comScore(US:SCOR)2021-05-09 08:50Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter revenue of $90.3 million, an increase from $89.5 million in the same quarter last year, marking the first year-over-year increase since Q4 2018 [29] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $5.6 million, down from $6.4 million in the prior year, impacted by higher data costs but benefiting from lower operating costs [37] - The net loss for the first quarter was $36.4 million, compared to a net loss of $13.2 million in the same period last year, including a non-cash charge of $15.3 million related to debt extinguishment [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from ratings and planning was $65.8 million, up from $63.5 million, driven by higher TV revenue and international cross-platform services [29] - Analytics and optimization revenue increased to $17.7 million from $15.5 million, attributed to higher custom solutions and activation revenue [32] - Movies reporting and analytics revenue decreased to $6.8 million from $10.5 million, impacted by theater closures and delayed releases due to the pandemic [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - TV revenue comprised 46% of ratings and planning revenue, up from 42% last year, while syndicated digital revenue decreased to 45% from 50% [31] - The company expects revenue from the movie business to rebound as theaters reopen, with early signs of recovery noted in box office sales [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capitalizing on opportunities in both traditional and direct-to-consumer media platforms, enhancing its measurement capabilities [4][6] - Plans to enter new markets and expand product offerings are in place, with a focus on privacy-focused solutions to recapture customers [6][8] - The company aims to improve revenue and margins through investments in data inputs and new commercial relationships [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about revenue growth in the second half of 2021, driven by new products and partnerships [38] - The company anticipates a 3% to 5% revenue increase for 2021, with adjusted EBITDA margins expected to be between 6% and 8% [38] - Management noted that the pandemic's impact on the movie industry is expected to lessen as theaters reopen [22][23] Other Important Information - The company completed a recapitalization transaction that significantly reduced outstanding debt, providing financial flexibility for future investments [4] - A new partnership with Dish Media Sling was announced, aimed at enhancing cross-platform measurement capabilities [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Revenue growth cadence over the next three quarters - Management is optimistic about revenue growth in the back half of 2021, with expectations for improving quarters throughout the year [42][43]