IAC (NasdaqGS:IAC) Q3 2025 Earnings Call November 04, 2025 08:30 AM ET Speaker0Good morning, and welcome to the IAC Third Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Conference Call. All participants will be in a listen only mode. After introductory remarks, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Mr.Christopher Halpin, COO and CFO. Please go ahead, sir.Speaker1Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Christopher Halpin here ...

IAC (NasdaqGS:IAC) Q3 2025 Earnings Call November 04, 2025 08:30 AM ET Speaker1Good morning and welcome to the IAC Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call. All participants will be in a listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal conference specialists by pressing the star key followed by zero. After introductory remarks, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star then one on your telephone keypad, and to withdraw your question, please press star ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - IAC reported a 15% increase in adjusted EBITDA for the quarter, with guidance for full-year EBITDA set between $247 million and $285 million [7][44] - Digital revenue growth accelerated to 9% in Q2, up from 7% in Q1, marking a return to core sessions growth [5][45] - The refinancing of $1.4 billion in debt at People Inc. was completed, replacing the original acquisition capital structure with new bank debt and bonds at attractive pricing [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - People Inc. achieved 9% digital revenue growth, with core sessions growth returning despite macro volatility [5] - MGM reported a 36% net revenue growth in Q2, with increased full-year revenue guidance to at least $2.7 billion [6] - Care.com is seeing promising signs of growth in engagement metrics following a product and brand revitalization [7][42] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The percentage of traffic from Google has decreased from 52% to 28%, while overall sessions have increased [31][27] - Off-platform views have become a significant revenue source, contributing to approximately one-third of digital revenue [28][29] - The digital margins for People Inc. reached just under 29% in FY 2024, with expectations for continued growth in adjusted EBITDA margins [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The rebranding to People Inc. aims to reflect the company's focus on premium content created by people for people, enhancing its market positioning [10][66] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities and exploring strategic divestitures to bolster its cash balance [9][68] - A focus on diversifying audience sources and reducing reliance on Google traffic is central to the company's strategy [23][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to maintain growth despite challenges posed by AI and changes in Google’s search algorithms [77][78] - The company anticipates continued growth in off-platform audiences and improved monetization strategies [49][56] - Management remains optimistic about the long-term revenue growth target of 10% for digital revenue, driven by various initiatives [95] Other Important Information - Care.com has relaunched its platform, enhancing user experience and aiming to drive consumer engagement [41][42] - The company is focusing on optimizing its product offerings and marketing strategies to capture a larger share of the addressable market [88][90] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the trajectory of sessions, including Google Search and off-platform views? - Management expects O&O sessions to be flat to slightly up in the future, with continued growth in off-platform views [48][49] Question: What are the factors affecting the 2Q PeopleLink digital revenue? - Digital advertising grew 5%, with strong performance in performance marketing and licensing, despite some challenges in core sessions [53][54] Question: What is the current penetration of Google AI reviews? - AI reviews are present in approximately 50% to 55% of searches where the company's content appears [75] Question: What is the outlook for M&A opportunities? - The company is actively evaluating both public and private opportunities, focusing on quality defensible businesses and AI applications [68][70] Question: What factors need to be addressed for Care.com to grow faster? - The company needs to improve product experience, expand pricing and packaging options, and enhance matching capabilities between care seekers and providers [88][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA guidance of $330 million to $350 million for the full year, with a trailing basis of $309 million [40][41] - Free cash flow conversion remains strong, with a minor amount of capital expenditures and working capital [41] - The company has a net credit facility of $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion and aims to deleverage below four times leverage by year-end [41] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Dotdash Meredith is the number one digital and print publisher in America, with over $1.8 billion in majority digital revenue [23] - The company has seen consistent digital revenue growth, reporting a 7% increase in the first quarter and guiding for 7% to 9% growth for Q2 [39][40] - Care.com has flat revenue over the last few years, but the company expects improvements with a new management team and better marketing strategies [47] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strength in premium direct advertising revenue, particularly in health and beauty sectors, while experiencing weakness in food and beverage and parts of retail [60] - Programmatic advertising prices have stabilized after initially rising, indicating a shift in market dynamics [60] - MGM Resorts is viewed as undervalued, trading at about 3.3 times the current value of its properties, with significant upside potential [44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital allocation, including stock buybacks and strategic acquisitions, while also considering opportunistic divestitures [18][54] - Management changes have been made to enhance execution and focus on free cash flow [15][16] - The company aims to unlock the perceived value of its private assets and reduce the discount at which its equity trades [13][14] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing a strong performance in direct premium advertising and a solid position heading into the latter part of the year [62] - The company anticipates some softness in Q2 and Q3 but expects relative strength in Q4, with no significant recession predicted [56] - Management highlighted the importance of resolving tariff issues to improve market conditions [62] Other Important Information - The company has a strong cash position with $900 million available at the holding company level [13] - The integration challenges faced by Dotdash Meredith have been addressed, leading to improved performance [10] - The company is actively exploring M&A opportunities across various stages and sectors, particularly in leisure, entertainment, and media [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk through the macro environment regarding tariffs? - Management noted that there was strength in March, but volatility has since increased, with premium direct advertising remaining solid despite some weakness in other sectors [59][60] Question: Is there a path for IAC to take a controlling stake in Turo? - Management indicated that taking a controlling stake is not a priority, focusing instead on executing current opportunities [63] Question: Are there discussions with other large language model developers? - Management confirmed ongoing discussions with various developers, with OpenAI being the most advanced partner [64][65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 2025 was described as a solid start to the year with reaffirmed full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance across all of IAC [6][18] - The company repurchased 4,500,000 shares and increased share repurchase authorization by 10,000,000 shares [6][12] - DDM (Dotdash Meredith) grew digital revenues by 7% in Q1 and increased EBITDA by 46%, excluding a one-time lease gain [8][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - DDM's digital advertising revenue was up 1% in Q1, with premium demand remaining stable despite a decline in core traffic [35][40] - Licensing revenue led growth with a 30% increase, aided by the OpenAI license and strong performance at Apple News [36] - Performance marketing also showed strong growth at 11% [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macroeconomic outlook remains uncertain, with consumer spending through DDM's performance marketing being solid despite weak consumer confidence [15][18] - Programmatic pricing has softened, running flat year over year after previously increasing [17][18] - The advertising base showed strength in pharma, tech, and beauty, offsetting weaknesses in food and beverage [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing growth across its businesses and capital allocation, including share buybacks and M&A opportunities [11][12] - The strategy includes pursuing strategic divestitures of smaller holdings to free up capital [13] - The company aims to create equity value and reduce the discount between share price and intrinsic value [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is carefully monitoring the macroeconomic environment for signs of stability or weakness among consumers and brands [18] - The company is optimistic about future growth, particularly in 2026, with several key projects underway [22][26] - Management acknowledged the challenges in the advertising market but emphasized the strength of their brands and execution capabilities [40][41] Other Important Information - The company reached an agreement to settle litigation related to the match separation with minimal additional costs [10] - The appointment of Jim Lawson as President of Decipher was highlighted as a strategic move to enhance the product's market presence [48][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key priorities for 2026 TDM revenue growth and capital allocation - Management discussed ongoing projects like the People app and MyRecipes, emphasizing their focus on meeting younger audiences [22][24] - Capital allocation will balance between share repurchases and M&A opportunities, with a cautious optimism for new investments [27][28] Question: Q1 trends in DDM Digital revenue - Management noted that Q1 faced tough comparisons and a decline in core traffic, but licensing and performance marketing showed strong growth [34][36] Question: Impact of Google’s AI transition and programmatic softness - Management indicated that the impact of Google's AI changes is not significant yet, and programmatic pricing has stabilized after a period of growth [114][116] Question: Appointment of Jim Lawson and Decipher's strategy - The appointment was seen as a strategic advantage to enhance Decipher's market presence and execution capabilities [48][50] Question: AI opportunities across the IAC portfolio - Management highlighted ongoing AI applications in various segments, particularly in improving customer service and marketing efficiency [83][85]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 2025 was described as a solid start to the year, with IAC reaffirming full year 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance across all segments [6][18] - The company repurchased 4,500,000 shares and increased share repurchase authorization by 10,000,000 shares [6][12] - IAC's shares are trading below the value of its 23% stake in MGM and $900,000,000 in cash, indicating a significant value disconnect [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Dotdash Meredith (DDM) grew digital revenues by 7% in Q1 and increased EBITDA by 46%, excluding a one-time lease gain [8] - Licensing revenue at DDM grew by 30%, driven by the OpenAI license and strong performance at Apple News [36] - Performance marketing also showed strong growth at 11% [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The advertising market showed signs of stability, with premium demand remaining generally stable despite some weakness in food and beverage sectors [17] - Programmatic pricing has softened, running flat year over year after previously increasing [18] - Consumer spending through DDM's performance marketing has been solid, contrasting with weak consumer confidence numbers [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing growth across its businesses