Release – Bowlero Corp. to Participate in Upcoming Investor Conferences

Research News and Market Data on BOWL

02/21/2023

RICHMOND, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Bowlero Corp. (NYSE: BOWL) (“Bowlero” or the “Company”), the world’s largest owner and operator of bowling centers, will participate in the following investor conferences:

  • Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference on March 6, 2023
  • J.P. Morgan Global High Yield & Leveraged Finance Conference on March 7, 2023

Brett Parker, Vice Chairman, President & Chief Financial Officer of Bowlero, will participate in a fireside chat at 4:35 PM ET on Monday, March 6, 2023 at the Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference. He will also participate in a fireside chat at 2:00 PM ET on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the J.P. Morgan Global High Yield & Leverage Finance Conference. Mr. Parker will be available for meetings during both conferences.

If available, a live webcast and replay of the presentation will be posted to the Events & Presentations section of the Bowlero Investor Relations website at https://ir.bowlerocorp.com/overview/default.aspx.

About Bowlero Corp.

Bowlero Corp. is the worldwide leader in bowling entertainment. With more than 325 bowling centers across North America, Bowlero Corp. serves nearly 30 million guests each year through a family of brands that includes Bowlero and AMF. Bowlero Corp. is also home to the Professional Bowlers Association, which boasts thousands of members and millions of fans across the globe. For more information on Bowlero Corp., please visit BowleroCorp.com.

For Media:
PR@BowleroCorp.com

For Investors:
IRSupport@BowleroCorp.com

Source: Bowlero Corp.

Release – Motorsport Games Announces Quarterly Update and DLC For rFactor 2

Research News and Market Data on MSGM

FEBRUARY 21, 2023

MIAMI, Feb. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Motorsport Games Inc. (NASDAQ: MSGM) (“Motorsport Games”), a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, announced today a quarterly update and new downloadable content to rFactor 2, one of the most authentic sim racing platforms available to racers around the world.

This quarter’s update includes an exciting new vehicle – the Honda Civic Type R, the introduction of the superb, laser-scanned version of Long Beach, and a wealth of improvements to enhance the player experience.

Following the partnership between the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), Motorsport Games and Studio 397, a seventh real world car into the NGTC specification BTCC content offering in rFactor 2 – the Honda Civic Type R – is available today. The Honda Civic is a sensational performing vehicle that has taken drivers championships in recent years, and now, in FK8 Type R form, continues that long legacy of success for Honda machinery in the BTCC.

The Long Beach Grand Prix Street Circuit is available now as well. Built on the most recent highly detailed laser scan data, with thousands of reference images captured on site to ensure the most authentic of visual experiences possible, this new circuit is set to raise the bar yet further in terms of graphical quality within rFactor 2 and built completely in house at Studio 397.

Several exciting updates to rFactor 2 will be launching today as well, including:

  • New GT3 tire model and physics
  • BTCC hybrid boost for 2022
  • Cinematics updates
  • Race against unowned content
  • New package management

A trailer for the Q1 2023 rFactor 2 quarterly update and content can be viewed here.

The pricing breakdown for the newly released content is as follows:

Honda Civic BTCC – €4.99

Long Beach Grand Prix Circuit – €8.99

About Motorsport Games:
Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, is a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world. Combining innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers, Motorsport Games strives to make the joy of racing accessible to everyone. Motorsport Games is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), as well as the industry leading rFactor 2 and KartKraft simulations. rFactor 2 also serves as the official sim racing platform of Formula E, while also powering F1 Arcade through a partnership with Kindred Concepts. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. Motorsport Games is building a virtual racing ecosystem where each product drives excitement, every esports event is an adventure and every story inspires.

Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release which are not historical facts are forward- looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are provided pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the expected benefits of the content updates to rFactor 2, related products and features and the positive attributes of the platform, such as Motorsport Games’s belief that rFactor 2 is one of the most authentic sim racing platforms available to racers around the world, whether the updates will improve the player experience and whether the new Long Beach Grand Prix Street Circuit will raise the bar further in terms of graphical quality within rFactor 2. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: difficulties, delays in or unanticipated events that may impact the timing and expected benefits of the rFactor 2 updates and/or related products and features, such as due to unexpected release delays. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in Motorsport Games’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC during 2022, as well as in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Motorsport Games anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Motorsport Games assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Motorsport Games’ plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. Additionally, the business and financial materials and any other statement or disclosure on, or made available through, Motorsport Games’ website or other websites referenced or linked to this press release shall not be incorporated by reference into this press release.

Website and Social Media Disclosure:
Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor relations website (ir.motorsportgames.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media and blogs, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company and our products. It is possible that the information we post on our websites, social media and blogs could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in our company to review the information we post on the websites, social media channels and blogs, including the following (which list we will update from time to time on our investor relations website):

WebsitesSocial Media
   motorsportgames.comTwitter: @msportgames & @traxiongg
   traxion.ggInstagram: msportgames & traxiongg
   motorsport.comFacebook: Motorsport Games & traxiongg
 LinkedIn: Motorsport Games
 Twitch: traxiongg
 Reddit: traxiongg

The contents of these websites and social media channels are not part of, nor will they be incorporated by reference into, this press release.

Contacts:

Investors:
investors@motorsportgames.com

Media:
pr@motorsportgames.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/775c6763-a89f-4a52-a187-839825c4dd9d

Beasley Broadcast Group (BBGI) – Powering Through The Economic Headwinds


Friday, February 17, 2023

Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. owns and operates 61 stations (47 FM and 14 AM) in 15 large- and mid-size markets in the United States. Approximately 20 million consumers listen to the Company’s radio stations weekly over-the-air, online and on smartphones and tablets, and millions regularly engage with the Company’s brands and personalities through digital platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, text messaging, digital and web applications and email. The Overwatch League’s Houston Outlaws esports team is a wholly owned subsidiary. The Company also owns BeasleyXP, a national esports content hub, and AXLR-R8, a Rocket League Championship Series team, in its esports portfolio. For more information, please visit www.bbgi.com.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Patrick McCann, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Solid Q4 results. The company reported revenue of $72 million, beating our estimate of $70.9 million by 1.7%. Top line revenue benefited from $5.1 million in political advertising as well as strong digital and local advertising. Adj. EBITDA of $12.87 million was roughly in line with our estimate of $14 million.

Favorable guidance. Management provided favorable Q1 revenue guidance to be slightly up from the prior year period. Digital and local advertising revenue are pacing up 15% and 6%, respectively. Notably, Management issued guidance for digital revenue to reach 20% to 30% of total revenue, and digital margins to reach 20%. Digital revenue is currently 16% of total revenue and Digital margins are currently 11%.


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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Bowlero (BOWL) – In A League Of Its Own


Thursday, February 16, 2023

Bowlero Corp. is the worldwide leader in bowling entertainment, media, and events. With more than 300 bowling centers across North America, Bowlero Corp. serves more than 26 million guests each year through a family of brands that includes Bowlero, Bowlmor Lanes, and AMF. In 2019, Bowlero Corp. acquired the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling, which boasts thousands of members and millions of fans across the globe. For more information on Bowlero Corp., please visit BowleroCorp.com.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Patrick McCann, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Impressive Q2 results. The company reported fiscal Q2 end December 2022 revenue of $273.4 million, up a strong 33%, and Adj. EBITDA of $97 million, up 45%. The impressive revenue and Adj. EBITDA beat our estimates by 7.4% and 18.6%, respectively. Adj. EBITDA margins increase from 32.9% a year earlier to 35.5%.

