Stephen Laszczyk • Goldman Sachs

Answer

CEO Sean Gamble stated that H1 market share exceeded expectations and that while Q3 has been performing well, he expects Q4 share could temper due to a high volume of blockbuster releases. CFO Melissa Thomas highlighted strong labor productivity, with domestic labor hours rising significantly less than attendance. She credited internal tools for this flexibility and confirmed the company continues to pursue further productivity initiatives.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CEO Sean Gamble said that while more consolidation was expected, it hasn't materialized, but Cinemark remains a prudent potential buyer focused on quality assets. CFO Melissa Thomas attributed the rise in 'Utilities and other expense' to tougher property tax comps, a planned increase in repairs and maintenance for the year, and higher credit card fees from online ticket sales.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CEO Sean Gamble clarified that while they expect to maintain their structural 100 bps market share gain versus pre-pandemic, the incremental gains from 2024 may temper due to a more diverse slate and increased capacity constraints, which he views as a sign of high productivity. CFO Melissa Thomas explained that film rental rates will be higher year-over-year in 2025 because the slate has a greater concentration of high-grossing blockbuster films compared to the strike-impacted 2024, a dynamic that will fluctuate quarterly with the slate.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

President and CEO Sean Gamble explained that as the box office grows, increased seating capacity constraints could temper market share gains, which he described as a 'good problem to have.' He emphasized that Cinemark's strategy is to stay competitive through consumer-facing initiatives and that its pricing is guided by sophisticated, theater-level data analytics to optimize attendance and revenue, rather than by simply reacting to competitor moves.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

President and CEO Michael Rapino described the OCESA relationship as a 'home run' and highlighted significant growth opportunities in Mexico and Brazil. President and CFO Joe Berchtold projected a strong Q3, with double-digit AOI growth in Ticketmaster and Sponsorship, and continued growth in Concerts driven by a strong stadium quarter and robust consumer demand, evidenced by record on-site spending at recent festivals.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

President & CEO Michael Rapino described the OCESA deal as a "home run," highlighting partner confidence and significant growth potential in Mexico and Brazil through venue development and Ticketmaster expansion. President & CFO Joe Berchtold projected strong Q3 performance, with double-digit AOI growth in Ticketmaster and Sponsorship, and continued growth in Concerts driven by a high volume of stadium shows and strong consumer spending.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

President and CFO Joe Berchtold stated that 4 of the 20 new venues are expected to open by year-end, with a partial AOI benefit next year and a full run-rate impact in 2027. Regarding the DOJ case, he noted the process is ongoing with a March 2026 court date, and they are currently in the discovery phase with no material updates.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

President and CEO Michael Rapino confirmed continued strong demand, noting that stadium show sell-through rates are higher than any previous year. President and CFO Joe Berchtold added that 2025's performance will be similar to 2023, with stadium volume driving strong revenue growth, particularly for Ticketmaster and Sponsorship. He clarified that while stadium shows have attractive returns, the company does not capture ancillary revenue (like concessions and parking) as it does in its own venues, which will influence the balance between revenue and AOI growth.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

Andrew Schleimer, CFO, attributed the strong performance to live events, site fees, and partnerships, highlighting WWE's impressive 59% operating margin in Q2. Nick Khan, President of WWE, stated that growing sponsorships is a top priority, noting significant potential due to WWE's family-friendly and diverse audience. Mark Shapiro, COO, President & Director, added that any ad inventory secured in new media deals would further fuel this growth.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CFO Andrew Schleimer attributed the Q1 outperformance and raised guidance to strength in live events and global partnerships, with continued tailwinds from a strong WrestleMania. Mark Shapiro, President and COO, added that while they are not being overly conservative, they are being responsible given market uncertainty. Regarding buybacks, management stated the plan is market-driven and could be opportunistic, but the company is currently accumulating cash and keeping its "powder dry."

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

President and COO Mark Shapiro confirmed TKO is on track to hit its $375 million sponsorship target for the year, expressing optimism about cross-selling opportunities across UFC, WWE, and PBR. Both Shapiro and CFO Andrew Schleimer explained that the Kansas City Takeover, which includes a meaningful incentive package, serves as a successful model for future multi-event weekends that can be monetized through site fees and sponsorships, with plans to expand the concept.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

President and COO Mark Shapiro noted the Sphere event was 'one and done' but that TKO will continue creating spectacles at new high-tech venues. CFO Andrew Schleimer confirmed the long-term NFL deal for On Location is highly beneficial but declined to share specific economics, promising greater financial transparency for acquired assets going forward.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

