Gambling.com (GAMB) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record fourth quarter revenue of $46.2 million, up 31% year-over-year, and full-year revenues rose 30% to $165 million [6][18] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter increased 5% year-over-year to $15.5 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 33% compared to 42% in the previous year [6][20] - Gross profit increased 19% year-over-year to $39.3 million, while gross profit margin decreased to 85% from 94% in the prior year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The sports data services business grew 29% sequentially and 440% year-over-year to $11.8 million, accounting for 26% of total revenue, the highest percentage yet [6][18] - Marketing revenue rose 4% year-over-year despite challenges with SEO, with 47% of total fourth quarter revenue being recurring [18][19] - Data revenue for the full year grew 392% in GAAP terms, and 27% on a pro forma basis to $41.1 million [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that NDCs (New Depositing Customers) were down 32% year-over-year, reflecting the impact of low-quality search results in the gaming space [19] - The company is seeing a shift in revenue sources, with more than half of revenue coming from non-SEO channels for the first time [10][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is actively reinventing its marketing business to build closer relationships with end users, focusing on scaling its CRM platform and offering more interactive content [9][11] - The strategy includes diversifying marketing revenue channels, which has made revenue less volatile but at the cost of lower margins [8][9] - The company plans to expand its sports data services, particularly through its OpticOdds brand, and is focusing on enhancing its product offerings for enterprise customers [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the return to year-over-year growth in the fourth quarter despite ongoing pressures on SEO revenue [10] - The company expects revenue for 2026 to be in the range of $170 million-$180 million, with adjusted EBITDA between $50 million-$58 million, reflecting continued growth in data services but challenges in marketing [23][24] - Management highlighted the potential for upside in 2026 if SEO improves and non-SEO initiatives continue to succeed [70][72] Other Important Information - The company has fixed the contingent consideration from an acquisition, allowing for better alignment of teams and resources [16] - The company repurchased 110,000 shares in the fourth quarter and a total of 672,000 shares for the year, with $14.4 million remaining in its buyback authorization [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on the U.K. tax increase and market implications - Management noted that while some brands may exit the market, there will still be a robust number of brands remaining, presenting opportunities for the company [28][30] Question: Guidance and challenges in performance marketing - Management indicated that regulatory headwinds in the U.K. and Finland have impacted guidance, with continued search volatility affecting performance [32][33] Question: Success in OpticOdds and future growth - Management highlighted that growth will be driven by OpticOdds, with a focus on increasing revenue per client and converting the sales pipeline [37] Question: AI headwinds and search rankings - Management discussed the impact of AI on search rankings, noting that while referrals from LLMs are increasing, challenges with Google search persist due to spam and negative SEO attacks [43][44] Question: Strategic options and capital allocation - Management emphasized the priority of using cash to de-lever before focusing on buybacks, with a positive outlook for the business despite current market challenges [48] Question: Insights on the Genius-Legend deal - Management acknowledged the competitive landscape and highlighted the importance of sports data services as a future focus [52][53] Question: Potential for new iGaming legalization - Management indicated that while new markets like Maine may not be material, Alberta presents a positive opportunity for growth [56][57] Question: Impact of new marketing product on EBITDA guidance - Management clarified that while the new product will add operational expenses, it is expected to have limited revenue contributions in the short term, with more significant benefits anticipated in 2027 and 2028 [61][66]