and capital allocation, including share buybacks and M&A opportunities [11][12] - IAC is pursuing strategic divestitures of smaller holdings to free up capital and simplify operations [13] - The strategy includes leveraging its strengths in capital investment and operational know-how to pursue acquisitions [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the uncertain macroeconomic outlook but remains optimistic about the company's performance and growth opportunities [6][18] - There are early signs of consumer pressure in some areas, but no significant moves have been observed yet [17] - Management is carefully monitoring the macroeconomic environment for signs of stability or weakness among consumers and brands [18] Other Important Information - The company reached an agreement to settle litigation related to the match separation, requiring only a $200,000 contribution beyond insurance coverage [9] - The appointment of Jim Lawson as President of Decipher was highlighted as a strategic move to enhance the product's commercial potential [48][50] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Key priorities for 2026 TDM revenue growth and capital allocation - Management discussed excitement about 2026, focusing on major projects like the People app and Decipher Plus for ad targeting [22][24] - Capital allocation will balance between share repurchases and M&A opportunities, with a cautious optimism for new opportunities in the private market [27][29] Question: Q1 trends in DDM Digital revenue - Q1 saw slower growth due to tough comps and a decline in core traffic, but March showed solid growth in digital advertising [34][36] - For Q2, guidance is set at 7% to 9% digital revenue growth, with expectations of stable traffic and continued solid performance marketing [38] Question: Impact of Google partnership and programmatic softness - The Google contract is focused on search, with no cloud savings involved, and the impact of Google's AI changes is still being assessed [113][114] - Programmatic pricing has softened, with a disconnect between direct revenues and programmatic performance [18][112] Question: Learnings from OpenAI partnership and AI opportunities - The partnership with OpenAI has been productive, aiding in the rollout of products and enhancing targeting capabilities [80] - AI applications are being explored across the portfolio, with significant potential in customer service and marketing optimization [81][84] Question: Challenges in the Care business - The Care segment is focusing on improving product matching, pricing, and marketing to regain stability and growth [100][103] - Leadership changes and strategic improvements are being implemented to enhance the consumer experience [101][105]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 2025 was described as a solid start to the year, with IAC reaffirming full year 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance across all businesses [5][16] - DDM grew digital revenues by 7% in Q1 and increased EBITDA by 46%, excluding a one-time lease gain [7][16] - The company repurchased 4,500,000 shares and increased share repurchase authorization by 10,000,000 shares [5][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - DDM's licensing revenue grew by 30%, driven by the OpenAI license and strong performance at Apple News [34] - Performance marketing also showed strong growth at 11% [34] - The Daily Beast achieved a revenue growth of 72% while reaching profitability [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core traffic for DDM declined by 3% in Q1, with digital advertising only up by 1% due to fewer impressions available for programmatic sales [33] - Premium demand in advertising remained stable, with strength in pharma, tech, and beauty offsetting weaknesses in food and beverage [15][33] - Programmatic pricing softened, running flat year over year after previously increasing [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing growth across its businesses and capital allocation, including share buybacks and M&A opportunities [10][11] - IAC is pursuing strategic divestitures of smaller holdings to free up capital and simplify operations [12] - The company aims to create equity value and reduce the discount at which its shares are trading [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding consumer spending, noting solid performance in DDM despite weak consumer confidence [14][16] - The macroeconomic outlook remains uncertain, but the company is monitoring trends closely and reaffirming guidance based on current business performance [16] - Management highlighted the importance of focusing on execution and controlling what can be controlled in an unpredictable environment [16] Other Important Information - The company reached an agreement to settle litigation related to the match separation, requiring only a $200,000 contribution beyond insurance coverage [8] - IAC has $800 million in net operating losses (NOLs) that could offset taxable gains on its MGM stake [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key priorities for 2026 TDM revenue growth and capital allocation - Management discussed excitement about 2026, highlighting projects like the People app and MyRecipes, and emphasized the importance of capital allocation between share repurchases and M&A [18][20][25] Question: Q1 trends in DDM Digital revenue - Management noted that Q1 faced tough comparisons and a decline in core traffic, but March showed solid growth in digital advertising [30][32] Question: DDM cash flow dynamics - Management explained that DDM can dividend cash to IAC if leverage ratios are below four times total debt to EBITDA, enhancing financial flexibility [43] Question: Appointment of Jim Lawson as President of Decipher - Management expressed excitement about Jim Lawson's appointment, emphasizing his experience and the potential for Decipher Plus to drive growth [46][48] Question: Impact of Google phasing out cookies - Management indicated that the cookie phase-out is not a significant concern, as their contextual targeting capabilities remain strong [58][60] Question: Strategic priorities for Care.com - Management outlined three core priorities for Care: improving product matching, optimizing pricing and packaging, and enhancing marketing efforts [100][104]