Q4 2025 Teads Holding Co Earnings Call

March 5, 2026

Operator: Good day. Welcome to Teads' Q4 and Full Year 2025 Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are on a listen-only mode. A question-and-answer session will follow the formal presentation. As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. I would now like to turn the call over to Teads Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: A question-and-answer session will follow the formal presentation. As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. I would now like to turn the call over to TED's investor relations, please go ahead.

Nirali Jain: Good morning, thank you for joining us on today's conference call to discuss Teads' Q4 and full year 2025 results. Joining me on the call today, we have David Kostman and Jason Kiviat, the CEO and CFO of Teads. During this conference call, management will make forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions, including statements regarding our business outlook and prospects. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. These risk factors are discussed in detail in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended 31 December 2024, as updated in our subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the call's original date, and we do not undertake any duty to update any such statements. Today's presentation also includes references to non-GAAP financial measures.

Matthew Reynders: Good morning, thank you for joining us on today's conference call to discuss Teads' Q4 and full year 2025 results. Joining me on the call today, we have David Kostman and Jason Kiviat, the CEO and CFO of Teads. During this conference call, management will make forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions, including statements regarding our business outlook and prospects. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. These risk factors are discussed in detail in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended 31 December 2024, as updated in our subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the call's original date, and we do not undertake any duty to update any such statements. Today's presentation also includes references to non-GAAP financial measures.

Speaker #4: Good morning, and thank you for joining us on today's conference call to discuss Teads' fourth quarter and full year 2025 results. Joining me on the call today we have David Kostman and Jason Kiviat, the CEO and CFO of Teads.

Speaker #4: During this conference call, management will make forward-looking statements based on

Speaker #1: On current expectations and assumptions , including statements regarding our business outlook and prospects . These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that cause actual results to differ materially from our forward looking statements .

Speaker #1: These risk factors are discussed in detail in our annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31st , 2020 . For as updated in our subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission Forward looking statements speak only as of the calls original date , and we do not undertake any duty to update any such statements Today's presentation also includes references to non-GAAP financial measures .

Nirali Jain: You should refer to the information contained in the company's Q4 and full year 2025 results announcement for definitional information and reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures. Our earnings release can be found on our IR website, investors.teads.com under News and Events. With that, let me turn the call over to David.

Matthew Reynders: You should refer to the information contained in the company's Q4 and full year 2025 results announcement for definitional information and reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures. Our earnings release can be found on our IR website, investors.teads.com under News and Events. With that, let me turn the call over to David.

Speaker #1: You should refer to the information contained in the fourth quarter and full year 2025 results announcement for definitional information and reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures.

Speaker #1: Our earnings release can be found on our IR website Investors under News and Events . With that , let me turn the call over to David

David Kostman: Thank you, Matt. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us. About a year ago, we brought Outbrain and Teads together. The goal was and still is to build a best-in-class digital advertising platform that delivers results across every screen, from the phone in your pocket to the TV in your living room, and for every advertiser objective, from branding to actual sales. Year one was a transition. We managed the friction of merging two different cultures, technologies, and businesses while navigating some tough market conditions. We also make a deliberate choice to build a sustainable premium marketplace and walked away from some low-quality revenue. It was a hard call, but we believe it was a necessary one to protect our marketplace and ensure that we can grow our business with the world's biggest brands. The lessons we learned allowed us to sharpen our focus.

Speaker #2: Thank you . Matt . Good morning , everyone , and thank you for joining us About a year ago , we brought Outbrain Inc. together .

Speaker #2: The goal was and still is , to build a best in class digital advertising platform that delivers results across every screen , from the phone in your pocket to the TV in your living room .

Speaker #2: And for every advertiser objective , from branding to actual sales Year one was a transition We managed the friction of merging two different cultures , technologies and businesses while navigating some tough market conditions We also make a deliberate choice to build a sustainable premium marketplace and walked away from some low quality revenue .

Speaker #2: It was a hard call , but we believe it was a necessary one to protect our marketplace and ensure that we can grow our business with the world's biggest brands The lessons we learned allowed us to sharpen our focus in the second half of the year .

David Kostman: In the second half of the year, we've simplified the auction, right-sized our cost, and brought in fresh leadership. Now we believe we are moving into 2026 with strong alignment on our strategic priorities and a well-defined execution plan. We expect this to be the inflection point and the year we return to growth. Looking at Q4, we hit the high end of our guidance on Ex-TAC, beat our Adjusted EBITDA target, and generated positive free cash flow. Beyond the numbers, there are few key indicators I wanna highlight. First, CTV is accelerating. Our focus on the living room is paying off. We crossed $100 million annual revenue mark with growth hitting 55% in Q4 and with strong growth on the home screen placements. Second, performance cross-selling is scaling. We saw a 300% jump in sales to enterprise customers compared to Q3.

Speaker #2: With simplified , the org chart rightsized our cost and brought in fresh leadership Now we believe we are moving into 2026 with strong alignment on our strategic priorities and a well-defined execution plan .

Speaker #2: We expect this to be the inflection point in the year we return to growth . Looking at Q4 , we hit the high end of our guidance on Zstack , beat our adjusted EBITDA target , and generated positive free cash flow beyond the numbers , there are a few key indicators I want to highlight First .

Speaker #2: CTV is accelerating our focus on the living room . paying off We crossed the $100 million annual revenue mark with growth hitting 55% in Q4 and with strong growth on the home screen placements Second performance .

Speaker #2: Cross-selling is scaling We saw a 300% jump in sales to enterprise customers compared to Q3 We now , to be clear , that is still just a few million dollars per quarter .

David Kostman: Now, to be clear, that is still just a few million dollars per quarter, but we believe it demonstrates how much headroom we have to grow. Third, in Q4, we renewed several of our joint business partnerships with leading global brands and have many more in process of resigning in Q1. The feedback from surveying our partners one year into the merger is excellent, highlighting creative excellence, innovation, and media added value, and the renewals demonstrate the strategic nature of these relationships. On the operational side, we expect that our December restructuring will save us between $35 million to $40 million annually. In addition, we've added top-tier talent like Mollie Spilman, our Chief Commercial Officer, Dani Cushion, our Chief Marketing Officer, and Nirali Jain, who heads our North American business. We've also flattened the leadership structure to make sure our teams can move faster and drive speed and accountability.

