Nexxen International(NEXN) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nexxen reported a contribution ex-TAC of $92.6 million in Q3, an 8% increase year-over-year or 14% ex-political, marking a Q3 record [16] - Programmatic revenue reached a Q3 record of $89.6 million, up 10% year-over-year or 15% ex-political [16] - Adjusted EBITDA was $28.6 million in Q3, reflecting a 30% adjusted EBITDA margin as a percentage of contribution ex-TAC [18] - Non-IFRS diluted earnings per share were $0.20 in Q3 compared to $0.27 in Q3 2023 [19] - The company generated $35.8 million in net cash from operating activities in Q3, down from $39.9 million in Q3 2023 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Contribution ex-TAC from non-programmatic business declined roughly $1 million year-over-year [16] - CTV revenue declined 17% year-over-year in Q3 to $24.5 million [16] - Desktop revenue increased 67% year-over-year, while mobile revenue rose 3% [18] - Self-service contribution ex-TAC grew 11% year-over-year amid greater enterprise DSP adoption [18] - Contribution ex-TAC from data products increased 154% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company observed year-over-year decreases in CTV and display, as well as reduced spending within government, retail, and education verticals [16] - Competitive pressures in CTV have led to lower CPMs, affecting revenue [40] - The company expects significant CTV revenue growth opportunities in 2026 and beyond, particularly following the renewal of the VIDAA partnership [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Nexxen is focused on enhancing its omnichannel DSP, improving automation, performance, and user experience to attract more enterprise partners [7] - The company aims to reduce reliance on third-party DSPs and strengthen its end-to-end revenue opportunities [10] - Nexxen plans to release new DSP innovations and expand infrastructure in 2026 [14] - The strategic partnership with VIDAA has been renewed and expanded through 2029, providing exclusive access to ACR data and third-party ad monetization [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment in lowering guidance due to near-term headwinds, including softness in select channels and changes in a leading DSP customer's spending behavior [13] - The company remains confident in its long-term strategy and positioning, emphasizing the importance of its unique data and media assets [22] - Management believes that the combination of CTV, in-app mobile media, and enhanced data capabilities will drive growth in 2026 and beyond [32][78] Other Important Information - Nexxen repurchased approximately 1.8 million shares in Q3, investing about $18.1 million [19] - The company invested $20 million in VIDAA in Q3, with an additional $15 million planned for Q3 2026 [20] - Nexxen is exploring M&A opportunities focused on accelerating programmatic revenue growth and enhancing data capabilities [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Steps to address DSP headwinds - Management outlined a clear path to enhance CTV media capabilities and self-service solutions to reduce reliance on third-party DSPs [27][29] Question: Current trend in CTV - Management acknowledged softness in CTV categories and increased competition leading to lower CPMs, but expressed optimism for growth in 2026 [38][40] Question: Impact of DSP spending on future guidance - Management clarified that reduced spending from a major DSP is expected to be isolated to Q4 2025 and will not materially impact 2026 performance [71][72] Question: Data licensing partnerships - Management discussed the growth potential of data licensing partnerships with Yahoo and Trade Desk, emphasizing the profitability of these initiatives [63][65] Question: Non-programmatic business impact - Management confirmed that the non-programmatic business operates in silos and does not provide benefits to the programmatic business [58][60]