Lee Enterprises (LEE) – Powering Through A Difficult Advertising Environment


Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Lee Enterprises, Incorporated provides local news, information, and advertising primarily in midsize markets in the United States. It publishes 49 daily newspapers, as well as offers 300 weekly newspapers and specialty publications in 23 states. The company also provides online advertising and services; and online infrastructure and online publishing services for approximately 1,500 daily and weekly newspapers and shoppers. In addition, it offers commercial printing services. The company has a strategic alliance with Yahoo!, Inc. to provide its classified employment advertising customer base the opportunity to post job listings and other employment products on Yahoo!�s HotJobs national platform. Lee Enterprises, Incorporated was founded in 1890 and is based in Davenport, Iowa.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research – Digital, Media & Technology Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Managing its cash flow. The company announced that it will be implementing cost reductions resulting in annualized savings of $60 million in fiscal year 2023. We have adjusted our quarterly estimates to reflect the current weaker than expected revenue outlook and significantly lower expenses. This report highlights our quarterly and full year 2023 and 2024 revenue and adj. EBITDA revisions.  

A tough quarter ahead. We believe that the company’s fiscal second quarter will be somewhat similar to the first quarter, given that the cost reductions impact will largely fall in the fiscal second half. As such, we believe that adj. EBITDA trends will significantly improve in the back half of the fiscal year. 


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*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. 

Beasley Broadcast Group (BBGI) – Raises Q1 Guidance


Wednesday, April 05, 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.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Non-deal roadshow highlights. CEO Caroline Beasley and CFO Marie Tedesco were in South Florida on April 4th to hold investor meetings. They provided a surprising positive update on Q1 and indicated favorable trends on its digital strategy.

Beating its peers. Management updated its Q1 outlook indicating that net revenue will grow in the range of 1% to 2.5% and EBITDA growth in the range of 40% to 50%, significantly better than our estimate. We believe that these results will be much better than the industry Q1 revenue, expected to be down 2% to 5% and with EBITDA lower. We raised our Q1 estimates, illustrated in Figure #1 Revisions. 


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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. 

QuoteMedia Inc. (QMCI) – Favorable Revenue Undercurrents


Tuesday, April 04, 2023

QuoteMedia is a leading software developer and cloud-based syndicator of financial market information and streaming financial data solutions to media, corporations, online brokerages, and financial services companies. The Company licenses interactive stock research tools such as streaming real-time quotes, market research, news, charting, option chains, filings, corporate financials, insider reports, market indices, portfolio management systems, and data feeds. QuoteMedia provides industry leading market data solutions and financial services for companies such as the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, TMX Group (TSX Stock Exchange), Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE), London Stock Exchange Group, FIS, U.S. Bank, Broadridge Financial Systems, JPMorgan Chase, CI Financial, Canaccord Genuity Corp., Hilltop Securities, HD Vest, Stockhouse, Zacks Investment Research, General Electric, Boeing, Bombardier, Telus International, Business Wire, PR Newswire, FolioFN, Regal Securities, ChoiceTrade, Cetera Financial Group, Dynamic Trend, Inc., Qtrade Financial, CNW Group, IA Private Wealth, Ally Invest, Inc., Suncor, Virtual Brokers, Leede Jones Gable, Firstrade Securities, Charles Schwab, First Financial, Cirano, Equisolve, Stock-Trak, Mergent, Cision, Day Trade Dash and others. Quotestream®, QModTM and Quotestream ConnectTM are trademarks of QuoteMedia. For more information, please visit www.quotemedia.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.

Strong operating results. The company reported Q4 revenue of $4.54 million, up 16% year over year and in line with our estimate. Adj. EBITDA was $869,000, beating our estimate of $690,000. Q4 revenue growth was sequentially better than Q3, 16% versus 15%, indicating improved revenue momentum.

Favorable outlook. The recent results benefited from two large Canadian banks added in November of last year. As such, the full revenue impact has not been fully realized. In addition, the company anticipates that there will be additional products and usage to drive revenue growth in 2023. Finally, the latest results were adversely affected by the expense of SOC2 Type II certification, which should moderate in coming quarters.


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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. 

Motorsport Games (MSGM) – Pushes Out IndyCar Launch


Monday, March 27, 2023

Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, combines innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers around the globe. The Company 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”). 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.

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.