Speaker #2: But we believe it demonstrates how much headroom we have to grow Third , in Q4 We renewed several of our joint business partnerships with leading global brands and have many more in process of resigning in Q1 .

Speaker #2: The feedback from surveying our partners . One year into the merger is excellent , highlighting creative excellence , innovation and media , added value and the renewals demonstrate the strategic nature of these relationships .

Speaker #2: On the operational side , we expect that our December restructuring will save us between 35 to $40 million annually . In addition , we've added a top tier talent like Molly Spielman , our chief commercial officer .

Speaker #2: Denny Kushan , our chief marketing officer , and Nirali Jain , who heads our North American business . We've also flattened the leadership structure to make sure our teams can move faster and drive speed and accountability For 2026 .

David Kostman: For 2026, the strategy for our enterprise advertisers is built on three pillars. First, we will continue to lead with our CTV offerings by focusing on two clear differentiators: home screen leadership and omni-channel branding to performance. On the home screen, we're continuing to win. We are not just another ad in stream. We are an entry point to the living room and TVs, and our leadership is anchored by our strategic partnerships with leading OEMs like LG, Samsung, and Vidaa, now Vii. In Q4, we further solidified our position by expanding our relationships with LG, signing exclusive partnerships in Italy and Greece. In Q1 of this year, we expanded our footprint through an exclusive partnership with Samsung TV in certain regions in Asia-Pacific.

Speaker #2: The strategy for our enterprise advertisers is built on three pillars . First , we will continue to lead with our CTV offerings by focusing on two clear differentiators home screen leadership and omnichannel branding to performance On the home screen , we're continuing to win .

Speaker #2: We are not just another ad stream . We are an entry point to the living room and TVs and our leadership is anchored by our strategic partnerships with leading OEMs like LG , Samsung , Nvidia , now V in Q4 .

Speaker #2: We further solidified our position by expanding our relationships with LG , signing exclusive partnerships in Italy and Greece , and in Q1 of this year , we expanded our footprint to an exclusive partnership with Samsung TV in certain regions in Asia Pacific .

David Kostman: We're further expanding this reach through new integrations with Google TV and Rakuten, all focusing on integration of these OEMs and bringing these premium, highly visible and valuable placements directly into Teads Ad Manager. In terms of scale, we have access now to well over 500 million addressable TVs globally and already ran well over 3,500 campaigns on home screens. What we hear from our partners is that they choose to work with Teads due to the unique combination of our direct relationships with the most premium brands of the world through our 50-plus joint business partnerships. The quality of our creative services in ensuring the creatives are well adapted to the unique environment of the home screen and the integration with our platform, Teads Ad Manager, which makes transacting on multiple OEMs easier and faster. We're proving that CTV plus web is a winning combination.

Speaker #2: We are further expanding this reach through new integrations with Google TV and Rakuten, all focusing on integration of these OEMs and bringing these premium, highly visible, and valuable placements directly into TD's.

Speaker #2: AD Manager. In terms of scale, we now have access to well over 500 million addressable TVs globally and have already run well over 3,500 campaigns on home screens.

Speaker #2: What we hear from our partners is that they choose to work with IDs due to the unique combination of our direct relationships with the most premium brands of the world .

Speaker #2: Through our 50 plus joint business partnerships , the quality of our creative services in ensuring the creatives are well adapted to the unique environment of the home screen and the integration with our platform .

Speaker #2: TDs manager , which makes transacting on multiple OEMs easier and faster . And we're proving that CTV Plus Web is a winning combination Our thesis is simple using the big screen for awareness .

David Kostman: Our thesis is simple: using the big screen for awareness, then retargeting on mobile drives measurable sales. For example, our recent partnership with All Accor, the global hotel operator, demonstrated that omni-channel activation on Teads not only drove 23% lift in brand favorability, but also a 17-point increase in purchase intent. That's a massive win for our advertisers and a differentiator for Teads. Second point on enterprise. We are deepening our strategic relationships with agencies. We're working on integration of our audiences with the world's leading agencies and on other data collaborations. A great example of this is our new integration with Havas, which allows their planners to activate our audiences directly from their own planning environment, driving both speed and efficiency. Third, we are scaling our performance business for enterprise advertisers.

Speaker #2: Then retargeting on mobile drives , measurable sales . For example , our recent partnership with all Accor , a global hotel operator , demonstrated that omnichannel activation on TD's not only drove 23% lift in brand favourability , but also a 17 point increase in purchase intent .

Speaker #2: That's a massive win for our advertisers and a differentiator for Teague's second point on enterprise . We are deepening our strategic relationships with agencies .

Speaker #2: We're working on integration of our audiences with the world's leading agencies and on other data collaborations . A great example of this is our new integration with Havas , which allows their planners to activate our audiences directly from their own planning environment .

Speaker #2: Driving both speed and efficiency Third , we're scaling our performance business for enterprise advertisers We're integrating performance capabilities , leveraging legacy Outbrain Inc. know how directly into TD's ad manager designed to create a frictionless experience for agencies buying full funnel and we are advancing our algorithmic capabilities and investing in superior post-campaign measurement We expect these investments to drive continuous improvements in rats and overall campaign performance for our enterprise advertisers Turning to our direct response advertisers , there we are purely focused on Roas plain and simple .

David Kostman: We're integrating performance capabilities, leveraging legacy Outbrain know-how directly into Teads Ad Manager, designed to create a frictionless experience for agencies buying full funnel. We are advancing our algorithmic capabilities and investing in superior post-campaign measurement. We expect these investments to drive continuous improvements in ROAS and overall campaign performance for our enterprise advertisers. Turning to our direct response advertisers. There, we are purely focused on ROAS, plain and simple, and internally on driving efficiencies that grow profitability. The 2025 trimming of our supply and demand sources to ensure higher quality will impact our year-over-year comparisons early on. The foundation of our business is significantly stronger today than it was a year ago. We also see here exciting opportunities such as running direct response performance campaigns on CTV. In Q4 of last year, we had $several million of such sales. One general comment.