Events and walk-in revenue rebound.  The company reported impressive event revenue of $69 million, an increase of 74% from the prior year period. Walk in retail revenue in the quarter was $170 million, growing by 24% from the prior year period. Management attributed the strong rebound in event revenue to waning concerns over the Omicron Covid variant.


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Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – Bowlero Corp. Announces Record-Breaking Results For The Second Quarter Of Fiscal Year 2023

Research News and Market Data on BOWL

02/15/2023

  • Revenue was a record-breaking $273.4 million in the second quarter, growing $68.2 million, or 33.2%, year-over-year, and $88.5 million, or 47.9%, relative to the corresponding pre-pandemic period.1 Same-store revenue increased $54.4 million, or 27.3%, year-over-year, and grew $53.9 million, or 30.2%, vs. the comparable pre-pandemic period.2
  • Net income in the second the quarter was $1.4 million, impacted by the non-cash expense related to the revaluation of the earnout shares ($30.8 million). Adjusted for this non-cash expense, Normalized Net Income was $32.2 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter was $97.0 million, $30.2 million, or 45.2%, higher vs. the prior year’s quarter, and $44.1 million, or 83.3%, higher relative to pre-pandemic performance.
  • Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) Revenue was $1.03 billion, a high watermark in the Company’s history. The TTM Revenue was $151 million or 17% higher than the corresponding projection provided in the December 2021 go-public transaction.
  • TTM Adjusted EBITDA was $353.0 million with a 34.3% margin and increased $158 million or 80.8% compared to prior year TTM period.
  • MoneyBowl™, the Company’s proprietary skill-based gamification app, is active in 37 centers as of February 15, 2023, which represents over 11% of the center population.
  • The Company added 8 new centers during the quarter. Total centers in operation as of January 1, 2023 were 326. Subsequent to the quarter-end, the Company acquired an additional 1 center bringing the updated center count to 327, and signed leases for another 6 locations to be newly constructed.

RICHMOND, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Bowlero Corp. (NYSE: BOWL) (“Bowlero” or the “Company”), the world’s largest owner and operator of bowling centers, today provided financial results for the second quarter of the 2023 fiscal year, which ended on January 1, 2023. Bowlero announced revenue of $273.4 million, which was driven by dramatic growth in event revenue and a solid increase in walk-in-retail and league revenue. Event Revenue grew 74% ($29.6 million) vs. the prior year’s quarter and 59% ($25.8 million) vs. the pre-pandemic quarter. Total revenue grew by 33.2% on a year-over-year basis and 47.9% compared to pre-pandemic performance. Same-store sales rose by 27.3% year-over-year and 30.2% relative to pre-pandemic quarter.

Bowling Center Trailing 13-week Revenue Growth Trend (Graphic: Business Wire)

“The Company’s second quarter top-line and bottom-line growth was extraordinary. The re-investment in our people that we made in the first quarter prepared us for a record holiday season that delivered on every facet. Event Revenue continued to drive revenue growth with event sales up $30 million over prior year’s quarter, more than offsetting the estimated $10 million loss in revenue due to the emergence of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in the prior year,” said Thomas Shannon, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “The future for the Company is as bright as ever. In addition to record financial performance in the quarter, we continue to achieve exciting milestones, including surpassing $1.0 billion in TTM revenue, $350 million in TTM Adjusted EBITDA, and rolling out MoneyBowl™, our entirely in-house gamification app to 37 centers and counting, which we anticipate will revolutionize how bowlers interact with the lanes.”

Second-Quarter 2023 Operating Results

Tremendous growth in Revenue during the second quarter, totaling $273.4 million, up 33.2% on a year-over-year basis, and up 47.9% relative to pre-pandemic performance. Same-store sales increased 27.3% year-over-year, demonstrating the Company’s ability to continue to drive organic growth.

Net income for the quarter was $1.4 million, after giving effect to $30.8 million of non-cash expenses related to the increase in the fair value of earnouts. In the prior year, Net loss for the quarter was $34.5 million, driven primarily by non-recurring expenses related to the successful de-SPAC transaction net of the non-cash decrease in expenses related to fair value of the earnouts ($48.9 million). Adjusted for the non-cash expense, normalized Net Income was $14.4 million in the prior year’s quarter. Normalized Net Income increased $17.8 million or 123.1% vs. the prior year’s quarter. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $97.0 million, up 45.2% year-over-year and 83.3% relative to pre-pandemic performance.The Company was able to expand margin as a result of the QMS’s tech-enabled financial performance optimization tool and operating leverage from higher revenue generation in the quarter.

Brett Parker, President and CFO of Bowlero, said, “We had a fantastic quarter. The second quarter’s margin improvement was the result of our relentless pursuit of operating leverage in the business while simultaneously driving sales in order to maximize EBITDA. Through our proprietary, algorithmic-based technology toolkit, management remained hyper-focused on maximizing both revenue and profit. We had a strong and balanced performance across all segments of our bowling business–walk-in retail, leagues, and events–and saw robust demand throughout the quarter.”

Financial Position

As of January 1, 2023, cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash totaled $89.8 million and total debt was $887.7 million, resulting in net debt of $797.9 million. At the end of the second quarter of 2023, Bowlero’s Net Leverage Ratio was 2.3x TTM Adjusted EBITDA. For the second quarter of 2023, Net Cash provided by operating Activities was $80.3 million, and Net Cash generated from Adjusted Operating Activities was $106.0 million when adjusted for the $25.7 million in interest expense paid in cash.

Share Repurchase Program

The Company repurchased 629,677 shares of Class A common stock during the second quarter at an average price of $12.62, bringing the total shares repurchased to 4,528,447 shares (average price per share of $10.59) and bringing the total Class A and Class B shares outstanding down to 162.4 million as of January 1, 2023. The Company has now repurchased more than 100% of the shares issued as a result of the warrant redemption in May 2022. Bowlero has $146.6 million of share repurchase authorization remaining as of January 1, 2023.

Bowling Center Trailing 13-week Revenue Growth Trend3

[Please see the Bowling Center Trailing 13-week Revenue Growth TrendChart]

Investor Webcast Information

Listeners may access an investor webcast hosted by Bowlero. The webcast and results presentation will be accessible at 4:30 PM ET on February 15, 2023 in the Events & Presentations section of the Bowlero Investor Relations website at https://ir.bowlerocorp.com/overview/default.aspx.

About Bowlero Corp.

Bowlero Corp. is the worldwide leader in bowling entertainment. With more than 325 bowling centers across North America, Bowlero Corp. serves nearly 30 million guests each year through a family of brands that includes Bowlero and AMF. Bowlero Corp. is also home to the Professional Bowlers Association, which boasts thousands of members and millions of fans across the globe. For more information on Bowlero Corp., please visit BowleroCorp.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology and include preliminary results. These forward-looking statements reflect our views with respect to future events as of the date of this release and are based on our management’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, assumptions, beliefs and information. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. All such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control, and could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this document. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. These risks include, but are not limited to: the impact of COVID-19 or other adverse public health developments on our business; our ability to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers, compete within our industry and retain our key employees; changes in consumer preferences and buying patterns; the possibility that we may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; the risk that the market for our entertainment offerings may not develop on the timeframe or in the manner that we currently anticipate; general economic conditions and uncertainties affecting markets in which we operate and economic volatility that could adversely impact our business, including the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors described under the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) by the Company on September 15, 2022, as well as other filings that the Company will make, or has made, with the SEC, such as Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this press release and in other filings. We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To provide investors with information in addition to our results as determined under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), we disclose net income, normalized for extraordinary and non-recurring items, cash generated from Adjusted Operating Activities, net, Adjusted EBITDA, and trailing twelve month Adjusted EBITDA as “non-GAAP measures” that management believes provide useful information to investors because each measure assists both investors and management in analyzing and benchmarking the performance and value of our business. Accordingly, management believes that these measurements are useful for comparing general operating performance from period to period, and management relies on these measures for planning and forecasting of future periods. Additionally, these measures allow management to compare our results with those of other companies that have different financing and capital structures. These measures are not financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for revenue, net income, net cash provided (used) by operating activities or any other operating performance or liquidity measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, and may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure reported by other companies.

