Audioboom CEO Stuart Last Boosts Stake to 54,926 Shares Following Option Exercise on July 22, 2026

Details of Stuart Last’s Option Exercise and Share Acquisition

On 22 July 2026, Audioboom CEO Stuart Last exercised options on 15,353 ordinary shares through two separate grants. The first tranche included 7,000 options with an exercise price of a33.125 per share, expiring on 31 July 2026, creating urgency to exercise. The second tranche consisted of 8,353 options priced at a31.30 per share, with no expiration specified.

To finance the exercise of the lower-priced options, Last sold 7,000 shares acquired from the expiring options at a34.70 each, a notable premium over the exercise price. Proceeds from this sale funded the purchase of the remaining 8,353 shares via option exercise, demonstrating a strategic approach to increasing his stake while managing cash outflows.

Updated Shareholding and Outstanding Options

Following these transactions, Stuart Last’s direct holding increased to 54,926 ordinary shares, representing about 0.30% of Audioboom’s issued share capital. This disclosure offers transparency on the CEO’s financial interest in the company’s performance.

Additionally, Last retains options to subscribe for 323,984 more shares, which could dilute existing shareholders if exercised. This sizable option portfolio indicates his extended economic interest in Audioboom beyond his current direct holdings, aligning his incentives with shareholders over the long term.

Audioboom’s Global Podcast Leadership and Distribution Network

Audioboom operates as a major global podcast publisher, with 180 million monthly downloads from 58 million unique listeners worldwide. Edison Research ranks Audioboom as the fifth largest podcast publisher in the U.S., underscoring its competitive position in a rapidly growing audio entertainment market.

The company’s business model leverages an ad-tech monetisation platform supporting premium podcast networks, including official Formula 1 shows like "F1: Beyond the Grid" and "F1 Nation," alongside popular programs such as "True Crime Obsessed" (U.S.), "The Tim Dillon Show," "No Such Thing As A Fish" (U.K.), and "The Cycling Podcast." This diverse content portfolio spans multiple genres and geographies.

Multi-Platform International Distribution Strategy

Audioboom’s international infrastructure enables podcast distribution across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Its content is available on major platforms including Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Facebook, and Twitter. The company also supports distribution via partners’ own websites and mobile apps, reducing reliance on any single platform and maximizing audience reach.

Compliance with UK Market Abuse Regulation and Regulatory Disclosure

This announcement fulfills Audioboom’s obligations under the UK Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), ensuring transparency of share dealings by senior management. The disclosure details option exercise prices (a33.125 and a31.30), share volumes (7,000 and 8,353), sale price (a34.70), and transaction date (22 July 2026). The transaction was executed on the London Stock Exchange, with the company’s Legal Entity Identifier (LEI: 213800QO681575J97813) provided for verification.

Implications for Share Capital and Governance Transparency

Stuart Last’s increased shareholding to 54,926 shares (approximately 0.30% of issued capital) reflects a meaningful but non-controlling stake, maintaining a dispersed shareholder base. This ownership level may be viewed positively by institutional investors concerned about governance and voting power concentration.

Publishing director shareholdings enhances governance transparency, signaling management’s confidence in the company’s prospects. The CEO’s decision to exercise options and retain shares despite selling some at a premium suggests belief in the shares’ value at current prices.

Podcast Industry Context and Competitive Landscape

Podcasting is a rapidly expanding segment of the audio entertainment industry. Audioboom’s ranking as the fifth largest U.S. publisher highlights intense competition among tech platforms, media companies, and specialized publishers for audience and advertising revenue.

Key content partnerships, including Formula 1 official podcasts and popular true crime series, contribute premium branded content with strong audience engagement. Audioboom’s diversified content portfolio across motorsport, crime, comedy, and lifestyle reduces reliance on any single genre or demographic, mitigating risks from shifting listener preferences.

Executive Leadership and Investor Relations Contacts

Stuart Last serves as Chief Executive Officer, with Brad Clarke as Chief Financial Officer. Investors may contact them at +44(0)20 3714 4285 for inquiries about this transaction or company matters, reflecting Audioboom’s commitment to transparent communication.

Cavendish Capital Markets Ltd acts as nominated adviser and broker on AIM, with Jonny Franklin-Adams and Elysia Bough handling corporate finance, and Harriet Ward managing equity capital markets. Named contacts support regulatory compliance and investor relations.

Outlook and Shareholder Alignment Post-Option Exercise

Stuart Last’s option exercise and increased shareholding may indicate management’s confidence in Audioboom’s medium- to long-term outlook. Exercising options rather than selling or letting them expire suggests the CEO perceives value in the shares relative to exercise prices.

The transaction creates stronger alignment between the CEO and shareholders, potentially motivating value-creating strategies. While immediate share price impact is unclear, the regulatory filing provides transparency for market participants to assess the CEO’s confidence and future shareholding evolution. The outstanding 323,984 options represent potential future increases in his stake, dependent on market conditions and exercise decisions.