EVP & COO Wayne Thorsen explained the 'Play' rollout is beginning with targeted cohorts of historically low-converting customers and will expand to a target of 100 million vehicles by year-end, with ad inventory growing alongside the subscriber base. CEO Jennifer Witz noted that the decline in new car conversion rates is slowing, aided by 360L penetration. She emphasized that overall demand should be viewed beyond conversion rates to include new acquisition programs like 3-year OEM deals and enhanced used car data funnels.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CEO Jennifer Witz noted the recent $1-$2 price increase had a minimal negative impact, which she credited to the added value in those packages. She expects the ARPU trend to improve throughout the year. CFO Thomas Barry addressed advertising, noting softness in auto and retail but strength in pharma and telco, confirming the sales team is actively navigating the volatile environment.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CEO Jennifer Witz detailed a strategy to enhance value and support a rate increase planned for March, which should improve ARPU trends after Q1. President and CCO Scott Greenstein explained that while SiriusXM sees all major podcast deals, the company remains economically disciplined, prioritizing deals that also create value for the core subscription service.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CEO Jennifer Witz outlined ad market headwinds including a flood of CTV supply and a shift to performance-based media, noting their focus is on programmatic and podcasting growth. CFO Tom Barry added these factors led to the reduced revenue guidance. On the churn/ARPU balance, Barry explained that promotional plans are used to maintain the subscriber base, creating future optionality. Witz added that the new $9.99 entry-level plan is designed to place customers in appropriate packages from the start, which could improve ARPU for subscribers who might otherwise seek deep discounts.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CFO Natasha Fernandes stated that cash flow conversion is trending towards pre-COVID levels of around 50%, with H1 operating cash flow up 25% YoY. She highlighted that incremental box office converts to cash at a high rate and expects a strong Q3 as cash from major Chinese films is collected.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CFO Natasha Fernandes confirmed the 2025 installation mix is expected to be approximately 60% joint ventures (JVs) and 40% sales. She projected that this would translate to JV-specific CapEx of roughly $35 million to $40 million, which constitutes the majority of the company's total CapEx for the year. She framed this as a strategic use of funds given the strong upcoming film slate and higher returns from the JV model.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CEO Richard Gelfond projected that local language films will continue to represent around 20% of total box office, with potential upside as the Chinese market recovers. CFO Natasha Fernandes noted that Q4 is historically the highest CapEx period and that the company has the balance sheet to fund more growth, with annual growth CapEx historically ranging from $30M to $40M.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CFO Paul Ruh stated that necessary pricing actions have already been implemented in the U.S. in collaboration with retailers, and no further increases are expected this year based on current tariff information. CEO Ynon Kreiz added that point-of-sale (POS) data was positive across all regions, and the toy industry remains strong, though broader economic uncertainty persists.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CEO Ynon Kreiz expressed confidence due to close retailer collaboration and a focus on value, noting that 40-50% of U.S. products will remain priced at $20 or less. CFO Anthony DiSilvestro explained that while demand is hard to predict, their scenario planning considers both macroeconomic risks and potential upsides, such as gaining shelf space if competitors face shortages.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CEO Ynon Kreiz cited expected momentum in Hot Wheels and UNO, new doll products tied to Disney's 'Snow White' and 'Wicked', and improving trends for Barbie. CFO Anthony DiSilvestro added that the 2025 guidance includes the anticipated impact of new tariffs and mitigating actions, such as leveraging Mattel's diversified supply chain, where less than 40% of production is from China, and potential pricing adjustments. He also noted Q1 headwinds from a later Easter and slightly elevated retail inventory.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CFO Anthony DiSilvestro explained the new design center replaces a leased facility and is the reason for the slight increase in CapEx guidance, with some build-out costs expected next year. Regarding buybacks, he stated the current pace is appropriate and consistent with capital allocation priorities, funded by free cash flow, with $268 million repurchased year-to-date.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CEO Chris Cocks highlighted that 'Final Fantasy' generated $200 million in revenue in a single day, far exceeding 'Lord of the Rings,' and that production was increased four times but still couldn't meet all demand. He attributed the success to strong IP adjacency and a gaming-native fanbase. CFO & COO Gina Goetter praised the team's agility in scaling production. Cocks expressed confidence in the 2026 and 2027 Universes Beyond pipeline to continue this momentum.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CFO & COO Gina Goetter described retailer discussions as 'very fluid,' expecting a shift from direct import to domestic in Q2, leading to a down quarter for Consumer Products, with inventory shipments becoming more back-half loaded. CEO Chris Cocks credited MONOPOLY GO's success to Scopely's excellent execution and reiterated the outlook of approximately $10 million per month in revenue for Hasbro.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CFO and COO Gina Goetter identified the timing and monetization of video game launches as the primary swing factor for out-year margins. Regarding the $250 million CapEx for 2025, she explained it's a step-up, with about half for video games and the rest split between toy innovation and transformation initiatives, and does not expect dramatic increases in subsequent years.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman noted that larger national advertisers are remaining stable, as evidenced by the 2.1% growth in Premier Networks, while smaller businesses are more sensitive to economic news. President, COO, and CFO Rich Bressler emphasized that pacing data is just a point in time. Regarding market share, Pittman stated that radio's challenge is monetization, not audience size, and iHeart's scale makes it an essential partner for large advertisers. Bressler added that the company has a consistent history of gaining share.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman stated that podcasting growth is being driven by expansion across all fronts: product, audience, pricing, and advertiser demand, making it a 'must buy' category. Regarding political ad revenue, he explained that campaigns are increasingly data-driven and that the company must enhance its programmatic offerings for the political sector, a lesson they are applying for future elections. President, COO, and CFO Rich Bressler added that despite lower-than-expected political revenue, the Multiplatform Group still delivered strong 8% EBITDA growth in Q4.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CEO Bob Pittman cited a post-election sentiment that is 'very good for business' and an increasing advertiser realization that reach is key, which benefits iHeart's scale. President, COO & CFO Rich Bressler explained the EBITDA guidance by noting that 2025 is a non-political year, which represents a significant revenue headwind of about $170 million. He added that the company is taking a conservative approach to its forecast given the recent pre-election advertising slowdown, despite projecting an up year for EBITDA which is unusual following a presidential election cycle.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

