CULVER CITY, Calif., April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail Games” or “the Company”), a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, announced today that it will report financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023, today, April 1, 2024. Management will host a conference call and webcast on the same day at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss the results.
Participants may listen to the live webcast and replay on the Company’s investor relations website at https://investor.snail.com/.
About Snail, Inc. Snail, Inc. is a leading global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PC’s and mobile devices.
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.
Repurchases shares. The company announced that it has repurchased and will retire 1.5 million of its shares from MSG National Properties for a $9.76 per share, or an attractive 11% discount from its closing price on March 29th. We believe that the repurchases alleviates a large overhang for the TSQ shares, with MSG now owning less than 200,000 shares post the repurchase. The move follows a 1.5 million share repurchase from MSG in June 2023 at $9.70 per share.
Financially capable. As of December 31, there was $61 million in cash and it generated significant cash flow of $68 million last year. Furthermore, its debt leverage has been coming down, currently 4.4 times adj. EBITDA from over 5 times just 2 years earlier. Given its improving fundamental outlook, the board recently increased its annual dividend to $0.79 per share, offering a current annualized dividend yield at an attractive 7.2%.
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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.
RICHMOND, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Bowlero Corp. (NYSE: BOWL) (“Bowlero” or the “Company”), one of the world’s premier operators of location based entertainment, announced today the promotion of Zac Sulma as Chief Sales Officer. Mr. Sulma has been a driving force behind the company’s same store sales expansion in fiscal year 2024 and will be responsible for enhancing future sales initiatives. Mr. Sulma will report directly to Thomas Shannon, Bowlero’s Founder, Chairman, and CEO.
“We are pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Sulma to Chief Sales Officer,” stated Thomas Shannon, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Bowlero. “Under his leadership, the Sales Department has exceeded expectations, showcasing their ability to navigate challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. In his new role, Mr. Sulma will continue to spearhead key initiatives, including the launch of our innovative National Sales Program. With his proven track record of success, Mr. Sulma is the perfect leader to drive this initiative and others forward, revolutionizing our sales approach and strengthening our market position.”
Mr. Sulma has been an employee since 2008, starting as an assistant manager at AMF Houston Lanes. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Sulma showcased his leadership skills playing an instrumental role in the successful launch of numerous Bowlero venues. In 2016, his performance led him to transition to the Sales Department, where he excelled as Regional Vice President. Most recently Mr. Sulma assumed oversight of the entire sales department, a skilled team comprising over 200 associates.
In closing Mr. Shannon said, “Mr. Sulma’s dedication and commitment to our company’s success make him an invaluable asset to our team. We look forward to the impact of his leadership as we embark on this exciting new chapter at Bowlero.”
About Bowlero Corp.
Bowlero Corp. is one of the world’s premier operators of location-based entertainment. With approximately 350 locations across North America, the Company serves more than 40 million guest visits annually through a family of brands that include Lucky Strike, Bowlero and AMF. In 2019, Bowlero acquired the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling and a growing media property that boasts millions of fans around the globe. For more information on Bowlero, please visit BowleroCorp.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.
Q4 miss. The company reported disappointing Q4 results with revenue of $41.0 million and adj. EBITDA of $2.3 million. Both figures were well below our estimates of $67.9 million and $6.4 million, respectively. The underperformance was largely driven by system changes that the company made to its Sell-side segment during the quarter.
Re-positioning for the future. During the quarter, the SSP underwent technological changes to enable it to process ad impressions using alternative IDs. This transformation was necessary for the company to prepare for the impending cookie deprecation, which Google is expected to implement later this year.
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.
RICHMOND, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Bowlero Corporation (NYSE: BOWL), the global leader in bowling entertainment, announced today the opening of Lucky Strike Miami, the second new build using the Lucky Strike brand since it was acquired in September. Lucky Strike Miami is located in the heart of Downtown Miami within Miami Worldcenter, a 27-acre, $6 billion mixed-use destination transforming Miami’s urban core with world-class shopping, dining, hospitality, and residential options, just steps away from the Kaseya Center, home to the Miami Heat.
