Travelzoo (TZOO) – Entering A More Normalized Growth Period


Wednesday, October 25, 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, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , 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.

Upside surprise. Q3 revenue of $20.6 million, which increased 30.0% year over year, was better than our $18.9 million estimate and reflected strong revenue growth in its Europe operations (+35.5%) and North America (+27.4%). Q3 adj. EBITDA beat expectations, $3.9 million versus our $3.1 million estimate. 

Margin improvement. Adj. EBITDA margins were 18.7%, up significantly from the year earlier margins of 7.1%, reflecting the improved revenue performance and the company’s diligence on keeping costs low and its earlier significant cuts in its infrastructure footprint.    


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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. 

Direct Digital Holdings (DRCT) – Investor Meeting Highlights


Monday, October 23, 2023

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , 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.

Highlights from investor meetings. This report provides highlights from a non-deal roadshow with investors last week in New York, Miami, and Boca Raton with Keith Smith, Co-Founder and President, and Diana Diaz, Chief Financial Officer. 

Reiterating full year guidance. Management appeared sanguine about at least hitting expectations on revenue and operating cash flow (adj. EBITDA) for the full year 2023. Revenues are expected to increase roughly 43% to $128.1 million, in line with management’s guidance. Adj. EBITDA in 2023 is expected to be $9.0 million, growing 25% to $11.3 million in 2024.  


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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. 

Entravision Communications (EVC) – A Compelling Total Return Opportunity


Thursday, August 31, 2023

Entravision Communications Corporation is a diversified Spanish-language media company utilizing a combination of television and radio operations to reach Hispanic consumers across the United States, as well as the border markets of Mexico. Entravision owns and/or operates 53 primary television stations and is the largest affiliate group of both the top-ranked Univision television network and Univision’s TeleFutura network, with television stations in 20 of the nation’s top 50 Hispanic markets. The Company also operates one of the nation’s largest groups of primarily Spanish-language radio stations, consisting of 48 owned and operated radio stations.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , 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 Road Show highlights. This report highlights a recent NDR with Christopher Young, the Chief Financial Officer of Entravision. We believe that the investor meetings reinforced our favorable investment thesis for the company; its above average revenue and cash flow prospects, the looming influx of high margin Political advertising, its attractive outlook for its Digital businesses, large cash position, free cash flow generation, and compelling stock valuation, which offers an impressive current 5.5% annualized dividend yield. 

Focus on margins. The company plans to focus on improving margins in its Digital business and is in the process of right sizing its Digital business by reducing staffing levels and reorganizing commissions. Its plan is to return Digital margins from the current 5% to the upper single digits to 10%. 


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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. 

Direct Digital Holdings (DRCT) – Bucking The Trend With Favorable Revenue Growth


Friday, August 11, 2023

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

Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Q2 in line. The company reported Q2 revenue of $35.4 million, above our previously lowered forecast of $29.7 million. Adj. EBITDA of $3.1 million was largely in line with our forecast of $3.2 million. Total company revenue grew a strong 66.5% over the prior year period, despite economic headwinds.

Sell-side revenue bucks trends. The robust revenue growth in the quarter was lead by the company’s Sell-side programmatic platform. Sell-side revenue nearly doubled (+97.7%) over the prior year period to $23.6 million. We believe the strong results reflect well on the technology investments management has made to position the platform for favorable growth.


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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. 

Townsquare Media (TSQ) – A Surprising Reaction To An In-Line Quarter


Thursday, August 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, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , 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.

In-line Q2 results. The company reported quarterly revenue of $121.2 million and adj. EBITDA of $28.6 million, both of which were in line with our estimates. The company’s revenue performance, which was roughly flat yoy, was among the best in the industry, on average down 4%. 

Favorable digital outlook. Q2 digital revenue grew 4% from the prior year period and comprised 52% of total company revenue, more than two times the industry average. Notably, Ignite grew revenue by 11% and its operating profit margin were an impressive 35%. Importantly, we view 2023 as a year of investment for Townsquare Interactive, with revenue and margin growth expected in 2024.


