Cannae(US:CNNE)2025-11-10 23:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cannae's operating revenue for Q3 2025 was $107 million, down $7 million from $114 million in Q3 2024, driven by reduced guest counts and fewer restaurant locations [16] - Total operating expenses decreased by $12 million to $120 million in Q3 2025, with reductions attributed to restaurant group location and operating cost reductions [16][17] - Net recognized gains were $8 million in Q3 2025, down $15 million from the prior year, reflecting lower mark-to-market gains on Paysafe [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cannae's equity and losses of unconsolidated affiliates were $57 million in Q3 2025, compared to $25 million in Q3 2024, driven by Alight's goodwill impairment and record player trading profits at Black Knight Football [17] - Alight reported total revenue of $533 million in Q3 2025, down 4% year over year, but adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow improved significantly [13][14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The restaurant segment saw reduced guest counts and 10 fewer locations, primarily affecting the O'Charley's brand, while the 99 brand maintained flat or slightly down same-store revenues [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Cannae is focused on executing its strategic plan initiated in February 2024, which includes optimizing investment strategy, capital allocation, and managing its portfolio for long-term value creation [4][5] - The company has transitioned its portfolio from 70% public investments to 20% public investments, emphasizing proprietary private investments expected to generate outsized returns [5][10] - Future capital allocation will concentrate on sports and sports-related assets, leveraging networks to find opportunities in the sports ecosystem [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic plan's execution and the progress made, highlighting the importance of transitioning to proprietary investments [4][10] - The company remains optimistic about the sports sector evolving into an institutional asset class, with a focus on improving cash flows and generating investor returns [9] Other Important Information - Cannae has returned over $500 million to shareholders since the strategic plan announcement, representing 35% of shares outstanding at that time [10] - The company plans to sell certain non-core assets to take advantage of expiring tax benefits, potentially generating up to $55 million in cash tax refunds [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potential tax benefits and investment monetizations - Management indicated that tax assets refer to historical gains where losses could be utilized for tax refunds, focusing on realizing unrealized losses for this purpose [20][21] Question: Criteria for monetizing investments - Management confirmed that the focus would be on realizing unrealized losses and monitoring the broader portfolio for less strategic assets [22] Question: Investments in SpaceX and Brisada Resorts - Management clarified that these investments are not new and may be considered for monetization as part of the strategic review [23][24] Question: AI risks in fintech and software investments - Management acknowledged the growing importance of AI and stated that portfolio companies are leveraging AI to improve efficiency and revenue without being made obsolete [25][26] Question: Divesting non-core assets and capital returns - Management emphasized a balanced approach to returning capital to shareholders while considering new investments, maintaining a consistent dividend [30][32] Question: Update on AFC Bournemouth stadium renovation - Management provided an update on the stadium renovation, indicating that the first phase is expected to be completed by the start of the 2026-2027 season, with significant improvements planned [33][34]