“Lucky Strike Miami epitomizes our commitment to innovation and excellence,” stated Thomas Shannon, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Bowlero Corp. “As we continue to strategically expand the Lucky Strike brand nationwide, this new location represents not only a new chapter in our growth but also a testament to our commitment to providing unparalleled experiences for guests across the country.”
Lucky Strike Miami is a 30,000 sq. ft. premier entertainment destination featuring 28 state-of-the-art bowling lanes and a contemporary aesthetic. Beyond bowling, this destination elevates leisure with its expansive arcade, a craft cocktail bar, and an intimate VIP room with six private bowling lanes. Lucky Strike Miami’s menu will consist of dynamic culinary concepts that feature luxe fair with quality ingredients while elevating traditional classics.
“Not only are we thrilled to be welcoming Lucky Strike to Miami Worldcenter, but we are excited to be bringing the beloved bowling brand back to Miami once again following its nearly decade-long run on Miami Beach,” said Nitin Motwani, Managing Partner of Miami Worldcenter Associates. “Lucky Strike will not only enhance Downtown Miami’s status as a family-friendly destination, but it will also be a wonderful complement to Miami Worldcenter’s various food, beverage, and entertainment options.”
Lev Ekster, President of Bowlero Corp., said in closing “Lucky Strike Miami embodies the vibrant ambiance of Miami, redefining the bowling experience for guests of all ages. Our mission extends beyond entertainment; it’s about creating memorable moments and fostering positive guest experiences. We look forward to this next chapter in Miami as we open our doors to the community.”
Lucky Strike Miami will open to the public on March 25th.
About Bowlero Corp.
Bowlero Corporation is one of the world’s premier operators of location-based entertainment. With approximately 350 locations across North America, the Company serves more than 40 million guest visits annually through a family of brands that include Lucky Strike, Bowlero, and AMF. In 2019, Bowlero acquired the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling and a growing media property that boasts millions of fans around the globe. For more information on Bowlero, please visit BowleroCorp.com.
About Miami Worldcenter:
Miami Worldcenter is a new $6 billion mixed-use destination in the heart of Downtown Miami. As one of the largest private urban real estate developments underway in the United States, the project occupies 27 acres spanning ten city blocks and offers world-class retail, hospitality, commercial and residential uses. Several phases of the project have already been completed and occupied, including three residential towers, a significant portion of the retail component, and a newly opened citizenM hotel.
Miami Worldcenter Associates serves as the master developer for the overall mixed-use development, led by Managing Partners Art Falcone and Nitin Motwani, in partnership with CIM Group, a community-focused real estate and infrastructure owner, operator, lender and developer. Together they have assembled a best-in-class development team that is currently transforming the urban core of Miami into one of the country’s largest mixed-use destinations. Learn more at www.miamiworldcenter.com.
Snail is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs and mobile devices.
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.
Delivers animated series. The company’s highly anticipated series, ARK: The Animated Series, which stars Academy Award winning actors Michelle Yeoh and Russell Crowe, is now available on Paramount+. We believe the series can leverage Paramount’s 67.5 million subscribers to reach new audiences and potentially convert new viewers to ARK players. We view the release of ARK: The Animated Series as a significant step in the company’s crossover media strategy.
Animated series DLC. In unison with the release of ARK: The Animated Series, the company is releasing a new DLC package that includes four new character skins from the series. The DLC release aims to drive user engagement across platforms and offer content to existing players who are fans of the show and new players alike.
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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 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.
Solid Q4 Results. The company reported Q4 revenue of $114.8 million and adj. EBITDA of $24.8 million, in line with expectations. Revenue for full year 2023 declined a modest 0.9%, excluding political revenue, and adj. EBITDA decreased 9.1% when political is excluded. Digital Advertising was a bright spot for the company in 2023, increasing a solid 7.1% from the prior year. Notably, revenue and adj. EBITDA met the company’s previously issued full year guidance.
Digital at its trough. Digital revenue in Q4 was down 6.4% from the prior year period. The decrease was attributed to softness in Digital Marketing Solutions, which declined $3.2 million or 14.5% in the quarter. Management provided a sanguine view that this business may have troughed and is positioned for growth by year end.
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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.
