Core Insights - Dolby Laboratories reported revenue of $307.02 million for the quarter ended September 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 0.7% and a surprise of +0.54% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $305.38 million [1] - The company's EPS for the quarter was $0.99, which is an increase from $0.81 in the same quarter last year, resulting in an EPS surprise of +41.43% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.70 [1] Revenue Breakdown - Licensing revenue was $281.63 million, slightly above the estimated $280.87 million, but down 0.4% year-over-year [4] - Products and services revenue reached $25.4 million, exceeding the estimated $24.5 million, marking a significant increase of 14.9% compared to the previous year [4] - Revenue from the PC licensing market was $28.65 million, surpassing the estimate of $27.12 million, but down 15.9% year-over-year [4] - Other licensing market revenue was $60.14 million, below the estimated $78.82 million, reflecting a decrease of 3.2% from the prior year [4] - Consumer Electronics (CE) licensing revenue was $35.04 million, exceeding the estimate of $30.72 million, but down 16.6% year-over-year [4] - Broadcast licensing revenue was $107.17 million, significantly above the estimate of $91.88 million, showing an increase of 11.9% year-over-year [4] - Mobile licensing revenue was $50.63 million, slightly below the estimate of $53.77 million, with a year-over-year increase of 4% [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, Dolby Laboratories' shares have returned -6.2%, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.2% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Viewpoint - Dolby Laboratories reported quarterly earnings of $0.99 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.70 per share, and up from $0.81 per share a year ago [1] Financial Performance - The earnings surprise for the quarter was +41.43%, with the company previously expected to post earnings of $0.72 per share but actually reporting $0.78, resulting in a surprise of +8.33% [2] - Revenues for the quarter ended September 2025 were $307.02 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.54%, compared to $304.81 million in the same quarter last year [3] Market Performance - Dolby Laboratories shares have declined approximately 17.4% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 13.4% [4] Future Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.09 on revenues of $359.09 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $4.19 on revenues of $1.39 billion [8] - The Zacks Industry Rank for Audio Video Production is in the top 12% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook for the sector [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 came in at $307 million, above the midpoint of guidance, with non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.99, exceeding high-end guidance due to a $0.28 discrete tax benefit [16] - For FY2025, total revenue was $1.35 billion, up 6% year over year, with non-GAAP earnings per share of $4.24, or $3.97 excluding the discrete tax benefit [17] - Operating cash flow generated was approximately $123 million, with a share repurchase of $35 million and a declared dividend of $0.36, up 9% from the previous year [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Licensing revenue for Q4 was $282 million, while products and services revenue was $25 million [16] - Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and Imaging Patents grew just over 14% in FY2025, representing 45% of licensing revenue [17] - Foundational audio technology revenue was just under negative 1%, aligning with expectations of roughly flat growth [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong growth was observed in mobile driven by the GE Licensing acquisition, while PC and broadcast grew mid-single digits, and consumer electronics (CE) was down, in line with expectations [17] - The automotive sector is identified as a fast-growing area, with Dolby Atmos music being integrated into more vehicle models [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its total addressable market by delivering value to new customers through consumption-based revenue models, including the video distribution program for content streamers and Dolby OptiView [10][14] - Dolby Vision 2 is set to enhance picture quality and is receiving strong industry support, with major TV manufacturers announcing their commitment [5][6] - The focus on AI-powered innovations is part of the company's strategy to enhance current and future offerings [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the overall device market is sluggish, they have been able to grow Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and imaging patents at about 20% a year [56] - The company does not anticipate significant impacts from tariffs and believes its device partners have shown resilience in dealing with supply chain issues [56] - For FY2026, revenue is expected to grow between 3%-7%, with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and Imaging Patents revenue projected to grow approximately 15% [19] Other Important Information - The company recorded a $6 million restructuring charge in Q4 as part of efforts to streamline operations [16] - The first revenue from the new imaging patent pool for content streamers is expected to be recognized in FY2026 [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expansion of Total Addressable Market with New Consumption Models - Management confirmed that the video distribution program combines existing imaging patents with GE Licensing patents, significantly expanding the addressable market [28] Question: Imaging Patents and Revenue Generation - The imaging patent licensing is driven by patent pools, with five licensees signed up in the second half of FY2025, expected to generate revenue in FY2026 [31] Question: Impact of Tariffs and Consumer State - Management indicated no identifiable impact from tariffs and noted that the device market is stabilizing after previous declines [56] Question: Progress in Automotive Sector - The automotive sector is expected to become a separate end market, with