Release Date: August 01, 2024

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

Positive Points

• Marin Software Inc (NASDAQ:MRIN) renewed its strategic partnership agreement with Google for another three years, ensuring continued collaboration and revenue from Google.
• The company's Q2 non-GAAP operating loss was materially lower year-over-year, reflecting benefits from the restructuring and reduction in force plan implemented in July 2023.
• Marin Software Inc (NASDAQ:MRIN) introduced new AI-powered features, such as ChatGPT-powered anomaly detection reports and the Advisor tool, enhancing their platform's capabilities.
• The company reported a significant customer success story with EasyGo, achieving a 40% reduction in cost per conversion and a 41% increase in conversions using Marin's platform.
• Marin Software Inc (NASDAQ:MRIN) is seeing increased interest in its Ascend product, which is helping drive both new business and renewals, with nearly a quarter of its customers using Ascend's functionality.

Negative Points

• Q2 2024 revenue was $4 million, at the low end of guidance and down approximately 7% year-over-year, primarily due to customer churn outpacing new bookings.
• The company is exploring opportunities to raise additional financing or engage in strategic transactions, indicating potential financial challenges.
• Despite restructuring efforts, Marin Software Inc (NASDAQ:MRIN) still reported a non-GAAP operating loss of $1.7 million for Q2 2024.
• The company's total cash balance decreased to $7.9 million at the end of Q2 2024, down from $8.6 million in the previous quarter.
• Marin Software Inc (NASDAQ:MRIN) expects continued non-GAAP operating losses in Q3 2024, with projected losses between $2.1 million and $1.9 million.

Q & A Highlights

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with MRIN.

Q: Can you provide more details on the renewed strategic partnership agreement with Google? A: Christopher Lien, CEO, explained that Marin Software has renewed its strategic partnership agreement with Google for another three years starting October 1, 2024. Under this agreement, Google will continue to make payments to Marin based on the total paid search spend managed through Marin's platform across Google and other search publishers, with the same minimum quarterly payments as the current agreement.

Q: What are the main reasons for the 7% year-over-year revenue decline in Q2 2024? A: Robert Bertz, CFO, stated that the revenue decline is primarily due to existing customer churn outpacing new bookings. However, the decline has moderated compared to previous quarters, indicating progress in improving customer retention and new bookings.

Q: How has the restructuring plan impacted Marin Software's financials? A: Robert Bertz, CFO, noted that the restructuring plan, implemented in July 2023, is expected to reduce the pretax cost structure by approximately $10 million to $13 million annually. The plan included a reduction in force, which has already been completed, and the company is on track to achieve its savings targets.

Q: What are the key features of Marin's Ascend product? A: Christopher Lien, CEO, described Ascend as a budget management, pacing, and forecasting solution that addresses fragmentation, forecasting, and frequency in performance marketing. It leverages AI-based optimization methodologies to deliver budget compliance and optimal spend allocation across campaigns, publishers, and channels.

Q: Can you elaborate on the new AI features introduced in MarinOne? A: Christopher Lien, CEO, highlighted that MarinOne now includes ChatGPT-powered anomaly detection reports and an initial release of Advisor, a ChatGPT-powered teammate. These features help identify performance outliers and provide digital advertising best practices, enhancing the application of AI in optimizing online advertising.

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