1stdibs.com(DIBS) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved its first quarter of positive Adjusted EBITDA as a public company, with fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 million and a 6% margin, representing a 1,300 basis point expansion over the prior year [17][24]. - Gross margins improved from 69% to 73% from 2022 to 2025, with Adjusted EBITDA margins increasing by approximately 1,900 basis points [18][19]. - Net revenue for the fourth quarter was $23 million, up 1%, while transaction revenue accounted for approximately 73% of total revenue [21][22]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a GMV of $90.2 million in the fourth quarter, down 5%, with order volumes declining 9% but offset by a 9th consecutive quarter of conversion rate growth [19][20]. - Active buyers totaled approximately 60,700, down 5%, while the number of unique sellers decreased by 4% to approximately 5,700 [21]. - Listings grew by 3% to nearly 1.9 million, indicating a normalization of the seller base following pricing adjustments [21]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a balanced performance across buyer segments, with both trade and consumer GMV declining at similar rates [20]. - Jewelry showed resilience with GMV down just 1%, highlighting category performance variability [20]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on capitalizing on gains achieved in 2025 while delivering sustained Adjusted EBITDA profitability in 2026, expecting a return to year-over-year GMV growth by the fourth quarter [4][29]. - The 2026 roadmap includes enhancing discovery through AI-powered search, revamping shipping processes, and improving pricing transparency [7][10][11]. - The company is launching an ambassador program and influencer network to create emotional connections and drive daily engagement [9]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving growth despite challenging macroeconomic conditions, emphasizing the defensibility of the company's model [4][15]. - The company views AI as a catalyst for enhancing discovery rather than a competitor, leveraging human expertise in high-value transactions [5][38]. - The focus remains on maintaining a disciplined cost structure while driving growth, with expectations for positive Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow in 2026 [30]. Other Important Information - The company reduced annual operating expenses by 18% or nearly $18 million over the past four years, while headcount decreased by more than 30% [18]. - The company ended the quarter with cash equivalents and short-term investments of $95 million, reflecting a strong cash position [25]. Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the primary drivers for growth in 2026? - Management highlighted the impact of reduced performance marketing spend and increased investment in product and engineering as key drivers for growth [33]. Question: How does the company view AI's role in its business? - Management sees AI as a beneficiary for enhancing discovery and believes it cannot replace the trust and expertise required for high-value transactions [37][38]. Question: What initiatives are being pursued to return to consistent growth? - Key initiatives include AI search improvements, reengineering shipping processes, enhancing pricing transparency, and launching a community-based social strategy [41][44].