Speaker #2: And internally on driving efficiencies that grow profitability The 2025 trimming of our supply and demand sources to ensure higher quality will impact our year over year comparisons early on , but the foundation of our business is significantly stronger today than it was a year ago .

Speaker #2: We also see here exciting opportunities such as running direct response performance campaigns on CTV in Q4 of last year , we had several million dollars of such sales .

David Kostman: You'll hear our peers discuss supply path shortening as a new initiative, but for us it is a foundational architecture. We provide a straight line to the source of premium supply, whether that's an LG home screen or a top-tier global publisher, which is one of the reasons we can deliver superior outcomes from branding to performance. AI. AI is the engine behind many of these growth areas. It's both a performance driver for our clients and a productivity tool for our engineers and teams. On the algorithmic side, we have progressed on the integration of our AI and data infrastructure, and we are already seeing tangible results. In addition, by using LLM models to sharpen our predictive delivery, for example, by analyzing the content of ads to extract additional relevant signals, we are achieving two goals at the same time.

Speaker #2: One general comment you will hear our peers discuss supply path shortening as a new initiative , but for us , it is a foundational architecture .

Speaker #2: We provide straight line to the source of premium supply , whether that's an LG home screen or a top tier global publisher , which is one of the reasons we can deliver superior outcomes from branding to performance AI AI is the engine behind many of these growth areas .

Speaker #2: It's both a performance driver for our clients and a productivity tool for our engineers . And teams . On the algorithmic side , we have progressed on the integration of our AI and data infrastructure , and we are already seeing tangible results .

Speaker #2: In addition , by using LM models to sharpen our predictive delivery , for example , by analyzing the content of ads to . Extract additional relevant signals , we are achieving two goals at the same time .

David Kostman: We're hitting better KPIs for our advertisers, specifically by lowering the cost per acquisition, and we're seeing a path forward expanding our own margins at the same time. We're also investing in transitioning from manual campaign setups and toward agentic-driven goal setting, which we believe will simplify the experience for our partners and allow our technology to optimize for outcomes more effectively. To sum it up, I believe the heavy lifting of the transition is behind us. We've used the second half of last year to build a leaner, faster, and better Teads. We saw some positive indicators in Q4 into Q1. We have started the year with strategic clarity, a well-defined execution plan, and the right leadership, which I'm confident will allow us to make 2026 a breakout year. I will now turn it over to Jason to walk through the financials.

Speaker #2: We're hitting better KPIs for our advertisers , specifically by lowering per acquisition . And we're seeing a path forward , expanding our own margins at the same time We also investing in transitioning from manual campaign setups and toward a genetic driven goal setting , which we believe will simplify the experience for our partners and allow our technology to optimize for outcomes .

Speaker #2: More effectively . To sum it up , I believe the heavy lifting of the transition is behind us We've used the second half of last year to build a leaner , faster and better teads We saw some positive indicators in Q4 into Q1 .

Speaker #2: We have started the year with strategic clarity , a well-defined execution plan , and the right leadership , which I'm confident will allow us to make 2026 a breakout year .

Speaker #2: I will now turn it over to Jason to walk through the financials

Jason Kiviat: Thanks, David. As David mentioned, we achieved our Q4 guidance for Ex-TAC gross profit at the high end of our range and exceeded our range for Adjusted EBITDA, generating positive Adjusted free cash flow in both the quarter and for the full year. Revenue in Q4 was approximately $352 million, reflecting an increase of 50% year-over-year on an as-reported basis, primarily reflecting the impact of the acquisition. On a pro forma basis, we saw a year-over-year decline of 17% in Q4. I spoke last quarter about the drivers of volatility in our top line stemming from both legacy Teads and Outbrain businesses. I'll reiterate them briefly here in the context of what we anticipate for 2026. An important takeaway is that since we last reported in November, we have seen a more stable top line.

Speaker #1: Thanks , David As David mentioned , we achieved our Q4 guidance for gross profit at the high end of our range and exceeded our range for adjusted EBITDA , generating positive adjusted free cash flow in both the quarter and for the full year Revenue in Q4 was approximately 352 million , reflecting an increase of 50% year over year on an as reported basis , primarily reflecting the impact of the acquisition on a pro forma basis .

Speaker #1: We saw year over year decline of 17% in Q4 I spoke last quarter about the drivers of volatility in our top line , stemming from both legacy TI's and operating businesses I'll reiterate them briefly here in the context of what we anticipate for 2026 .

Speaker #1: But an important takeaway is that since we last reported in November , we have seen a more stable top line within our enterprise clients .

Jason Kiviat: Within our enterprise clients, we saw a deceleration in our top line starting in June that we attribute largely to operational challenges and distraction of the merger. This primarily impacted us in several key markets, most notably the US and UK. However, the changes we implemented in leadership and operations in Q3 are yielding positive indications in Q4 and into Q1, giving us confidence that we can see a return to growth by Q4 of this year. CTV growth has accelerated. Top line in the UK has stabilized, and our sales of performance campaigns to enterprise customers, including cross-selling, is accelerating. Within our direct response clients, through both strategic decisions around quality and external factors, including deliberately exiting lower quality demand and supply sources from our ecosystem, we've turned a small but meaningful segment of arbitrage-based customers. This impacted our revenues primarily in H2 and most meaningfully in Q4.

Speaker #1: We saw a deceleration in our top line starting in June that we attribute largely to operational challenges and distraction of the merger . This primarily impacted us in several key markets , most notably the US and UK However , the changes we implemented in leadership and operations in Q3 are yielding positive indications in Q4 and into Q1 , giving us confidence that we can see a return to growth by Q4 of this year TPV growth has accelerated top line in the UK has stabilized , and our sales have performance campaigns to enterprise customers , including cross-selling is accelerating within our direct response .

Speaker #1: Clients through both strategic decisions around quality and external factors , including deliberately exiting lower quality demand and supply sources from our ecosystem We've turned a small but meaningful segment of arbitrage based customers .