ongoing efforts to integrate Dolby Atmos into more vehicle models [40] Question: Capital Allocation and Share Repurchase - The company has over $270 million remaining for share repurchase authorization and continues to evaluate its capital allocation strategy [60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $307 million, exceeding the midpoint of guidance, with non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.99, boosted by a $0.28 discrete tax benefit [16][17] - For FY2025, total revenue reached $1.35 billion, a 6% increase year-over-year, with non-GAAP earnings per share of $4.24 [17][19] - Operating cash flow was approximately $123 million, with a share repurchase of $35 million and a declared dividend of $0.36, up 9% from the previous year [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Licensing revenue for Q4 was $282 million, while products and services revenue was $25 million [16] - Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and imaging patents grew just over 14% in FY2025, representing 45% of licensing revenue [17][19] - Foundational audio technology revenue declined just under 1%, aligning with expectations of flat growth [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong growth was observed in the mobile segment, driven by the GE Licensing acquisition, while PC and broadcast grew in mid-single digits [17][19] - Consumer electronics (CE) revenue was down, consistent with expectations [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its total addressable market through consumption-based revenue models, including the video distribution program for content streamers and Dolby OptiView [10][14] - Dolby Vision 2 was announced, enhancing picture quality and allowing deeper integration into TV OEMs' product lines [5][6] - The company is focusing on innovation, particularly in AI-powered technologies, to enhance current and future offerings [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the overall device market is sluggish, they have not seen specific impacts from tariffs, and device partners have shown resilience [56] - The company expects revenue growth of 3%-7% year-over-year for FY2026, with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and imaging patents projected to grow approximately 15% [19][20] - Management expressed confidence in the growth of Dolby technologies, anticipating that these will contribute significantly to overall revenue [15][56] Other Important Information - The company recorded a $6 million restructuring charge in Q4 as part of operational streamlining [16] - Cash and investments at the end of the quarter totaled approximately $783 million [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the new consumption models and their impact on revenue? - Management confirmed that the video distribution program combines existing imaging patents with GE Licensing patents, significantly expanding the addressable market [28][29] Question: What is the status of imaging patents and their monetization? - Management indicated that five licensees signed up in the second half of FY2025, with revenue expected to start in FY2026 [31][34] Question: How is the automotive segment performing? - Management anticipates that automotive will become a separate end market, with ongoing progress in integrating Dolby technologies into more vehicle models [40] Question: What are the impacts of the macro environment on the company's outlook? - Management noted that while the device market is currently sluggish, they expect stabilization and continued growth in Dolby technologies [56][58] Question: What is the company's approach to capital allocation? - The company has over $270 million remaining in share repurchase authorization and continues to evaluate its buyback strategy alongside regular dividend increases [60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $307 million, exceeding the midpoint of guidance, with non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.99, boosted by a $0.28 discrete tax benefit [16] - For FY2025, total revenue reached $1.35 billion, a 6% year-over-year increase, with non-GAAP earnings per share of $4.24 [17] - Operating cash flow was approximately $123 million, with a share repurchase of $35 million and a declared dividend of $0.36, up 9% from the previous year [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Licensing revenue was $282 million, while products and services revenue was $25 million for Q4 2025 [16] - Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and Imaging Patents grew just over 14% in FY2025, representing 45% of licensing revenue [17] - Foundational audio technology revenue declined just under 1%, aligning with expectations of flat growth [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong growth was observed in the mobile segment, driven by the GE Licensing acquisition, while PC and broadcast grew in mid-single digits [17] - Consumer electronics (CE) revenue was down, consistent with expectations [17] - The automotive sector continues to grow rapidly, with new agreements signed with major brands like Maruti Suzuki and VinFast [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its total addressable market through consumption-based revenue models, including the video distribution program for content streamers and Dolby OptiView [11][12] - Dolby is focusing on innovation and collaboration within the ecosystem to enhance the quality and efficiency of entertainment experiences [13][14] - The company is optimistic about growing Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and Imaging Patents at a rate of 15%-20% per year over the next three to five years [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the overall device market is sluggish, they have not seen specific impacts from tariffs, and partners are resilient [48] - The company expects revenue for FY2026 to be between $1.39 billion and $1.44 billion, reflecting a 3%-7% year-over-year increase [19] - For Q1 FY2026, revenue is expected to be between $315 million and $345 million, with licensing revenue between $290 million and $320 million [20] Other Important Information - The company recorded a $6 million restructuring charge