Harte Hanks (NASDAQ: HHS) is a leading global customer experience company whose mission is to partner with clients to provide them with CX strategy, data-driven analytics and actionable insights combined with seamless program execution to better understand, attract, and engage their customers. Using its unparalleled resources and award-winning talent in the areas of Customer Care, Fulfillment and Logistics, and Marketing Services, Harte Hanks has a proven track record of driving results for some of the world’s premier brands including Bank of America, GlaxoSmithKline, Unilever, Pfizer, HBOMax, Volvo, Ford, FedEx, Midea, Sony, and IBM among others. Headquartered in Chelmsford, Massachusetts , Harte Hanks has over 2,500 employees in offices across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific .
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.
Solid Q4 Results. The company reported Q4 revenue of $49.5 million, 4.6% higher than our estimate of $47.3 million. The positive revenue surprise is attributed to higher than expected Customer Care revenue. Adj. EBITDA in the quarter was $5.2 million, which beat our estimate of $3.3 million by a strong 60.3%. The favorable operating results were driven by stronger than expected Customer Care revenue, which carries a higher margins than its other revenue streams.
2024 Outlook. In our view, the company stands to benefit from several positive developments in 2024. Notably, management highlighted its plans to reduce expenditures, with roughly $6.0 million of savings expected in 2024 and approximately $16.0 million of cost reductions planned over the next two years. Additionally, the company is developing a partnership network it plans to utilize in the coming year.
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.
CULVER CITY, Calif., March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail Games” or “the Company”), a leading global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, recently shared the latest significant update for Survivor Mercs, an Early Access rogue-lite action game. This update introduces enhancements that deepen strategic gameplay and enrich the player experience, bringing Survivor Mercs closer to the release of its full 1.0 version. These improvements not only enhance the player experience but also aim to expand the game’s market appeal.
Launched in Early Access in September 2023 by Snail Games’ indie publishing arm Wandering Wizard, in collaboration with the developer Wolpertinger Games, Survivor Mercs has captivated players with its unique blend of rogue-lite action and shooter genres. Since its launch, Wolpertinger and Snail Games have been committed to continuously enhancing Survivor Mercs with new content, features, and improvements. The latest update, version 0.9.9, introduces comprehensive gameplay mechanics enhancements, including the Genome Lab 2.0 for Trait research, the Gene Synthesizer room for tailoring Commanders’ Traits, an innovative Armor System, enhanced enemy AI, performance optimizations, and UI improvements for a seamless and enriched gameplay experience.
“We are thrilled to announce this major update for Survivor Mercs, marking a significant step in the game’s development,” said Jim Tsai, CEO of Snail, Inc. “By enhancing gameplay mechanics and integrating community feedback into our development process, we continue to strengthen our market appeal and reaffirm our player-first approach. As we move closer to the full 1.0 launch of Survivor Mercs, we are excited about its potential to broaden our market and player reach. Our commitment to supporting indie developers and offering high-quality gaming experiences to players around the world remains steadfast.”
Play Survivor Mercs on Steam Learn more on Discord
About Snail, Inc.- https://www.snailgamesusa.com/ Snail is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs and mobile devices.
Wandering Wizard- https://wanderingwizard.com/ Wandering Wizard is an indie publishing label by Snail Games. The new branch is dedicated to bringing independent western developed games to the global market. Wandering Wizard is based in Los Angeles, California.
Forward Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “continue,” “estimate” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Snail’s intent, belief or current expectations.
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.
Posts strong Q4 results. Q4 revenues increased a solid 15.2% to $59.7 million, nicely above our $56.2 million estimate. In addition, gross profit margins were strong at 53.1% (above our 48.4% estimate), supporting better than expected adj. EBITDA ($13.6 million versus our estimate of $10.4 million).
Prepares for cookie-less world. Management indicated that it is working with Google and has visibility into a cookie-less future. Google has already deprecated cookies in 1% of its Chrome users and is expected to complete the transition in the third quarter 2024. Given that AdTheorent does not rely on consumer IDs, we believe that the company is well positioned to benefit in a post cookie environment.
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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.