Net income normalized for extraordinary and non-recurring items represents Net income (loss) before non-cash expenses or income related to Changes in the value of earnouts and warrants. Cash generated from Adjusted Operating Activities, net represents Net cash provided by operating activities before cash interest. Adjusted EBITDA represents Net income (loss) before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, Share-based Compensation, EBITDA from Closed Centers, Foreign Currency Exchange Loss (Gain), Asset Disposition Loss (Gain), Transactional and other advisory costs, Charges attributed to new initiatives, Extraordinary unusual non-recurring gains or losses and Changes in the value of earnouts and warrants and settlement costs. Trailing twelve month Adjusted EBITDA represents Adjusted EBITDA over the most recent twelve month period.

The Company considers net income normalized for extraordinary and non-recurring items as an important financial measure because it provides an indicator of performance that is not affected by fluctuations in certain costs or other items. However, this measure has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are that it does not reflect every cash expenditure and is not adjusted for all non-cash income or expense items that are reflected in our statements of cash flows.

The Company considers Cash generated from Adjusted Operating Activities, net as an important financial measure because it provides an indicator of cash flow that is not affected by how the Company finances its operations. However, this measure has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of cash generation as reported under GAAP.

The Company considers Adjusted EBITDA as an important financial measure because it provides a financial measure of the quality of the Company’s earnings. Other companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, which might limit its usefulness as a comparative measure. Adjusted EBITDA is used by management in addition to and in conjunction with the results presented in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, we believe trailing twelve month Adjusted EBITDA provides the current run-rate for trending purposes, rather than annualizing the respective quarters, as the Company’s business is seasonal, with the second and third fiscal quarters being higher than the first and last quarters.

We have presented Adjusted EBITDA solely as a supplemental disclosure because we believe it allows for a more complete analysis of results of operations and assists investors and analysts in comparing our operating performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance.

Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are that Adjusted EBITDA and trailing twelve month Adjusted EBITDA: do not reflect every expenditure, future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; do not reflect changes in our working capital needs; do not reflect the interest expense, or the amounts necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our outstanding debt; do not reflect income tax (benefit) expense, and because the payment of taxes is part of our operations, tax expense is a necessary element of our costs and ability to operate; do not reflect non-cash equity compensation, which will remain a key element of our overall equity based compensation package; and do not reflect the impact of earnings or charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations.

  1. The closed center adjustment is to remove EBITDA for closed centers. Closed centers are those centers that are closed for a variety of reasons, including permanent closure, newly acquired or built centers prior to opening, centers closed for renovation or rebranding and conversion. Closed centers do not include centers closed in compliance with local, state and federal government restrictions due to COVID-19. If a center is not open on the last day of the reporting period, it will be considered closed for that reporting period. If the center is closed on the first day of the reporting period for permanent closure, the center will be considered closed for that reporting period.
  2. The adjustment for transaction costs and other advisory costs is to remove charges incurred in connection with any transaction, including mergers, acquisitions, refinancing, amendment or modification to indebtedness, dispositions and costs in connection with an initial public offering, in each case, regardless of whether consummated.
  3. The adjustment for charges is to remove charges attributed to new initiatives include charges with the undertaking and/or implementation of new initiatives, business optimization activities, cost savings initiatives, cost rationalization programs, operating expense reductions and/or synergies and/or similar initiatives and/or programs (including in connection with any integration, restructuring or transition, any reconstruction, decommissioning, recommissioning, or reconfiguration of fixed assets for alternative uses, any office or facility opening and/or pre-opening), including any inventory optimization program and/or any curtailment, any business optimization charge, any restructuring charge (including any charges relating to any tax restructuring), any charge relating to the closure or consolidation of any office or facility (including but not limited to rent terminations, moving costs and legal costs), any systems implementation charge, any severance charge, any one time compensation charge, any charge relating to entry into a new market, any charge relating to any strategic initiative or contract, any charge relating to any entry into new markets and contracts, any lease run-off charge, any charge associated with improvements to information technology (IT) or accounting functions, losses related to temporary decreases in work volume and expenses related to maintaining underutilized personnel, any charge relating to a new contract, any consulting charge and/or any corporate development charge; provided, that, in this case of any such charge, the results of any such action relating to such charge are projected by in good faith to be achieved with 24 months of undertaking.
  4. The adjustment for extraordinary unusual non-recurring gains or losses is to remove extraordinary gains and losses, which include any gain or charge from any extraordinary item as determined in good faith by the Company and/or any non-recurring or unusual item as determined in good faith by the Company and/or any charge associated with and/or payment of any legal settlement, fine, judgment or order.
  5. The adjustment for changes in the value of earnouts and warrants is to remove the impact of the revaluation of the earnouts and warrants. As a result of the Company’s de-SPAC transaction, the Company recorded liabilities for earnouts and warrants. Changes in the fair value of the earnout and warrant liabilities are recognized in the statement of operations. Decreases in the liability will have a favorable impact on the income statement and increases in the liability will have an unfavorable impact.
  1. The closed center adjustment is to remove EBITDA for closed centers. Closed centers are those centers that are closed for a variety of reasons, including permanent closure, newly acquired or built centers prior to opening, centers closed for renovation or rebranding and conversion. Closed centers do not include centers closed in compliance with local, state and federal government restrictions due to COVID-19. If a center is not open on the last day of the reporting period, it will be considered closed for that reporting period.If the center is closed on the first day of the reporting period for permanent closure, the center will be considered closed for that reporting period.
  2. The adjustment for transaction costs and other advisory costs is to remove charges incurred in connection with any transaction, including mergers, acquisitions, refinancing, amendment or modification to indebtedness, dispositions and costs in connection with an initial public offering, in each case, regardless of whether consummated.
  3. The adjustment for charges is to remove charges attributed to new initiatives include charges with the undertaking and/or implementation of new initiatives, business optimization activities, cost savings initiatives, cost rationalization programs, operating expense reductions and/or synergies and/or similar initiatives and/or programs (including in connection with any integration, restructuring or transition, any reconstruction, decommissioning, recommissioning, or reconfiguration of fixed assets for alternative uses, any office or facility opening and/or pre-opening), including any inventory optimization program and/or any curtailment, any business optimization charge, any restructuring charge (including any charges relating to any tax restructuring), any charge relating to the closure or consolidation of any office or facility (including but not limited to rent terminations, moving costs and legal costs), any systems implementation charge, any severance charge, any one time compensation charge, any charge relating to entry into a new market, any charge relating to any strategic initiative or contract, any charge relating to any entry into new markets and contracts, any lease run-off charge, any charge associated with improvements to information technology (IT) or accounting functions, losses related to temporary decreases in work volume and expenses related to maintaining underutilized personnel, any charge relating to a new contract, any consulting charge and/or any corporate development charge; provided, that, in this case of any such charge, the results of any such action relating to such charge are projected by in good faith to be achieved with 24 months of undertaking.
  4. The adjustment for extraordinary unusual non-recurring gains or losses is to remove extraordinary gains and losses, which include any gain or charge from any extraordinary item as determined in good faith by the Company and/or any non-recurring or unusual item as determined in good faith by the Company and/or any charge associated with and/or payment of any legal settlement, fine, judgment or order.
  5. The adjustment for changes in the value of earnouts and warrants is to remove the impact of the revaluation of the earnouts and warrants. As a result of the Company’s de-SPAC transaction, the Company recorded liabilities for earnouts and warrants. Changes in the fair value of the earnout and warrant liabilities are recognized in the statement of operations. Decreases in the liability will have a favorable impact on the income statement and increases in the liability will have an unfavorable impact. The adjustment also includes realized costs associated with the settlement of warrants during past reporting periods.