Q4 results The company reported revenue of $3.8 million and an adj. EBITDA loss of $3.5 million in the quarter, roughly in line with our estimates. The quarter was driven by the successful release of NASCAR Rivals on the Nintendo Switch and reduced compensation expenses. The company made an investment in its user base by releasing a free DLC expansion pack for NASCAR 21: Ignition.

2023 outlook. The company announced the highly anticipated launch of its IndyCar game will be delayed until 2024. Management attributed the delay to an increased focus on quality, given that an Indy game has not been released in over a decade. As such, we are lowering our estimates in anticipation of adverse effects on revenue in 2023.


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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. 

A Reason for Investors to Look at the New Dynamics of Broadcast Media

Image Credit: Cottonbro Studio (Pexels)

Selling Air Time is Getting Easier for Broadcast Radio

Is broadcast radio losing its power? It doesn’t appear to be, and the medium may be of interest to investors that prefer to shy away from short-lived investment trends and instead look to more easily understood opportunities. According to the industry publication Ad Age, the industry is nearing an intersection where “18- to 49-year-olds are spending more time listening to radio than watching linear TV.” At least one large company has reworked its advertising budget to save money with the expectation of reaching more people. Is this a trend hat will grow?

Re-investing in Radio

Soap opera’s got their start nearly 100 years ago as Proctor and Gamble, manufacturer of soap and candles, created the addictive entertainment to position its product ads in front of the typical soap decision maker of the time. As TV became a fixture in households in the 1950s, P&G adapted and brought the shows and the advertising to television. Last year P&G increased its spending on traditional broadcast radio by 43%. Despite all the new advertising options available, and the ability to refine targeting, P&G has a method to their madness, and it’s worth understanding.

Why the Reversal?

Last year, in the face of rising costs, the marketing giant came under margin pressure. In an attempt to minimize price hikes and maintain old margins, they cut ad spending by 10%, with a new budget of $2.2 billion.

The CEO Jon Moeller had told P&G brand marketers to focus on how many people they reach and how often, rather than how targeted or how much they spend. Chief Brand Officer Marc Pritchard became focused on the effectiveness of radio, connected TV, and streaming free ad-supported TV (FAST).

Belt Tightening

Just as inflation has caused many households to be more frugal, perhaps use less expensive brands, and eat more at home, companies like P&G are finding they are taking a similar approach. And if it helps keep prices down, they can more easily retain customers and attract new ones.  

Here is some data on the extreme cost of reaching a broadcast TV audience. In the business, CPM (cost per mile) is a paid ad method where there is a certain rate for every 1000 impressions an ad receives. The CPM to reach TV audiences is as high as $35 to $65. For comparison, YouTube video CPMs range from $20 to $25, and linear TV is in the $10 to $15 range.

But radio can be bought in the $5-$6 CPM range. The targeting may not be as precise as broadcast TV or other media, but the amount spent for every 1000 impressions is a fraction of the alternatives.

Places Investors Might Explore

Other large advertisers are stepping up their radio efforts as well. Pharmaceutical companies Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson have started to spend more. According ad intelligence provider Vivvix. Pfizer became a top-five radio advertiser last year. They did this by more than doubling spending.

If you haven’t been following media companies, there is some acclimating to terminology, seasons, and how they profit. Two key places for information is the media report that Noble Capital Markets published late January of this year. The report which is available at this link was prepared by top analysts and discusses the recent state of radio, TV, digital media, and publishing.

A video produced just weeks before the published report by members of the same team can be helpful in providing you with insight as to one media company’s strengths over another. The video, featuring Michael Kupinski, Director of Research at Noble Capital Markets, is a half-hour full of insights. At this link.

Do you wish to hear directly from management of broadcast media companies impacted by new trends?

There are two companies that will be conducting three roadshows in Florida over the next two weeks. If you can attend, you’ll have the opportunity to hear directly from management what the future expectations are, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions of your own. The company names, locations and dates are available at this link, along with other scheduled roadshows.

Take Away

The most talked about stocks on the chat boards aren’t the only actionable opportunities astute investors can select from. As with all investing, growing your knowledge base can help one expand their watch-list.

P&G’s ad spend adjustment comes at a time when standard AM/FM radio has caught to and is neck and neck with linear TV (for people 18-49 in the U.S.). Radio audiences may not be growing, but they are not declining as broadcast TV audiences have – they are fairly consistent, and ad costs are a great value at a time when companies are dealing with their own increasing costs. This is getting the attention of large advertisers, and it perhaps should get the attention of investors.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Direct Digital Holdings (DRCT) – Shifts Gears For Enhanced Revenue Growth


Friday, March 24, 2023

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.