Saga Communications, Inc. is a broadcast company whose business is primarily devoted to acquiring, developing and operating radio stations. Saga currently owns or operates broadcast properties in 27 markets, including 79 FM and 33 AM radio stations. Saga’s strategy is to operate top billing radio stations in mid sized markets, defined as markets ranked (by market revenues) from 20 to 200. Saga’s radio stations employ a myriad of programming formats, including Active Rock, Adult Album Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Country, Classic Country, Classic Hits, Classic Rock, Contemporary Hits Radio, News/Talk, Oldies and Urban Contemporary. In operating its stations, Saga concentrates on the development of strong decentralized local management, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the stations in their market area and is compensated based on their financial performance as well as other performance factors that are deemed to effect the long-term ability of the stations to achieve financial objectives. Saga began operations in 1986 and became a publicly traded company in December 1992. The stock trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “SGA”.
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.
Delivers good Q4 results. Total company revenues of $29.1 million was slightly better than our $28.5 million estimate. The Q4 revenue decline of a modest 3.3% was due to the absence of Political advertising. However, it was among the best in an industry which reflected revenue declines between 6% to 14% among its peers. Adj. EBITDA was $4.5 million versus our $4.0 million estimate.
Announces special dividend. The company declared its first variable dividend of $0.60 per share to be paid on April 5, 2024 with a record date of March 18, 2024. The dividend will be funded by cash on the company’s balance sheet. This variable dividend is in addition to the regular quarterly dividend and a recent $2 per share special dividend.
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.
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.
Mixed Q4 results. Total company Q4 revenue of $320.1 million, an increase of 8.0%, was better than our $309.7 million estimate, driven by 19% growth in its Digital businesses. Both TV and Radio declined in the quarter due to the absence of year earlier Political advertising. Q4 adj. EBITDA of $16.2 million was slightly below our $19.0 million estimate.
Meta takes its business in-house. The recent financial results were overshadowed by a late announcement that Meta plans to take its advertising sales in-house, ending its relationship with Entravision and all its sales partners. Meta accounted for roughly 52% of total company revenues and 40% of adj. EBITDA in 2023.
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.
Provides Update on Digital Commercial Partnership with Meta Platforms
Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.05 Per Share Payable on March 29, 2024
Company to Cancel Today’s Conference Call
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, 2023, and provided an update on its digital commercial partnership with Meta Platforms. Entravision is canceling the conference call scheduled for 5 p.m. Eastern Time today.
Digital Commercial Partnerships Business Update
Through Entravision Global Partners, our digital commercial partnerships business, the Company acts as an intermediary between primarily global media companies and advertisers. These global media companies include Meta, for whom the Company acts as an Authorized Sales Partner (ASP), ByteDance, X Corp., Spotify, Snap and Pinterest, as well as other media companies, in 31 countries throughout the world.
On March 4, 2024, the Company received a communication from Meta that it intends to wind down its ASP program globally and end its relationship with all of its ASPs, including Entravision, by July 1, 2024. For full year 2023, the Company estimates Meta’s ASP program represented approximately $23.8 million of the Company’s $57.7 million total consolidated EBITDA and $586.4 million of the Company’s $1,106.9 million of total consolidated revenue. Entravision has initiated a review of its operating strategy and cost structure and will provide an update on associated plans as soon as practicable.
As of December 31, 2023, Entravision reported $118.9 million of cash and marketable securities. The Company is in compliance with all debt covenants under its current credit facility and, except for quarterly principal scheduled payments, has no maturities under that facility until March 17, 2028.
“While we are disappointed in Meta’s decision, we are confident in Entravision’s long-term opportunities given the strength of our advertising and marketing platforms and the need for our solutions globally. We are conducting an extensive review of our strategy and cost structure to reinforce our operating foundation and ensure we are best positioned to capitalize on Entravision’s global, market leading advertising, media and technology solutions. Our balance sheet is solid with a strong cash position to support the business as we navigate these changes,” said Michael Christenson, Chief Executive Officer.
(1)
Consists primarily of the costs of online media acquired from third-party publishers. Media cost is classified as cost of revenue in the period in which the corresponding revenue is recognized.