Speaker #1: This impacted our revenues primarily in H2 and most meaningfully in Q4 And while we feel we have a healthier long term business from these changes , we expect that this will impact our year over year comps through much of 2026 .

Jason Kiviat: While we feel we have a healthier long-term business from these changes, we expect that this will impact our year-over-year comps through much of 2026. The year-over-year comparison impact for 2026 is expected to be a headwind of approximately $20 million of Ex-TAC, with the vast majority of that in H1, phasing down to a minimal amount by Q4. Ex-TAC gross profit in the quarter was $152 million, an increase of 122% year-over-year on an as-reported basis and a decline of 19% on a pro forma basis. Note that Ex-TAC gross profit growth is outpacing revenue growth due to a net favorable change in our revenue mix post-acquisition, as well as the continuation of improvements to revenue mix and RPM growth that we've been seeing for the last few years.

Speaker #1: The year over year impact for 2026 is expected to be a headwind of approximately $20 million of Zrtec , with the vast majority of that in H1 phasing down to a minimal amount by Q4 Gross profit in the quarter was 152 million , an increase of 122% year over year on an as reported basis and a decline of 19% on a pro forma basis Note that gross profit growth is outpacing revenue growth due to a net favorable change in our revenue mix post acquisition , as well as the continuation of improvements to revenue mix and RPM growth that we've been seeing for the last few years Other cost of sales and operating expenses increased year over year , primarily reflecting the impact of the acquisition as well as non-cash impairment in goodwill This is a result of recent declines in our share price and overall market capitalization .

Jason Kiviat: Other cost of sales and operating expenses increased year-over-year, primarily reflecting the impact of the acquisition as well as non-cash impairment in goodwill. As a result of recent declines in our share price and overall market capitalization, we were required under accounting standards to perform an impairment assessment and ultimately recorded an impairment to goodwill of around $350 million. This accounting adjustment is entirely non-cash and does not impact our liquidity, operating cash flows, or our debt covenants. I also want to be clear and emphasize, we fully believe in the fundamental strategy of our omnichannel full funnel offering. As we've reported, the operational challenges have led us to a timetable longer than we initially anticipated, resulting in this impairment charge. As our actions exemplify, we are committed to returning to growth and improving profitability.

Speaker #1: We were required under accounting standards to perform an impairment assessment and ultimately recorded an impairment to goodwill of around $350 million . This accounting adjustment is entirely non-cash and does not impact our liquidity .

Speaker #1: Operating cash flows or our debt covenants . I also want to be clear and emphasize we fully believe in the fundamental strategy of our omnichannel full funnel offering .

Speaker #1: But as we've reported , the operational challenges have led us to a timetable longer than we initially anticipated , resulting in this impairment charge .

Speaker #1: As our actions exemplify , we are committed to returning to growth and profitability in to that end , in the quarter , we recognized $6 million of restructuring charges primarily related to the reduction in force .

Jason Kiviat: To that end, in the quarter, we recognized $6 million of restructuring charges, primarily related to the reduction in force we announced and largely executed in December. The restructuring is expected to save approximately $35 to 40 million annually from the elimination of both filled and unfilled roles. Adjusted EBITDA in Q4 was $37 million, and adjusted free cash flow, which as a reminder, we define as cash from operating activities plus CapEx, capitalized software costs, as well as direct transaction costs, was approximately $3 million in Q4 and $6 million for the year.

Speaker #1: We announced and largely executed in December The restructuring is expected to save approximately 35 to $40 million annually from the elimination of both filled and unfilled roles Adjusted EBITDA in Q4 was $37 million , and adjusted free cash flow , which , as a reminder , we define as cash from operating activities .

Speaker #1: Less CapEx , capitalized software costs , as well as direct transaction costs was approximately $3 million in the fourth quarter and $6 million for the year .

Jason Kiviat: As a result, we ended the Q with $139 million of cash equivalents, and investments in marketable securities on the balance sheet and continued to have EUR 15 million, or about $17.5 million in overdraft borrowings, classified on our balance sheet as short-term debt. Additionally, we have $628 million in principal amount of long-term debt at a 10% coupon due in 2030. As we've said in the past, we are always evaluating our cost and capital structure for opportunities to improve our financial profile. In that regard, we are evaluating opportunistic alternatives that may be available to us to strengthen our balance sheet and build a more durable capital structure. Now I'll turn to our guidance. We are focused on operating as a cash flow generating business.

Speaker #1: As a result , we ended the quarter with $139 million of cash . Cash equivalents , and investments in marketable securities on the balance sheet and continue to have €15 million , or about $17.5 million in overdraft borrowings classified in our balance sheet as short term debt Additionally , we have $628 million in principal amount of long term debt at a 10% coupon due in 2030 .

Speaker #1: As we've said in the past , we are always evaluating our costs and capital structure for opportunities to improve our financial profile . In that regard , we are evaluating opportunistic alternatives that may be available to us to strengthen our balance sheet and build a more durable capital structure Now I'll turn to our guidance .

Speaker #1: We are focused on operating as a cash flow generating business We've taken recent steps to improve our cost structure and will continue to look for opportunities as we further advance our integration and leverage the exciting avenues to streamline operations that are now available .

Jason Kiviat: We've taken recent steps to improve our cost structure, and we'll continue to look for opportunities as we further advance our integration and leverage the exciting avenues to streamline operations that are now available with AI. We've taken steps to realign our team, appoint new leadership, and enhance our focus on the areas that we feel will help us return to top-line growth. While we feel good about the steps we're taking and the progress we're seeing, we acknowledge the uncertainty of the overall environment and how it may impact the timeline and progress as we pursue a return to top-line growth. With that, we have provided the following guidance. For Q1 2026, we expect Ex-TAC gross profit of $102 million to $106 million, and we expect Adjusted EBITDA of breakeven to $3 million.

Speaker #1: With AI . We've taken steps to realign our team , appoint new leadership , and enhance our focus on the areas that we feel will help us return to top line growth .

Speaker #1: And while we feel good about the steps we're taking and the progress we're seeing , we acknowledge the uncertainty of the overall environment and how it may impact the timeline and progress as we pursue a return to top line growth .