Strong Q4 results. The company reported strong Q4 revenue of $29.4 million, in line with our estimate of $29.3 million. The quarter was driven by robust Sell-side advertising revenues of $22.4million, an increase of 231% from the prior year period. Q4 Adj. EBITDA of $1.8 million was flat year over year and missed our estimate of $2.7 million, largely due to elevated compensation costs.

2023 outlook. The company is shifting its focus to pursue larger, but more price sensitive clients. As such, we expect higher investment and compensation costs to support larger accounts. The company plans to invest to offer new products, like data analytics to support higher future margins. We believe adj. EBITDA will be flat over the prior year, given increased investment and lower margin clients.


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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. 

Travelzoo (TZOO) – Results Point Toward Favorable Momentum


Thursday, March 23, 2023

Travelzoo® provides its 30 million members with exclusive offers and one-of-a-kind experiences personally reviewed by our deal experts around the globe. We have our finger on the pulse of outstanding travel, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences. We work in partnership with more than 5,000 top travel suppliers—our long-standing relationships give Travelzoo members access to irresistible deals.

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.

Strong Q4 results. The company reported strong Q4 operating results, with revenue up 31.6% to $18.6 million and Adj. EBITDA up an impressive 328% to $4.7 million. Notably, the company’s North America segment grew revenue by 53% and reported margins of 29%. The company benefited from favorable travel trends and lower operating expenses, particularly marketing expenses. 

Favorable trends. The company has positive revenue and margin momentum moving into 2023. Management highlighted the opportunity for further margin growth given potential advertising price increases in Q2. The company appears to be benefiting from pent up travel demand from its travel enthusiast base. 


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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 – Travelzoo Reports Fourth Quarter 2022 Results

Research News and Market Data on TZOO

03/22/2023

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NEW YORK, March 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO):

  • Revenue of $18.6 million, up 36% year-over-year
  • In constant currencies, revenue was $19.4 million, up 42% year-over-year
  • Non-GAAP consolidated operating profit of $4.8 million
  • Earnings per share (EPS) of $0.20

Travelzoo, a global Internet media company that provides exclusive offers and experiences for members, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2022. Consolidated revenue was $18.6 million, up 36% from $13.7 million year-over-year. In constant currencies, revenue was $19.4 million. Travelzoo’s reported revenue consists of advertising revenues and commissions, derived from and generated in connection with purchases made by Travelzoo members.

The reported net income attributable to Travelzoo from continuing operations was $2.5 million for Q4 2022. At the consolidated level, including minority interests, the reported net income from continuing operations was $2.5 million. EPS from continuing operations was $0.20, compared to EPS of ($0.27) in the prior-year period.

Non-GAAP operating profit was $4.8 million. The calculation of non-GAAP operating profit excludes impairment of intangible assets ($200,000), amortization of intangibles ($453,000), stock option expenses ($348,000) and severance-related expenses ($200,000). GAAP operating profit was $3.6 million. See section “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

“Revenue growth accelerated in both North America and in Europe, leading to much stronger earnings,” said Holger Bartel, Travelzoo’s Global CEO. “As the recovery from the pandemic continues, we will leverage Travelzoo’s global reach and trusted brand to further improve earnings in future periods.”

“With more than 30 million members, 7 million mobile app users, and 4 million social media followers, Travelzoo is loved by travel enthusiasts who are affluent, active and open to new experiences.”

Cash Position
As of December 31, 2022, consolidated cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $19.4 million. Net cash used in operations was $2.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. Cash was used primarily in connection with a decrease of merchant payables by $6.3 million.

Reserve
Reported revenues include a reserve of $1.3 million related to commissions to be earned from vouchers sold. The reserve is booked as contra revenue.

Travelzoo North America
North America business segment revenue increased 53% year-over-year to $13.1 million. Operating profit for Q4 2022 was $3.7 million, or 29% of revenue, compared to an operating loss of $2.1 million in the prior-year period.

Travelzoo Europe
Europe business segment revenue increased 9% year-over-year to $4.7 million. At constant currencies, Europe business segment revenue increased 23% year-over-year. Operating profit for Q4 2022 was $42,000, compared to an operating loss of $1.7 million in the prior-year period.

