Townsquare Media Inc (TSQ) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Digital Growth Outpaces Industry ...

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Release Date: May 08, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Townsquare Media Inc (NYSE:TSQ) reported that their first quarter results met or exceeded their guidance, demonstrating the strength of their digital platform.

  • The company's digital revenue grew by 6% year over year, making up 57% of total net revenue, which is more than twice the industry average.

  • Townsquare Media Inc (NYSE:TSQ) achieved a digital segment profit increase of 16% year over year, with a profit margin of 25%.

  • The digital advertising business, Ignite, saw an 8% increase in net revenue year over year, driven by strong growth in programmatic digital advertising.

  • Townsquare Interactive, their subscription-based digital marketing solutions business, returned to year-over-year segment profit growth for the first time in two years, with a 22% increase in profit.

Negative Points

  • Broadcast advertising net revenue declined by 8% year over year, excluding political revenue, indicating a continued shift from traditional to digital advertising.

  • The company's first quarter net loss was $1.5 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to net income in the prior year period.

  • Broadcast segment profit margins dipped to approximately 20% in the first quarter, partly due to revenue declines and seasonality.

  • Despite digital growth, the overall net revenue decreased by 1% year over year, highlighting challenges in offsetting declines in traditional media.

  • The company anticipates continued declines in broadcast revenue, with similar performance expected in the second quarter.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you discuss the competitive landscape for Ignite in markets outside the top 50, and what percentage of Ignite's revenue comes from markets without radio stations? A: Bill Wilson, CEO: Operating outside the top 50 markets is a significant competitive advantage. We act as a full-service digital agency, offering unparalleled insights and research. In these markets, our sophistication and scale set us apart. Currently, 62% of our total profit comes from digital solutions, with Ignite contributing significantly. Media partnerships are a small but growing part of our revenue, expected to be below $10 million this year.

Q: How many of your broadcast clients also advertise on digital platforms? A: Bill Wilson, CEO: The majority of our broadcast advertisers also buy digital solutions. We've seen a share shift from traditional media to digital, but our digital profit margins are equal to or higher than traditional broadcast margins. Over 85% of our broadcast clients also purchase digital solutions.