1 The pre-pandemic comparable period for quarter ended January 1, 2023 is the quarter ended on December 29, 2019.

Same-store sales are measured by comparing revenues for centers open for the entire duration of both the current and comparable measurement periods.

Revenue growth is calculated as the growth in Bowling Center Revenue compared to the comparable week during the pre-pandemic 52-week period beginning March 2019 and ending February 2020. Total Bowling Center Revenue (i) excludes media-related revenue and closed bowling centers from both current period and pre-pandemic and prior year periods and (ii) includes new bowling centers that have opened since March 2020. For weeks ending between September 26, 2021 and December 26, 2021, the percentages above are calculated by comparing each week to the comparable week in 2019. For weeks ending between January 2, 2022 and February 27, 2022, the percentages above are calculated by comparing each week to the comparable week in 2020. For weeks ending between March 6, 2022 and February 5, 2023, the percentages above are calculated by comparing each week to the comparable week in 2019. Total Bowling Center Revenue for each date is the 13-week rolling average of weekly Total Bowling Center Revenue. We use the 13-week rolling average because the revenue performance in individual weeks can be positively or negatively impacted by timing shift of holiday/sporting events, holidays moving to weekends, and extreme weather events. Data for all weeks following the close of the quarter ended on January 1, 2023 are preliminary and have not been audited or reviewed and are forward-looking statements based solely on information available to us as of the date of this announcement.

For Media:
Bowlero Corp. Public Relations
PR@BowleroCorp.com

For Investors:
Bowlero Corp. Investor Relations
IRSupport@BowleroCorp.com

Ashley DeSimone
Ashley.DeSimone@dduffyicrinc-com

Source: Bowlero Corp.

When OpenAI Unleashed ChatGPT, Productivity, and Efficiency Took a Giant Leap Forward

Image Credit: Alan Levine (Flickr)

Getting to Know ChatGPT: A Shallow Dip into Its Current Functionality and Future Potential

ChatGPT and the underlying AI technology are, as near as anyone can tell, the next-level toolkit for research, communication, idea generation, and a million other uses. If you haven’t introduced yourself to it yet, leave plenty of time –  getting started is easy, but getting yourself to stop may not be. Those of us that were around pre-internet may liken the first-time experience to the first time we gained access to the world wide web. The Sudden, much easier access to a world of information, puts one in a place where you don’t know what to try first.  

Over the past couple of months, the now-familiar name, ChatGPT has made headlines. It quickly captivated the worlds imagination as an AI product that is likely to disrupt or destroy some industries while enhancing others. Obviously, this is of particular interest to investors. With this in mind, I sat down for an interview with ChatGPT; below are answers to questions that many investors are asking.

Channelchek (PH) – Am I able to interview Chatgpt?

ChatGPT – Hello! As an AI language model, I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. However, it’s important to keep in mind that I don’t have personal experiences or opinions like a human, and I can only provide information based on my training data. So feel free to ask me anything!

Channelchek (PH) – What do most users have ChatGPT to do for them?

ChatGPT – As an AI language model, ChatGPT can be used for a wide range of tasks, including:

  • Language translation: ChatGPT can be used to translate text from one language to another.
  • Content creation: ChatGPT can generate text for various types of content, such as articles, blog posts, and product descriptions.
  • Chatbot development: ChatGPT can be used to develop chatbots that can interact with users and provide information.
  • Sentiment analysis: ChatGPT can be used to analyze the sentiment of a piece of text, such as a social media post or a product review.
  • Question-answering: ChatGPT can be used to answer questions on a wide range of topics.
  • Text summarization: ChatGPT can be used to summarize long pieces of text into shorter, more manageable summaries.
  • Language modeling: ChatGPT can be used to train new models for specific domains, such as medical or legal language.

These are just a few examples of what ChatGPT can be used for. Its versatility and flexibility make it a powerful tool for many different applications.

Channelchek (PH) – From where do you pull your answers ChatGPT?

ChatGPT – As an AI language model, I don’t have pre-programmed answers. Instead, I generate responses to questions by analyzing patterns in large amounts of text data that I was trained on. Specifically, I was trained on a dataset of billions of words from various sources, including books, articles, websites, and other textual sources. During my training, I was exposed to a wide range of topics and writing styles, which helps me generate responses to many different types of questions.

When you ask me a question, I use natural language processing (NLP) techniques to analyze the question and generate a response based on patterns in the text data that I was trained on. I then use statistical models to determine the most likely response based on the context of the question and the patterns in the training data.

It’s important to note that my responses are only as accurate and reliable as the patterns that I learned during my training. While I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I may not always get it right, and my responses may not reflect the views or opinions of OpenAI.

Channelchek (PH) – Are you at risk of having the response you generate slanted or biased based on users feedback adjusting your training ChatGPT?

ChatGPT – As an AI language model, I am designed to learn from the data that I am trained on, including the feedback that users provide to adjust my training. However, it’s important to be aware that the feedback that users provide can sometimes introduce biases into my training.

If the feedback is consistently biased in a particular direction, this could affect the accuracy and fairness of my responses. This is why it’s important to carefully monitor and evaluate any feedback that is used to adjust my training, and to ensure that it is representative of a wide range of perspectives.

To address this issue, OpenAI has implemented a number of safeguards to prevent bias and ensure that my training data is as accurate and diverse as possible. For example, the training data is carefully curated to include a wide range of sources and perspectives, and the training process is carefully monitored to ensure that biases are not introduced.

Additionally, OpenAI has implemented a number of techniques to help identify and mitigate any biases that may be present in the training data or feedback. For example, I am periodically evaluated to ensure that my responses are accurate and unbiased, and any issues that are identified are addressed through additional training or other adjustments to the model.

Channelchek (PH) – As an editor I write for Channelchek about stocks, the financial markets, the economy and business climate. Are you a good resource for current events related to these topics ChatGPT?

ChatGPT – As an AI language model, I can certainly provide you with information on current events related to stocks, financial markets, the economy, and the business climate. I have been trained on a vast amount of text data, including news articles and other sources related to these topics, so I can provide you with up-to-date information and insights on current events.

When asking me questions related to these topics, it’s important to provide me with as much context and specificity as possible so that I can provide you with the most accurate and relevant information. For example, if you are looking for information on a particular company or sector, you could provide me with the name of the company or sector, as well as any other relevant details or questions you may have.

