Nebius Group N.V.(NBIS) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company reported group revenue of $228 million, representing a year-over-year growth of 547% and a quarter-over-quarter growth of 56% [10] - The annualized run rate revenue for the core AI cloud business reached $1.2 billion at the end of December, exceeding the high end of the previous guidance [11] - Group adjusted EBITDA margin improved from 19% in Q3 to 24% in Q4, indicating strong operational leverage [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core AI cloud business revenue grew 830% year-over-year and 63% quarter-over-quarter, driven by high utilization and strong pricing [11] - The average contract duration for new cloud customers increased by 50%, reflecting growing demand for AI solutions [5][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company sold out of capacity in Q3 and Q4 of 2025, with demand continuing to exceed available capacity [4][11] - The company is experiencing robust demand from both AI startups transitioning to enterprise-scale and established enterprises adopting AI for critical business processes [5][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The main strategic focus is to scale the core AI cloud business through organic growth and targeted acquisitions, such as the recent acquisition of Tavily [7][66] - The company plans to invest between $16 billion and $20 billion in capital expenditures in 2026 to support its growth and capacity expansion [16][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving an annualized run rate revenue of $7 billion to $9 billion by the end of 2026, supported by strong demand and capacity expansion [8][12] - The company anticipates that the adjusted EBITDA margin will reach approximately 40% in 2026, driven by the scaling of the core AI business [14][64] Other Important Information - The company ended 2025 with $3.7 billion in cash and cash equivalents, providing a strong financial position to fund growth plans [11] - The company is exploring various funding options, including corporate debt and asset-backed financing, to support its capital needs [17][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: What gives you conviction that the demand for AI will continue to justify these investments? - Management noted that there are strong signals from large clients expanding their capacity needs, and AI startups are transitioning to real enterprises with increasing demand for GPUs [21][24] Question: How are you thinking through to meet the expectations for CapEx? - The COO explained that the majority of CapEx will be financed through cash flows from long-term contracts, with a healthy balance sheet allowing for additional financing options [27][29] Question: Can you help us bridge to the contracted power guidance? - The company is accelerating the build-out of capacity and expects to achieve its goals for 2026 through a mix of smaller and larger projects [36][38] Question: What drove the upside in the December 2025 ARR? - The upside was attributed to solid execution, strong pricing, and utilization, with robust demand trends continuing into Q1 2026 [50][51] Question: How is Nebius handling data center equipment shortages? - Management stated that they are well-positioned to manage risks associated with data center construction and have secured necessary components for major contracts [54][56] Question: What is the strategic rationale behind the acquisition of Tavily? - The acquisition is aimed at enhancing the platform's capabilities and deepening customer engagement, aligning with the company's strategy to be a leading AI cloud provider [66]