Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue is at the lower end of guidance, reflecting a tough economic climate and delays in planned initiatives due to satellite migration [21] - EBITDA is in the middle of guidance, partly offset by strong cost management [21] - Net profit after tax is down due to higher depreciation from elevated CapEx and new products [21] - Free cash flow increased by 4.6% year on year to $24.8 million [22] - Total dividends distributed increased by 21% year on year to $30 million [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sky4Now, broadband, and advertising contributed over $22 million in revenue, but Skybox revenue declined due to customer churn and service interruptions [6][7] - Skybox now accounts for 62% of revenue, down from 78% five years ago, indicating increased revenue diversity [7] - Sky Sports Now saw a 20% increase in monthly subscribers and a 16% revenue growth for the year [15] - Neon performance remained steady, with advertising revenue growing by 7% [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The linear TV market has been declining at a 5.8% CAGR since 2019, while digital video growth is at 17% CAGR [18] - Sky has secured a significant share in the linear market and a strong stake in the fast-growing digital ad space through the Sky Free acquisition [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its multi-platform approach and strengthen its content bundle through strategic partnerships [8][10] - Focus on reducing reliance on output deals and moving towards a more responsive content strategy [11] - Integration of Sky Free is a key priority, with expectations of positive free cash flow impact in FY 2026 [34][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges ongoing economic challenges but remains optimistic about customer engagement and revenue growth opportunities [37][40] - The company plans to reinvest in marketing and customer experience to lay the groundwork for future growth [38][40] - Management is focused on achieving margin growth while navigating the current economic landscape [76] Other Important Information - The company has completed the satellite migration and secured the renewal of New Zealand Rugby rights from 2026 to 2030 [3][4] - The acquisition of Discovery New Zealand, now called Sky Free, is expected to enhance the company's market position [3][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the expected payout ratio for FY 2026? - Management acknowledges the payout ratio will be at the top of the range for FY 2026 and will consider future guidance as they approach FY 2027 [43][44] Question: What is driving the reduction in programming costs for FY 2026? - The reduction is attributed to fewer one-off events compared to previous years, such as the Olympics, and a focus on entertainment spend [45][46][47] Question: How is trading going in the first months of FY 2026? - The first month has gone well, with improved churn levels as customers transition to the new Sky experience [49][50] Question: What are the main reasons for customer churn? - Price sensitivity is the primary reason for churn, as customers are facing economic pressures [82] Question: What is the impression of the Sky Free acquisition so far? - Management expresses excitement about the opportunities presented by the acquisition, reporting all positive insights [86][87]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, the company reported $685 million in Marketplace Gross Order Value (GOV), down 31% year-over-year [11] - Total Marketplace orders decreased approximately 30% year-over-year, while average order size declined by 2% [11] - Revenues for Q2 were $144 million, representing a 28% year-over-year decrease [11] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $14 million, significantly down from the previous year due to lower volume and negative operating leverage [12] - The company ended Q2 with $392 million in debt and $153 million in cash, resulting in net debt of $239 million [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The sports category experienced a significant decline, down double digits in Q2, attributed to weak playoff matchups and challenging comparisons [5][6] - The concerts category saw low single-digit growth in Q2 but faced a double-digit decline in June [5] - The company announced a cost reduction program targeting $25 million in annualized savings, with over $5 million already realized [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The industry faced a challenging operating environment with double-digit declines across categories in June, influenced by economic uncertainty and the FTC's all-in pricing mandate [5][6] - Internationally, the company is now operational in four European countries, exceeding margin expectations and achieving net contribution positive thus far in 2025 [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing a strategic cost reduction program to improve operating leverage and position itself for long-term growth opportunities [4][6] - The focus is on enhancing efficiency without compromising customer experience, with plans to shut down Vivid Picks as part of this strategy [7][8] - The company remains committed to innovation and expanding its international presence despite current challenges [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential of live events, despite current competitive pressures and economic uncertainties [5][10] - The company anticipates positive cash flow in Q3 due to seasonal improvements and believes that the softness experienced in June was atypical [13][90] - Management highlighted the importance of returning to growth and generating sustainable positive cash flow as key objectives moving into 2026 [90][91] Other Important Information - The company plans to implement a one-for-20 reverse stock split to enhance the marketability of its common stock [13][14] - The competitive landscape remains intense, with increased aggressiveness in performance marketing channels impacting profitability [76][80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on take rate and market positioning - Management emphasized a focus on unit economics and plans to emerge leaner to drive sustainable growth into 2026 [20][21] - The take rate increase was attributed to mix shifts rather than pricing changes, with a focus on maintaining competitiveness [22][24] Question: Impact of consumer spending and competitive pressures - Management indicated that competitive intensity was the primary issue, with consumer softness contributing a couple of hundred basis points of headwind [29] Question: International expansion and growth plans - Management expressed satisfaction with international performance and indicated a willingness to accelerate investments in that area [32] Question: All-in pricing impact on the market - Management noted that the all-in pricing rollout has led to a decline in conversion rates, but recovery is expected based on past experiences in other states [41][42] Question: Cost savings and operational efficiency - Management confirmed that the $25 million in savings is an annualized figure expected to be fully realized by year-end [38] Question: Shuttering Vivid Picks - The decision to shut down Vivid Picks was based on its failure to drive expected engagement and increasing regulatory challenges [85][86] Question: Cash flow expectations for 2025 and 2026 - Management expects to be cash flow positive in Q3, with a focus on returning to growth to support sustainable cash generation [90][91]

