Peloton Interactive Inc (PTON) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Challenges with Strategic Growth and Cost Efficiency

Peloton Interactive Inc (PTON) reports strong subscription growth and cost reductions, despite facing revenue declines in Connected Fitness products.

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May 09, 2025
Summary
  • Paid Connected Fitness Subscriptions: Ended the quarter with 2.88 million, a net increase of 5,000, exceeding guidance by 10,000 subscriptions.
  • Revenue: Total revenue of $624 million, with $205 million from Connected Fitness products and $419 million from subscriptions.
  • Gross Margin: Total gross margin was 51%, an increase of 780 basis points year-over-year.
  • Connected Fitness Products Revenue: Decreased 27% year-over-year to $205 million.
  • Subscription Revenue: Decreased 4% year-over-year to $419 million.
  • Advertising and Marketing Spend: Decreased 46% year-over-year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA: $89 million, $4 million above the high end of guidance, and an $84 million improvement year-over-year.
  • Free Cash Flow: Generated $95 million in the third quarter, an increase of $86 million year-over-year.
  • Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents: Ended the quarter with $914 million, an increase of $85 million quarter-over-quarter.
  • Net Debt: Reduced to $585 million, a 35% year-over-year decrease.
  • Operating Expenses: Total operating expenses were $351 million, a 23% decrease year-over-year.
  • Sales and Marketing Expense: $106 million, a decrease of 37% year-over-year.
  • General and Administrative Expense: $151 million, a decrease of 1% year-over-year.
  • Research and Development Expenses: $60 million, a decrease of 22% year-over-year.
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Release Date: May 08, 2025

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

Positive Points

  • Peloton Interactive Inc (PTON, Financial) exceeded guidance on key metrics, including paid Connected Fitness subscriptions and adjusted EBITDA.
  • The company achieved significant cost reductions, tracking ahead of a $200 million cost restructuring plan, which improved profitability.
  • Peloton Interactive Inc (PTON) reported a positive free cash flow of $95 million in Q3, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of positive free cash flow.
  • The company observed strong engagement with new features, such as Pace Target on the treadmill, with over 80% of Tread users utilizing it.
  • Peloton Interactive Inc (PTON) successfully expanded its presence in commercial gyms through a pilot program with Precor, enhancing its reach.

Negative Points

  • Connected Fitness products revenue decreased by 27% year-over-year, driven by lower sales and deliveries across all product categories.
  • The company experienced a net decrease of 12,000 paid app subscriptions in the quarter.
  • Peloton Interactive Inc (PTON) faces challenges in innovating hardware to complement its software and content offerings.
  • The company is dealing with macroeconomic uncertainties that could impact demand for Connected Fitness hardware sales.
  • Peloton Interactive Inc (PTON) has $200 million in convertible notes due in February of next year, which requires careful financial planning.

Q & A Highlights

Q: How is Peloton incorporating AI to shape its future?
A: Peter Stern, CEO, explained that AI is being used to enhance customer support through intelligent agents, improve translation capabilities for their vast content library, and empower personalized workout plans. AI is seen as a tool to give human superpowers, allowing Peloton to offer more personalized and efficient services to its members.

Q: When will Peloton expand into new markets?
A: Peter Stern, CEO, stated that while Peloton is currently focused on increasing penetration in existing markets like the UK, Canada, Germany, Austria, and Australia, they are also exploring adjacent markets where the same languages are spoken. Expansion will be considered once they achieve meaningful scale and profitability in current markets.

Q: What progress has been made on key initiatives since Peter Stern became CEO?
A: Peter Stern highlighted significant cost reductions, improved unit economics, and increased marketing efficiency. The focus has been on earning the right to grow by stabilizing the business, improving member outcomes, and expanding into new channels like retail and gyms.

Q: How is Peloton addressing macroeconomic challenges and consumer slowdown?
A: CFO Liz Coddington noted that while there was some softness in sales, the business remains resilient due to its subscription model. Peloton offers lower-priced options and financing to attract price-sensitive customers. The fitness industry has historically shown resilience during economic downturns.

Q: What are Peloton's plans for pricing and cost discipline to return to growth?
A: Peter Stern mentioned that Peloton is reviewing equipment pricing and considering a potential subscription price increase, given the value they provide. The company is focused on optimizing pricing and promotions to enhance competitiveness and shareholder returns.

Q: How is Peloton planning to improve its marketing strategy?
A: Peter Stern explained that Peloton is taking a holistic approach to marketing, focusing on the entire customer lifecycle from awareness to retention. The strategy includes optimizing media spend, leveraging partnerships, and using advanced measurement techniques to improve subscriber acquisition and retention.

Q: What are the expectations for fiscal 2026 free cash flow?
A: CFO Liz Coddington stated that while fiscal 2025 is benefiting from a net working capital tailwind, fiscal 2026 is expected to generate meaningful positive free cash flow, albeit with a more modest tailwind.

Q: How is Peloton addressing its balance sheet and capital allocation?
A: Liz Coddington highlighted that Peloton is focused on deleveraging its balance sheet, with plans to pay down debt and invest in strategic growth initiatives. The company is also considering potential inorganic growth opportunities and, eventually, capital return alternatives like dividends and share buybacks.

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