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BuzzFeed(BZFD) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - BuzzFeed achieved positive adjusted EBITDA for both Q4 and full year 2024, with full year EBITDA growth of $17.1 million or 146.8% [22][23] - The company ended Q4 2024 with cash and cash equivalents of $38.6 million, an increase of $3 million compared to the previous year [34] - Despite an overall revenue decline of $40.6 million, the net loss from continuing operations improved by $21.8 million [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advertising revenues declined 17% year over year to $94.4 million, while programmatic advertising remained relatively flat at $64.9 million [29] - Content revenue decreased 49% year over year to $33.9 million, driven by a decrease in direct sold deals [29] - Commerce revenues increased by $11.6 million or 23%, with affiliate commerce increasing 26% year over year to $59.6 million [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Time spent on BuzzFeed increased to 79 million hours, a 10% increase from Q4 2023 [35] - Daily logged-in users on BuzzFeed.com were 144% higher than Q4 2023, indicating strong engagement [36] - The percentage of loyal users across BuzzFeed web and apps reached 48%, the highest level in over two years [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on building AI-native applications and has initiated the development of a new social media app called BFIsland [12][16] - BuzzFeed aims to convert 5% of its 34 million monthly users to participate in the BFIsland pilot, leveraging increased personalization and interactivity [17] - The company is committed to strengthening its owned and operated platform and using AI responsibly to enhance content and operations [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential of AI to transform the business and improve operational efficiencies [8][10] - The company plans to provide annual guidance moving forward, focusing on long-term strategic initiatives rather than short-term results [38] - For 2025, BuzzFeed expects overall revenues in the range of $195 to $210 million, and adjusted EBITDA in the range of $10 to $20 million [39] Other Important Information - The company repaid a total of $153.8 million in debt during 2024, including $120 million of convertible debt [23] - BuzzFeed's restructuring included a significant reduction in headcount and cash cost structure, aligning with a pivot toward programmatic advertising and affiliate commerce [28] Q&A Session Summary - No specific questions or answers were recorded in the provided content, indicating that the call may have concluded without a Q&A segment.