Entravision Communications Corp (EVC) Q2 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strategic Divestments ...
Release Date: August 08, 2024
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
Entravision Communications Corp (NYSE:EVC) completed the divestment of its digital platform representation business, allowing the company to focus on its core US media business.
Revenue for the second quarter was $82.7 million, up 12% compared to the second quarter of 2023, driven primarily by the digital segment and political advertising revenue.
The digital segment saw a 36% increase in revenue compared to the second quarter of 2023, with improved operating margins attributed to better performance in Smadex and Adwake.
Entravision has made significant investments in expanding its news production capabilities, providing more local news and increasing opportunities for political advertising revenue.
The audio segment operating profit increased by 21% compared to the second quarter of 2023, with improved operating margins due to cost savings and strategic partnerships like the extended NFL agreement.
Negative Points
The television segment experienced a 5% decrease in revenue compared to the second quarter of 2023, driven by declines in advertising, spectrum rights usage, and retransmission consent revenue.
Television segment operating profit decreased by 59% compared to the second quarter of 2023, with operating margins dropping from 25% to 11%.
Overall advertising revenue saw a decrease, impacting both the television and audio segments.
Corporate expenses decreased by 10% but were partially offset by an increase in severance expenses due to recent corporate structure changes.
The company's leverage ratio remains relatively high, with indebtedness under the credit facility at $187.8 million as of June 30, 2024.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you elaborate on the strategic rationale behind the divestiture of the digital platform representation business? A: Michael Christenson, CEO: The divestiture to Aleph Group allows us to focus on our core US media business, which is crucial as we navigate changes in the broadcast industry. This move strengthens our financial position and enables us to concentrate on serving our Latino audience and expanding our news production capabilities.
Q: What were the main drivers behind the 12% increase in consolidated revenue for the second quarter? A: Mark Boelke, CFO: The revenue increase was primarily driven by growth in our digital segment and political advertising revenue in our television and audio segments. This was partially offset by decreases in overall advertising revenue, spectrum rights usage revenue, and retransmission consent revenue.
Q: How did the digital segment perform in the second quarter, and what are the expectations for the third quarter? A: Mark Boelke, CFO: The digital segment revenue grew by 36% to $41.1 million, driven by Smadex and Adwake. The operating margin improved significantly. For the third quarter, digital segment revenue is pacing 17% higher compared to the same period last year.
Q: What impact did the expansion of local news operations have on the television segment's financial performance? A: Mark Boelke, CFO: The expansion led to a decrease in operating profit and margins due to increased costs from hiring 70 additional news employees. However, this strategic decision aims to enhance our news offerings and capitalize on political advertising opportunities.
Q: Can you discuss the recent developments in the audio segment and their expected impact? A: Mark Boelke, CFO: The audio segment saw a 21% increase in operating profit due to cost savings and a strategic move to our corporate headquarters. We also extended our partnership with the NFL, which we believe will strengthen our ratings and advertising revenue.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.