(2)
Operating expenses include direct operating and selling, general and administrative expenses. Included in operating expenses are $2.3 million and $2.8 million of non-cash stock-based compensation for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $9.5 million and $5.7 million of non-cash stock-based compensation for the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(3)
Corporate expenses include $4.4 million and $9.2 million of non-cash stock-based compensation for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $14.2 million and $14.3 million of non-cash stock-based compensation for the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(4)
Consolidated EBITDA means net income (loss) plus gain (loss) on sale of assets, depreciation and amortization, non-cash impairment charge, non-cash stock-based compensation included in operating and corporate expenses, net interest expense, other operating gain (loss), gain (loss) on debt extinguishment, income tax (expense) benefit, equity in net income (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliate, non-cash losses, syndication programming amortization less syndication programming payments, revenue from the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, spectrum incentive auction less related expenses, expenses associated with investments, EBITDA attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest, acquisitions and dispositions and certain pro-forma cost savings. We use the term consolidated EBITDA because that measure is defined in our 2017 Credit Agreement and 2023 Credit Agreement, and does not include gain (loss) on sale of assets, depreciation and amortization, non-cash impairment charge, non-cash stock-based compensation, net interest expense, other income (loss), gain (loss) on debt extinguishment, income tax (expense) benefit, equity in net income (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliate, non-cash losses, syndication programming amortization less syndication programming payments, revenue from FCC spectrum incentive auction less related expenses, expenses associated with investments, EBITDA attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest, acquisitions and dispositions and certain pro-forma cost savings.
(5)
Free cash flow is defined as consolidated EBITDA less cash paid for income taxes, net interest expense, capital expenditures (less amounts reimbursed by landlord) and non-recurring cash expenses plus dividend income, and other operating gain (loss). Net interest expense is defined as interest expense, less non-cash interest expense relating to amortization of debt finance costs, and less interest income.
Net revenue for the fourth quarter and full year of 2023 increased primarily due to an increase in advertising revenue from our digital commercial partners business, and from various acquisitions, which did not fully contribute to our financial results in the comparable prior period. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in political advertising revenue in our television and audio segments.
Cost of revenue for the fourth quarter and full year of 2023 increased primarily due to the increase in digital advertising revenue.
Operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 remained constant.
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased primarily due to expenses associated with the increase in advertising revenue, increases in salary expense and non-cash stock-based compensation, rent expense, and expenses from various acquisitions, which did not fully contribute to our financial results in the comparable prior period.
Corporate expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 decreased primarily due to non-recurring severance expense incurred in the fourth quarter of 2022 upon the passing of our former Chief Executive Officer, and due to a decrease in bonus expense.
Corporate expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased primarily due to professional service fees, audit fees and rent expense, partially offset by a decrease in severance expense incurred in 2022 upon the passing of our former Chief Executive Officer, and due to a decrease in bonus expense.
Quarterly Cash Dividend
The Company announced today that its 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 $4.4 million. The quarterly dividend will be payable on March 29, 2024 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 15, 2024, and the common stock will trade ex-dividend on March 14, 2024. 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 8.
Balance Sheet and Related Metrics
Cash and marketable securities as of December 31, 2023 totaled $118.9 million. Total debt as defined in the Company’s credit agreement was $210.6 million. Net of $50 million of cash and marketable securities, total leverage as defined in the Company’s credit agreement was 2.8 times as of December 31, 2023. Net of total cash and marketable securities, total leverage was 1.6 times.
(1)
Cost of revenue, operating expenses, corporate expenses, and consolidated EBITDA are defined on page 2.
About Entravision Communications Corporation
Entravision is a global advertising solutions, media and technology company. Over the past three decades, we have strategically evolved into a digital powerhouse, expertly connecting brands to consumers in the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Our digital segment, the company’s largest by revenue, offers a full suite of end-to-end advertising services. We have commercial partnerships with Meta, X Corp. (formerly known as Twitter), TikTok, and Spotify, and marketers can use our Smadex and other platforms to deliver targeted advertising to audiences around the globe. In the U.S., we maintain a diversified portfolio of television and radio stations that target Hispanic audiences and complement our global digital services. Entravision remains the largest affiliate group of the Univision and UniMás television networks. 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.