Speaker #1: So with that , we have provided the following guidance for Q1 2026 . We expect gross profit of $102 million to $106 million , and we expect adjusted EBITDA of breakeven to $3 million .

Jason Kiviat: For full year 2026, we expect Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $100 million. While this level of annual EBITDA would potentially result in a small use of cash, we are comfortable with our cash balance and borrowing ability. Additionally, we see opportunities to generate positive free cash flow this year. Now I'll turn it back to the operator for Q&A.

Speaker #1: And for full year 2026 , we expect adjusted EBITDA of approximately $100 million . While this level of annual EBITDA would potentially result in a small use of cash , we are comfortable with our cash balance and borrowing ability .

Speaker #1: Additionally , we see opportunities to generate positive free cash flow this year Now I'll turn it back to the operator for Q&A

Operator: Thank you. We will now be conducting a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press star 1 on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star 2 to remove yourself from the queue. For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up the handset before pressing the star keys. 1 moment please while we poll for questions. Our first question comes from the line of Laura Martin with Needham & Company. Please proceed with your question.

Speaker #3: Thank you We will now be conducting a question and answer session . If you would like to ask a question , please press star one on your telephone keypad .

Speaker #3: A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue . You may press star two to remove yourself from the queue .

Speaker #3: For participants using the speaker equipment , it may be necessary to pick up the handset before pressing the start keys One moment please .

Speaker #3: While we poll for questions Our first question comes from the line of Laura Martin with Needham and Company . Please proceed with your question

Laura Martin: Sure. Thank you very much for taking the question. On the sales force, I was just wondering, are we pretty much staffed up now on the sales force from the integration, and do you expect smooth sailing going forward on those kinds of hires? Secondly, I was really interested, David, in your comments on the exclusive deals with Samsung and LG. Are those for homepage programmatic the way Nexxen is talking about? Or is that I was just wanting you to expand on what rights you have that are exclusive right now. Thank you.

Speaker #4: Sure . Thank you very much for taking the questions on the sales force . I was just wondering , are we pretty much staffed up now on the sales force from the integration ?

Speaker #4: And do you expect smooth sailing going forward on those kinds of hires ? And then secondly , I was really interested , David , in your comments on the exclusive deals with Samsung and LG .

Speaker #4: Are those for home page Programmatic . The way NextGen is talking about ? Or is that for I was just wanting you to expand on what rights you have that are exclusive from right now .

Jason Kiviat: Sure. Hey, Laura. Good morning. Thanks for the question. First, on the sales force, we are confident we have the right leadership team and the right team in place. Do I anticipate smooth sailing? Nothing is smooth, but I think we're very confident we have a good team. I think we replaced the people we wanted to replace, and I'm very confident with what I've seen the last few months with the new leadership.

Speaker #4: Thank you

Speaker #2: Sure . Hey , Laura . Good morning . Thanks for the question . So first , on the sales force , we are confident we have the right leadership team and the right team in place .

Speaker #2: So do anticipate smooth sailing . Nothing is smooth , but I think we're very confident we have a good team . I think we replace the people we wanted to replace .

Speaker #2: And I'm very confident with what I see in the last few months with the new leadership on the home screens , we've been at this for about two years , working on the home screen .

David Kostman: Home screens, we've been at this for about 2 years working on the home screen. We have exclusive relationships in certain geographies with LG. We have exclusive relationship in certain geographies with Samsung. We had until last year an exclusive relationship with Vidaa, which now also Nexxen is involved. What we do and where our advantage is really that we work directly integrated between Teads Ad Manager and the home screens. These are very unique special formats, and the advantages we have around creative adaptation to the different formats and the ability of advertisers to really buy and optimize across multiple OEMs in one platform, that's a huge advantage. You can activate it programmatically, but when you activate it programmatically, it's very different in terms of the, you know, outcomes that you can drive.

Speaker #2: So we have exclusive relationships in certain geographies with LG , and we have exclusive relationship with certain geographies with Samsung . We had until last year and exclusive relationship with Vida , which now also is involved .

Speaker #2: But what we do and where our advantage is really that we work directly integrated between the ad manager and the home screens . These are very unique special formats and the advantages we have are around creative adaptation to the different formats and the ability of advertisers to really buy and optimize across multiple OEMs in in one platform .

Speaker #2: That's a huge advantage . And you can activate it programmatically . But when you activate it programmatically , it's it's very different in terms of the , you know , outcomes that you can drive and the premium brand relationship .

David Kostman: The premium brand relationship we have directly are a big factor why these companies work with us exclusively. We have a global footprint in more than 50 markets. They do want those premium brands on that home screen. I mean, there's no tolerance for other type of brands, so that's a huge advantage that we have. Between Teads Ad Manager direct integration, ability to run campaigns across multiple OEMs, the creative adaptation, and the premium brands, that gives us, you know, a huge scale and, I think, huge head start on that business. It's also driving other parts of our business. I mentioned on the call the omni-channel. The ability to activate on the home screen and then on the web is a big advantage, and the ability to drive just performance campaigns.

Speaker #2: We have directly are a big factor . Why these companies work with us exclusively . We have a global footprint in more than 50 markets .

Speaker #2: They do want those premium brands on that home screen . I mean , there's no tolerance for other type of brands . So that's a huge advantage that we have .

Speaker #2: So between TDs Manager Direct integration , ability to run campaigns across multiple OEMs , the creative adaptation and the premium brands , that gives us a , you know , a huge scale .

Speaker #2: And I think huge head start on on that business . And it's also driving other parts of our business . We talked I mentioned on the call the omnichannel .

Speaker #2: So the ability to activate on the home screen and then on the web is a big advantage . And the ability to to have performance campaigns .

David Kostman: We believe we have a two-year head start there, and it's a great differentiator for us.

Speaker #2: So we believe we have a two year head start there . And it's a it's a great differentiator for us .

Nirali Jain: Thank you.

Laura Martin: Thank you.

Speaker #4: Thank you

Operator: Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Matt Cotto with Citizens JMP. Please proceed with your question.

Speaker #3: Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Matt Condon with Citizens. Matt, please proceed with your question.

