Grindr (GRND) 2025 Conference September 04, 2025 02:10 PM ET Company ParticipantsVandana Mehta-Krantz - CFOGeorge Arison - CEO & Executive DirectorYgal Arounian - Director - Internet Equity ResearchVandana Mehta-KrantzIf it's hot, it's really going to come in handy.George ArisonWasn't that right? Yeah.Ygal ArounianAll right. Kick it off. Thanks. Thanks everyone for joining. You got all rooting in from the Citi Internet team. Pleased to have with us Grindr CEO George Arison and CFO Anna Krantz. Thanks so muc ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, total revenue grew 27% year over year to $104 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 43% or $45 million, aligning with the raised full-year guidance [11][14] - Direct revenue for the quarter was $87 million, up 24% year over year, driven by subscription offerings and optimizations [12] - Average monthly active users (MAUs) increased by 6% year over year to 14.9 million, while average paying users rose 16% to 1.2 million [12] - Net income for Q2 was $17 million, representing 16% of revenue, compared to a net loss of $22 million in the same period last year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Direct revenue growth was led by subscription offerings, with average direct revenue per paying user increasing 7% to $23.65 [12] - Indirect revenue reached $17 million, up 39% year over year, driven by new third-party advertising partners and traction in international markets [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong engagement in the Explore feature, with over 25% of users utilizing it monthly, and launched Explore heat maps across 21 markets [6][12] - The company is focusing on expanding its presence in developing markets like India and the Philippines, where there is significant growth potential [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build one of the leading AI-native consumer companies, leveraging GenAI to enhance user experiences and drive long-term revenue growth [7] - The introduction of mapping features is expected to enhance local discovery and user engagement, with plans for future product initiatives [31] - The company is committed to improving its marketing strategies in various regions, particularly in Latin America and Asia, to better penetrate those markets [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver strong results while executing its long-term vision [5][10] - The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 outlook of at least 26% revenue growth and an adjusted EBITDA margin of at least 43% [14] Other Important Information - The CFO transition is underway, with the current CFO continuing in her role until a successor is identified [9] - The company has repurchased $325 million in common stock year to date, with $175 million remaining under the share repurchase program [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the MAU growth in Q2? - Management highlighted three drivers: strong engagement among younger user cohorts, reliance on unique device counting for MAUs, and organic growth from brand recognition [20][21][24] Question: Can you elaborate on the acceleration in indirect revenue? - The CEO noted that indirect revenue growth was driven by increased ad placements and new third-party advertising partnerships, with a focus on maintaining CPM levels [38][39] Question: What are the key drivers behind the increase in operating expenses? - The CFO indicated that increased operating expenses reflect investments in product development and marketing, as well as a more predictable expense profile [43][44] Question: Are there any early learnings from pricing experiments? - Management emphasized that pricing changes will not materially impact 2025 and that the focus is on driving revenue growth through product enhancements [46][47]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 grew 25% year over year to $94 million, with adjusted EBITDA margin reaching 43% at $41 million [15][20] - Direct revenue increased 24% year over year to $80 million, driven by demand for Unlimited Weekly and Extra Weekly subscriptions [15] - Average monthly active users rose 7% year over year to 14.6 million, while average paying users increased 16% to 1.2 million, resulting in a paid penetration of 8% [15][16] - Net income for Q1 was $27 million, representing 29% of revenue, compared to a net loss of $9 million in the same period last year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The RightNow feature has been rolled out to 17 major cities, with 20-25% of users engaging weekly, contributing to the updated revenue guidance [9][10] - Indirect revenue grew 26% year over year to $14 million, supported by new ad formats and an expanded network of ad partners [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen a positive impact from foreign exchange rates, which contributed to the updated EBITDA guidance [25] - The average direct revenue per paying user increased 8% year over year to $22.86 [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Grindr is focusing on three strategic pillars: enhancing intent-based offerings, integrating AI into the app, and building a digital neighborhood [7] - The company plans to launch over 40 new products and initiatives in 2025, significantly increasing its product portfolio [13] - Woodwork, a men's health subscription service, is being developed as a startup within Grindr, targeting specific health needs of its user base [12][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in raising the full-year revenue growth outlook to 26% or greater and maintaining an adjusted EBITDA margin of at least 43% [6][20] - The company has not observed any consumer weakness despite broader economic concerns, attributing this to the higher disposable income of its user base [48][49] Other Important Information - Grindr completed the redemption of all outstanding unexercised warrants, which will eliminate the revaluation of warrant liability starting Q2 2025 [18] - The company generated free cash flow of over $23 million and ended the quarter with approximately $256 million in cash and cash equivalents [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What changed in the higher 2025 guidance? - Management noted that positive results from ongoing tests and early monetization of RightNow contributed to the increased guidance [24][25] Question: How does Grindr defend its position against competitors? - Management emphasized the importance of understanding the specific needs of the gay community and highlighted the success of the RightNow feature in addressing immediate connection needs [42][44] Question: How is Grindr planning to integrate Woodwork into its ecosystem? - Management indicated that Woodwork is in its early stages and could potentially offer discounts on Grindr subscriptions and integrate payment systems [35][36] Question: How does Grindr view the international growth opportunity? - Management acknowledged significant opportunities for user growth both domestically and internationally, with plans to enhance product localization in the future [58][61] Question: What is the scope for growth in user engagement and monetization? - Management stated that product-led growth strategies are key, with new features aimed at retaining users who might otherwise seek alternatives [55][57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, total revenue grew 25% year over year to $94 million, with adjusted EBITDA margin reaching 43% at $41 million [14][16] - Direct revenue increased 24% year over year to $80 million, driven by demand for Unlimited Weekly and Extra Weekly subscriptions [14][16] - Average monthly active users rose 7% year over year to 14.6 million, while average paying users increased 16% to 1.2 million, resulting in a paid penetration of 8% [14][15] - Net income for Q1 was $27 million, representing 29% of revenue, compared to a net loss of $9 million in the same period last year [16][17] - Free cash flow generated in Q1 was over $23 million, with cash and cash equivalents at approximately $256 million [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The RightNow feature has been rolled out to 17 major cities, with 20-25% of users engaging weekly, contributing to the positive revenue guidance [8][14] - Indirect revenue grew 26% year over year to $14 million, supported by new ad formats and an expanded network of ad partners [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a favorable foreign exchange impact in March, contributing positively to revenue and EBITDA guidance [23] - The U.S. market remains strong, with 95% brand awareness, while international markets present significant growth opportunities due to lower brand recognition [54][56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Grindr is focusing on becoming an AI-native leader in non-consumer apps, with plans to launch over 40 new products in 2025 [6][12] - The company is committed to deepening intent-based offerings and building a digital neighborhood, with initiatives like Woodwork targeting health and wellness [7][11] - The product roadmap emphasizes user experience and monetization, with a focus on optimizing offerings as new products are launched [12][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business model and the ability to drive enhanced monetization and operational efficiency, raising full-year revenue growth guidance to 26% or greater [6][18] - The management team has not observed any consumer weakness, attributing this stability to the higher education levels and disposable income of their user base [44][45] Other Important Information - The company completed the redemption of all outstanding unexercised warrants, which will eliminate the revaluation of warrant liability starting Q2 2025 [16] - The Woodwork initiative is in its early stages, with plans to expand healthcare offerings beyond erectile dysfunction medications [11][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: What changed regarding the higher 2025 guidance? - Management indicated that positive results from ongoing tests and early monetization of RightNow contributed to the increased revenue and EBITDA guidance [22][23] Question: How does Grindr defend its position against competitors? - Management emphasized that understanding the specific needs of gay men is crucial, and Grindr's product strategy is built around intent, which sets it apart from competitors [38][39] Question: How is Grindr addressing potential macroeconomic weaknesses? - Management reported no observed consumer weakness and noted that their user base tends to have higher disposable income, which may buffer against economic downturns [44][45] Question: Can you elaborate on the AI native product suite? - Management expressed excitement about the AI products, particularly Alist, which addresses user needs in innovative ways, and highlighted plans for further AI-based offerings [62][65]