STOCK TITAN

Commerce media surges as Fluent (NASDAQ: FLNT) posts Q1 2026 loss

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Fluent, Inc. reported Q1 2026 revenue of $44.9 million, down 19% from $55.2 million in Q1 2025, as it shifts away from legacy operations. Commerce Media Solutions revenue rose 104% to $25.9 million, representing 58% of total revenue, while owned and operated revenue fell 50% to $15.7 million. The company posted a net loss of $5.4 million, or $0.17 per share, improving from an $8.3 million loss, and an adjusted EBITDA loss of $3.6 million. Cash and cash equivalents were $10.3 million against short-term debt of $23.5 million. Fluent highlights a Commerce Media Solutions annual revenue run rate above $110 million and expects full-year double-digit revenue growth on aggregate continuing businesses with adjusted EBITDA improvement, but notes reliance on an uncommitted financing agreement that raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.

Positive

  • Commerce Media Solutions growth and mix shift: Segment revenue grew 104% year over year to $25.9 million and now represents 58% of consolidated revenue, supported by an annual revenue run rate above $110 million and management’s expectation of full-year double-digit revenue growth on aggregate continuing businesses with adjusted EBITDA improvement in 2026.

Negative

  • Going concern and leverage risk: The company discloses reliance on an uncommitted financing agreement that raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern, while holding $10.3 million of cash against $23.5 million of short-term debt and continuing to generate net and adjusted EBITDA losses.
  • Top-line decline and legacy business contraction: Total Q1 2026 revenue fell 19% year over year to $44.9 million, and owned and operated revenue dropped 50% to $15.7 million, indicating revenue pressure during the strategic transition.

Insights

Business mix is shifting toward high-growth commerce media, but overall revenue is shrinking and losses persist.

Fluent is rapidly transforming its model. Commerce Media Solutions revenue grew 104% year over year to $25.9 million and now contributes 58% of consolidated revenue. Owned and operated revenue dropped 50% to $15.7 million, driving a 19% decline in total revenue.

Profitability remains weak. Net loss narrowed to $5.4 million, while adjusted EBITDA loss was $3.6 million. Media margin improved to $14.0 million, or 31.2% of revenue, helped by the higher-contribution commerce segment, but cash resources are modest relative to short-term obligations.

Management cites a Commerce Media Solutions annual revenue run rate above $110 million and “full-year double-digit consolidated growth” expectations for revenue from aggregate continuing businesses with adjusted EBITDA improvement in 2026. Execution on this pivot will be central to future filings and operating updates.

Balance sheet pressure and going concern language signal elevated financial risk despite operational progress.

Total assets declined to $72.3 million from $89.1 million, while total liabilities were $59.0 million. Short-term debt of $23.5 million significantly exceeds cash and cash equivalents of $10.3 million, highlighting liquidity constraints.

The company explicitly notes reliance on an uncommitted financing agreement that “raises substantial doubt” about its ability to continue as a going concern. This, combined with ongoing net and adjusted EBITDA losses, suggests dependence on continued financing access alongside operating improvements.

