rtside (US:PODC)2025-07-03 16:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2025 increased 20% to $14.1 million compared to $11.7 million in the same quarter a year ago [11] - Operating loss in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2025 was $1.8 million compared to an operating loss of $1.2 million in the same quarter a year ago, primarily driven by higher non-cash stock compensation expense [11] - Net loss in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2025 was $1.8 million or a loss of $0.06 per share compared to a net loss of $1 million or $0.05 per share in the quarter a year ago [12] - Adjusted EBITDA in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2025 was positive $900,000 compared to positive $300,000 in the same quarter a year ago [12] - For the fiscal year 2025, revenue increased 20% to $52.1 million compared to $43.3 million in fiscal year 2024 [13] - Operating loss for the fiscal year 2025 was $6.4 million compared to an operating loss of $5 million in fiscal year 2024 [13] - Net loss for the fiscal year 2025 was $6.4 million or $0.27 per share compared to a net loss of $14.7 million or $0.68 per share in fiscal year 2024 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - PodcastOne renewed several high-performing legacy shows and expanded partnerships, contributing to a 20% year-over-year revenue increase [11][8] - The company successfully began migration to Amazon's Art19 platform, introducing a new core monetization channel [9] - PodcastOne Pro services have begun contributing meaningfully to revenue, with clients relying on the company's infrastructure for high-quality branded content [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Podcasting industry projected to see over $2.4 billion in advertising investment in 2025, with PodcastOne positioned to capitalize on this growth [6] - PodcastOne ranked as a top 10 US podcast publisher with a monthly unique US audience of 6 billion downloads and streams [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying revenue streams and enhancing its content portfolio through strategic partnerships and acquisitions [17] - PodcastOne is actively evaluating M&A prospects to acquire top content and networks, as well as enhance its platform with production and technology acquisitions [17] - The company is exploring opportunities in the crypto space, aiming to consolidate and create a network that leverages the growing interest in cryptocurrency [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the advertising environment, noting higher CPMs and increased advertiser interest despite economic uncertainties [41] - The company is optimistic about future growth, expecting revenues for fiscal year 2026 to be between $55 million and $60 million, with adjusted EBITDA projected between positive $3 million and $5 million [14][15] Other Important Information - The company ended the fiscal fourth quarter with no debt and $1.1 million in cash and cash equivalents [12] - PodcastOne completed financing with JGB Capital, replacing its previous line of credit, which will facilitate business growth [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Increase in stock-based compensation - Management confirmed that the increase in stock-based compensation is related to initiatives to make it a larger component of talent compensation and indicated that this level is expected to continue [25][27] Question: Advertising environment and advertiser appetite - Management reported a good quarter with higher CPMs and more advertisers entering the space, despite competition from larger players [41][42] Question: Talent acquisition environment - Management indicated that there is still good talent available and expressed confidence in negotiating favorable terms for new shows [45][46] Question: Amazon deal terms and thresholds - Management explained that the deal includes a minimum guarantee based on impressions, with current thresholds set at 90 million and 110 million impressions [51] Question: Rationale for entering the crypto space - Management highlighted the opportunity to consolidate in the crypto podcast space and create a network that connects passionate communities [56][58] Question: Growth compared to the industry - Management stated that while the company is growing, it is important to maximize opportunities with current inventory and partnerships to ensure profitability [61][62]