Spotify reports Strong Q4 2023 Performance, exceeding guidance

Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE: SPOT) this week reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023. All key performance indicators (KPIs) met or exceeded guidance, with the company highlighting positive trends in revenue, profitability, and user engagement.

Monthly Active Users (MAUs): 23% year-over-year (YoY) growth to 602 million, exceeding guidance by 1 million. Q4 net additions of 28 million represent the second largest in company history.

Subscribers: 15% YoY growth to 236 million, exceeding guidance by 1 million. Q4 net additions of 10 million contribute to a record full year of 31 million.

Total Revenue: 16% YoY growth to €3.7 billion.

Gross Margin: 26.7%.

Operating Loss: €75 million, better than updated guidance. Excluding one-time charges, adjusted operating profit was €68 million, doubling Q3 figures.

User Engagement: Grew over 40% YoY across 170 markets.

9th Annual Wrapped Campaign: Engaged over 225 million MAUs.

Audiobook Integration: Over 200,000 audiobook titles added to the premium offering in the US.

Spotify Ads Sing a High Note: Revenue Hits All-Time Peak

Spotify's ad-supported revenue reached new heights in the fourth quarter of 2023, marking a significant milestone for the audio streaming giant. According to the company's latest financial report, ad revenue grew 12% year-over-year (or 17% when adjusted for currency fluctuations), demonstrating impressive gains across all regions.

Music Takes Center Stage: Music advertising led the charge, boasting double-digit growth. This robust performance stemmed from an increase in the number of ad impressions served, coupled with stable pricing. This suggests advertisers are finding value in reaching Spotify's engaged music listeners.

Podcasts Join the Chorus: Podcast advertising also delivered a strong performance, growing in the "healthy double-digit" range. This growth was driven by a substantial rise in the number of impressions sold across both Spotify's original and licensed podcasts, as well as through the Spotify Audience Network, the company's podcast advertising marketplace. However, some softening in pricing partially offset these gains. Despite this, the Audience Network itself witnessed impressive double-digit quarterly growth in participating publishers, shows, and advertisers, indicating a thriving ecosystem for podcast advertising.

Overall Success Story: These figures paint a positive picture for Spotify's advertising business. The company's ability to achieve growth both in music and podcasts, while navigating pricing fluctuations, demonstrates the effectiveness of its advertising offerings. Additionally, the expansion of the Audience Network further strengthens Spotify's position in the podcast advertising market.