Release Date: November 14, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

• Dolphin Entertainment Inc (NASDAQ:DLPN) reported a 24.5% year-over-year revenue growth for Q3 2024, reaching $12.7 million.
• The company achieved a significant improvement in adjusted operating income, reaching $492,000 compared to an $850,000 adjusted operating loss in Q3 2023.
• Dolphin Entertainment Inc (NASDAQ:DLPN) is on track to exceed $50 million in revenue for the full year 2024, marking a key milestone.
• The acquisition of L Communications has strengthened their capabilities in the $1.1 trillion impact investing industry.
• The company's partnership with Lodi AI enhances digital protection services, opening new revenue channels and positioning Dolphin as a leader in AI technology for entertainment.

Negative Points

• Dolphin Entertainment Inc (NASDAQ:DLPN) reported a net loss of $8.7 million for Q3 2024, which includes significant impairment charges and write-offs.
• Operating expenses increased to $20.8 million, partly due to a $6.5 million goodwill impairment and a $1.3 million write-off of notes receivable.
• Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $6.6 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $7.6 million at the end of 2023.
• Despite revenue growth, the company is trading at approximately one quarter of one time the expected revenue for the current year, indicating potential undervaluation concerns.
• The company faces challenges in maintaining profitability, as evidenced by the historical net losses and the need for strategic initiatives to drive future growth.

Q & A Highlights

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with DLPN.

Q: What were the main factors contributing to the revenue growth this quarter? A: The 24.5% year-over-year revenue growth was driven by multiple factors, including strong performance from special projects and L Communications, which benefited from increased activity in the impact PR business due to the upcoming election year. Additionally, legacy PR firms like Short Fire, The Door, and 42 West also contributed to the growth, with organic growth and improved cross-selling efforts playing a significant role. - Bill O'Dowd, CEO

Q: Can you elaborate on the digital department's performance and any new business initiatives? A: The digital department has shown strong growth, particularly in talent management, brand campaigns, and events. The skincare and dermatology group has been a highlight, and there are plans to introduce a skincare product by the end of 2025. The brand division had a strong start to the year, and the events division expanded its showroom presence to New York Fashion Week. The digital department is expected to have a strong Q4, which is typically its most successful quarter. - Bill O'Dowd, CEO

Q: Could you explain the financial impact of the Blue Angels content licensing agreement? A: The $2.6 million received in Q3 was from revenue recognized earlier in the year upon delivering the film. Dolphin has recouped its full cash investment of $2.25 million and made a profit. The film will start playing in institutional theaters in January, providing a long-term revenue stream as an annuity from box office sales at venues like the Smithsonian and other IMAX theaters. - Bill O'Dowd, CEO

Q: How is the Always Alpha initiative progressing, and what are the plans for client acquisition? A: Always Alpha, focused on women's sports management, benefits from a strong management team led by Allison Felix. The initiative leverages Dolphin's existing capabilities in PR, brand development, and influencer marketing to attract female athletes and broadcasters. The unique positioning and first-mover advantage in the market are expected to drive client acquisition and growth. - Bill O'Dowd, CEO

Q: What are Dolphin's priorities for 2025? A: The focus will be on organic growth, cross-selling, and expanding Always Alpha and the impact PR division. Dolphin plans to introduce more ventures like Staple Gin and content projects, with 2025 expected to be pivotal in establishing multiple ventures in the market. The company aims to grow adjusted operating income and revenue while building on the successes of 2024. - Bill O'Dowd, CEO

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.