David Kostman: Thank you so much for taking my questions. The first one, just can you provide additional color just on the stabilization of the business and just what trends you've seen so far in Q1 gives you confidence that you've got this, you know, back on the right track? My second one is on the organizational changes. Just do we have the right team in place today across the entirety of the business? Should we expect anything, and/or any other changes going forward? Thank you so much.

Matt Condon: Thank you so much for taking my questions. The first one, just can you provide additional color just on the stabilization of the business and just what trends you've seen so far in Q1 gives you confidence that you've got this, you know, back on the right track? My second one is on the organizational changes. Just do we have the right team in place today across the entirety of the business? Should we expect anything, and/or any other changes going forward? Thank you so much.

Speaker #5: Thank you so much for taking my questions . The first one just can you provide additional color just stabilization of the business and just what trends are you seeing so far in one ?

Speaker #5: Q the confidence that you've got this back on the right track ? My second one is just on the organizational changes . Just do we have the right team in place today across the entirety of the business ?

Speaker #5: And should we expect anything, or any other changes, going forward? Thank you so much.

Jason Kiviat: Thanks, Matt. This is Jason. I think I got. It was a little broken, but I think your first question was about Q1 trends and what gives us confidence. If I missed anything you said, I'll just start there. Yeah, look, I think we're seeing improvement in Q1, right? Maybe. I know the numbers might be a little funky with the timing of the acquisition last year being a few days into February. The pro forma and the as-reported periods are slightly different. You know, on an as-reported basis, we are guiding, you know, at our midpoint to something, you know, fairly flat year-over-year for Ex-TAC.

Speaker #1: Thanks , Matt . So this is Jason . I can take the I think I got a little broken , but I think your first question was about Q1 trends and what gives us confidence .

Speaker #1: So if I miss anything you said , I'll just start there . Yeah . Look , I think we're we're seeing we're seeing improvement in Q1 , right ?

Speaker #1: Maybe I know the numbers might be a little— a little funky with the timing of the acquisition last year being a few days into February.

Speaker #1: And so the proforma and the as reported periods are slightly different . You know , on an as reported basis , we are we are guiding , you know , at our midpoint to something fairly flat year over year for extech .

Jason Kiviat: On a pro forma basis, it's down, but not down to the same level what we saw in Q4, where we were down a bit more. What we're seeing, you know, in this early part of Q1 and what we expect for the full quarter is closing of the gap quite a bit here. You know, that means we're seeing better than what's typical in Q1 relative to Q4. It's really, you know, it's really concentrated in the areas that we're focusing on, which obviously when you're focusing on something and then you see improvement in it gives you some confidence, right? You know, CTV is accelerating, you know, through the home screens and the omni-channel, as David said.

Speaker #1: And on a performance basis , it's down but not down to the same level . What we saw in Q4 , where we were down a bit more .

Speaker #1: So what we're seeing , you know , in this early part of Q1 and what we expect for the full quarter is , you know , you know , closing of the gap quite a bit here .

Speaker #1: And , you know , that means we're seeing better than than what's typical in Q1 relative to Q4 . And it's really you know , it's really concentrated in the areas that we're focusing on which which obviously , when you're focusing on something and then you see improvement in it , it gives you some confidence , right ?

Speaker #1: So , you know , CTV is accelerating , you know , through the the home screens and the omnichannel , as David said , you know , we're focused on on driving more performance sales .

Jason Kiviat: You know, we're focused on driving more performance sales, obviously, a big part of the kind of synergies of the combination, and we do see momentum there. Then I know I've talked a little bit about some of the operational challenges that have been driving the headwinds for much of the last year or six months or so. You know, UK and US are the countries I've kind of called out. You know, in the UK, we do see a relative improvement, and a big shrinking of the gap, you know, starting in Q1 here. As David mentioned, in the US, we had new leadership in Q1, and we do feel good, and gained some confidence from the pipeline that we see in March and beyond.

Speaker #1: Obviously, a big part of the kind of synergies of the combination. And we do see momentum there. And then I know I've talked a little bit about some of the operational challenges that have been driving the headwinds for much of the last year, or six months or so.

Speaker #1: And , you know , UK and US are the countries I've kind of called out , you know , in the U.K. we do see a relative improvement and a big shrinking of the gap .

Speaker #1: You know , starting in Q1 here . And as David mentioned , in the US , we have new leadership in Q1 , and we do feel good .

Speaker #1: And gain some confidence from the pipeline that we see in March . And beyond . So , you know , cautiously optimistic , but but , you know , we we've taken meaningful steps to to focus .

Jason Kiviat: you know, cautiously optimistic, but, you know, we've taken meaningful steps to focus and, you know, reduce cost and focus and realign around the things that we think will drive growth. We're starting to see good indications of those things.

Speaker #1: And reduce costs and focus and realign around the things that we think will drive growth . And we're starting to see good , good indications of those things .

David Kostman: I think, Matt, in terms of the team, I'm very comfortable. I mean, we started the year with a very clearly defined execution plan. We sort of elevated to the leadership team some people from the product and tech side. I'm very comfortable with where we are. We've all got very specific goals and targets. I think the execution plan is well defined with the right team at this point.

Speaker #2: And I think in terms of the team , I'm very comfortable . I mean , we started the year with a very clearly defined execution plan .

Speaker #2: We sort of elevated to the leadership team . Some people from the product and tech side . So I'm very comfortable with where we are .

Speaker #2: And we rolled out very specific goals and targets . And I think the execution plan is well defined with the right team at this point .

David Kostman: That's very helpful. Thank you so much.

Matt Condon: That's very helpful. Thank you so much.

Speaker #5: That's very helpful . Thank you so much

Operator: Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of James Heaney with Jefferies. Please proceed with your question.

Speaker #3: Thank you . Our next question comes from the line of James Heaney with Jefferies . Please proceed with your question .

James Heaney: Yeah. Great. Thank you, guys. Just what are the assumptions behind the full year EBITDA guide? How should we think about the linearity of growth and margin as we move throughout the year? Any color you can maybe also provide around linearity of Ex-TAC gross profit growth? I think you said getting the growth in Q4, any other things to think about moving throughout the year?