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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. 

Entravision Communications (EVC) – Trying to Rope a Bull By Its Horns


Friday, August 04, 2023

Entravision Communications Corporation is a diversified Spanish-language media company utilizing a combination of television and radio operations to reach Hispanic consumers across the United States, as well as the border markets of Mexico. Entravision owns and/or operates 53 primary television stations and is the largest affiliate group of both the top-ranked Univision television network and Univision’s TeleFutura network, with television stations in 20 of the nation’s top 50 Hispanic markets. The Company also operates one of the nation’s largest groups of primarily Spanish-language radio stations, consisting of 48 owned and operated radio stations.

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

Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Mixed Q2 results. While revenues beat expectations ($273.4 million versus our $262.9 million estimate), adj. EBITDA was 13% lower than expected ($14.2 million versus our $16.4 million estimate). The revenue variance was due to its Digital revenue, $10 million above our expectations. Notably, the biggest adj. EBITDA variance was due to lower margins in its Digital Media segment. 

A Facebook faceplant. The company’s Digital Media margins going forward will be adversely affected by Meta (Facebook) is reducing Entravision’s commission revenue, from 10% to 7%. We estimate that this will adversely affect the company by over $8 million in adj. EBITDA in the second half 2023. While margins will take a hit, the company’s Digital Media revenue growth appears favorable and adj. EBITDA is expected to grow strong double digits in 2024. 


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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. 

Direct Digital Holdings (DRCT) – Quarterly Preview: Expect A Noisy Quarter


Thursday, August 03, 2023

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

Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Upcoming quarterly results. The company is expected to report second quarter results on Thursday, August 10th with an investor call scheduled for 5pm ET. The dial in number is (888) 350-2056. 

Mixed results. We believe that the company will be in line with our revenue estimate of $29.65 million, up 39.5%, reflecting modest Buy-side advertising growth of 3.5% and strong Sell-side advertising growth of roughly 67%. Sell-side margins are expected to decline to roughly 12.5%, due to a step up in costs for additional servers. We do not believe that the increase costs will be ongoing and that Sell-side margins should rebound to the near 14% range for the balance of the 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. 

Travelzoo (TZOO) – Liftoff in Europe?


Friday, July 28, 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, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Solid Q2 results. The company reported better than expected revenue and adj. EBITDA in Q2. Revenue was $21.1 million and adj. EBITDA was $4.2 million, compared with our estimates of $20.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively. Revenue growth accelerated to 19% in Q2, compared with 17% growth in Q1.

Strong margins. Adj. EBITDA margins were up to nearly 20%, due in large part to 27% operating profit margins in the North America business segment. Operating profit in Europe, though, still negative, improved to nearly flat (-3%).


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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. 

Entravision Communications (EVC) – M&A Signal?


Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Entravision Communications Corporation is a diversified Spanish-language media company utilizing a combination of television and radio operations to reach Hispanic consumers across the United States, as well as the border markets of Mexico. Entravision owns and/or operates 53 primary television stations and is the largest affiliate group of both the top-ranked Univision television network and Univision’s TeleFutura network, with television stations in 20 of the nation’s top 50 Hispanic markets. The Company also operates one of the nation’s largest groups of primarily Spanish-language radio stations, consisting of 48 owned and operated radio stations.

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

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

Shuns Inside Favorite. Entravision’s board appointed Michael Christenson as its Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2023, denying Chris Young, the interim CEO and CFO, the position. Mr. Christenson has a decades long career as an investment banker and held leadership roles at software companies New Relic and CA Technologies. 

What does the move tell us? We believe that the appointment signals that the company will become more aggressive in seeking acquisitions. As of March 31, the company had a pristine balance sheet with roughly $180 million in cash and marketable securities and $207 million in debt, or a modest 0.3 times net debt to estimated cash flow. Given Mr. Christenson’s investment banking background, we believe that M&A likely will be his mandate.