Convertible Notes with related parties are carried at fair value of $4.6 million, with an $0.8 million negative fair value adjustment in Q1 2026. Future disclosures about financing arrangements and debt reductions in subsequent periods will be key for assessing solvency risk.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Q1 2026 revenue $44.9 million Down 19% from $55.2 million in Q1 2025
Commerce Media Solutions revenue $25.9 million Up 104% year over year; 58% of consolidated revenue
Q1 2026 net loss $5.4 million Loss of $0.17 per share vs $8.3 million prior year
Adjusted EBITDA -$3.6 million Adjusted EBITDA loss for Q1 2026 vs -$3.1 million in Q1 2025
Cash and cash equivalents $10.3 million Balance as of March 31, 2026
Short-term debt, net $23.5 million Current portion of debt as of March 31, 2026
Commerce Media annual revenue run rate Exceeds $110 million Annualized revenue run rate for Commerce Media Solutions
Media margin $14.0 million 31.2% of revenue in Q1 2026, up from $13.7 million
Commerce Media Solutions financial
"Commerce Media Solutions revenue grew 104% to $25.9 million, representing 58% of consolidated revenue"
Commerce media solutions are tools and services that connect advertising, product catalogs and purchase data so shoppers can discover and buy products directly through ads, publisher sites or retail platforms. Think of them as turning storefront windows into interactive, shoppable displays that track what people see and buy. Investors pay attention because these solutions can increase measurable sales, improve marketing efficiency, and create predictable revenue tied to customer purchase behavior.
media margin financial
"Media margin of $14.0 million, an increase of 2% compared to Q1 2025 and representing 31% of revenue"
Media margin is the percentage difference between what a company earns from its media-related activities—such as advertising sales, subscriptions or content licensing—and the direct costs of producing and delivering that content. Investors watch this number because it shows how much profit a media business keeps from each dollar of revenue, like the markup a store puts on goods; higher margins indicate a business is more efficient and potentially more scalable.
adjusted EBITDA financial
"Adjusted EBITDA loss of $3.6 million, compared to $3.1 million for Q1 2025, and representing 8% of revenue"
Adjusted EBITDA is a way companies measure how much money they make from their core operations, like running a business, by removing certain costs or income that aren’t part of regular business activities. It helps investors see how well a company is doing without distractions from unusual expenses or gains, making it easier to compare companies or track performance over time.
Annual Revenue Run Rate financial
"Commerce Media Solutions annual revenue run rate now exceeds $110 million, with gross margin of 19%"
Annual revenue run rate is an estimate of a company’s sales over the next 12 months by multiplying recent revenue for a short period (like a month or quarter) to create a full-year projection. Investors use it as a quick snapshot of current business scale and growth momentum—like reading a car’s current speed to guess how far it will travel in an hour—but it can mislead if results are affected by one-time events or seasonal swings.
Convertible Notes financial
"Fair value adjustment of Convertible Notes with related parties"
Convertible notes are a type of short-term loan that a company receives from investors, which can later be turned into company shares instead of being paid back in cash. They matter to investors because they offer a way to support a company early on while giving the potential to own a stake in its success if the company grows and later raises more funding.
going concern financial
"Our reliance on an uncommitted financing agreement raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern"
A going concern is a business that is expected to continue its operations and meet its obligations for the foreseeable future, rather than shutting down or selling off assets. This assumption matters to investors because it indicates stability and ongoing profitability, making the business a more reliable investment. Think of it as believing a restaurant will stay open and serve customers, rather than closing down suddenly.
Revenue $44.9 million -19% year over year
Net loss $5.4 million Improved from $8.3 million loss in Q1 2025
Adjusted EBITDA -$3.6 million Slightly worse than -$3.1 million in Q1 2025
Commerce Media Solutions revenue $25.9 million +104% year over year; 58% of total revenue
Guidance

Expects full-year double-digit consolidated revenue growth on aggregate continuing businesses and improved full-year adjusted EBITDA in 2026.

false 0001460329 0001460329 2026-05-13 2026-05-13
 

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 

 
FORM 8-K 
 

 
CURRENT REPORT
 
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): May 13, 2026
 

 
FLUENT, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

 
Delaware
 
001-37893
 
77-0688094
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
 
(Commission
File Number)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
300 Vesey Street, 9th Floor
New York, New York
 
10282
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (646) 669-7272
 

 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2 (b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4 (c))
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.0005 par value per share   FLNT   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
 
Emerging growth company
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐
 
 

 
 
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
 
On May 13, 2026, Fluent, Inc. issued a press release announcing first quarter 2026 financial results. A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1.
 
The information included herein and in Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
 
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d) Exhibits
 
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
99.1
 
Press release, dated May 13, 2026
     
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
 
 

 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
Fluent, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
May 13, 2026
By:  
/s/ Donald Patrick
 
 
Name:  
Donald Patrick
 
 
Title:  
Chief Executive Officer 
 
 
 

Exhibit 99.1

 

Fluent Announces First Quarter 2026 Financial Results; Commerce Media Solutions Annual Revenue Run Rate Exceeds $110 Million

 

 

Q1 2026 revenue of $44.9 million

 

Q1 2026 Commerce Media Solutions revenue grew 104% to $25.9 million, representing 58% of consolidated revenue from $12.7 million or 23% of consolidated revenue in Q1 2025 

 

Commerce Media Solutions annual revenue run rate now exceeds $110 million, with gross margin of 19%

  Expects full year double-digit revenue growth on aggregate continuing business and adjusted EBITDA improvement for 2026

