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PLBY (PLBY) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
PLBY PLBY (US:PLBY)2025-05-15 22:00

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a positive adjusted EBITDA of $2.4 million for Q1 2025, marking its first positive EBITDA quarter since 2023 [21][22] - There were $1 million in personnel-related costs in Q1 that have been eliminated, which would have resulted in a positive adjusted EBITDA of $3.4 million [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Licensing revenue increased significantly by 175% year-over-year, and even without the ByBorg deal, it was still up over 50% [33] - The ByBorg deal, effective January 1, contributes $5 million per quarter, with the first two payments already made [33][34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing improvements in its China licensing business despite a challenging environment due to tariffs, indicating potential for continued growth [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on an asset-light model and aims to reduce overhead while increasing EBITDA [21][28] - There are plans to develop new licensing deals in gaming and hospitality, with potential projects like a Playboy Club expected to take one to two years for physical build-out [23][28] - The company is also exploring opportunities in mainstream content, including TV shows and paid voting campaigns, which could generate additional revenue streams [25][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth opportunities in the next few years, particularly in gaming and content licensing [28] - The company is preparing for potential revenue recognition from multi-year deals in the second half of the year [24][28] Other Important Information - The company plans to release an additional magazine issue this year, with hopes to ramp up to four issues next year, which could create ancillary revenue streams [25][28] - A second equity investment vote has been moved to the annual meeting scheduled for June 16 [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Honeybird debt and gross margin changes - Management indicated that they are ahead of plan for the second quarter and expect an easy comparable from last year [8] - The near-term gross margin is expected to remain stable, with a $1 million impact from tariffs, which has been mitigated by a 10% price increase [9][11] Question: Plans for new product development with ByBorg - Management confirmed ongoing collaboration with ByBorg and a minimum guarantee of $20 million per year, with a $5 million payment scheduled for July 1 [14][15] Question: Potential in other licensing categories - Management highlighted enthusiasm for new licensing opportunities in clubs and hospitality, with a focus on an asset-light model and positive EBITDA [21][28]