Genius Sports (GENI)
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Wells Fargo Cites Legend Acquisition Uncertainty as Potential Headwind for Genius Sports (GENI) Valuation
Insider Monkey· 2026-02-19 00:44
When Jeff Bezos said that one breakthrough technology would shape Amazon’s destiny, even Wall Street’s biggest analysts were caught off guard. Fast forward a year and Amazon’s new CEO Andy Jassy described generative AI as a “once-in-a-lifetime” technology that is already being used across Amazon to reinvent customer experiences. At the 8th Future Investment Initiative conference, Elon Musk predicted that by 2040 there would be at least 10 billion humanoid robots, with each priced between $20,000 and $25,000 ...
Genius Sports Limited (GENI) Announces a Partnership with WPP Media
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-17 10:11
Core Insights - Genius Sports Limited (NYSE:GENI) is recognized as one of the 15 Best Small Cap Stocks to Buy according to Wall Street [1] Group 1: Partnership and Acquisitions - On February 10, 2026, Genius Sports announced a partnership with WPP Media to enhance brand investment in sports, utilizing Genius Sports' Fan Graph and FANHub, leading to the creation of the WPP Brand Sports Momentum Score [2] - On February 6, 2026, Genius Sports entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Legend, a global digital sports and gaming media network, in a deal valued at up to $1.2 billion, which includes $900 million at closing and up to $300 million in earnouts [4] - Wells Fargo lowered its price target on Genius Sports to $10 from $16 while maintaining an Overweight rating, citing uncertainty regarding the acquisition of Legend [3] Group 2: Financial Performance - For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, Genius Sports reported preliminary unaudited results showing Group revenue of $669 million, a 31% increase year over year, and Group adjusted EBITDA of $136 million, a 59% increase year over year, with a 20% margin [5] - For 2026, on a standalone basis, Genius Sports expects Group revenue to be approximately $810 million to $820 million and Group adjusted EBITDA to be approximately $180 million to $190 million [5] Group 3: Company Overview - Genius Sports Limited develops and sells technology-driven products and services for sports leagues, sports betting operators, and media companies, including live data infrastructure, streaming solutions, and integrity monitoring services [6]
Citizens JMP Maintains Genius Sports (GENI) With a Buy
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-12 13:09
Group 1 - Genius Sports Limited (NYSE:GENI) is considered an overlooked small-cap stock with recent ratings from Citizens JMP maintaining a Market Outperform rating while lowering the price target from $17 to $11, and Wells Fargo reiterating a Buy rating with a reduced price target from $16 to $10 [1][2] - The company announced the acquisition of Legend, a digital sports and gaming media network, valued at approximately $1.2 billion, with $900 million payable at closing and an earnout of up to $300 million [2][4] - The acquisition is expected to be accretive to the company's EBITDA margins and free cash flow immediately, while sustaining at least 20% revenue growth annually through 2028 [2][4] Group 2 - Analysts at Citizens JMP view the acquisition as a bold growth step, although it may lead to lower quality earnings; they noted that management's leverage targets are gross, with net leverage expected to drop below 1x by 2028, which is seen as a positive despite short-term debt concerns [4] - The management of Genius Sports Limited has communicated that the integration of the acquisition with their business will be beneficial for the pro forma business, although investors may face a steep learning curve to fully understand the deal [4][5]
Genius Sports Limited (GENI) M&A Call Transcript
Seeking Alpha· 2026-02-05 20:14
Core Viewpoint - Genius Sports is discussing its acquisition of Legend, highlighting a strategic move to enhance its capabilities in sports data and related services [1]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Genius Sports is acquiring Legend to strengthen its position in the sports data industry [1]. - The acquisition aligns with the company's long-term vision to capture and monetize next-generation sports data across various platforms [3]. Group 2: Financial Targets - The company has set ambitious financial targets, aiming for $1.2 billion in revenue and $365 million in adjusted EBITDA [3].
Genius Sports Stock Drops 25% Over Legend Acquisition Announcement
RTTNews· 2026-02-05 16:25
Core Viewpoint - Genius Sports Limited (GENI) is experiencing a significant stock decline of approximately 25 percent following the announcement of its acquisition of Legend, a digital sports and gaming media network, valued at up to $1.2 billion [1]. Group 1: Stock Performance - The stock is currently trading at $6.36, reflecting a decrease of 25.53 percent or $2.16 from the previous close of $8.55 on the New York Stock Exchange [1]. - Over the past year, the stock has fluctuated between $6.37 and $13.73 [1]. Group 2: Acquisition Details - The acquisition of Legend is intended to expand Genius Sports' media ecosystem [2]. - It aims to integrate Legend's audience and marketing with Genius Sports' FANHub platform, which connects over 2,000 sports, media, and betting partners [2].
Genius Sports Buys Gambling Media Company Legend in $1.2 Billion Deal
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-05 15:35
Core Viewpoint - Genius Sports has agreed to acquire Legend, a digital sports and gambling media company, for $1.2 billion, marking the largest acquisition in Genius Sports' history [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition involves an upfront payment of $900 million, consisting of $800 million in cash and $100 million in stock, with an additional earnout of up to $300 million over two years post-transaction completion [2]. - The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending customary closing conditions [2]. Group 2: Financing and Leverage - Genius Sports is financing the acquisition with an $850 million loan, and the company anticipates maintaining a leverage ratio below 3x debt-to-EBITDA after the deal [3]. Group 3: Company and Market Impact - Legend, the target company, generated 320 million annual visits from 118 million unique visitors in 2025, with over two-thirds of visitors returning regularly [4]. - The acquisition aligns with Genius Sports' strategy to diversify its business into advertising technology beyond sports and media data streams [4]. - Genius Sports expects a 31% year-over-year increase in group revenue to $669 million for the fiscal year ending December 31, with adjusted EBITDA rising 59% to $136 million [6]. Group 4: Advisory and Legal Support - Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs provided financial advice and committed to financing the deal for Genius Sports, while Macfarlanes acted as legal advisors [7].
Genius Sports (NYSE:GENI) M&A announcement Transcript
2026-02-05 14:02
Summary of Genius Sports Conference Call Company and Industry Overview - **Company**: Genius Sports (NYSE: GENI) - **Industry**: Sports data and media monetization, digital sports and gaming media Key Points and Arguments Acquisition Announcement - Genius Sports announced the acquisition of Legend, a global digital sports and gaming media network, aimed at enhancing its capabilities in monetizing sports data and media [1][4] - The acquisition is expected to significantly accelerate Genius Sports' revenue and EBITDA growth, with projected revenue of approximately $1.1 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $320 million to $330 million for 2026 [4][19] Financial Performance and Projections - For 2025, Genius Sports reported an estimated revenue of $669 million and adjusted EBITDA of $136 million, reflecting a 31% revenue growth and a 20% adjusted EBITDA margin [3] - The company aims for $1.6 billion in revenue by 2028, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 35% and free cash flow conversion exceeding 60% [5][19] Media Segment Growth - The media segment of Genius Sports achieved a remarkable 37% year-on-year growth in 2025, indicating strong demand for its services [4] - The acquisition of Legend is expected to enhance the media business, positioning it as a leading platform for advertisers targeting sports audiences [5][11] Strategic Synergies - The integration of Legend's AI-powered platform with Genius Sports' existing infrastructure is anticipated to create synergies in data capture, audience engagement, and monetization pathways [5][12] - Legend's established media brands, such as covers.com and casino.org, will provide Genius with direct audience relationships and enhanced monetization capabilities [6][10] Market Position and Competitive Advantage - Genius Sports is positioned uniquely in the market, operating across both official sports data and AI-driven media monetization, which is not replicated by competitors [13][14] - The combined entity will serve over 2,000 customers globally, including leagues, teams, sportsbooks, and media companies, creating a diversified customer base [14] Revenue Model and Predictability - Legend's revenue model includes a mix of upfront payments and performance-based earnings, leading to stable and recurring revenues [16][77] - The average revenue generated per unique visitor on Legend's platforms is over $2, significantly higher than the average for digital publishers [9][10] Future Growth Opportunities - The acquisition is expected to enhance Genius Sports' participation in emerging gaming categories, including prediction markets, which are anticipated to drive additional revenue [17][66] - The integration of Legend's technology will allow Genius to optimize its media flywheel and expand its reach into new markets and partnerships [12][87] Financial Structure and Capital Allocation - The acquisition involves an upfront consideration of $900 million, with $800 million in cash and $100 million in stock, plus an earn-out of up to $300 million based on performance metrics [22] - Genius Sports plans to maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation, focusing on organic growth, strategic acquisitions, and shareholder returns [23][88] Additional Important Insights - The acquisition is seen as a transformative step for Genius Sports, enhancing its operational capabilities and market reach [25] - The leadership team from Legend will join Genius Sports, ensuring continuity and expertise in driving the combined business forward [6][25] - The company emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong liquidity and flexibility in its capital structure post-acquisition [39][88] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting the strategic importance of the acquisition and its expected impact on Genius Sports' growth trajectory and market position.