Jack’s Flight Club
On January 13, 2020, Travelzoo acquired 60% of Jack’s Flight Club, a membership subscription service. Jack’s Flight Club revenue increased 6% year-over-year to $855,000. During Q4 2022, premium subscribers increased 27%. Revenue from increases in subscribers is reported with a lag because we recognize revenue from subscriptions monthly pro rata over the subscription period (quarterly, semi-annually, annually). Non-GAAP operating profit for Q4 2022 was $220,000, compared to a non-GAAP operating profit of $292,000 in the prior-year period. After consolidation with Travelzoo, Jack’s Flight Club’s net loss was $102,000, with $61,000 attributable to Travelzoo as a result of recording $200,000 of intangible assets impairment and $216,000 of amortization of intangible assets related to the acquisition.

Licensing
In June 2020, Travelzoo entered into a royalty-bearing licensing agreement with a local licensee in Japan for the exclusive use of Travelzoo’s brand, business model, and members in Japan. In August of 2020, Travelzoo entered into a royalty-bearing licensing agreement with a local licensee in Australia for the exclusive use of Travelzoo’s brand, business models, and members in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Under these arrangements, Travelzoo’s existing members in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore will continue to be owned by Travelzoo as the licensor. Licensing revenue is booked with a lag of one quarter. Travelzoo recorded $7,000 in licensing revenue from the licensee in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore in Q4 2022. Licensing revenue is expected to increase going forward.

Members and Subscribers
As of December 31, 2022, we had 30.4 million members worldwide. In North America, the unduplicated number of Travelzoo members was 16.3 million as of December 31, 2022, down 4% from December 31, 2021. In Europe, the unduplicated number of Travelzoo members was 9.0 million as of December 31, 2022, up 8% from December 31, 2021. Jack’s Flight Club had 1.9 million subscribers as of December 31, 2022, up 8% from December 31, 2021.

Discontinued Operations
As announced in a press release on March 10, 2020, Travelzoo decided to exit its Asia Pacific business and operate it as a licensing business going forward. Consequently, the Asia Pacific business has been classified as discontinued operations since March 31, 2020. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation. Certain reclassifications have been made for current and prior periods between the continued operations and the discontinued operations in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Income Taxes
Income tax expense was $1.1 million in Q4 2022, compared to an income tax benefit of $333,000 in the prior-year period.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Management calculates non-GAAP operating income when evaluating the financial performance of the business. Travelzoo’s calculation of non-GAAP operating income, also called “non-GAAP operating profit” in this press release and today’s earnings conference call, excludes the following items: impairment of intangibles, amortization of intangibles, stock option expenses, and severance-related expenses. This press release includes a table which reconciles GAAP operating income to the calculation of non-GAAP operating income. Non-GAAP operating income is not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). This information should be considered as supplemental in nature and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be the same as similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Looking Ahead
For Q1 2023, we currently expect higher revenue and profitability. During the pandemic, we have been able to lower our fixed costs. We believe we can keep our fixed costs relatively low in the foreseeable future.

Conference Call
Travelzoo will host a conference call to discuss fourth quarter 2022 results today at 11:30 a.m. ET. Please visit http://ir.travelzoo.com/events-presentations to

  • download the management presentation (PDF format) to be discussed in the conference call
  • access the webcast.

About Travelzoo
Travelzoo® provides its 30 million members with exclusive offers and one-of-a-kind experiences personally reviewed by our deal experts around the globe. We have our finger on the pulse of outstanding travel, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences. We work in partnership with more than 5,000 top travel suppliers—our long-standing relationships give Travelzoo members access to irresistible deals.

Certain statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions, markets in which we participate and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts. When used in this press release, the words “expect”, “predict”, “project”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including changes in our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions and other factors discussed in our filings with the SEC. We cannot guarantee any future levels of activity, performance or achievements. Travelzoo undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

Travelzoo, Top 20, and Jack’s Flight Club are registered trademarks of Travelzoo.

Investor Relations:
[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/travelzoo-reports-fourth-quarter-2022-results-301778197.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

Release – Motorsport Games to Report Fourth Quarter Of 2022 & Full Year 2022 Financial Results

Research News and Market Data on MSGM

MARCH 21, 2023

MIAMI, March 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Motorsport Games Inc. (NASDAQ: MSGM) (“Motorsport Games” or the “Company”), a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, will report its financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2022 and full 2022 fiscal year on Friday, March 24, 2023 after market close. Management will host a conference call and webcast on the same day at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss the results.