Speaker #6: Yeah , great . Thank you guys . Just what are the assumptions behind the full year EBITDA guide ? How should we think about the linearity of growth and margin as we move throughout the year ?

Speaker #6: And then any color you can maybe also provide around linearity of gross profit growth ? I think you said getting the growth in Q4 , but any other things to think about moving throughout the year

Jason Kiviat: Sure. Yeah. Thanks, James. I'll take that. It's Jason. See, I mean, our guidance of approximately $100 million of EBITDA, it does not, you know, imply a full year Ex-TAC growth on a, you know, on a pro forma basis, but we do expect to get to growth by the end of the year, by Q4. Maybe some color on kind of how we see that playing out. You know, a couple points of context. You know, for one, I did mention on the call we have this year-over-year, you know, comp headwind of about $20 million of Ex-TAC from the quality cleanup.

Speaker #1: Sure . Thanks , James . I'll take that as Jason . I mean , our guidance of approximately 100 million of EBITDA . It does not , you imply a full year growth on a on a pro forma basis , but we do expect to get to growth by the end of the year .

Speaker #1: By Q4 . So so maybe some color on on kind of how we see that playing out . You know , a couple of points of context .

Speaker #1: You know , for one , I did mention on the call , we had this year over year , comp headwind of about 20 million of zrtec from the quality cleanup .

Jason Kiviat: And just to put that into kind of when we see that happening, you know, it started to really impact us, you know, fully in Q4, and maybe about half of the impact we talked about in Q3, from the supply cleanup and some of the early impacts there. The full impact, about $8 million of a headwind in Q4 of Ex-TAC, and we expect that same $8 million to impact Q1 and Q2 as well before starting to, you know, shrink in Q3 and be de minimis for Q4. The comps do ease as the years go on. That's the biggest kind of headwind that we see kind of moving forward.

Speaker #1: And just to put that into kind of when we see that happening , you know , it started to really impact us . You know , fully in Q4 and , you know , maybe about half of the impact we talked about in Q3 from the supply cleanup and some of the early impacts there .

Speaker #1: So the full impact, about $8 million of headwind in Q4 of Zrtec, and we expect that same $8 million to impact Q1 and Q2 as well.

Speaker #1: Before starting to shrink in Q3 and be diminishes for Q4 . So the comps do ease as the years go on . That's that's the biggest kind of headwind that we see kind of moving forward .

Jason Kiviat: Generally, you know, we expect it will take a few quarters to build back to growth from the year-over-year decline that we reported in Q4. We see improvement, as I said, in Q1. We think it'll take a few quarters to get to growth, but believe, you know, that our changes in focus, leadership and operations are driving this change. We start to see it in Q1 from the things we did last year and the things that we're doing in Q1 we think will help more and more as the year goes on. On a pro forma basis, we expected to see improvement each quarter of the year and then Q4 being where we hit the positive growth.

Speaker #1: And generally , you know , we expect it will take a few quarters to build back to growth from the year over year decline that we reported in Q4 .

Speaker #1: We see improvement , as I said in Q1 , we think it will take a few quarters to get to growth . But believe , you know , that our changes in focus , leadership and operations are driving this change .

Speaker #1: We start to see it in Q1 from the things we did last year and the things that we're doing in Q1 , we think will help more and more as the year goes on .

Speaker #1: So on a pro forma basis , we expect to see improvement each quarter of the year . And then Q4 being where we where we hit the positive growth in terms of expenses to get to EBITDA .

Jason Kiviat: In terms of expenses to get to EBITDA, you know, obviously you can see in our guidance for Q1, it's substantially reduced expenses from obviously from the restructuring and the step up of, you know, full year of synergies now that we have compared to last year. You can see the lower cost base, and that's even, you know, despite FX headwinds of a few million dollars that we see from the weakening of the dollar versus, you know, mainly the euro and the shekel.

Speaker #1: You know , obviously , you can see in our in our in our guidance for Q1 , it's substantially reduced expenses from obviously from the restructuring and the step up of full year of synergies .

Speaker #1: Now that we have compared to last year, you can see the lower cost base, and that's even despite FX headwinds of a few million dollars that we see from the weakening of the dollar versus mainly the euro and the shekel.

Jason Kiviat: You know, the rest of the year, a few million dollar step up probably in Q2 and Q3, just based on seasonality, revenue related items and some, you know, fully staffing where we have some empty roles right now. A normal Q4 seasonal step up as you've seen our results this year as well would be what I expect.

Speaker #1: But you know what we the rest of the year , a few million dollars step up , probably in Q2 and Q3 , just based on seasonality , revenue related items and some some , you know , you know , fully staffing and where we have some , some empty , empty roles right now .

Speaker #1: And then a normal Q4 seasonal step-up, as you've seen in our results this year as well, would be what I expect.

James Heaney: Yeah, very thorough answer. Thank you. Maybe just quickly, for either of you, anything on just specific ad verticals that you'd want to call out in terms of strength or weakness? I mean, any particular standouts that you'd wanna highlight? Thank you.

Speaker #6: Yeah , very thorough answer . Thank you . Maybe just quickly for for either of you . Anything on just specific ad verticals that you'd want to call out in terms of strength or weakness .

Speaker #6: I mean, any particular standouts that you'd want to highlight? Thank you.

David Kostman: Maybe I'll take that. I mean, there's nothing really to that is material. I mean, we don't have any vertical that's sort of double-digit even. We see some weakness in CPG and automotive, some strength in health and finance, but nothing really of note.

Speaker #2: And maybe I'll take that . I mean , there's nothing really to that is material . I mean , we don't have any vertical .

Speaker #2: That's sort of double digit . Even . So , you see some weakness in CPG and automotive . Some strength in health and finance .

Speaker #2: But but nothing really of note

James Heaney: Great. Thank you.

Speaker #6: Great . Thank you

Operator: Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Zach Cummins with B. Riley Securities. Please proceed with your question.

