Snap(SNAP) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, total revenue increased by 14% year over year to $1,363,000,000, with advertising revenue growing by 9% to$ 1,211,000,000 [23][5] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $108,000,000, up from$ 46,000,000 in Q1 of the prior year, reflecting improved revenue growth and expense discipline [27][28] - Free cash flow was $114,000,000 in Q1, contributing to a trailing twelve-month free cash flow of$ 295,000,000 [28][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Direct Response advertising revenue contributed 75% of total advertising revenue for the first time, indicating a shift towards performance-oriented solutions [24] - Other revenue, primarily from Snapchat Plus subscriptions, increased by 75% year over year to $152,000,000, with subscribers reaching nearly 15,000,000 [23][5] - Global impression volume grew approximately 17% year over year, driven by expanded advertising delivery within Spotlight and Creator Stories [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America revenue growth accelerated to 12% year over year, up from 8% in the prior quarter, driven by direct response advertising revenue growth [23] - Europe revenue grew by 14% year over year, while Rest of World revenue increased by 20% year over year [23] - Daily Active Users (DAU) in North America was 99,000,000, unchanged from the prior quarter, while DAU in Europe remained at 99,000,000 [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is prioritizing innovation in enhancing core product value, investing in AI and ML models, and strengthening the creator ecosystem [9][14] - Continued focus on visual communication and augmented reality as strategic differentiators, with significant investments in AR capabilities [21][14] - The company aims to diversify revenue sources and improve advertising performance through ongoing enhancements to its ad platform [31][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds in Q2 but emphasized a strong start to the year with solid Q1 results [43][44] - The company remains optimistic about long-term prospects due to progress in ad platform improvements and diversification of revenue sources [32][31] - Management is cautious about macroeconomic conditions impacting advertising demand and has opted not to provide formal financial guidance for Q2 [30][31] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 27,000,000 shares at a cost of$ 257,000,000 in Q1, contributing to a decline in total debt outstanding [29] - Adjusted gross margin improved to 53% in Q1, up from 52% in the prior year [27] - The company is testing a refined five-tab interface to enhance user experience and engagement [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Improvement in North American revenue growth - Management noted strong growth in the small and medium customer segment and healthy contributions from Snapchat Plus [36] Question: Impact of macro conditions on advertising demand - Management acknowledged headwinds but emphasized ongoing growth and diversification efforts [44] Question: Future growth in direct response advertising - Management highlighted ongoing improvements in the ad platform and product roadmap as key to achieving higher growth rates [51] Question: Engagement trends in North America - Management expressed confidence in stabilizing DAU in North America and emphasized ongoing investments in content and user engagement [78] Question: Cost structure and headcount management - Management indicated a thoughtful approach to managing costs and balancing headcount growth with business needs [86]