in Q4 2025 as part of operational streamlining [16] - The first licensees for the new imaging patent pool were signed in the second half of FY2025, with revenue recognition expected in FY2026 [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expansion of Total Addressable Market - Management confirmed that the video distribution program for streamers combines existing imaging patents with GE Licensing patents, significantly expanding the addressable market [24][26] Question: Imaging Patents and Revenue Generation - The imaging patent licensing is primarily driven through patent pools, with five licensees signed up in the second half of FY2025, expected to generate revenue in FY2026 [29] Question: Automotive Market Progress - Management anticipates that automotive will become a separate end market, with ongoing efforts to deepen partnerships with existing brands [35] Question: Macro Environment Observations - Management has not identified specific impacts from tariffs and noted that the device market is stabilizing after previous declines [48] Question: Capital Allocation Strategy - The company has over $270 million remaining in share repurchase authorization and continues to evaluate its capital allocation strategy regularly [52]

Revenue Composition - Licensing revenue accounted for 93% of total revenue in fiscal 2025, consistent with 93% in 2024 and up from 92% in 2023[22] - Over 90% of revenue in fiscal 2025 was generated from licensing agreements with approximately 1,000 electronic device manufacturers[23] - In fiscal 2025, 93% of Dolby's revenues were generated from licensing technology, brand, and patents, primarily to device manufacturers[61] - The revenue composition by market for fiscal 2025 included 34% from Broadcast, 22% from Mobile, 12% from CE, 12% from PC, and 20% from Other[62] - In fiscal 2025, 93% of Dolby's revenue came from licensing, while 7% was generated from products and services[22] Technology and Innovation - Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision are key branded technologies driving revenue growth, enabling immersive audio and video experiences[27] - The amount of content created in Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision is large and growing, with strong momentum in music, TV shows, movies, user-generated content, audiobooks, and live sports[30] - Dolby's technologies are critical for consumer electronics manufacturers, enhancing product value and allowing for premium pricing[35] - Dolby's strategy includes advancing the science of sight and sound through innovation in emerging categories like user-generated content and podcasts[17] - Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies enhance image and audio quality, making content more realistic and appealing to consumers[29] Licensing Model - Dolby's licensing model typically involves a per unit royalty arrangement, leading to variability in quarterly revenue based on estimated unit sales[32] - Dolby licenses its technologies through a two-stage model, first to semiconductor manufacturers and then to OEMs, working with approximately 1,000 consumer electronics manufacturers globally[31] - Dolby's patent licensing revenue primarily comes from patent pools, with a minority from bilateral licensing agreements, and includes recoveries from unlicensed or under-reported distributions[49][50] - The company emphasizes the importance of brand recognition and reputation in its licensing business, which is fundamental to a wide variety of devices[24] Research and Development - Dolby's R&D focuses on audio and video technologies for consumer entertainment, with a significant portion of the budget dedicated to forward-looking research[68] - The company actively participates in the development of next-generation standardized audio and video technologies, exploring the use of artificial intelligence in codecs[40] - The company focuses its R&D resources primarily on audio and video technologies for consumer entertainment, dedicating a significant portion of its budget to forward-looking research[68] Patents and Intellectual Property - Dolby holds approximately 28,400 issued patents and 6,100 pending patent applications as of September 26, 2025, with 4,179 new patents issued in fiscal 2025[63] - Dolby's patent licensing revenue primarily comes from licensing standard essential patents for audio and video technologies, which are fundamental to billions of products sold annually[37] - The company has approximately 1,500 trademark registrations globally, which are integral to its technology licensing program[65] Market Position and Competition - The entertainment industry is highly competitive, with some competitors having greater resources and the ability to offer integrated systems at lower prices[70] - The company anticipates ongoing issues with OEMs underreporting shipments of products that incorporate its technologies and plans to continue enforcing its IP rights[66] Employee and Corporate Structure - As of September 26, 2025, Dolby had 2,051 employees worldwide, with 1,020 employees based outside the U.S.[75] - The board of directors provides oversight of human capital matters, including management succession planning[77] - The company offers competitive compensation and benefits packages, including health benefits and personal development opportunities[76] Production and Supply Chain - The company relies on contract manufacturers for the majority of its production capacity and sources components from multiple suppliers, including sole source suppliers for certain components[69] Company History - The company was founded in 1965 and has undergone several reincorporations, with its principal offices located in San Francisco, California[79]