Speaker #3: Thank you . Our next question comes from the line of Zak Cummings with B Riley Securities . Please proceed with your question

Matt Cotto: Hi. Good morning, David and Jason. Thanks, thanks for taking my questions. David, I wanted to ask about the Google TV opportunity. I mean, can you maybe go a little more into detail around that announcement? What sort of growth opportunity does that unlock for you as we move forward in 2026 for CTV home screen?

Zach Cummins: Hi. Good morning, David and Jason. Thanks, thanks for taking my questions. David, I wanted to ask about the Google TV opportunity. I mean, can you maybe go a little more into detail around that announcement? What sort of growth opportunity does that unlock for you as we move forward in 2026 for CTV home screen?

Speaker #7: Hi . Good morning , David and Jason . Thanks for taking my questions David , I wanted to ask about the the Google TV opportunity .

Speaker #7: I mean , can you maybe go a little more into detail around that announcement and what sort of growth opportunity does that unlock for you as we move forward in 2026 for for CTV Home Screen ?

David Kostman: Overall, CTV home screen is a huge opportunity for us. We are, as I said, 2 years into it. We have a huge base of OEMs. We added Google TV to that. I'm sorry, this is New York background noise. We added Google TV recently. We added TCL, Whaley and many others. The overall opportunity is huge. It today accounts for a big percentage of our CTV business. We've grown in Q4 55% and expect, you know, similar growth rates or better for this year on the business. I said it earlier, I think we have clear differentiators there. I think the direct access is a big differentiator. The direct premium advertiser relationship is a big advantage.

Speaker #2: Look , overall , CTV Home Screen is is is a huge opportunity for us . We are as I said , I mean , two years into it , we have a huge base of OEMs .

Speaker #2: We added Google TV to that . I'm sorry . This is New York background noise . So we added Google TV . Recently we had a PCL whale and many others .

Speaker #2: So the overall opportunity is is huge . I mean , it's today accounts for a big percentage of our CTV business . We've grown in Q4 , 55% and expect a similar growth rates or or better for for this year on that business .

Speaker #2: And I said earlier , I think we have clear differentiators there . I think the direct access is a big differentiator . The premium direct premium advertiser relationship is a big advantage .

David Kostman: That's why I think these OEMs and other applications on CTV really sign up with Teads in order to make sure that experience on the home screen is the best they can offer to their audiences. It's a large opportunity, and it also helps us to, as I mentioned earlier, to omni-channel sell more campaigns to our advertisers also around the online video, combining the CTV home screen and the web. It's a very big opportunity. It's a big area of investment for us, and we're very excited about it.

Speaker #2: And that's that's why I think these OEMs and other applications on CTV really sign up with TD's in order to make sure that that experience on the home screen is is the best they can offer to to their audiences .

Speaker #2: So it's it's a large opportunity . And it also helps us to , as I mentioned earlier , to omnichannel sales , sell more campaigns to our advertisers .

Speaker #2: Also around the online video , combining the CTV home screen and and and the web . So it's a very big opportunity . It's a big area of investment for us , and we're very excited about it

Matt Cotto: Understood. My one follow-up question is just around the proactive cleanup of some of the inventory throughout 2025. Obviously a meaningful headwind when you think of Ex-TAC over the next couple of quarters. Is that process largely behind us now? Do you have the ideal mix of inventory now that you're focusing more so on enterprise level brands?

Zach Cummins: Understood. My one follow-up question is just around the proactive cleanup of some of the inventory throughout 2025. Obviously a meaningful headwind when you think of Ex-TAC over the next couple of quarters. Is that process largely behind us now? Do you have the ideal mix of inventory now that you're focusing more so on enterprise level brands?

Speaker #7: Understood . And maybe one follow up question is just around the proactive cleanup of some of the inventory throughout 2025 . Obviously , a meaningful headwind when you think of zstack over the next couple of quarters .

Speaker #7: But is that process largely behind us now ? Do you have the ideal mix of inventory now that you're focusing more so on on enterprise level brands

David Kostman: Yes, I think it's behind us in terms of executing on that cleanup or trimming of supply and demand quality. We walked away from about $20 million in revenue. The impact will continue into the first half of this year. It was about $8 million headwind in Q4. It will continue through the first half of this year. We have a much healthier network, greatly delivering better ROAS for our performance advertisers, and the network and the marketplace is much more suitable for the premium brands we work with.

Speaker #2: Yes , I think it's it's behind us in terms of executing on that cleanup or trimming of supply and demand quality . So we walked away from about $20 million in revenue .

Speaker #2: The impact will continue into the first half of of this year . It was about 8 million headwind in Q4 . It will continue through the first half of this year , but we have a much healthier , healthier network actually delivering better Raws for our performance .

Speaker #2: Advertisers . And the network and the marketplace is is much more suitable for the premium brands we work with

Matt Cotto: Great. Well, thanks for taking my questions, and, best of luck with the rest of the quarter.

Zach Cummins: Great. Well, thanks for taking my questions, and, best of luck with the rest of the quarter.

Speaker #7: Great . Well , thanks for taking my questions and best of luck with the rest of the quarter .

David Kostman: Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you

Operator: Thank you. We have reached the end of the question and answer session. I would like to turn the floor back over to David Kostman for closing remarks.

Speaker #3: Thank you . And this concludes we have reached the end of the question and answer session . I would like to turn the floor back over to David Kaufman for closing remarks .

David Kostman: Thank you very much for attending today. As you can hear, we are somewhat encouraged by the sequential trends that we see. We do believe that 2026 will be an inflection point for us. We're very focused on execution and also, finding the sort of right levers to invest in the attractive growth areas that we see, like CTV. Excited about the future and look forward to updating you.

Speaker #2: Thank you very much for attending today. As you can hear, we are somewhat encouraged by the sequential trends that we see.

Speaker #2: We do believe that 26 will be an inflection point for us . We're very focused on execution and and also a finding the sort right levers to invest in , in the attractive growth areas that we see .

Speaker #2: Like like CTV . So excited about the future and look forward to updating you

Operator: Thank you. This concludes today's conference, and you may disconnect your line at this time. We thank you for your participation. Have a great day.

Speaker #3: Thank you . And this concludes today's conference . And you may disconnect your lines . At this time . We thank you for your participation .

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