However, it’s important to note that my responses are generated based on patterns in the text data that I was trained on, and may not reflect the views or opinions of OpenAI. Additionally, while I can provide you with information on current events and trends, I cannot provide investment advice or make predictions about future market performance. It’s always important to carefully evaluate information and seek the advice of a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.

Channelchek (PH) – Do users ask you to forecast the stock market direction?

ChatGPT – Yes, users sometimes ask me to forecast the direction of the stock market. However, as an AI language model, I cannot make accurate predictions about future market performance. While I can provide information on current market trends and historical data, predicting the future direction of the stock market is a highly complex task that involves a range of economic, political, and social factors.

It’s important to note that investing in the stock market involves a certain degree of risk, and investors should always carefully evaluate market conditions and seek the advice of a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. While I can provide general information and insights related to stocks and financial markets, I cannot provide investment advice or predict the future performance of individual stocks or the overall market.

Channelchek (PH) – Are you familiar with Channelchek?

ChatGPT – While I am not specifically programmed to be familiar with individual websites, I may have come across content from Channelchek during my training.

That being said, I can still provide you with general information on what Channelchek is. From my understanding, Channelchek is a financial information platform that provides independent research, analysis, and market commentary on publicly traded companies. It offers a range of tools and resources for investors and financial professionals, including market data, stock quotes, and research reports.

Channelchek’s focus is on providing unbiased and independent information to help investors make informed investment decisions.

Channelchek (PH) – Does your AI technology pose a risk to traditional internet search engines?

ChatGPT – My purpose is not to compete with traditional search engines like Google or Bing, but rather to complement them by providing an additional source of information and assistance to users. While I am capable of providing answers to a wide range of questions and generating responses to open-ended queries, I am not designed to replace traditional search engines or web browsing.

Search engines like Google and Bing are still the primary means by which users navigate the internet and find information, and they use a range of sophisticated algorithms and machine learning techniques to index and rank content on the web. While I am capable of processing natural language queries and generating responses, my training data is based on pre-existing content, which means that my responses are generated based on patterns in the text data that I was trained on, rather than direct access to the vast amounts of data on the internet.

Early Boolean Phrase Search Tool

Overall, AI language models like me are part of a larger ecosystem of tools and technologies that are designed to help users access and navigate the vast amount of information available online. While there may be some overlap between the capabilities of traditional search engines and AI language models, both serve different purposes and can work together to provide users with the most comprehensive and accurate information possible.

Channelchek (PH) – What industries are you likely to disrupt and which are you likely to augment or help build?

ChatGPT – As an AI language model, my capabilities are quite broad, and I have the potential to impact a wide range of industries and areas of society. Here are a few ways in which I could potentially disrupt or augment various industries:

Industries that could be disrupted:

  • Customer service: AI language models like me are already being used by many companies to automate and improve customer service interactions, and this trend is likely to continue. As AI technology improves, it could potentially replace many human customer service jobs.
  • Content creation: AI language models have the potential to automate certain types of content creation, such as news articles, product descriptions, and even social media posts. This could have a significant impact on the journalism and writing industries.
  • Education: AI language models could potentially disrupt the traditional education model by providing personalized learning experiences and automating certain types of teaching and grading.

Industries that could be augmented:

  • Healthcare: AI language models could help augment healthcare by providing more accurate and personalized diagnoses, and by automating certain types of administrative tasks.
  • Finance: AI language models could help augment finance by providing more accurate and data-driven investment advice, and by automating certain types of financial analysis.
  • Research: AI language models could help augment research by processing and analyzing vast amounts of data, and by identifying patterns and insights that might be difficult for humans to spot on their own.

Overall, the impact of AI language models like me on various industries will depend on a wide range of factors, including the development of the technology, the regulatory environment, and societal attitudes toward automation and AI. While there may be some industries that are more susceptible to disruption or augmentation than others, it’s important to approach these developments with a nuanced understanding of the potential benefits and risks.

Channelchek (PH) – Are users using ChatGPT to create social media bots to respond without human intervention likely to flood the internet?

ChatGPT – While it is technically possible for users to use AI language models like ChatGPT to create social media bots that can respond to messages without human intervention, I cannot speculate on whether this is likely to flood the internet.

The use of AI language models like ChatGPT could potentially make it easier and more accessible for users to create more sophisticated chatbots that can mimic human conversation more convincingly.

It’s also important to consider the potential impact of widespread use of social media bots on the quality and authenticity of online interactions. While chatbots can be useful in certain contexts, they can also be used to spread misinformation and propaganda or to manipulate public opinion. As with any technology, it’s important to approach the use of AI language models and chatbots in a responsible and ethical way, and to consider the potential risks and benefits of their use.

Channelchek (PH) – What do you call one that uses ChatGPT?

ChatGPT – There is no specific term for a person who uses ChatGPT or other AI language models, as these tools are designed to be accessible and usable by anyone with an internet connection.

However, a person who uses ChatGPT to create chatbots or other automated tools could be referred to as an AI developer or AI engineer. Similarly, a person who uses ChatGPT to conduct research or analysis in a specific field could be referred to as an AI researcher or analyst.

Channelchek (PH) – How much do you cost?

As an AI language model, I do not have a specific cost as I am not a commercial product. My purpose is to provide information and assistance to users like you, and I am freely accessible through various platforms that integrate my technology, including chatbots, voice assistants, and search engines.

Channelchek (PH) – Should I throw out the encyclopedias on my book shelf and rely instead on ChatGPT?

ChatGPT – Ultimately, whether or not to keep your encyclopedias depends on your personal preferences and how you prefer to access information. While AI language models like ChatGPT are convenient and accessible, they may not always provide the level of detail or accuracy that you require for a specific question or topic. So, it’s always a good idea to consult multiple sources of information to ensure that you have a well-rounded understanding of a given topic.

Channelchek (PH) – How does one get started using ChatGPT for research?

ChatGPT – Getting started with using ChatGPT for research can involve several steps. Here are a few basic steps you can follow:

Identify your research question or topic: Start by identifying the research question or topic you want to investigate. This will help you to focus your search and make the best use of ChatGPT.

Choose a ChatGPT platform: There are several platforms that integrate ChatGPT, including chatbots, voice assistants, and search engines. Choose a platform that best fits your needs and preferences.

Familiarize yourself with the platform: Once you have chosen a platform, take some time to explore and familiarize yourself with its features and capabilities. Many platforms offer tutorials and guides to help you get started.

Start asking questions: Once you are comfortable with the platform, start asking questions related to your research topic. Try to ask open-ended questions that will allow ChatGPT to provide more detailed and relevant answers.

Evaluate the results: As you receive answers from ChatGPT, evaluate the accuracy and relevance of the information. Keep in mind that ChatGPT is not perfect and may not always provide the most accurate or comprehensive information. Be sure to double-check any information you receive with other sources to ensure its accuracy.

Refine your search: If you are not finding the information you need, try refining your search by using more specific keywords or phrases.

Overall, using ChatGPT for research can be a valuable tool for gathering information and conducting preliminary investigations. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it is just one tool in the research process, and should be used in conjunction with other sources of information and research methods.

Wrap Up

It’s easy to comprehend how this technology, which will likely see stronger competition in the coming year, will quickly become something that is used every day to help streamline how we do our jobs, and find information in our personal lives. Unlike an internet search engine, queries produce individual results tailored to the individual question. The same question will recieve different phraseology if asked a minute later. Whereas Google or DuckDuckGo list websites that may provide the answer, ChatGPT responds using its own answer using artificial intelligence.