 

New York, NY – May 13, 2026 – Fluent, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLNT), a commerce media solutions provider, today reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

 

Don Patrick, Chief Executive Officer of Fluent, commented, “Commerce Media Solutions continued its strong momentum in the first quarter, reaching $25.9 million in revenue — a 104% increase year over year — and representing 58% of total consolidated revenue, compared to 23% in the first quarter of 2025. This marks the second consecutive quarter in which Commerce Media Solutions has exceeded half of our consolidated revenue, underscoring the rapid evolution of our business mix.  Total revenue declined 19% year over year, primarily reflecting the loss of revenue from the Call Solutions conveyance in January 2026. Revenue from our aggregate continuing business declined approximately 3% year over year, as Commerce Media Solutions growth largely offset the expected contraction of our owned and operated business.

 

"The sale of Call Solutions earlier this year allows us to focus resources on the Commerce Media Solutions opportunity," Mr. Patrick continued. "In January, we launched with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, extending our platform into travel and hospitality. In March, we added Squire, an appointment-based platform — reflecting the applicability of our model across transaction-rich environments beyond traditional retail. Our pipeline reflects growing demand across these verticals.

 

"With the visibility we have today, we believe we are well positioned to deliver full-year double-digit consolidated growth on revenue from aggregate continuing businesses and full-year adjusted EBITDA improvement," Mr. Patrick concluded.

 

First Quarter Financial Highlights

 

Revenue of $44.9 million, a decrease of 19%, compared to $55.2 million in Q1 2025 

• Owned and Operated revenue decreased 50% to $15.7 million compared to $31.1 million in Q1 2025, as the Company continued its shift in focus and revenue mix to Commerce Media Solutions 

• Commerce Media Solutions revenue increased 104% to $25.9 million, compared to $12.7 million in Q1 2025

 

Net loss of $5.4 million, or $0.17 per share, compared to a net loss of $8.3 million, or $0.39 per share, for Q1 2025

 

Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) of $10.0 million, a decrease of 12% compared to Q1 2025 and representing 22% of revenue. Commerce Media Solutions reported gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) of $5.0 million, an increase of 78% over Q1 2025 and representing 19% of revenue for Q1 2026

 

Media margin of $14.0 million, an increase of 2% compared to Q1 2025 and representing 31% of revenue. Commerce Media Solutions reported media margin of $7.7 million, an increase of 149% over Q1 2025 and representing 30% of revenue for Q1 2026

 

Adjusted EBITDA loss of $3.6 million, compared to $3.1 million for Q1 2025, and representing 8% of revenue

 

 
 

Adjusted net loss of $5.9 million, or $0.19 per share, compared to $6.7 million, or $0.31 per share, for Q1 2025

 

 

Media margin, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted net loss are non-GAAP financial measures, as defined and reconciled below.

 

Business Outlook & Goals

 

Continue to scale and grow Commerce Media Solutions as a percentage of total consolidated revenue; return Commerce Media Solutions gross margins to the mid-twenties. 

Enhance Fluent’s Commerce Media Solutions partnership network by adding top-tier media partners and expanding beyond traditional retail channels and into new verticals including appointment-based platforms, travel, lifestyle, and home services.
Drive consolidated revenue growth and improved profitability. Given current visibility, the Company expects full-year double-digit consolidated growth in revenue on aggregate continuing businesses and improved full-year adjusted EBITDA improvement in 2026.

 

 

 

 

Conference Call

 

Fluent, Inc. will host a conference call on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET to discuss its 2026 first quarter financial results. The conference call can be accessed by phone after registering online at https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI10ac999bd5f64f20bcc6c9c2d30110f2. The call will also be webcast simultaneously on the Fluent website at https://investors.fluentco.com/. Following the completion of the earnings call, a recorded replay of the webcast will be available for those unable to participate. To listen to the telephone replay, please connect via https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/fiocttbz/. The replay will be available for one year, via the Fluent website https://investors.fluentco.com.

 

About Fluent, Inc.

 

Fluent, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLNT) is a commerce media solutions provider connecting top-tier brands with highly engaged consumers. Leveraging exclusive ad inventory, robust first-party data, and proprietary machine learning, Fluent unlocks additional revenue streams for partners and empowers advertisers to acquire their most valuable customers at scale. Founded in 2010, Fluent uses its deep expertise in performance marketing to drive monetization and increase engagement at key touchpoints across the customer journey. For more insights visit http://www.fluentco.com/.

