Beasley Broadcast(US:BBGI)2025-05-07 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total net revenue for Q1 was $48.9 million, down 10.1% year over year, but down 8.5% on a same station basis, reflecting early progress in stabilizing revenue trends amid market volatility [9][10] - Total operating expenses were $45.2 million, down nearly $4 million or 8.1% compared to the prior year, indicating effective cost management [17][19] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $1.1 million, up 28% from $900,000 in the prior year, showcasing improved profitability despite revenue decline [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital revenue accounted for 22% of total revenue, with digital segment operating income growing from $100,000 in Q1 2024 to $1.9 million in Q1 2025, highlighting the success of digital product margin optimization [5][24] - Consumer services remained the largest revenue category, accounting for 30% of total revenue, but declined 15% year over year, with legal services growing nearly 5% and HVAC growing 12% [10][11] - National revenue, excluding political, declined 12.7%, while local direct revenue increased by 0.3% year over year, indicating resilience in local advertiser relationships [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The automotive category saw mixed results, with foreign auto up 7.5% but domestic auto down 5%, reflecting broader market concerns [12][13] - Local agency revenue declined 19.9% year over year, while local direct revenue's growth reflects the strength of direct advertiser relationships [14][15] - Overall audio cume increased by 5.6%, with significant ratings gains in key markets like Charlotte and Detroit, both up 33% [30][31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to accelerate digital growth, improve revenue quality, and execute with discipline, focusing on high-margin digital products and advertiser relationships [4][6] - A landmark multiyear partnership with the University of Michigan Athletics was established, enhancing the company's omnichannel sports strategy [6][7] - The digital transformation is seen as a long-term engine for value creation, with ongoing investments in content, technology, and audience development [22][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing challenges in a cautious advertising environment, with revenue currently pacing down 10% in Q2 due to macroeconomic pressures [33][34] - The company remains committed to cost management while funding initiatives in digital, content, and technology to drive long-term shareholder value [34] - Management expressed confidence in the ability to unlock sustainable growth and margin expansion across digital platforms [29][34] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 with $12.2 million in cash on hand, down from $13.8 million at the end of fiscal year 2024, reflecting ongoing financial management efforts [20] - Capital expenditures were $800,000 in the quarter, slightly down from $900,000 in the prior year [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on cost savings initiatives - The company has realized the full amount of cost reductions implemented in 2024 in Q1, with an additional $1.3 million in cuts made in Q1, expected to impact Q2 results [35] Question: National performance in 2024 - National revenue is weaker in 2024 compared to the previous year, with Boston experiencing declines while Philadelphia and New Jersey showed positive growth [36] Question: M&A discussions and opportunities - There were multiple discussions earlier in the year regarding M&A, but uncertainty in the economy has softened these discussions; the company remains open to beneficial swaps [37]