Acast (ACAST) Q1 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Achieved first-ever profitable Q1, with net sales up 20% year-over-year to SEK 645 million and organic growth of 31%, primarily driven by North America, with strong contributions from Europe and other markets.

• EBITDA margin reached 5%, and adjusted EBIT margin was 1%, a significant turnaround from prior year losses.

• Monetization improved with a 19% increase in ARPL to SEK 0.58, the highest Q1 ARPL recorded, and new high-value content partnerships.

• Expanded video podcast distribution across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, and signed exclusive ad sales partnerships with Slate and Perfect Day Media.

• Profit for the period was SEK 16.9 million, a turnaround from SEK -92.7 million last year, with EPS at SEK 0.09.

Financial highlights

• Net sales reached SEK 645 million in Q1, up 20% year-over-year; organic growth was 31%.

• EBITDA margin was 5%, and adjusted EBIT margin was 1% for Q1 2026.

• Gross margin was 37%, with gross profit up 20% year-over-year, in line with top-line growth.

• Operating cash flow for Q1 was SEK 40 million, with SEK 12 million from positive working capital; cash position at quarter-end was SEK 602 million.

• Listens were 1,121 million, up 1% year-over-year; ARPL reached SEK 0.58, up 19% year-over-year.

Outlook and guidance

• Management expects continued revenue growth to outpace cost increases, with further investment in sales, R&D, and technology, but at a slower pace than revenue growth.

• ARPU uplift is seen as sustainable, driven by pricing, ad load, and sell-through rates, with further sophistication in audience measurement anticipated.

• Gross margin expected to improve after Q1 due to seasonal patterns and regional/product mix.

• Sustained growth momentum expected, supported by omnichannel capabilities and expanded video distribution.