Getting started is as easy as going to OpenAI.com and navigating to Chat.OpenAI.com and providing an email and verification phone number. Click on my name below and write me, I’d love to hear what you are using it for.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Source:

OpenAI. Retrieved February 15, 2022

Release – Introducing Entravision Plus

Research News and Market Data on EVC

Introducing Entravision Plus

02/13/2023

Traditional TV and OTT Meet to Maximize Local Hispanic Reach

SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Entravision (NYSE: EVC), a leading global advertising solutions, media and technology company, announced today the launch of Entravision Plus, the newest way for companies to effectively connect and engage with Hispanic consumers through over-the-top (OTT) media and Connected TV (CTV). Entravision Plus helps optimize digital advertising results by leveraging performance-based data insights to connect with consumers as they consume content from premium Spanish-language publishers.

Entravision Plus is the latest addition in the full suite of digital solutions offered by Entravision. Along with OTT/CTV, this suite of digital services now includes: Digital Audio Ads, Display Ads, Digital Out of Home, Facebook / Instagram, TikTok, SEM, YouTube Ads, Email Marketing and Branded Content that complement the Company’s television and radio properties.

Currently, 90% of Hispanic consumers stream video on smart devices, which is 10% more than non-Hispanic consumers. In addition, the average Hispanic consumer spends over 26 hours per month watching video online, or seven more hours than the U.S average. With these statistics in mind, it is clear that a growing number of Latino households can now be reached via television and Entravision Plus online video products.

“Advertisers need to reach their consumers,” said Jessica Martinez, General Manager of Entravision US Digital. “We can now offer our clients the ability to reach consumers not only through our television and radio assets, but also through an array of digital products.”

Martinez continued, “Entravision Plus – our newest offering – provides advertisers with unique targeting, competitive ad separation and insightful analytics to reach all segments of the Latino consumers. We are excited to provide this premium solution, along with television and radio, to meet the needs of an evolving market. By leveraging Entravision Plus, we anticipate that our customers’ businesses will stand out and grow faster than ever before.”

To learn more about Entravision Plus and its unique content offerings, please visit entravisionlocalmarketingsolutions.com.

About Entravision

Entravision is a leading global advertising, media and ad-tech solutions company connecting brands to consumers by representing top platforms and publishers. Our dynamic portfolio includes digital, television and audio offerings. Digital, our largest revenue segment, comprises four business units: our digital sales representation business; Smadex, our programmatic ad purchasing platform; our branding and mobile performance solutions business; and our digital audio business. Through our digital sales representation business, we connect global media companies such as Meta, Twitter, TikTok and Spotify with advertisers in primarily emerging growth markets worldwide. Smadex is our mobile-first demand side platform, enabling advertisers to execute performance campaigns using machine learning. We also offer a branding and mobile performance solutions business, which provides managed services to advertisers looking to connect with global consumers, primarily on mobile devices, and our digital audio business provides digital audio advertising solutions for advertisers in the Americas. In addition to digital, Entravision has 49 television stations and is the largest affiliate group of the Univision and UniMás television networks. Entravision also manages 45 primarily Spanish-language radio stations that feature nationally recognized, Emmy award-winning talent. Shares of Entravision Class A Common Stock trade on the NYSE under ticker: EVC. Learn more about our offerings at entravision.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are included in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested by the forward-looking statements in this press release. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from these expectations, and the Company disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements made by the Company. From time to time, these risks, uncertainties and other factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information please contact:
Kimberly Esterkin
Addo Investor Relations
evc@addo.com
310-829-5400

Entravision Plus:
Jessica Martinez
GM US Digital
jessicamartinez@entravision.com

Source: Entravision

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RCI Hospitality Holdings (RICK) – A Solid First Quarter


Monday, February 13, 2023

With more than 60 units, RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the country’s leading company in adult nightclubs and sports bars/restaurants. Clubs in New York City, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, Denver, St. Louis, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, Louisville, and other markets operate under brand names such as Rick’s Cabaret, XTC, Club Onyx, Vivid Cabaret, Jaguars Club, Tootsie’s Cabaret, Scarlett’s Cabaret, Diamond Cabaret, and PT’s Showclub. Sports bars/restaurants operate under the brand name Bombshells Restaurant & Bar.

Joe Gomes, Managing Director – Generalist Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

1Q23 Operating Results. First quarter revenue came in at $70 million, up 13.2% y-o-y. Adjusted EBITDA in the quarter was $20.5 million, up 13.9% y-o-y. Impacted by non-comp expense and D&A, net income fell 3.2% to $10.2 million. EPS was $1.11 and adjusted EPS was $1.19, down 0.9% and up 8.2%, respectively, y-o-y. We had forecast revenue of $72 million, adjusted EBITDA of $23 million, and EPS of $1.32.

Segments. Nightclubs revenue rose 20.3% to $56.3 million, driven by acquired clubs and a 1.2% SSS growth, with a 40.4% operating margin. Bombshells continues to face challenges with revenue of $13.4 million down 9.5%, SSS off 13.9%, and a 13.8% operating margin.


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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Investors in Sports Betting May Prove to be the Real Superbowl Winners

Image Credit: Focal Foto (Flickr)

The Lucky Stars Seem to Have Aligned for Online Gambling Companies

Public companies involved in sports betting may find their shareholders are the real winners. Between the increased number of states that have legalized sports betting over recent years, the enhanced betting opportunities, and the nature of the Superbowl win, luck seems to have weighed heavily on the side of these businesses. It will take time for the actual numbers to be reported. Just last year FanDuel became the first sportsbook to be profitable, it will report again in March. DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars, have yet to turn a profit in sports betting.

Superbowl Win Favors Companies

Close to 60% of bets were for the Philadelphia Eagles to be the outright winner of the game, according to FanDuel. FanDuel is the largest online sportsbook operator in the U.S. The less-expected 38-35 win for the Kansas City Chiefs over the Philadelphia Eagles at the Super Bowl will mean less wagered money will have to be distributed to customers. The team that was considered the underdog, having come out ahead, should add revenue to the bottom line of gambling companies.

The reason, of course, is companies like DraftKings and FanDuel will not have to pay out on many of the most popular bets, including widespread predictions for a 37-34 victory for the Eagles after online speculation over a ‘leaked script’ for the game.

Other Popular Bets

Before Sunday’s kick-off, Twitter and other social media conversations referred to the “leaked script.” An image was being shared that showed the Eagles winning 37-34. The image had millions of impressions on Twitter across all the shares.

Various Twitter Posts Highlighted this Image Pre-Game

Bettors could also wager on who may come out as the most valuable player. The Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was the most selected based on bets for this honor, according to FanDuel. Instead, the MVP award was won by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

During a heavy betting period, there was an issue with Caesars Entertainment subsidiary William Hill US. This issue was affecting users in Nevada by preventing them from logging in on Sunday. Frustrated users took to social media outlets to complain of their difficulties during the game. The company tweeted that it was still in the process of settling all Super Bowl wagers after the game on Sunday.

