Reading International (RDI) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 20, 2025 08:00 AM ET Company Participants Andrzej Matyczynski - Executive Vice President of Global OperationsEllen Cotter - President, CEO & Vice Chairman of the BoardGilbert Avanes - EVP, CFO, and Treasurer Andrzej Matyczynski First Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Call Conference Call. Thank you for joining Reading International's Earnings Call to discuss our twenty twenty five first quarter. My name is Andrei Matachinsky, and I am Reading's executi ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, consolidated revenue decreased by $4.9 million to $40.2 million compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to lower attendance across all markets and the closure of two cinemas [40][41] - The net loss attributable to Reading International for Q1 2025 was $4.8 million, an improvement from a loss of $13.2 million in Q1 2024, with basic loss per share decreasing to $0.21 from $0.59 [42] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $2.9 million in Q1 2025, a significant improvement from a negative EBITDA of $4 million in Q1 2024 [43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global cinema revenue for Q1 2025 was $36.4 million, down 12% from Q1 2024, representing just under 63% of pre-pandemic levels [13] - Global real estate revenue decreased by 2% to $4.8 million, while operating income increased by 79% to $1.6 million, driven by improved live theater performance and reduced holding expenses [12][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average exchange rates for the Australian and New Zealand dollars weakened against the U.S. dollar by 4.5% and 7.3% respectively, impacting revenue as approximately 50% of total revenue is generated internationally [9] - The cinema industry faced challenges due to a weaker box office, attributed to the lingering effects of the 2023 Hollywood strikes and underperforming film releases [8][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing debt and rebuilding operational cash flow, with plans for cinema renovations and upgrades in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand [50][51] - Strategic initiatives include enhancing food and beverage offerings, expanding loyalty programs, and recalibrating occupancy costs with landlords to reflect current economic conditions [20][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for a stronger 2026 and beyond, anticipating improvements in the interest rate environment and a stabilizing film slate [38] - The second quarter of 2025 has shown better box office performance, with successful film releases contributing to improved theater-level cash flow [15][17] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of its Wellington assets for NZD 38 million, which helped eliminate significant debt and reduce annual interest expenses [6] - The company is actively working on selling its Cannon Park assets in Townsville, Australia, with an expected closing date of May 21, 2025 [7][47] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is your cinema CapEx forecast for 2025? - The company plans to renovate one theater in the U.S. and is working on upgrades for several others in New Zealand and Australia, though completion is not guaranteed [50][51] Question: What are Reading's intermediate term plans for the Minetta Lane and Orpheum sites? - The focus is on reducing debt and maintaining cash flow from these assets while exploring future opportunities [52][54] Question: Do you expect to refinance the Santander loan? - Discussions are ongoing to extend the existing loan for another year, with expected terms including a partial pay down [56] Question: What steps will the company take to attract analysts and investors? - The company will participate in the Sidoti conference and host one-on-one meetings with potential shareholders to enhance visibility and valuation [57][58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q4 2024 global total revenue reached $58.6 million, a 29% increase compared to Q4 2023, marking the best fourth quarter since Q4 2019 [5][38] - Q4 2024 global operating income was $1.5 million, an increase of $8.5 million or 122% from a loss of $7 million in Q4 2023, representing the first positive operating income since Q4 2019 [5][6] - Q4 2024 adjusted EBITDA was $6.8 million, over 400% higher than a negative adjusted EBITDA of $2.2 million in Q4 2023, the highest since Q4 2019 [6][42] - For the full year 2024, total revenue was $210.5 million, a 5% decrease from 2023, with a global operating loss of $14 million, up 17% from the previous year [9][40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global cinema revenue in Q4 2024 was $54.6 million, a 30% increase from Q4 2023, representing 84% of pre-pandemic levels [6][9] - Global real estate revenues in Q4 2024 were $5.2 million, a 14% increase from Q4 2023, with operating income rising 148% to $1.4 million [7][32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. cinema revenue increased by 24% to $29.3 million in Q4 2024, the highest since Q4 2019, with operating income improving to $1.6 million from a loss of $2.6 million in Q4 2023 [21][22] - Australian cinema revenue increased 37% to $21.4 million in Q4 2024, with operating income rising 254% to $1.7 million [28] - New Zealand cinema revenue increased 53% to $3.8 million, with operating income increasing 228% to $504,000 [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to reduce debt as a top priority for 2025 while planning upgrades for at least four theaters across Australia, the U.S., and New Zealand [51] - The focus remains on curating original series and programming to engage audiences and boost ticket sales, alongside exploring new avenues for alternative content [15][16] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the first part of 2024 was impacted by the Hollywood strikes, affecting overall performance, but expressed optimism for the future with an exciting film lineup expected in 2025 [14][39] - The company is working on monetizing real estate assets to improve liquidity and reduce interest expenses [10][35] Other Important Information - The company reported a net loss of $2.2 million in Q4 2024, a decrease from a loss of $12.4 million in Q4 2023, attributed to improved cinema performance and reduced interest expenses [39][40] - The total outstanding borrowings decreased to $202.7 million as of December 31, 2024, from $210.3 million a year earlier [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are your capital allocation priorities for 2025? - The highest priority is to reduce debt while planning upgrades for theaters, contingent on box office performance [51] Question: What are the recent underperforming theater closures and expected savings? - One U.S. cinema will close in April 2025, expected to save $500,000 to $1 million annually, with another small theater closed in New Zealand saving $100,000 to $200,000 [52][53] Question: Is the Australian cinema development project in Noosa still on track for 2026? - The project is in planning phases, with an expected opening pushed to 2027 [55] Question: Why did the company fail to engage with investors in 2024? - Management acknowledged the oversight and is now planning two non-deal roadshows and a microcap virtual conference for 2025 [56]