Executive Chairman and CEO James Dolan stated that new shows are expected to be a better product, which would support higher ticket prices. Regarding residencies, he described the pipeline as 'very full,' with more artist demand than available slots and noted that current artists are extending their runs due to the positive experience.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted a strategy focused on 'quality over quantity' and strong partner activation, noting a robust pipeline for future years. Liberty Media President and CEO Derek Chang added that he has observed significant energy and excitement from both current and potential sponsors, underscoring the sport's growing appeal and the teams' expanding sponsor bases.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted a solid sponsorship strategy focused on quality partners and strong activation, noting a robust pipeline for 2025 and beyond. Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang added that he has observed significant energy from current and potential sponsors, with the entire sport, including the teams, expanding their commercial partnerships.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed confidence in international media rights, noting the growing fan base and the value of the F1 TV product. CEO Derek Chang added that each market is unique, but the demand from global streamers for worldwide rights is a positive trend. Regarding Las Vegas, CFO Brian Wendling confirmed that while specific numbers couldn't be shared, the "majority of the miss" in financial expectations was related to the Vegas race.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CEO Derek Chang explained that learnings from the U.S. market are not necessarily correlated to other international markets due to their unique characteristics, but noted the trend of large streamers seeking global rights could drive demand. Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali added that F1 TV is a relevant and valuable tool in all negotiations. Regarding Las Vegas, CFO Brian Wendling confirmed that the "majority of the miss" in financial expectations was related to the Vegas event.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

An MSG Entertainment executive explained that growth for the 2025 Christmas Spectacular is expected from increasing the show count to 211 (from 200 last year) and improving average ticket yields. The executive noted that advanced ticket sales are currently pacing up over 60% in gross revenue, reflecting improvements in both volume and price for group and individual sales.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

Interim CFO Lee Weinberg detailed that the Christmas Spectacular's record performance was driven by strong individual ticket demand, fueled by recovering NYC tourism, with a notable increase in tourist attendance. He stated that this demand allowed for an increased show count and higher average ticket yields. Looking forward, he sees further opportunity to grow revenue through increased show counts and by narrowing the pricing gap with Broadway shows.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

Michael Grau, EVP and CFO, identified concert booking pacing and Christmas Spectacular performance as the primary swing factors for AOI guidance. He noted that headwinds include booking softness and overhead from the sponsorship transition, while tailwinds include the Christmas show, special events, and marquee sports. Grau declined to quantify the specific costs of ending the Oak View Group agreement.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CEO Robert Kyncl did not comment on pricing specifics but stated the new deal provides 'certainty, not hope.' CFO Bryan Castellani reiterated that foreign exchange is the primary drag on achieving the 100 basis point margin expansion goal for the year and noted that the company's hedging programs impact results below the adjusted OIBDA line.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CEO Robert Kyncl stated that he has '2 to 3 new revenue streams sketched out' but that it was premature to discuss them publicly. He expressed confidence that new monetization methods will emerge due to music's ubiquitous nature. CFO Bryan Castellani reaffirmed the full-year operating cash flow conversion target of 50% to 60%, stating that he expects it to be largely consistent year-to-year despite some seasonality from deal timing.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

Answer

CEO Robert Kyncl explained that WMG's investment strategy is shifting to a 'repertoire lens' to evaluate the global value of local music. CFO Bryan Castellani noted that margins were impacted by revenue mix and reinvestments in technology and 'unproven A&R,' which is expensed and grew by double-digit percentages. He stated it was too early to provide updated margin guidance.

Ask Fintool Equity Research AI