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Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q4 FY25 was $307 million, a slight increase from $305 million in Q4 FY24[7] - GAAP net income for Q4 FY25 was $49 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, down from $59 million, or $0.61 per diluted share in Q4 FY24[7] - Non-GAAP net income for Q4 FY25 was $96 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, compared to $78 million, or $0.81 per diluted share in Q4 FY24[7] - Full year FY25 total revenue reached $1.35 billion, up from $1.27 billion in FY24[7] - Full year FY25 GAAP net income was $255 million, or $2.62 per diluted share, compared to $262 million, or $2.69 per diluted share in FY24[7] - Non-GAAP full year net income for FY25 was $414 million, or $4.24 per diluted share, compared to $369 million, or $3.79 per diluted share in FY24[7] - Total revenue for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 2025, was $307,024 thousand, a slight increase from $304,806 thousand in the same quarter of 2024, representing a growth of 0.7%[24] - Licensing revenue for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2025, reached $1,248,017 thousand, up from $1,181,794 thousand in 2024, marking a year-over-year increase of 5.6%[30] - Gross profit for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2025, was $1,188,998 thousand, compared to $1,133,225 thousand in 2024, reflecting a growth of 4.9%[24] - Operating income for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 2025, was $29,677 thousand, down from $46,354 thousand in the same quarter of 2024, a decrease of 36.0%[24] - Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2025, was $255,018 thousand, a decrease from $261,825 thousand in 2024, representing a decline of 2.6%[24] - GAAP net income for Q4 2025 was $49.332 million, down from $58.570 million in Q4 2024, while non-GAAP net income increased to $96.252 million from $78.436 million[32] - GAAP diluted earnings per share for Q4 2025 was $0.51, compared to $0.61 in Q4 2024, while non-GAAP diluted earnings per share rose to $0.99 from $0.81[32] - For fiscal year 2025, GAAP net income was $255.018 million, slightly down from $261.825 million in fiscal year 2024, with non-GAAP net income increasing to $413.511 million from $369.016 million[32] Cash Flow and Assets - Cash flows from operations for FY25 were $472 million, an increase from $327 million in FY24[7] - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $701,893 thousand as of September 26, 2025, from $482,047 thousand in 2024, an increase of 45.5%[26] - Total current assets rose to $1,388,261 thousand as of September 26, 2025, compared to $1,194,417 thousand in 2024, indicating an increase of 16.2%[26] - The company reported a net cash provided by operating activities of $472,198 thousand for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2025, compared to $327,252 thousand in 2024, an increase of 44.4%[28] Expenses and Liabilities - Research and development expenses for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2025, were $261,792 thousand, slightly down from $263,663 thousand in 2024, a decrease of 0.7%[24] - Total liabilities decreased to $595,814 thousand as of September 26, 2025, from $623,035 thousand in 2024, a reduction of 4.4%[26] - Stock-based compensation for fiscal year 2025 amounted to $128.514 million, up from $119.825 million in fiscal year 2024[32] - The company reported restructuring charges of $6.128 million in Q4 2025, compared to a credit of $(1.290) million in Q4 2024[32] Future Projections - Dolby expects Q1 FY26 total revenue to range from $315 million to $345 million[11] - For FY26, total revenue is projected to be between $1.390 billion and $1.440 billion[11] - The estimated GAAP gross margin for Q1 2026 and fiscal 2026 is projected at 88.0%, with a non-GAAP gross margin of 90.0%[33] - GAAP operating expenses for Q1 2026 are estimated between $235 million and $245 million, while non-GAAP operating expenses are projected between $195 million and $205 million[33] - The GAAP diluted earnings per share for Q1 2026 is estimated to be between $0.39 and $0.54, with non-GAAP diluted earnings per share projected between $0.79 and $0.94[33] - The effective tax rate for Q1 2026 is expected to be 23.0%, with a non-GAAP effective tax rate of 21.0%[33] - The weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share in Q1 2026 is estimated at 96,800 thousand[33] Dividends - Dolby announced a cash dividend of $0.36 per share, payable on December 10, 2025[9]

Core Insights - Dolby Laboratories reported strong financial results for Q4 and fiscal year 2025, highlighting growth in Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and imaging patents, along with an expanded addressable market [1][7]. Financial Highlights - Total revenue for Q4 2025 was $307 million, a slight increase from $305 million in Q4 2024 [7]. - GAAP net income for Q4 2025 was $49 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, compared to $59 million, or $0.61 per diluted share in Q4 2024 [7]. - Non-GAAP net income for Q4 2025 was $96 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, up from $78 million, or $0.81 per diluted share in Q4 2024 [7]. - Full year revenue for fiscal 2025 reached $1.35 billion, compared to $1.27 billion in fiscal 2024 [7]. - GAAP net income for the full year was $255 million, or $2.62 per diluted share, down from $262 million, or $2.69 per diluted share in fiscal 2024 [7]. - Non-GAAP net income for the full year was $414 million, or $4.24 per diluted share, compared to $369 million, or $3.79 per diluted share in fiscal 2024 [7]. Business Developments - Dolby announced a cash dividend of $0.36 per share, payable on December 10, 2025 [4]. - The company repurchased approximately 479,000 shares for about $35 million, with $277 million remaining in stock repurchase authorization [7]. - Dolby Vision 2 was introduced, enhancing the capabilities of modern displays and providing new tools for artists [7]. - Partnerships were established with automakers in India, China, and Vietnam, and new products featuring Dolby technologies were launched by major brands [7]. Financial Outlook - For Q1 2026, total revenue is estimated to range from $315 million to $345 million, with licensing revenue expected between $290 million and $320 million [8]. - Full year 2026 revenue is projected to be between $1.39 billion and $1.44 billion, with licensing revenue estimated between $1.285 billion and $1.335 billion [8]. - Gross margins are anticipated to be approximately 88% on a GAAP basis and 90% on a non-GAAP basis [8].

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