Sign in

    Dan Kurnos • The Benchmark Company

    Dan Kurnos is the Managing Director of Internet & Media Equity Research at The Benchmark Company, specializing in coverage of major Internet merchants, advertisers, broadcasters, and publishers such as Amazon, Porch Group, Gray Television, E.W. Scripps, and Nexstar Media Group. With nearly a decade at Benchmark and a total of more than fifteen years in equity research, he has issued over 900 ratings and earned a TipRanks analyst success rate of 47% with an average return per rating of 5.2%, including standout calls such as an 800% gain on Porch Group and 900% on System1. Prior to joining Benchmark, Kurnos built the equity research department at MSC Financial Advisors and served on research teams at Stanford Group and UBS Financial Services. He is a CFA Charterholder and holds dual bachelor's degrees from Cornell University.

    Dan Kurnos's questions to Cineverse Corp (CNVS) leadership

    Dan Kurnos's questions to Cineverse Corp (CNVS) leadership • Q1 2026

    Question

    Dan Kurnos of Benchmark inquired about the new MicroCo joint venture, asking why Cineverse was the chosen partner, the capital investment required, and the monetization strategy. He also requested details on the quarter's SG&A investments and the expected timeline for seeing leverage from that spending.

    Answer

    Chairman and CEO Chris McGurk explained that partners are attracted to Cineverse's unique collection of technology, AI, and marketing assets, which enable a cost-effective and rapid entry into the microseries market. President and Chief Strategy Officer Eric Opeka added that the plan is to build a comprehensive ecosystem for the micro-drama industry, similar to their success with Bloody Disgusting. Regarding investment, Opeka stated the venture is initially being bootstrapped with partners, with a financing strategy being finalized that may include additional equity partners.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Dan Kurnos's questions to Cineverse Corp (CNVS) leadership • Q1 2026

    Question

    The analyst inquired about the new MicroCo joint venture, asking for the rationale behind the partnership, the planned capital investment, and the monetization strategy. He also asked for more details on recent SG&A investments and how the company expects to achieve leverage from them in future quarters.

    Answer

    The company responded that partners are choosing Cineverse due to its unique collection of assets (tech, AI, streaming, marketing) that enable a smart, cost-effective, and rapid entry into the microseries market. Cineverse aims to build the 'home base' for the micro-drama industry, similar to what it did for horror with Bloody Disgusting. Regarding investment, the venture is currently being bootstrapped by the partners with the option to bring in additional equity partners later if needed to scale. The question about expense leverage was not directly addressed in the provided answer.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Dan Kurnos's questions to McEwen Mining Inc (MUX) leadership

    Dan Kurnos's questions to McEwen Mining Inc (MUX) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Asked about the potential for the NBC affiliate deal to be restructured due to regulatory scrutiny and NBC's focus on Peacock, and inquired about the company's sense of urgency regarding M&A opportunities.

    Answer

    The company values its symbiotic relationship with network partners and will continue to work collaboratively, noting a recent constructive engagement with Fox. Regarding M&A, they believe deregulation is coming, which will create significant profit opportunities. With a strong balance sheet, they are prepared to be a disciplined buyer or seller and are actively exploring all options to create shareholder value.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Dan Kurnos's questions to Direct Digital Holdings Inc (DRCT) leadership

    Dan Kurnos's questions to Direct Digital Holdings Inc (DRCT) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Dan Kurnos asked about rebuilding market confidence after recent disruptions, the strategy for diversifying revenue through new DSP partnerships, the company's approach to audience curation, and details on the cost optimization plan to improve profitability.

    Answer

    Executive Mark Walker stated that market confidence is returning, with partners remaining supportive and buying patterns improving monthly. He clarified that the total addressable market remains the same, with a focus on diversifying delivery mechanisms and expanding into new markets on the buy-side. Walker noted that audience curation will be a focus in early 2025. CFO Diana Diaz added that cost savings were achieved through staff reductions, a hiring freeze, and cuts to discretionary spending, with a plan to remain lean during the rebuilding phase.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI