PodcastOne (NASDAQ:PODC) reported record revenue in its fiscal third quarter of 2026, while sharply narrowing losses and posting record adjusted EBITDA, as management emphasized operational efficiencies, expanded monetization tools, and a slate of long-term talent and partnership announcements.
Record revenue and improved profitability metrics
Chief Financial Officer Ryan Carhart said revenue for the fiscal third quarter of 2026 rose to a record $15.9 million. Operating loss improved to $153,000, compared with an operating loss of $1.6 million in the year-ago quarter. Net loss was $154,000, or -$0.01 per basic and diluted share, versus a net loss of $1.6 million, or -$0.06 per share, in the prior-year quarter.
The company ended the quarter with $3.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and no debt on the balance sheet.
Dr. Phil partnership and owned-content strategy
President and Founder Kit Gray framed the quarter as one focused on strategic partnerships, long-term renewals, and growth in owned and original programming. Gray highlighted a partnership with Dr. Phil’s Envoy Media Company, which he described as a major initiative to launch a “podcast-based original and owned content network” anchored by the new daily Dr. Phil Podcast.
In the Q&A, Gray said the company was “excited” about the relationship and pointed to multiple Dr. Phil audio offerings, including the “Mystery and Murder” podcast. He also said Dr. Phil was scheduled to appear on “some of the biggest podcasts in the world” over the next month and a half to support audience growth. On advertising, Gray said the response has been “great,” adding that advertisers want to learn more about broader packaging that can include podcast distribution, YouTube, RSS, social media, video, and Envoy’s other distribution relationships.
Talent renewals, acquisitions, and audience expansion
Gray detailed several multi-year renewals and additions across the network, positioning them as steps to deepen PodcastOne’s content lineup and improve monetization opportunities. Highlights discussed on the call included:
- LadyGang renewed in a multi-year agreement; Gray noted the show’s 10-year run, 1,000 episodes, and over 300 million downloads.
- The Adam Carolla Show renewed in a multi-year agreement; Gray said the program is joining the Megyn Kelly channel on SiriusXM, extending its distribution.
- Renewals for Bitch Bible, Some More News, and The Prosecutors.
- A multi-year acquisition of For Your Amusement.
Gray also pointed to the performance of The Dr. Gundry Podcast, which he said has 18 million all-time downloads across 548 episodes.
On the company’s approach to talent, Gray said the market remains competitive and that some competitors take deals “we wouldn’t take.” However, he said PodcastOne continues to pursue “smart deals that work for us” and described an ongoing funnel of potential M&A opportunities, including discussions with networks of programs that could be integrated into PodcastOne’s systems to reduce costs and grow results. He also cited expanding relationships with existing partners, including the Chrisleys launching another show and ongoing talks with A&E on additional projects.
Monetization, AI tools, and B2B distribution
Gray said PodcastOne’s monetization engine showed “measurable progress,” highlighting that Podroll revenue increased more than 5% quarter-over-quarter, which he attributed to rising adoption of its dynamic ad marketplace by brands and agencies.
Management also emphasized technology investments. Gray described an “AI-powered infrastructure” and listed internal tools used across operations and marketing, including FlightPath for predictive profitability, Booster for advertising management and proposal recommendations, PodEngine for SEO and insights, Magellan AI for advertising attribution, and Opus Pro for converting long-form video into short-form content.
During questions about LiveOne-related B2B deals, Gray discussed the company’s relationship with Amazon’s R19, calling it one of the company’s largest deals and citing benefits ranging from cost efficiencies to expanded revenue channels through direct sales, marketplace inventory, and programmatic access. He also referenced a long-running relationship with Pluto TV and said the companies were discussing additional initiatives, including a “Pluto TV podcast” concept focused on reviewing programming.
Carhart added that when the LiveOne app is distributed through partners such as carriers and retailers, PodcastOne content is included and highlighted, providing access to new audiences that can reach “50 million+,” though he said those audience gains are not counted in revenues today.
Original IP and margins, plus seasonality commentary
In response to questions about margins and cost of sales, Carhart said the company’s margin has been “slightly ticking up all year,” reflecting operational improvement, and acknowledged there were “one-time benefits” in the quarter tied to certain items sold. He also said general and administrative expense levels are expected to be relatively stable in the near term, while noting some items currently affecting results, including stock compensation that is adjusted out of non-GAAP measures.
On the sale of original IP, management discussed Paramount’s acquisition of Varnamtown from PodcastOne for development as a streaming project. In the Q&A, the company said it could not predict timing for consumer availability, but described the project as being at a streaming partner and said that if greenlit, it could generate “millions to tens of millions of dollars with zero additional cost.” Management also said there have been four IP projects sold, with additional projects in the pipeline and more heading to market.
Asked about quarterly guidance and implied deceleration, Gray attributed the company’s outlook to typical advertising seasonality, saying the January and February period is generally slower as advertisers reset budgets and ramp spending based on performance.
Looking ahead, Carhart said the company expects adjusted EBITDA to continue in future quarters, adding that the one-off items in the quarter did not drive the full EBITDA result and that the first two quarters of the year represent a baseline for expectations “on top of what we did this quarter.”
In closing comments, LiveOne executive Rob Ellin praised the quarter’s results and said LiveOne has been buying PodcastOne stock, including a recent purchase of 657,000 shares, and expects to continue adding to its position.
About PodcastOne (NASDAQ:PODC)
PodcastOne is a leading digital audio network specializing in the development, production and distribution of original podcast programming. The company offers a diverse slate of exclusive shows spanning genres such as entertainment, sports, business, politics and lifestyle. Its content lineup features long-form interviews, narrative series and personality-driven talk formats designed to engage listeners across North America and beyond.
The company’s revenue model centers on advertising and branded content solutions.
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