Summary of Vivid Seats Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Vivid Seats - **Industry**: Online marketplace for secondary ticket sales, primarily in North America with international expansion efforts underway [2][3] Core Points and Arguments - **Market Position**: Vivid Seats is a data-driven online marketplace for live events, focusing on the secondary ticket market. The company is experiencing long-term favorable trends as consumers prioritize spending on live events [3][4] - **Expansion Strategy**: The company has begun international expansion, acquiring WaveDash in Japan and launching operations in the UK, with plans to expand further into Europe [4][26][27] - **Inventory and Sales**: Vivid Seats has sold over 175 million cumulative tickets across more than 375,000 unique events, showcasing a broad inventory across concerts, sports, and theater [4][5] - **Technology and Services**: The company offers a leading ERP system, Skybox, which serves about 60% of professional sellers in North America, facilitating inventory management and pricing [5][39] - **Loyalty and Engagement**: Vivid Seats has a unique rewards program and gamification features to enhance customer engagement and retention [6][10] Financial Performance - **Recent Trends**: The company has faced increased competitive intensity, particularly from StubHub, leading to a decline in growth metrics such as Gross Order Value (GOV) and EBITDA [11][12] - **Cash Flow Dynamics**: The cash conversion model has been negatively impacted due to organic declines, reversing the previously favorable cash flow dynamics [12][13] - **Customer Acquisition**: Approximately 40% of GOV comes from new customers, indicating room for improvement in customer retention and loyalty [16] Industry Insights - **Market Dynamics**: The live events industry has seen fluctuating growth, with concert revenues declining while sports events have performed well. The overall demand remains stable despite economic pressures [18][19] - **Competitive Landscape**: The ticketing industry is dominated by a few players, with StubHub and Ticketmaster holding significant market shares. Vivid Seats aims to differentiate itself through its asset-light model and focus on unit economics [50][51] International Growth - **Market Entry**: The international market presents opportunities due to less competition compared to North America. Vivid Seats is focusing on building supply and demand in new markets [26][27][30] - **Brand Strategy**: The marketing strategy emphasizes rewards, pricing, and customer service to attract users in international markets [31][32] Future Outlook - **Long-term Growth**: The company remains optimistic about the long-term growth potential in the live events space, despite current competitive challenges [51][52] - **Adaptability**: Vivid Seats positions itself as nimble and asset-light, ready to adapt to changes in consumer behavior and market dynamics [52] Additional Important Points - **Consumer Behavior**: There is a noted shift in consumer spending patterns, with discretionary items like live events being prioritized over other expenses during economic downturns [19][20] - **Technological Advancements**: The company continues to invest in technology to enhance its platform and improve seller and buyer experiences [41][45] This summary encapsulates the key insights and strategic directions discussed during the Vivid Seats conference call, highlighting the company's current position, challenges, and future opportunities in the ticketing industry.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported $820 million in Marketplace Gross Order Value (GOV), a decrease of 20% year-over-year [13] - Total revenues for Q1 were $164 million, down 14% year-over-year, with owned property revenues also declining by 14% and private label revenues down 27% [13] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $22 million, a significant drop from $39 million in the prior year, attributed to lower volume and higher marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Marketplace orders decreased by 20% compared to Q1 2024, while the average order size remained flat year-over-year [13] - The marketplace take rate increased to 16.3%, up 70 basis points from 15.6% in Q1 2024, with expectations for near-term take rates to be in the range of 15.5% to 16% [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted robust competitive intensity and softening industry trends amid consumer uncertainty, impacting how artists and rights holders approach the market [6] - The concert landscape has shown volatility, with year-over-year volume trends fluctuating significantly, while sports events have seen a decline due to tough comparisons from previous years [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on cost discipline while making strategic investments in marketing and technology to enhance product development and customer experience [7] - Plans for international expansion are underway, with a focus on building out capabilities and scaling the platform in favorable markets [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term resilience of the industry despite current economic pressures, emphasizing the importance of live experiences over goods [6] - The company has suspended guidance for the remainder of 2025 due to increased variability in the global economy and potential consumer softness [15] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $7 million worth of shares at an average price of $2.89 during the quarter [15] - The company is committed to its Corporate Responsibility and Governance Strategy, highlighting progress in sustainability goals [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the performance marketing changes and competitive intensity? - Management noted changes in the Google channel affecting data reporting, leading to increased bidding and decreased efficiency across the industry [19][20] Question: Have you seen any changes in industry expectations? - Management indicated a softening in expectations due to broader economic conditions, despite some bounce-back in April [25] Question: Are artists delaying tours due to macro uncertainty? - Management acknowledged volatility in the industry, with a seasonal low in market activity observed [28] Question: What are your thoughts on cash conversion to EBITDA and capital allocation? - Management expects limited cash generation for the year due to declining EBITDA and working capital pressures [37] Question: How do you view market share dynamics in a flat to down industry? - Management indicated that GOV being down 