Core Insights - Spotify's ad-supported user base reached 476 million, exceeding the expected 468.9 million [1] - Monthly active users increased by 11% year-over-year to 751 million, surpassing the 744.7 million forecast [1] - Paid subscribers rose by 10% year-over-year to 290 million [1] User Growth and Features - Growth in user additions was attributed to expansion in Latin America, Europe, and improvements in the mobile free tier [1] - The company launched audiobooks in new markets and introduced music videos for premium users, along with enhanced AI tools in Q4 [2] Financial Performance - Net income increased to 1.17 billion euros, or 4.43 euros per share, compared to 367 million euros, or 1.76 euros per share, in the previous year [3] - For the current quarter, Spotify anticipates revenue of 4.5 billion euros, which is below the 4.58 billion euros estimate, impacted by a 670 basis point headwind from foreign exchange rates [4] Future Projections - Spotify expects to grow monthly active users by 8 million to reach 759 million, exceeding the 752.4 million estimate [4] - Total premium subscribers are projected to reach 293 million [4]

If you had to pick a soundtrack for Spotify shares in 2026, a Baroque lament or a mopey darkwave number might work best, considering their 27% drop. As the music and podcast streaming giant prepares to report its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 earnings tomorrow, its vaunted pricing power and the business potential of new offerings will face the music. More optimistic analysts are keeping the faith that it will be a mix heavy on sunshine pop. SUBSCRIBE:  Receive more of our free The Daily Upside newsle ...

Core Insights - Spotify forecasts fourth-quarter profit exceeding Wall Street expectations, driven by strong user growth and price hikes during the holiday season [1][2] - The company anticipates operating income of 620 million euros ($723.04 million) for Q4, slightly above estimates [2] - Spotify's premium subscribers increased by 12% to 281 million, with total monthly active users reaching 713 million, surpassing expectations [4] Financial Performance - Q4 revenue forecast is 4.5 billion euros, aligning with estimates of 4.57 billion euros, following a 7% rise in Q3 revenue [5] - The company reported a strong Q3 performance, beating earnings expectations [2][5] Strategic Initiatives - Investment priorities focus on user acquisition in emerging markets and expanding content offerings, including podcasts, videos, and audiobooks [3] - Spotify has introduced high-quality streaming options and expanded its audiobook catalog to 500,000 titles, significantly increasing listener engagement [3] Competitive Landscape - The forecast for premium subscribers in Q4 is 289 million, slightly below the estimate of 290.9 million, amid competition from Apple and Amazon [4] - Monthly active users forecast for Q4 is 745 million, exceeding the estimate of 737.3 million [5]