Cannae(CNNE) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenues for Q4 2025 were $103 million, a 6% decrease from $110 million in Q4 2024, primarily due to lower restaurant revenue and nine fewer O'Charley's locations [12][13] - Total operating expenses in Q4 2025 were $127 million, down from $132 million in the prior year, with a significant decrease in operating expenses by approximately 13% when excluding non-cash impairment charges [13][14] - For the full year 2025, total operating revenue was $424 million, compared to $453 million in 2024, reflecting lower restaurant locations and associated revenue [15] - The operating loss for 2025 was $119 million, compared to $104 million in 2024, influenced by non-recurring management charges and non-cash impairment charges [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The decrease in total operating revenues was primarily attributed to lower guest traffic in restaurants, despite higher average guest checks [12] - The company reported a $55 million tax refund expected in summer 2026, resulting from strategic sales of shares [4][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The performance of AFC Bournemouth, a key investment, was highlighted, with the team sitting in 8th place in the Premier League and generating over $400 million in transfer proceeds [6][8] - The company also acquired the remaining 60% of FC Lorient for approximately EUR 60 million, enhancing its strategic position in the multi-club model [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on transforming its portfolio to concentrate on sports and entertainment-related assets, where it has a competitive advantage [9][10] - A new set of strategic priorities has been established to enhance operating performance, increase transparency, and maintain disciplined capital returns [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed dissatisfaction with the current stock price, indicating that it does not reflect the intrinsic value of the company's assets [8][41] - The board is committed to evaluating and enhancing governance policies to align with best practices [11] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $323 million of stock, representing 28% of its shares outstanding, and increased its dividend by 25% to $0.15 per quarter [4][5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potential monetizations across the portfolio - Management is reviewing individual assets for potential monetization, particularly focusing on sports and entertainment-related assets [18][20] Question: Outlook on JANA partnership - Management remains optimistic about the partnership with JANA and believes they will continue to source opportunities aligned with the strategic focus on sports and entertainment [22][24] Question: AI risks across the portfolio - Management has considered AI impacts and believes that most portfolio companies are well-positioned with long-term contracts, while also being proactive in implementing AI for efficiency [25][27] Question: Valuation of Black Knight Football Club - Management discussed the valuation framework and indicated that they are providing more detailed financials to help investors understand the value of their investments [30][33] Question: Investment in SpaceX - The investment in SpaceX is expected to be a source of cash over time, with significant value appreciation since acquisition [35][38]