 

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

 

The matters contained in this press release may be considered to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations or anticipations of Fluent and members of our management team. Factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the following:

 

  Our reliance on an uncommitted financing agreement raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern;
  Ability to operate in a competitive, rapidly changing and highly regulated industry, which makes it difficult to evaluate our business and prospects;
  Dependence on the gaming industry;
  Unfavorable publicity and negative public perception about the digital marketing industry or us;
 

A sudden reduction in online marketing spend by our clients, a loss of clients or lower advertising yields; 

  Credit risk from certain clients;
  Our Commerce Media Solutions business is relatively new and operates in a market with established competitors, which may impact our ability to scale effectively; 
  Our need to continue investing in technology for our Commerce Media Solutions business;
  Our competitive disadvantage due to our more selective approach to traffic sources;
  A decline in the supply of media available to us through third parties or an increase in the price of such media; 
  Potential loss of competitiveness from slow mobile adoption and CRM dependence; 
  Challenges scaling infrastructure and products to support growth while maintaining profitability;
  Global economic or political instability, including the potential impact of tariffs, inflation, interest rates, military conflicts and other geopolitical developments, including the ongoing military conflicts in the Middle East;
  Challenges managing the complexity of our international operations and workforce;
  Strategic alternatives that could complicate operations or divert management's attention; 
  Dependence on our key personnel and ability to attract or retain employees;
  Dependence upon third-party service providers and potential liability related to their actions or platform malfunctions;
  Compliance with a significant number of governmental laws and regulations, including those regarding telemarketing, email marketing, text messaging, privacy, and data protection; 
  The outcome of litigation, inquiries, investigations, examinations, or other legal proceedings in which we are or may become involved, or in which our clients or competitors are involved;
  Potential sales and use taxes and other taxes on our business;
  Our actual or perceived failure to safeguard any personal information or user privacy; 
  Failure to adequately protect intellectual property rights or allegations of infringement of intellectual property rights;
  Potential liability or expenses for legal claims based on the nature and content of the materials we create or distribute, including those provided by third parties, as a creator and a distributor of digital media content;
  Our potential access to additional capital in the future may be limited or unavailable on acceptable terms; 
  Our ability to maintain our listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market;
  The volatility of our stock price and impact on our investors;
  Potential dilutive effect of any future issuances of shares of our common stock;
  Lack of cash dividends for the foreseeable future; and
  Status of a smaller reporting company and non-accelerated filer, which involves certain reduced governance and disclosure requirements.

 

These and additional factors to be considered are set forth under "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Fluent undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results or expectations, except as required by law.

 

 

 

 

FLUENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

   

March 31, 2026

   

December 31, 2025

 

ASSETS:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 10,299     $ 12,935  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $158 and $163, respectively

    31,765       46,735  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    7,367       7,799  

Total current assets

    49,431       67,469  

Non-current restricted cash

    710       710  

Property and equipment, net

    128       104  

Operating lease right-of-use assets

    2,676       2,859  

Intangible assets, net

    16,704       17,276  

Other non-current assets

    2,622       715  

Total assets

  $ 72,271     $ 89,133  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 7,483     $ 7,200  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    20,024       25,163  

Deferred revenue

    143       721  

Short-term debt, net

    23,456       30,846  

Current portion of operating lease liability

    1,104       1,104  

Total current liabilities

    52,210       65,034  

Convertible Notes, at fair value with related parties

    4,571       3,734  

Operating lease liability, net

    1,784       1,985  

Other non-current liabilities

    420       168  

Total liabilities

    58,985       70,921  

Contingencies

               

Shareholders' equity:

               

Preferred stock — $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 Shares authorized; Shares outstanding — 0 shares for both periods

           

Common stock — $0.0005 par value, 200,000,000 Shares authorized; Shares issued — 30,584,307 and 30,404,779, respectively; and Shares outstanding — 29,815,712 and 29,636,184, respectively

    54       53  

Treasury stock, at cost — 768,595 and 768,595 Shares, respectively

    (11,407 )     (11,407 )

