Live events

Search documents
Emerald Holding(EEX) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-04 13:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 2025 was $105.5 million, up from $86 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting strong year-over-year growth [17] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 59.5% to $24.4 million compared to $15.3 million in the prior year, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 23.1% [18][19] - Reported organic revenue growth was 0.4% year-over-year, but on a pro forma basis, organic growth would have been approximately 5% [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The connections business drove growth, while event mix and softness in content impacted overall performance [17] - The company experienced three events in Q2 2025 that were held in different quarters in 2024, affecting organic revenue reporting [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International exhibitors accounted for approximately 10% of total revenue, with 99% of the full year international revenue target already secured [11] - Encouraging activity was noted in markets like Italy, Germany, and Brazil, helping to offset softness in China and Canada [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on customer centricity, year-round engagement, and portfolio optimization, with targeted acquisitions in high-growth verticals [14] - Recent acquisitions, including This Is Beyond and InsurTech Insights, are contributing to growth and aligning with strategic priorities [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in the resilience of live events, emphasizing their importance in driving measurable impact and trust [13] - The company is navigating macroeconomic pressures with operational discipline and strategic focus, expecting a return to normal patterns post-construction at the Las Vegas Convention Center [30][24] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 1.6 million shares for $6.9 million, demonstrating management's conviction in long-term value [22] - A quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share was declared, reflecting a commitment to shareholder returns [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will the third quarter see organic growth below the second quarter? - Management confirmed that the third quarter is expected to show negative organic growth due to event mix and construction impacts [28] Question: Will the Las Vegas construction be a factor next year? - Management confirmed that the construction is expected to be completed by the end of this year, returning to a normal pattern in 2026 [30] Question: What is the expected contribution from recent acquisitions for the rest of the year? - Both This Is Beyond and InsurTech Insights have events scheduled in the second half of the year, contributing to revenue [31] Question: How significant is the macroeconomic headwind currently? - Management characterized the macroeconomic impact as small overall, with some positive activity in certain countries offsetting weaknesses in others [33][34] Question: What is the status of free cash flow adjustments related to acquisitions? - Adjusted free cash flow would have been $17 million higher if accounting for acquisition-related timing effects [20][49] Question: How is the company leveraging AI for internal initiatives? - The company is using AI to enhance productivity and streamline workflows across various departments, with early pilots yielding measurable efficiency gains [52]