Spotify forecasts weak profit as user growth slows in North America, Europe 04-Aug 18:30

Spotify (SPOT.N) forecast third-quarter profit below Wall Street estimates on Tuesday, after ​the streaming giant reported slowing user growth in ‌major markets of Europe and North America, driving shares around 5% lower in premarket trading.

The Swedish company has launched AI ​features like "Personal Podcasts" and new offerings such as "Reserved" ​to attract more user and fend off ⁠competition from rivals including YouTube and Netflix, and ​AI music startups like Udio and Suno.

Spotify said it ​expects operating income of €670 million ($770.97 million) in the third quarter, below analysts' average estimates of €677.8 million, according to data compiled ​by Visible Alpha.

In the second quarter, its operating income came ​in at €655 million, beating estimates of €639.2 million, driven by strong revenue growth ‌and ⁠lower payroll taxes.

Such taxes, called social charges, are tied to the value of the company's share price. The company's shares have fallen about 16% so far this ​year.

Its quarterly revenue rose ​14% to €4.78 ⁠billion, slightly below LSEG-compiled estimates of €4.80 billion. The revenue forecast for third quarter ​of €5 billion was slightly above estimates ​of €4.93 billion.

Its ⁠monthly active users forecast of 788 million was below Visible Alpha estimates of 793.6 million, while its outlook for ⁠a ​5 million increase in premium ​subscribers to 305 million was largely inline with estimates.

($1 = 0.8690 euros)