Additional paid-in capital

    467,955       467,528  

Accumulated deficit

    (443,316 )     (437,962 )

Total shareholders' equity

    13,286       18,212  

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

  $ 72,271     $ 89,133  

 

 

 

 

 

FLUENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
   

2026

   

2025

 

Revenue

  $ 44,852     $ 55,210  

Costs and expenses:

               

Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

    34,813       43,775  

Sales and marketing

    3,724       4,070  

Product development

    2,821       3,398  

General and administrative

    5,708       8,582  

Depreciation and amortization

    1,681       2,461  

Loss on disposal of assets

    14        

Total costs and expenses

    48,761       62,286  

Loss from operations

    (3,909 )     (7,076 )

Interest expense, net

    (605 )     (880 )

Fair value adjustment of Convertible Notes with related parties

    (837 )     (80 )

Loss before income taxes

    (5,351 )     (8,036 )

Income tax expense

    (3 )     (233 )

Net loss

  $ (5,354 )   $ (8,269 )
                 

Basic and diluted loss per share:

               

Basic

  $ (0.17 )   $ (0.39 )

Diluted

  $ (0.17 )   $ (0.39 )
                 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

               

Basic

    31,332,710       21,211,439  

Diluted

    31,332,710       21,211,439  

 

 

 

 

FLUENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
   

2026

   

2025

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

               

Net loss

  $ (5,354 )   $ (8,269 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

               

Depreciation and amortization

    1,681       2,461  

Non-cash loan amortization expense

    79       176  

Non-cash gain on divestiture

    (2,352 )      

Share-based compensation expense

    954       335  

Fair value adjustment of Convertible Notes with related parties

    837       80  

Loss on disposal of asset

    14        

Allowance for credit losses

    (5 )     (4 )

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions:

               

Accounts receivable

    14,975       9,517  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    123       603  

Other non-current assets

    131       106  

Operating lease assets and liabilities, net

    (18 )     (83 )

Accounts payable

    283       (263 )

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    (5,658 )     (2,331 )

Deferred revenue

    (578 )     (215 )

Other

          (1 )

Net cash provided by operating activities

    5,112       2,112  

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

               

Capitalized costs included in intangible assets

    (1,493 )     (1,570 )

Proceeds from note receivable

    69        

Acquisition of property and equipment

    (57 )      

Net cash used in investing activities

    (1,481 )     (1,570 )

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

               

Proceeds from issuance of short and long-term debt

    62,757       21,841  

Repayments of short and long-term debt

    (69,024 )     (31,869 )

Debt financing costs

          (125 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants

          5,000  

Net cash used in financing activities

    (6,267 )     (5,153 )

Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

    (2,636 )     (4,611 )

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period

    13,645       10,694  

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period

  $ 11,009     $ 6,083  

 

 

 

 

Definitions, Reconciliations and Uses of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

The following non-GAAP measures are used in this release:

 

Media margin is defined as that portion of gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) reflecting variable costs paid for media and related expenses and excluding non-media cost of revenue and one-time items. Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) represents revenue minus cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). Media margin is also presented for the Commerce Media Solutions business and as percentages of revenue of the consolidated company and of the Commerce Media Solutions business, respectively.

 

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), excluding (1) income taxes, (2) interest expense, net, (3) depreciation and amortization, (4) share-based compensation expense, (5) loss on early extinguishment of debt, (6) loss on disposal of assets, (7) goodwill impairment, (8) impairment of intangible assets, (9) fair value adjustment of Convertible Notes with related parties, (10) acquisition-related costs, (11) restructuring and other severance costs, (12) certain litigation and other related costs, and (13) other one-time items.

 

Adjusted net income is defined as net income (loss) excluding (1) share-based compensation expense, (2) loss on early extinguishment of debt, (3) loss on disposal of assets, (4) goodwill impairment, (5) impairment of intangible assets, (6) fair value adjustment of Convertible Notes with related parties, (7) acquisition-related costs, (8) restructuring and other severance costs, (9) certain litigation and other related costs, and (10) other one-time items. Adjusted net income is also presented on a per share (basic and diluted) basis.

 

We consider items one-time in nature if they are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual and have not occurred in the past two years or are not expected to recur in the next two years, in accordance with SEC rules.

 

Below is a reconciliation of media margin from gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization), which we believe is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure.