Participants may access the live webcast on the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.motorsportgames.com under “Events.” The call may also be accessed by dialing 1 (877) 407-0784 from the U.S., or by dialing 1 (201) 689-8560 internationally.

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. The Company 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.

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:
[email protected]

Media:
[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/305eebf4-97ab-4047-95a6-7169166efd66.

Release – Entravision Announces New Credit Facility

Research News and Market Data on EVC

03/20/2023

SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Entravision (NYSE: EVC), a leading global advertising solutions, media and technology company, today announced that on March 17, 2023 the Company entered into a new $275 million credit facility, consisting of a $200 million term loan A and a $75 million revolving credit facility. Led by Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and J.P. Morgan Chase, the new credit facility replaces the Company’s existing credit facility entered into on November 30, 2017.

“The closing of this facility in this volatile financial market is a testament to the continued financial strength of our Company,” said Chris Young, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Entravision. “Our new facility extends the maturity of Entravision’s outstanding debt, while at the same time increases the flexibility of our strong balance sheet. We remain well-capitalized as we continue to execute on our long-term strategic plan and show leadership in the global digital media industry.”

Entravision anticipates it will use the proceeds from the new credit facility to fund its working capital needs, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes. Additional details on the new credit facility are outlined in the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Entravision

Entravision is a leading global advertising solutions, media and technology 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.

Entravision

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

Kimberly Esterkin
Addo Investor Relations
[email protected]
310-829-5400

Source: Entravision

RCI Hospitality Holdings (RICK) – Baby Dolls and Chicas Locas Acquisition Closed


Friday, March 17, 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.

Acquisition. RCI Hospitality closed the previously announced acquisition of two Baby Dolls and three Chicas Locas nightclubs and their associated real estate in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston markets. The $65.5 million acquisition is expected to contribute approximately $11 million of adjusted EBITDA in the first year and, once expansion/renovation plans are completed, is expected to contribute $14-$16 million of adjusted EBITDA on an annual basis.

Financing Details. Payment consisted of: $25.0 million in cash, of which $10.0 million is being financed through a new unsecured bank line of credit; 10-year, 7% seller financing notes totaling $25.5 million; and 200,000 restricted shares of common stock of RCI valued at $16.0 million, subject to a lock-up, leak out agreement.


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Release – Entravision Communications Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Results

Research News and Market Data on EVC

03/09/2023

SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Entravision Communications Corporation (NYSE: EVC), a leading global advertising solutions, media and technology company, today announced financial results for the three- and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2022.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Highlights

  • Record fourth quarter and annual revenue
  • Record fourth quarter and annual consolidated adjusted EBITDA
  • Record political advertising revenue compared to prior election cycles, including presidential
  • Net loss attributable to common stockholders of $1.6 million in the fourth quarter compared to net income attributable to common stockholders of $3.9 million in the prior-year quarter
  • Net income attributable to common stockholders for the full year down 38% compared to the prior-year
  • Consolidated adjusted EBITDA up 11% and 17% compared to the prior-year quarter and full year, respectively
  • Operating cash flow down 93% and up 21% compared to the prior-year quarter and full year, respectively
  • Free cash flow down 37% and 20% compared to the prior-year quarter and full year, respectively
  • Quarterly cash dividend increase to $0.05 per share

“We are pleased with our 2022 performance, which marks a record year for Entravision for revenue and consolidated adjusted EBITDA,” said Entravision Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Chris Young. “Our results demonstrate the resiliency and strength of our business through challenging macro conditions, and the successful execution of our strategic plan to create a leading global advertising solutions, media and technology company. We have enhanced our digital segment organically, as well as through strategic partnerships, geographic expansion and accretive acquisitions to bolster our suite of digital services in the large and growing advertising industry. Our complementary non-digital businesses, while a smaller percentage of our revenue portfolio, continue to be an important contributor to our growth. We will continue to leverage our tools, reach, technology and world-class team to meet our clients’ evolving needs and deliver enhanced shareholder value.”

Paul Zevnik, Interim Chair and co-founder said, “The Entravision team mourns the sudden and tragic loss of our late CEO, founder and dear friend, Walter Ulloa. Walter passed unexpectedly on the last day of the most successful year in the company’s history. Since we founded Entravision in 1996, we have developed a clear vision to build a leading global advertising solutions, media and technology company serving diverse demographics with diverse media. Through Walter’s leadership and with the support of a strong leadership team and dedicated entrepreneurs across each of Entravision’s business platforms, we have achieved tremendous growth and transformed the Company’s geographical breadth and media portfolio. Most importantly, we created a company that is a great place to work with a focus on engagement, trust, open communications, community service and involvement, and long-lasting relationships with our key partners. I miss our friend dearly, and the Board is committed to working with management to advance Walter’s vision and execute on our roadmap to deliver enhanced value for our stakeholders and partners.”