Genius Sports (NYSE:GENI) M&A announcement Transcript
2026-02-05 14:02
Summary of Genius Sports Conference Call on Acquisition of Legend Company and Industry - **Company**: Genius Sports (NYSE: GENI) - **Acquisition Target**: Legend, a global digital sports and gaming media network Core Points and Arguments 1. **Acquisition Announcement**: Genius Sports announced the acquisition of Legend, which is expected to enhance its strategic and financial execution, achieving significant revenue and EBITDA targets earlier than anticipated [3][4][22] 2. **Financial Projections**: - For 2026, Genius expects approximately $1.1 billion in revenue and $320-$330 million in adjusted EBITDA post-acquisition [4][18] - Long-term targets include $1.6 billion in revenue by 2028 with a 35% adjusted EBITDA margin [4][18] 3. **Revenue Growth**: Genius reported a 31% revenue growth in 2025, with media segment growth at 37% year-over-year [3][4] 4. **Market Position**: The acquisition positions Genius as a leader in both sports data and media-driven monetization, creating a unique end-to-end performance-driven sports and gaming media network [13][24] 5. **Customer Base Expansion**: The combined company will serve over 2,000 customers globally, including leagues, teams, sportsbooks, gaming operators, media companies, brands, and agencies [13][14] Additional Important Content 1. **Data and Technology Integration**: Legend's AI-powered platform enhances Genius's ability to capture real-time user intent and monetize it effectively across various channels [5][10][33] 2. **User Engagement Metrics**: Legend's properties have an average return rate of 75% and generate over $2 in revenue per unique visitor, significantly higher than industry averages [9][48] 3. **Revenue Model**: Legend generates revenue through strategic partnerships in the regulated betting and gaming space, sharing lifetime revenues from players acquired through its platforms [46][48] 4. **Synergies and Growth Opportunities**: The acquisition is expected to create significant revenue and operational synergies, particularly in the iGaming sector and emerging gaming categories [15][19][51] 5. **Leverage and Financial Strategy**: The acquisition will be financed through $900 million, including $800 million in cash and $100 million in stock, with a focus on maintaining manageable leverage levels [20][21][52] Conclusion The acquisition of Legend by Genius Sports is a strategic move aimed at accelerating growth, enhancing profitability, and solidifying its position in the sports data and media landscape. The integration of Legend's technology and audience will provide Genius with new monetization pathways and a broader customer base, ultimately driving long-term value creation.
Genius Sports (NYSE:GENI) Earnings Call Presentation
2026-02-05 13:00
Accelerating the Genius Sports Media Strategy February 2026 Legend to Join Genius Sports Disclaimer Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains forward-looking statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve significant risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements relating to the closing timeline of ...
Stifel Initiates Hold on Genius Sports (GENI) as “Picks & Shovels” Model Strengthens Industry Position
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-30 07:07
Company Overview - Genius Sports Limited (NYSE:GENI) is a global sports data and technology company that powers the sports, betting, and media ecosystem, providing live sports data, streaming, analytics, and integrity services to leagues, sportsbooks, and broadcasters worldwide [4] Investment Outlook - Stifel began coverage of Genius Sports with a Hold rating and a $10 price target, highlighting the company's attractive "picks & shovels" model in the online sports betting industry, along with its recurring revenues, solid net revenue retention, wide moat, and financial potential [1] - The anticipated development in Genius Sports' AdTech division has led management to set financial targets for 2028, projecting compound annual growth rates of 22% for revenue and 39% for EBITDA over three years [3] Competitive Landscape - Despite long-standing investor concerns regarding competition for data rights, Stifel noted that the industry appears to be solidifying into a "rational duopoly," with Genius Sports' contra-service model increasing switching costs for consumers [2]