AMC(AMC) - 2019 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q4 2019 reached a record $1.45 billion, up 3.2% year-over-year [11] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 12% to $269.1 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 18.6%, up over 150 basis points [11] - Adjusted free cash flow rose by $186 million to $303 million, while free cash flow increased by $190 million to $199 million [11] - For the full year, total revenue was $5.5 billion, up 1.6%, while admissions revenue decreased by 1% to $3.3 billion [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic admissions revenue grew by 1.7%, outperforming the industry by 423 basis points, driven by a 6.4% increase in average ticket price [12] - International admissions revenue increased by 4.1% on a constant currency basis, with attendance per screen up by 4.8% [14] - Food and beverage revenue per patron in the US increased by 2.5% to $5.33, while international food and beverage revenue per patron grew by 7.8% to $3.59 [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic box office for Q4 2019 was $2.9 billion, down 1.6% year-over-year, but in line with the average of the past five years [9] - In Europe, the industry box office grew by 6.3% on a constant currency basis, with AMC gaining market share for the seventh consecutive quarter [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - AMC is focusing on innovation and enhancing the guest experience through technology and data-driven insights [22] - The company is prioritizing deleveraging and capital allocation towards share buybacks rather than dividends due to current market conditions [29][30] - AMC plans to invest in European theaters and technology initiatives to drive operational efficiencies and customer loyalty [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future of the theatrical exhibition industry, citing strong film slates and proven billion-dollar franchises [24] - The company is confident in its ability to continue gaining market share and improving margins despite potential softness in the domestic box office [63] - Management is monitoring the impact of the coronavirus but noted minimal effects on operations so far [45][73] Other Important Information - AMC's board declared a reduced dividend of $0.03 per share, the 24th consecutive dividend, reflecting a strategic shift towards share repurchases [31] - The company has authorized up to $200 million for class A common stock repurchases over the next three years [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital allocation plan and prioritization between dividends and share buybacks - Management indicated that the priority is to deleverage first, followed by returning cash to shareholders primarily through share repurchases [49][51] Question: A-List subscription program and pricing strategy - The A-List program has seen strong membership retention and profitability, with no immediate need for price increases [53][54] Question: Impact of European IPO and capital structure - Management stated that a European IPO is currently off the table as they prefer to retain the value from European theater renovations [60] Question: Impact of coronavirus on Italian theaters - AMC closed 22 theaters in Northern Italy as a precaution, with minimal economic impact expected from the closure [71][73]