20% could reflect share impact, primarily from performance marketing channels [42] Question: What is the impact of regulatory changes on the industry? - Management supports regulations aimed at transparency and believes their lean cost structure positions them favorably [62] Question: How is the company addressing marketing channel mix? - Management is focusing on diversifying away from competitively pressured channels and leveraging partnerships to drive growth [70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported $820 million in Marketplace Gross Order Value (GOV), a decrease of 20% year-over-year [12] - Total revenues for Q1 were $164 million, down 14% year-over-year [12] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $22 million, down from $39 million in the prior year [13] - The marketplace take rate increased to 16.3%, up 70 basis points from 15.6% in Q1 2024 [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Owned property revenues decreased by 14%, while private label revenues declined by 27% [12] - Marketplace orders were down 20% compared to Q1 2024, with average order size remaining flat year-over-year [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted robust competitive intensity and softening industry trends amidst consumer uncertainty [5] - There was a bounce back in April after a softening in February and March, but overall consumer sentiment remains volatile [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on cost discipline while making strategic investments in marketing and technology [6] - Upcoming app enhancements will aim to improve customer experience and engagement [6] - The company is committed to expanding its Total Addressable Market (TAM) and international capabilities [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term resilience of the live events industry despite current pressures [5] - The company is suspending guidance for the remainder of 2025 due to increased variability in the global economy and potential consumer softness [14] - Management emphasized the importance of operational discipline and strategic investments for long-term success [10] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $7 million worth of shares at an average price of $2.89 during the quarter [14] - The partnership with United Airlines is expected to contribute positively in the second half of 2025 [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the competitive environment and performance marketing changes? - Management noted changes in the Google channel affecting data reporting, leading to increased bidding and decreased efficiency across the industry [20][21] Question: Have you seen any changes in industry expectations? - Management indicated a conservative approach due to broader economic conditions, with expectations for a flat to down industry [24][26] Question: Are artists delaying tours due to macro uncertainty? - Management acknowledged volatility in the industry, with some seasonal lows in market activity [29] Question: What are your thoughts on cash conversion to EBITDA and capital allocation? - Management expects limited cash generation for the year due to declining EBITDA and working capital pressures [38] Question: How do you view market share dynamics? - Management indicated that GOV being down 20% could reflect share impact, particularly from performance marketing channels [42][43] Question: Can you provide insights on the marketing channel mix? - Management is focusing on diversifying marketing channels and leveraging partnerships to mitigate competitive pressures [71][74] Question: What is the impact of regulatory changes on the industry? - Management supports regulations aimed at price transparency and believes it will create a level playing field [65][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, the company reported revenues of $200 million, a 1% increase year-over-year, and adjusted EBITDA of $33 million, a 5% decrease year-over-year [7][26] - For the full year 2024, revenues reached $776 million, a 9% increase year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA was $151 million, a 7% increase year-over-year [7][26] - The company generated $994 million in marketplace Gross Order Value (GOV) in Q4 2024, an 11% decrease year-over-year, with a 12% reduction in total marketplace orders [24][26] - The average order size increased by 2% year-over-year in Q4 2024 [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loyalty program, Vivid Seats Rewards, saw repeat orders increase to 61% of total orders, indicating a strong trend in customer retention [10] - The Game Center initiative led to a doubling of app downloads year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2024, contributing to increased engagement [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The live event industry is expected to return to growth in 2025, following a muted 2024, with consumers prioritizing spending on live experiences [8] - The company is expanding its Total Addressable Market (TAM) through acquisitions and international expansion, with a focus on the UK and other European countries [15][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to increase investments in marketing and technology to drive long-term growth, despite competitive intensity in the market [22][30] - Strategic partnerships, such as with United Airlines, are aimed at enhancing customer engagement and expanding the user base [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth of the live events market, despite the competitive landscape in 2024 [6][21] - The company anticipates a return to top-line growth in the second half of 2025, aided by easier comparisons and new partnerships [21][29] Other Important Information - The company reduced the interest rate on its term loan, resulting in annualized savings of $3 million [26] - The guidance for 2025 includes marketplace GOV expectations of $3.7 billion to $4.1 billion and revenues of $730 million to $810 million [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: International expansion and EBITDA impact - Management confirmed the launch in the UK and expressed optimism about expanding into other European countries, with a focus on achieving scale before prioritizing profits [36][37] Question: Concert pipeline and North American activity - Management noted a mixed outlook for concert activity, with early 2025 showing solid growth but recent weeks indicating a neutral to negative trend [40][41] Question: Market share competition and loyalty program - Management emphasized the importance of repeat users and the effectiveness of the loyalty program in maintaining customer engagement [46][48] Question: Strategic M&A and buyback plans - Management indicated that share buybacks are a core part of their capital allocation strategy, but they remain cautious about M&A opportunities in the near term [50][104] Question: Marketing expenses and macroeconomic impacts - Management stated that marketing expenses are expected to align with volume, and they are monitoring macroeconomic conditions closely [72][78]