Reading International(US:RDI)2025-04-04 02:57Financial 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]