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

(In thousands, except percentages)

 

2026

   

2025

 

Revenue

  $ 44,852     $ 55,210  

Less: Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

    34,813       43,775  

Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

  $ 10,039     $ 11,435  

Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) % of revenue

    22 %     21 %

Non-media cost of revenue(1)

    3,961       2,296  

Media margin

  $ 14,000     $ 13,731  

Media margin % of revenue

    31.2 %     24.9 %

 

(1) Represents the portion of cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) not attributable to variable costs paid for media and related expenses.

 

Below is a reconciliation of media margin from gross profit for Commerce Media Solutions (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) for Commerce Media Solutions, which we believe is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure.

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

(In thousands, except percentages)

 

2026

   

2025

 

Revenue

  $ 25,865     $ 12,660  

Less: Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

    20,858     $ 9,847  

Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

  $ 5,007     $ 2,813  

Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) % of revenue

    19 %     22 %

Non-media cost of revenue(1)

    2,734     $ 298  

Media margin

  $ 7,741     $ 3,111  

Media margin % of revenue

    29.9 %     24.6 %

 

(1) Represents the portion of cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) not attributable to variable costs paid for media and related expenses.

 

Below is a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA from net loss, which we believe is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure.

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2026

   

2025

 

Net loss

  $ (5,354 )   $ (8,269 )

Income tax expense

    3       233  

Interest expense, net

    605       880  

Depreciation and amortization

    1,681       2,461  

Share-based compensation expense

    954       335  

Loss on disposal of assets

    14        

Fair value adjustment of Convertible Notes with related parties

    837       80  

Acquisition-related costs(1)

    (2,352 )     (119 )

Restructuring and other severance costs

    51       1,315  

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ (3,561 )   $ (3,084 )

 

(1)

Balance includes gain on the conveyance of the membership interest of Winopoly in January 2026 of $2,352. Balance also includes compensation expense related to non-compete agreements and earn-out expense incurred as a result of business combinations, and non-cash loss on asset write-offs. The earn-out expense was $0 and ($119) for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. The non-compete agreements expense was $0 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.

 

Below is a reconciliation of adjusted net income and the related measure of adjusted net income per share from net income (loss), which we believe is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure.

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

2026

   

2025

 

Net loss

  $ (5,354 )   $ (8,269 )

Share-based compensation expense

    954       335  

Loss on disposal of assets

    14        

Fair value adjustment of Convertible Notes with related parties

    837       80  

Acquisition-related costs(1)

    (2,352 )     (119 )

Restructuring and other severance costs

    51       1,315  

Adjusted net loss

  $ (5,850 )   $ (6,658 )

Adjusted net loss per share:

               

Basic

  $ (0.19 )   $ (0.31 )

Diluted

  $ (0.19 )   $ (0.31 )

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

               

Basic

    31,332,710       21,211,439  

Diluted

    31,332,710       21,211,439  

 

(1)

Balance includes gain on the conveyance of the membership interest of Winopoly in January 2026 of $2,352. Balance also includes compensation expense related to non-compete agreements and earn-out expense incurred as a result of business combinations, and non-cash loss on asset write-offs. The earn-out expense was $0 and ($119) for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. The non-compete agreements expense was $0 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.

 

We present media margin, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted net income as supplemental measures of our financial and operating performance because we believe they provide useful information to investors. More specifically:

 

Media margin, as defined above, is a measure of the efficiency of the Company's operating model. We use media margin and the related measure of media margin as a percentage of revenue as primary metrics to measure the financial return on our media and related costs, specifically to measure the degree by which the revenue generated from our digital marketing services exceeds the cost to attract the consumers to whom offers are made through our services. Media margin is used extensively by our management to manage our consolidated operating performance, including evaluating operational performance against budgeted media margin and understanding the efficiency of our media and related expenditures. We also use media margin for performance evaluations and compensation decisions regarding certain personnel.

 

Adjusted EBITDA, as defined above, is another primary metric by which we evaluate the operating performance of our business, on which certain operating expenditures and internal budgets are based and by which, in addition to media margin and other factors, our senior management is compensated. The first three adjustments represent the conventional definition of EBITDA, and the remaining adjustments are items recognized and recorded under U.S. GAAP in particular periods but might be viewed as not necessarily coinciding with the underlying business operations for the periods in which they are so recognized and recorded. These adjustments include certain litigation and other related costs associated with legal matters outside the ordinary course of business.