Take Away

Online sports gambling is experiencing dramatic growth. Each year more states allow the practice within their borders. At the same time, technology allows betting on slices of the game, even on in-play situations never before available. With both FanDuel and DraftKings advertising to the large Superbowl audience, the practice of gambling online on sports is becoming more and more understood and common place. The 2023 Superbowl may have helped the bottom line of these companies. That will be seen when the numbers for this quarter are released. Investors are paying attention as it would seem that there is plenty of room for further growth.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

About the Quickening Growth Spiral in Revenue of Pro Football

Image Credit: Peter T. (Flickr)

The Business of Football, How the NFL Makes Money

There’s a lot of money being made through the business of professional sports leagues. The NBA, MLB, NHL, all have very profitable business models, and although the businesses are all similar, the NFL leads the other U.S. based leagues in generating revenue. The once tax-exempt entity has a dual business structure with multiple layers of income that continues to expand. Below we cover the multiple ways the NFL, and the months-long drive of more than 30 teams to the Superbowl, ring the register.

In 2015, the National Football League forfeited its tax-exempt status with the IRS. The league had benefitted from the unique status beginning in 1942. The decision was based in part on mounting criticism over its rapidly growing earnings streams.

These streams largely come from the 32 teams that make up the NFL, thirty-one of the ball clubs are privately owned, while just one, the Green Bay Packers, continues to operate under a non-profit public corporation status. The clubs all form a trade association through which funds are directed back to the NFL board, some find their way distributed back to the teams.

This form of entertainment rakes in money on many fronts. In-person attendance, TV viewers, different forms of wagering, and advertising dollars all feed into overall league revenue after costs such as salaries that can $50 million annually.

Tickets to the Super Bowl 2023 event between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles are averaging about $10,000. The higher end seats are in the $40,000 range, about the same as a Tesla Model S.

Tax Exemption of Teams

The team with tax-exempt status is exempt from paying all or some of federal income taxes. This status had been maintained by all NFL teams from 1945 through 2015.

The NFL voluntarily opted to give up its tax-exempt status in 2015 and began paying taxes. Some contend this change avoids further negative public outcry. It seems the economic benefits were not as significant as the public relations disadvantages.

 Business Structure

The league separates its income streams into local and national categories. On the national side, the NFL negotiates national merchandise, licensing, and television contracts. The 32 teams receive equal shares of this money, regardless of individual team performance.

Local income is generated through concession sales, ticket sales, and corporate sponsors. This doesn’t nearly cover the cost of fielding a professional football team. Using the Green Bay Packers as a benchmark, the team had expenses totaling $410 million in its fiscal year 2021. Most of this number was attributable to player salaries, with the remainder used for stadium maintenance, advertising, and team and administration expenses.

 How Teams Make Money

The majority of any NFL team’s revenue comes from TV arrangements. Ticket revenues, licensing, merchandising agreements, and endorsement deals are additional income sources.

Revenue of All National Football League Teams from 2001 to 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Data Source: Statista

 

Televised Rights and Deals – The Super Bowl is among the most watched television events in America each year. The regular games broadcast on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays throughout the regular season will consistently have the best TV ratings. This is why media corporations pay an above average amount for the right to broadcast them.

The traditional television industry now competes with other video-based programming, all pulling the attention of those seeking entertainment. The NFL audience and draw are not in decline. NFL teams still generate massive local and even international revenue through TV contracts. The individual clubs receive significant amounts from television providers thanks to multibillion-dollar contracts, and there are even more television viewers and broadcasts of games than other programs on set.

Image Credit: Karen (Flickr)

Tickets and Vendor Rental – Far below the rapidly increasing money from TV deals, ticket sales are a large source of income for individual teams. NFL games often sell out, with an estimated average ticket price of $151 and a stadium capacity of roughly 70,000. It’s a nice add-on to broadcast viewership.

NFL teams can also use their stadiums to hold non-football activities, like concerts within local restrictions.  

The cash flow on the rental of space to vendors to sell food and drinks at games are also significant in a stadium with 70,000 fans as a captive audience.

Image Credit: RaymondClarkeImages (Flickr)

Official Sponsorships – Corporate sponsors pay NFL teams to put their logos on products, TV transitions, player jerseys, etc. The franchise rights to NFL grounds naming of stadiums are extremely desirable among corporate advertisers.

The naming right to So-Fi Stadium in LA, home of the Los Angeles Rams, is in the neighborhood of $30 million annually, and similar rights to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas is estimated at between $20 and $25 million annually.

Gambling Franchises – Some NFL teams take advantage of this method by opening betting platforms in their stadiums, collaborating with well-known casinos, creating online sports betting websites, and other strategies. This is an area of rapid expansion as sports betting becomes legalized across the US and technology provides opportunities for betting on fragments of the game in addition to the more traditional methods. Incremental income from these growing arrangements has expanded income opportunities among teams.

Image Credit: Karen (Flickr)

Costs

Overall, like any business, the NFL will undoubtedly explore all the opportunities for meaningful income that present itself. Of course the overall income is best measured net of expenditures that include marketing, cost of athletes and other entertainers, management, upkeep, and renovations.  

Take Away

One of the most financially successful professional sports leagues in the US and across the globe is the NFL. Most of the teams’ revenues are generated from broadcasting and licensing deals. The growth in revenue, with the exception of one year during the pandemic curbs, has been accelerating. Technology has brought new methods to gamble on sports, along with some friendly gaming legislation across the nation. This is additive to the bottom line.

It appears that the trend, which has survived some public relations setbacks, isn’t going to continue as Americans tend to spend many hours during the winter months immersed in the sport of football.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Twitter Data Will Now Cost its Users

Image Credit: The Conversation (February 8, 2023)

Twitter’s New Data Fees Leave Scientists Scrambling for Funding – or Cutting Research

Twitter is ending free access to its application programming interface, or API. An API serves as a software “middleman” allowing two applications to talk to each other. An API is an accessible way to collect and share data within and across organizations. For example, researchers at universities unaffiliated with Twitter can collect tweets and other data from Twitter through their API.

Starting Feb. 9, 2023, those wanting access to Twitter’s API will have to pay. The company is looking for ways to increase revenue to reverse its financial slide, and Elon Musk claimed that the API has been abused by scammers. This cost is likely to hinder the research community that relies on the Twitter API as a data source.

The Twitter API launched in 2006, allowing those outside of Twitter access to tweets and corresponding metadata, information about each tweet such as who sent it and when and how many people liked and retweeted it. Tweets and metadata can be used to understand topics of conversation and how those conversations are “liked” and shared on the platform and by whom.

This article was republished with permission from The Conversation, a news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. It represents the research-based findings and thoughts of, Jon-Patrick Allem, Assistant Professor of Research in Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California.

As a scientist and director of a research lab focused on collecting and analyzing posts from social media platforms, I have relied on the Twitter API to collect tweets pertinent to public health for over a decade. My team has collected more than 80 million observations over the past decade, publishing dozens of papers on topics from adolescents’ use of e-cigarettes to misinformation about COVID-19.

Twitter has announced that it will allow bots that it deems provide beneficial content to continue unpaid access to the API, and that the company will offer a “paid basic tier,” but it’s unclear whether those will be helpful to researchers.

Blocking Out and Narrowing Down

Twitter is a social media platform that hosts interesting conversations across a variety of topics. As a result of free access to the Twitter API, researchers have followed these conversations to try to better understand public attitudes and behaviors. I’ve treated Twitter as a massive focus group where observations – tweets – can be collected in near real time at relatively low cost.

The Twitter API has allowed me and other researchers to study topics of importance to society. Fees are likely to narrow the field of researchers who can conduct this work, and narrow the scope of some projects that can continue. The Coalition for Independent Technology Research issued a statement calling on Twitter to maintain free access to its API for researchers. Charging for access to the API “will disrupt critical projects from thousands of journalists, academics and civil society actors worldwide who study some of the most important issues impacting our societies today,” the coalition wrote.

