Nexxen International(NEXN) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2, the company generated contribution ex TAC of $87.8 million, a record for Q2, reflecting a 6% year-over-year increase [20] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $29.9 million in Q2, a 12% increase from Q2 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA margin rising to 34% from 32% [22] - Non-IFRS diluted earnings per share were $0.29 in Q2 2025, compared to $0.18 in Q2 2024 [23] - The company had $131.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, no long-term debt, and $50 million undrawn on its revolving credit facility as of June 30 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Programmatic revenue reached a Q2 record of $85 million, reflecting an 8% increase compared to Q2 2024, driven by strength in data, product, health service, tech licensing, and desktop revenue [20] - CTV revenue grew 1% year-over-year to $28.4 million, marking a Q2 record despite macroeconomic challenges [21] - Contribution ex TAC from data products increased by 76%, while PMPs and display revenue declined by 64% year-over-year [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added 108 new actively spending first-time advertiser customers in Q2, including 43 enterprise self-service customers [16] - The company is focusing on scaling North American revenue and expanding international monetization, particularly through its partnership with VIDA [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing its core strategy by advancing in CTV, data, AI, and its tech platform, aiming for long-term growth and market share gains [7] - A renewed partnership with VIDA is expected to enhance CTV revenue and data monetization opportunities starting in 2026 [11][12] - The company is investing an additional $35 million in VIDA to accelerate North American CTV expansion [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting full-year guidance, anticipating contribution ex TAC of approximately $380 million and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $125 million for 2025 [24] - The company is closely monitoring market uncertainties related to tariffs and geopolitical tensions but remains optimistic about growth in CTV and data licensing revenue [24][25] - Management believes that AI investments will drive operational efficiency and margin expansion, particularly in 2026 and beyond [27] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased approximately 3.9 million ordinary shares, investing about $39.1 million, and is evaluating a new buyback program [23] - The company has been added to the Russell 3,000 Index, and analyst coverage has grown by 80% since moving to a single U.S. ordinary share listing [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Next AI product and its integration - Management discussed the positive feedback from clients using the Next AI product and plans to integrate capabilities into the SSP for a full-cycle solution [30][31] Question: Adjusted EBITDA growth exceeding revenue growth - Management attributed the adjusted EBITDA upside to operational leverage and efficiencies from the Next AI internal tool [33][34] Question: Slow growth in connected television revenue - Management explained that the slow growth in CTV revenue is due to macroeconomic factors affecting CPMs but remains optimistic about future growth [38][39] Question: Long-term prospects for open Internet companies - Management acknowledged the impact of AI on user behavior but emphasized growth opportunities in CTV and mobile in-app advertising [44][46] Question: Confidence in second half revenue guidance - Management expressed confidence in achieving guidance based on visibility into market trends and ongoing investments in technology and data [51][52] Question: Potential for M&A activity - Management indicated readiness to consider acquisitions that would enhance client base and market coverage, while also focusing on organic growth [57][58] Question: Opportunities from Google's antitrust case - Management believes that potential remedies from the antitrust case could provide opportunities for market share gains in the open Internet space [63][64] Question: Impact of peer transitions in the SSP business - Management stated that they have not experienced the same issues as peers and highlighted their diversified approach with both DSP and SSP capabilities [71][72]