 

Adjusted net income (loss), as defined above, and the related measure of adjusted net income (loss) per share exclude certain items that are recognized and recorded under U.S. GAAP in particular periods but might be viewed as not necessarily coinciding with the underlying business operations for the periods in which they are so recognized and recorded. We believe adjusted net income (loss) affords investors a different view of the overall financial performance of the Company than adjusted EBITDA and the U.S. GAAP measure of net income (loss).

 

Media margin, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and adjusted net income per share are non-GAAP financial measures with certain limitations regarding their usefulness. They do not reflect our financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as they do not include the impact of certain expenses that are reflected in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, these metrics are not indicative of our overall results or indicators of past or future financial performance. Further, they are not financial measures of profitability and are neither intended to be used as a proxy for the profitability of our business nor to imply profitability. The way we measure media margin, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted net income may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies and may not be identical to corresponding measures used in our various agreements.

 

Annual Revenue Run Rate

 

Annual Revenue Run Rate is an operational metric that represents the annualized revenue of the Company’s media partnerships at current monetization levels, as of the end of the reporting period. The Company calculates Annual Revenue Run Rate as follows:

 

Media partners within Commerce Media Solutions with an active contract are assessed and assigned an annual media volume estimate based on the active term of the contract and the monetization rate at the end of the reporting period. The Company considers a media partner contract to be active when the contractual term commences (the "start date") until its right to serve the partner’s commerce traffic ends. Even if the contract with the customer is executed before the start date, the contract will not count toward Annual Revenue Run Rate until the media partner’s right to receive the benefit of the services has commenced.

As Annual Revenue Run Rate includes only contracts that are active at the end of the reporting period, it does not reflect assumptions or estimates regarding new business. For contracts expiring within 12 months of the period-end calculation date, Annual Revenue Run Rate does reflect expectations of renewal.

The Company’s Commerce Media Solutions platform provides the technology to effectively monetize the partner’s media by placing relevant ads at a contracted moment of consumer engagement. Although from inception to date, improvements in the platform’s AI-powered technology have consistently driven increased rates of monetization, for the purpose of Annual Revenue Run Rate, the Company assumes a consistent monetization level to that as measured on each media partner at the end of the reporting period.

 

The way the Company measures Annual Revenue Run Rate may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies and should not be viewed as a projection of future revenue.

 

 

 

 

Contact Information: 

Investor Relations

Fluent, Inc.

InvestorRelations@fluentco.com 

 

 

 

FAQ

How did Fluent (FLNT) perform financially in Q1 2026?

Fluent reported Q1 2026 revenue of $44.9 million, down 19% from $55.2 million a year earlier. Net loss improved to $5.4 million, or $0.17 per share, compared with an $8.3 million loss, as operating expenses declined across several categories.

What is driving Fluent (FLNT) growth in Commerce Media Solutions?

Commerce Media Solutions revenue rose 104% year over year to $25.9 million, representing 58% of total revenue. Management cites new partners like Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Squire, plus a Commerce Media Solutions annual revenue run rate exceeding $110 million at current monetization levels.

Is Fluent (FLNT) profitable based on Q1 2026 results?

Fluent is not yet profitable. It recorded a Q1 2026 net loss of $5.4 million and an adjusted EBITDA loss of $3.6 million. These results, while improved versus the prior-year net loss, continue to reflect negative earnings and cash needs from operations.

What guidance did Fluent (FLNT) give for full-year 2026?

Management stated it expects full-year double-digit consolidated revenue growth on aggregate continuing businesses and improved full-year adjusted EBITDA in 2026. This outlook is based on current visibility into the Commerce Media Solutions pipeline and ongoing mix shift away from legacy operations.

What liquidity and debt levels does Fluent (FLNT) report?

As of March 31, 2026, Fluent reported $10.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $23.5 million of short-term debt, net. Total liabilities were $59.0 million versus total assets of $72.3 million, indicating a leveraged balance sheet and constrained liquidity.

Why does Fluent (FLNT) mention going concern risk?

Fluent notes reliance on an uncommitted financing agreement that raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. This language reflects dependence on external financing alongside ongoing losses and is highlighted among the risk factors affecting future operations.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

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