV) to maintain a competitive edge [2][3]. Company Overview - TTD operates within a $1 trillion global advertising market, serving as a demand-side platform that utilizes AI for targeting and optimization, achieving a customer retention rate consistently above 95% [2]. - The company benefits from a strong economic moat characterized by economies of scale, a self-reinforcing network effect, proprietary intellectual property, high switching costs, and strong brand recognition [2]. Technology and Innovation - TTD's Unified ID 2.0 and Kokai platform manage two-thirds of client spending, enhancing privacy-compliant targeting and measurable outcomes [3]. - Additional tools like Deal Desk, OpenPath, and retail media integrations further expand TTD's performance capabilities [3]. Financial Performance - Revenue growth has slowed from 25.5% year-over-year to 18.6% in Q2 2025, raising concerns about growth momentum despite strong performance in Q1 [3]. - The company maintains a healthy balance sheet with $1.68 billion in cash and minimal debt, allowing for strategic share repurchases and ongoing innovation [3]. Valuation and Market Position - TTD's stock trades near historical lows, with a forward EV/Sales ratio of 8.1x and a P/E ratio of 27.7x, indicating potential undervaluation compared to peers, especially given its robust free cash flow and growth prospects [4]. - Key catalysts for future growth include the continued adoption of the Kokai platform, increased spending in CTV and retail media, and international expansion, which currently accounts for 14% of total spend [3][4]. Market Sentiment - Previous analyses have highlighted TTD's market leadership, high customer retention, and strong revenue growth, despite a recent stock depreciation of approximately 8.6% since May 2025 [5]. - The current bullish perspective emphasizes TTD's economic moat, adoption of Kokai, and potential for international growth [5].

Core Insights - Unity has appointed Chris Feo as Senior Vice President of Sales and Partnerships, Programmatic, to drive growth in its Audience Hub offering, which connects brand marketers with gaming audiences through privacy-first identity and high-performance advertising solutions [1][2][4] Company Developments - Chris Feo brings over 20 years of experience in the digital ecosystem, having previously worked at Tapad and Experian, where he played a significant role in cross-device identity and global sales [2][4] - Unity's Audience Hub, launched in June, combines insights from its ads ecosystem with third-party data providers like Experian and Roku, resulting in a 103.6% lift in engagement rates for campaigns powered by the Audience Hub [3][5] Market Positioning - The gaming sector is identified as a rapidly growing opportunity within programmatic advertising, with Unity positioned to partner with major brands and agencies globally [3][4] - Unity's strategy emphasizes building a programmatic ecosystem that is privacy-first, omnichannel, and trusted by both developers and marketers, reinforcing its role as a bridge between gaming and the broader advertising ecosystem [4]

Core Viewpoint - MediaAlpha, Inc. is set to release its third quarter 2025 financial results on October 29, 2025, and will host a Q&A conference call to discuss these results [1][2]. Company Overview - MediaAlpha is recognized as a leading programmatic customer acquisition platform in the insurance industry, connecting insurance carriers with online shoppers [3]. - The company has over 1,200 active partners, excluding agent partners, and facilitated nearly 119 million Consumer Referrals in its marketplaces in 2024 [3]. - MediaAlpha's programmatic advertising technology supported $1.9 billion in spending across various insurance sectors, including property & casualty, health, and life insurance, over the twelve months ending June 30, 2025 [3].