Snap(SNAP) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q4 2025 was $1.72 billion, representing a 10% year-over-year increase [31] - Advertising revenue reached $1.48 billion, up 5% year-over-year, primarily driven by growth in direct response (DR) advertising [31] - Other revenue increased by 62% year-over-year to $232 million, with subscribers growing 71% year-over-year to 24 million [31] - Adjusted gross margin reached 59%, up from 55% in Q3 and 57% in Q4 of the prior year [33] - Positive net income of $45 million was achieved in Q4, up from $9 million in the prior year [35] - Free cash flow was $206 million in Q4, with operating cash flow at $270 million [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The advertising business is focusing on three core initiatives: fostering direct connections between brands and users, enhancing ad performance through AI, and expanding the advertiser base [5][21] - Sponsored Snaps revenue grew significantly, with click-through rates increasing by 7% and click-through purchases by 17% from Q3 to Q4 [23] - The subscription business, particularly memory storage plans, has been a major driver of subscriber growth and retention [59] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global monthly active users reached 946 million, with a slight decline in daily active users to 474 million [16] - Monthly active Snap Map users increased to 435 million, up 6% year-over-year [14] - Global impression volume increased approximately 14% year-over-year, driven by expanded advertising delivery [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to balance community growth with top-line growth to pivot towards more profitable growth [5] - Plans to launch Specs in 2026 are central to the company's long-term vision for augmented reality and spatial computing [19] - The focus is on diversifying revenue streams and improving gross margins through higher-margin ad placements and subscription growth [6][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a gross margin of 60% and emphasized the importance of profitable growth [8][9] - The regulatory environment poses near-term risks, particularly regarding age verification policies, but management believes it is essential for long-term trust [18][64] - The macro operating environment has remained stable, which is reflected in the Q1 revenue guidance [55] Other Important Information - The company has authorized a new share repurchase program of $500 million to manage share count for long-term shareholders [36] - Infrastructure costs per daily active user were $0.86 in Q4, indicating effective cost management [33] - The company plans to invest in community safety and product development for Specs, which will contribute to operating expense growth [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Snap Specs and its integration into the business - Management highlighted the excitement around Specs and the variety of use cases being developed by creators, emphasizing the importance of engaging early adopters [44][46] Question: Q1 growth expectations and advertising trends - Management noted strong growth in active advertisers, particularly in the medium customer segment, and plans to scale operations further in 2026 [53] Question: Subscription growth drivers and marketing strategies - The company indicated that memory storage plans significantly contributed to subscriber growth and retention, with new features planned for the upcoming year [59] Question: Regulatory risks and their impact on user engagement - Management acknowledged the potential impact of regulatory changes but expressed confidence in Snapchat's positive effects on user well-being compared to other platforms [64] Question: Infrastructure spending decisions - Management clarified that while infrastructure investment has moderated, significant investments in AI and machine learning will continue to support ad platform improvements [80]