Quarterly Cash Dividend

As previously announced, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders of $0.05 per share on the Company’s Class A and Class U common stock, in an aggregate amount of approximately $4.4 million. This is double the Company’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.025 in 2022 and returns the dividend to its pre-pandemic level. The quarterly dividend will be payable on March 31, 2023 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 16, 2023, and the common stock will trade ex-dividend on March 15, 2023. The Company currently anticipates that future cash dividends will be paid on a quarterly basis; however, any decision to pay future cash dividends will be subject to approval by the Board.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined by SEC Regulation G. The GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to each of these non-GAAP financial measures, and a table reconciling each of these non-GAAP financial measures to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is included beginning on page 10.

Net revenue in the fourth quarter of 2022 totaled $296.3 million, up 27% from $233.9 million in the prior-year period. Of the overall increase, approximately $52.6 million was attributable to our digital segment and was primarily due to advertising revenue growth from our digital commercial partnerships business. In addition, the increase in net revenue in our digital segment was due to our investments in variable interest entities in 2022, which did not contribute to our results of operations in the comparable prior-year period. In addition, of the overall increase, approximately $5.6 million was attributable to our television segment, primarily due to an increase in political advertising revenue, partially offset by decreases in local and national advertising revenue. These decreases were mainly attributed to the expiration of our Univision and UniMás network affiliation agreements in Orlando, Tampa and Washington, D.C. on December 31, 2021. Additionally, of the overall increase, approximately $4.2 million was attributable to our audio segment, primarily due to increases in political advertising revenue and national advertising revenue, partially offset by a decrease in local advertising revenue.

Cost of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2022 totaled $192.0 million, up 29% from $148.4 million in the prior-year period. The increase was primarily due to increased cost of revenue related to advertising revenue growth from our digital commercial partnerships business, and due to our investments in variable interest entities in 2022, which did not contribute to our results of operations in the comparable prior-year period.

Operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2022 totaled $57.2 million, up 19% from $48.1 million in the prior-year period. Of the overall increase, approximately $7.0 million was attributable to our digital segment and was primarily due to an increase in expenses associated with the increase in digital advertising revenue, an increase in salary expense and non-cash stock-based compensation, and an increase due to our investments in variable interest entities in 2022, which did not contribute to our results of operations in the comparable prior-year period. In addition, of the overall increase in operating expenses, approximately $1.1 million was attributable to our television segment primarily due to an increase in rent expense, an increase in bad debt expense and an increase in non-cash stock-based compensation, partially offset by a decrease in expenses associated with the decrease in local and national advertising revenue. Additionally, of the overall increase in operating expenses, approximately $1.0 million was attributable to our audio segment primarily due to an increase in expenses associated with the increase in national advertising revenue and an increase in rent expense.

Corporate expenses in the fourth quarter of 2022 totaled $22.6 million, up 101% from $11.2 million in the prior-year period. The increase was primarily due to $8.1 million of severance related expense incurred upon the passing of our late Chief Executive Officer, and due to increases in non-cash stock-based compensation and an increase in salaries.

Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 totaled $956.2 million, up 26% from $760.2 million in the prior-year period. Of the overall increase, approximately $191.8 million was attributable to our digital segment and was primarily due to advertising revenue growth from our digital commercial partnerships business. In addition, the increase in net revenue in our digital segment was due to our investments in variable interest entities in 2022 and our acquisitions in 2021, which did not contribute to our results of operations for the full prior-year period. In addition, of the overall increase, approximately $6.4 million was attributable to our audio segment primarily due to increases in political advertising revenue and local advertising revenue, partially offset by a decrease in national advertising revenue. The overall increase was partially offset by a decrease of approximately $2.1 million attributable to our television segment, primarily due to decreases in local and national advertising revenue, a decrease in spectrum usage rights revenue, and a decrease in retransmission consent revenue. These decreases were mainly attributed to the expiration of our Univision and UniMás network affiliation agreements in Orlando, Tampa and Washington, D.C. on December 31, 2021. The decrease in our television segment revenue was partially offset by an increase in political advertising revenue.

Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 totaled $623.9 million, up 34% from $466.5 million in the prior-year period. The increase was primarily due to increased cost of revenue related to advertising revenue growth from our digital commercial partnerships business, and due to our investments in variable interest entities in 2022 and our acquisitions in 2021, which did not contribute to our results of operations for the full prior-year period.

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 totaled $197.8 million, up 14% from $173.0 million in the prior-year period. Of the overall increase, approximately $22.5 million was attributable to our digital segment and was primarily due to an increase in expenses associated with the increase in digital advertising revenue, an increase in salary expense and non-cash stock-based compensation, and an increase due to our investments in variable interest entities in 2022 and our acquisitions in 2021, which did not contribute to our results of operations for the full prior-year period. In addition, of the overall increase in operating expenses, approximately $0.6 million was attributable to our television segment primarily due to an increase in rent expense, an increase in bad debt expense and an increase in non-cash stock-based compensation, partially offset by a decrease in expenses associated with the decrease in local and national advertising revenue. Additionally, of the overall increase in operating expenses, approximately $1.7 million was attributable to our audio segment primarily due to an increase in expenses associated with the increase in local advertising revenue and an increase in rent expense.

Corporate expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 totaled $49.4 million, up 50% from $33.0 million in the prior-year period. The increase was primarily due to $8.1 million of severance related expense incurred upon the passing of our late Chief Executive Officer, and due to increases in non-cash stock-based compensation and an increase in salaries.

Balance Sheet and Related Metrics

Cash and marketable securities as of December 31, 2022 totaled approximately $155.2 million. Total debt under the Company’s credit agreement was $209.3 million. Net of $75 million of cash and marketable securities, total leverage as defined in the Company’s credit agreement was 1.3 times as of December 31, 2022. Net of total cash and marketable securities, total leverage was 0.5 times.

Notice of Conference Call

Entravision Communications Corporation will hold a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2022 results on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. To access the conference call, please dial (844) 836-8739 (U.S.) or (412) 317-5440 (Int’l) ten minutes prior to the start time and reference Conference ID number 10176187. The call will also be available via live webcast on the investor relations portion of the Company’s website located at www.entravision.com.

About Entravision Communications Corporation

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, is comprised of 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.

Christopher T. Young
Interim Chief Executive Officer,
and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Entravision Communications Corporation
310-447-3870

Kimberly Esterkin
ADDO Investor Relations
310-829-5400
evc@kesterkinaddo-com

Source: Entravision Communications Corporation

Townsquare Media (TSQ) – Takes A Big Step To Return Capital To Shareholders


Friday, March 10, 2023

Townsquare is a community-focused digital media and digital marketing solutions company with market leading local radio stations, principally focused outside the top 50 markets in the U.S. Our assets include a subscription digital marketing services business, Townsquare Interactive, providing website design, creation and hosting, search engine optimization, social media and online reputation management as well as other digital monthly services for approximately 26,800 SMBs; a robust digital advertising division, Townsquare IGNITE, a powerful combination of a) an owned and operated portfolio of more than 330 local news and entertainment websites and mobile apps along with a network of leading national music and entertainment brands, collecting valuable first party data, and b) a proprietary digital programmatic advertising technology stack with an in-house demand and data management platform; and a portfolio of 321 local terrestrial radio stations in 67 U.S. markets strategically situated outside the Top 50 markets in the United States. Our portfolio includes local media brands such as WYRK.com, WJON.com, and NJ101.5.com and premier national music brands such as XXLmag.com, TasteofCountry.com, UltimateClassicRock.com and Loudwire.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.

Strong Q4 results. The company reported Q4 revenue of $120.3 million, an increase of 8.8% from the prior year period, beating our estimate of $118.1 million by 1.8%. Adj. EBITDA of $28.4 million grew by 11% from the same period last year and beat our estimate of $28 million by 1.4%. Digital advertising grew $5.2 million to $36.8 million, up 16.3% from the prior year period.

Soft start to the year. Management guided Q1 revenue to be flat to modestly higher from the year earlier in the range of $100 million to $102 million. Adj. EBITDA to be down yoy in the range of $17.5 million to $18.5 million. National advertising is pacing down 30% in Q1, a decline of $3 million from prior year quarter, with sports accounting for 66%. Its Interactive business has softened and is pacing flat revenues in Q1, while digital advertising is pacing up 12% to 14%.


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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.