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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. 

Townsquare Media (TSQ) – Another Large Return Of Capital To Shareholders: Joins Russell 3000 and Small-Cap Russell 2000


Tuesday, June 20, 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, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Repurchase at a discount. The company announced that it repurchased and retired 1.5 million shares from Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) at $9.70 per share, an 8.5% discount on the recent market price. The share repurchase accounts for nearly half of MSG’s previous ownership, and approximately 8.5% of total TSQ shares outstanding. The move follows an earlier move to initiate a hefty quarterly dividend. Separately, the TSQ shares will join the Russell 3000 and Small-Cap Russell 2000 Indices. 

Ample liquidity, accretive to per share estimates. We estimate that the company had $67 million in cash prior to the repurchase and retains a substantial cash position following the transaction. The move is accretive to cash flow and earnings per share estimates, which are being adjusted to reflect the fewer shares outstanding. 


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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. 

Townsquare Media (TSQ) – Post Quarterly Call Estimate Refining


Tuesday, May 16, 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, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Revising revenue forecast. We are refining our 2023 and 2024 revenue forecasts. The bulk of the changes relate to our Digital subscription and Digital advertising revenue outlooks. Note: our full year total revenue and adj. EBITDA forecasts are largely unchanged. Figure #1 Forecast Revisions illustrates our updated forecast.

Lowering TSI forecast. Economic weakness has put pressure on many of the SMBs that make up TSI’s client base. Typically, the company offers temporary discounts to assist SMBs. We believe this is will have an impact on revenue in 2023, particularly the first half. Our 2023 TSI revenue forecast is lowered from $91.7 million to $85.9 million, which equates to a 6% YoY decline. We are forecasting flat revenue growth in 2024, which offers potential upside should economic conditions improve.


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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. 

Entravision Communications (EVC) – Weathering The Economic Storm Nicely


Friday, May 05, 2023

Entravision Communications Corporation is a diversified Spanish-language media company utilizing a combination of television and radio operations to reach Hispanic consumers across the United States, as well as the border markets of Mexico. Entravision owns and/or operates 53 primary television stations and is the largest affiliate group of both the top-ranked Univision television network and Univision’s TeleFutura network, with television stations in 20 of the nation’s top 50 Hispanic markets. The Company also operates one of the nation’s largest groups of primarily Spanish-language radio stations, consisting of 48 owned and operated radio stations.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , 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 Q1 results. The company reported quarterly revenue of $239 million, 4.4% better than our estimate of $229 million. The quarter was driven by robust digital revenue growth of 28%, notably, Latin America and Asia grew revenues by 15% and 35%, respectively. Adj. EBITDA in the quarter was $13 million, slightly less than our estimate of $13.5 million, attributed to an increase in variable expenses from digital revenue.

Positive Q2 pacing outlook. Management indicated that its legacy broadcast businesses are pacing down (TV down 9.5% and Radio down roughly 5%), but its Digital revenues are pacing up 25%. In total, Q2 total company revenues are pacing up a strong 19%, indicating that the company is performing nicely in spite of economic headwinds. Second half revenue should benefit from an influx of high margin Political advertising. 


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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. 

Travelzoo (TZOO) – Flies Around The Storm Clouds


Friday, April 28, 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, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , 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.

Strong Q1 results. The company reported Q1 revenue of $21.6 million, an increase of 17% from the prior year period, beating our estimate of $20.5 million by 5.4%. Adj. EBITDA  of $5.6 million beat our estimate of $3.9 million by 44%. The quarter was driven by strong operating results in North America, with 26% revenue growth and strong 31% operating margins. 

Favorable margins. The quarter demonstrated favorable 87.5% gross margins and record breaking total company operating margins of 22%, substantially higher than pre-pandemic levels. Management highlighted the transition of Asia Pacific to a licensing model as a major contributor to the record margins. 


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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.