@SMLabTO (Twitter)

The financial burden will not affect all academics equally. Some scientists are positioned to cover research costs as they arise in the course of a study, even unexpected or unanticipated costs. In particular, scientists at large research-heavy institutions with grant budgets in the millions of dollars are likely to be able to cover this kind of charge.

However, many researchers will be unable to cover the as yet unspecified costs of the paid service because they work on fixed or limited budgets. For example, doctoral students who rely on the Twitter API for data for their dissertations may not have additional funding to cover this charge. Charging for access to the Twitter API will ultimately reduce the number of participants working to understand the world around us.

The terms of Twitter’s paid service will require me and other researchers to narrow the scope of our work, as pricing limits will make it too expensive to continue to collect as much data as we would like. As the amount of data requested goes up, the cost goes up.

We will be forced to forgo data collection on some topic areas. For example, we collect a lot of tobacco-related conversations, and people talk about tobacco by referencing the behavior – smoking or vaping – and also by referencing a product, like JUUL or Puff Bar. I add as many terms as I can think of to cast a wide net. If I’m going to be charged per word, it will force me to rethink how wide a net I cast. This will ultimately reduce our understanding of issues important to society.

Difficult Adjustments

Costs aside, many academic institutions are likely to have a difficult time adapting to these changes. For example, most universities are slow-moving bureaucracies with a lot of red tape. To enter into a financial relationship or complete a small purchase may take weeks or months. In the face of the impending Twitter API change, this will likely delay data collection and potential knowledge.

Unfortunately, everyone relying on the Twitter API for data was given little more than a week’s notice of the impending change. This short period has researchers scrambling as we try to prepare our data infrastructures for the changes ahead and make decisions about which topics to continue studying and which topics to abandon.

If the research community fails to properly prepare, scientists are likely to face gaps in data collection that will reduce the quality of our research. And in the end that means a loss of knowledge for the world.

Release – Entravision Expands Meta Partnership with New Representation In Iceland

Research News and Market Data on EVC

02/07/2023

Entravision to provide support and consulting services that promote Meta’s commercial objectives of businesses in the region

SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Entravision (NYSE: EVC), a leading global advertising solutions, media and technology company, today announced that it will launch operations in the Icelandic market as an Authorized Sales Partner of Meta, the company that owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Entravision will provide support, training, lines of credit and local billing to advertisers in the Icelandic market, thereby enabling them to further their business growth.

“We are excited to enter into the Icelandic market through our longstanding partnership with Meta,” said Juan Saldivar, Chief Digital, Strategy and Accountability Officer. “With the addition of Iceland to our roster, Entravision now represents the Meta platform in 14 countries. This expansion into a new region will enable us to continue promoting our mission of bringing sales and creative expertise to growing digital markets across the globe. Iceland has over 341 thousand digitally connected consumers who are hyper-users of social media. We look forward to creating more engagement opportunities leveraging Meta’s social expertise,” Saldivar concluded.

Entravision’s operations in Iceland will be spearheaded by Country Manager, Thoranna K. Jonsdottir. “We are pleased to welcome Thoranna to the team to lead our partnership with Meta in Iceland,” said Saldivar. “With over 20 years of marketing and specific digital marketing experience, she brings world class expertise and local knowledge to our entry in the region, ensuring that the support we provide is tailored to the Icelandic market,” Saldivar continued.

“This partnership reinforces Meta’s commitment to advertisers to connect brands to consumers through local strategic support, creative expertise and relevant in-market training,” said Thoranna K. Jonsdottir, Entravision’s Iceland Country Manager. “Entravision has great experience in connecting global and well-known media platforms to their customers around the world. We look forward to working with Icelandic agencies and companies to increase their business results, aided by the effective use of the Meta platform.”

The Meta ASP appointment in Iceland adds to Entravision’s long list of 14 representations of Meta around the world. For Icelandic advertisers and companies, this expertise will not only enable businesses to make the most of Meta’s platforms to increase sales growth, but also assist them in obtaining more efficient results across the Meta family of brands.

“Our program of collaboration with sales partners has been designed to bring our knowledge and experience to advertisers in countries in the region where Meta has no physical presence,” said Martin Ingemansson, Meta’s Vice President in the Nordics. “We are thrilled to bring in Entravision as a Meta Authorized Sales Partner in Iceland. We believe that with Entravision’s robust local market insights and expertise, we can provide better support to businesses and agencies locally, helping them maximize the value of their digital advertising investments and unlock their potential growth.”

About Meta

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology.

About Entravision

Entravision is a leading global advertising, media and ad-tech solutions company connecting brands to consumers by representing top platforms and publishers. Our dynamic portfolio includes digital, television and audio offerings. Digital, our largest revenue segment, comprises four business units: our digital sales representation business; Smadex, our programmatic ad purchasing platform; our branding and mobile performance solutions business; and our digital audio business. Through our digital sales representation business, we connect global media companies such as Meta, Twitter, TikTok and Spotify with advertisers in primarily emerging growth markets worldwide. Smadex is our mobile-first demand side platform, enabling advertisers to execute performance campaigns using machine learning. We also offer a branding and mobile performance solutions business, which provides managed services to advertisers looking to connect with global consumers, primarily on mobile devices, and our digital audio business provides digital audio advertising solutions for advertisers in the Americas. In addition to digital, Entravision has 49 television stations and is the largest affiliate group of the Univision and UniMás television networks. Entravision also manages 45 primarily Spanish-language radio stations that feature nationally recognized, Emmy award-winning talent. Shares of Entravision Class A Common Stock trade on the NYSE under ticker: EVC. Learn more about our offerings at entravision.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are included in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested by the forward-looking statements in this press release. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from these expectations, and the Company disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements made by the Company. From time to time, these risks, uncertainties and other factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investors:
Christopher T. Young
Interim Chief Executive Officer / Chief Financial Officer
310-447-3870

Kimberly Esterkin
Addo Investor Relations
evc@addo.com
310-829-5400

Entravision Iceland ehf.
Thoranna K. Jonsdottir
Country Manager, Entravision Iceland ehf.
+354 841 5800
thoranna.jonsdottir@entravision.com

Source: Entravision

Release – Bowlero corp. To Report Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results

Research News and Market Data on BOWL

02/03/2023

Prepared remarks via webcast on February 15, 2023 at 4:30 PM ET

RICHMOND, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Bowlero Corp. (NYSE: BOWL) (“Bowlero” or the “Company”), the world’s largest owner and operator of bowling centers, will report financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2023 on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 after the U.S. stock market closes. Management will discuss the results via webcast at 4:30 PM ET on the same day.

The live webcast, replay and results presentation will be available in the Events & Presentations section of the Bowlero Investor Relations website at https://ir.bowlerocorp.com/overview/default.aspx.

About Bowlero Corp.

Bowlero Corp. is the worldwide leader in bowling entertainment. With more than 325 bowling centers across North America, Bowlero Corp. serves nearly 30 million guests each year through a family of brands that includes Bowlero and AMF. Bowlero Corp. is also home to the Professional Bowlers Association, which boasts thousands of members and millions of fans across the globe. For more information on Bowlero Corp., please visit BowleroCorp.com.

For Media:
PR@BowleroCorp.com

For Investors:
IRSupport@BowleroCorp.com

Source: Bowlero Corp.