CuriosityStream Reports Q2 2024 Earnings Results

Rhea-AI Summary

CuriosityStream Inc. (NASDAQ: CURI) reported Q2 2024 financial results, marking its second consecutive quarter of positive net cash from operating activities. The company achieved its highest quarterly Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $2.5 million and initiated a share repurchase program for up to $4 million. Key highlights include:

- Revenue of $12.4 million, down from $14.1 million in Q2 2023
- Gross profit increased to $6.4 million from $4.2 million year-over-year
- Net loss narrowed to $2.0 million from $9.6 million in Q2 2023
- Direct revenue grew 17% year-over-year and 3% sequentially
- Cash balance of $39.6 million with no debt as of June 30, 2024

The company also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.025 per share and provided Q3 2024 guidance with revenue expected between $12.0 - $14.0 million and Adjusted Free Cash Flow between $1.5 - $3.0 million.

Positive

• Achieved highest quarterly Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $2.5 million
• Second consecutive quarter of positive net cash from operating activities
• Initiated share repurchase program for up to $4 million
• Declared quarterly cash dividend of $0.025 per share
• Direct revenue increased by 17% year-over-year and 3% sequentially
• Gross profit increased to $6.4 million from $4.2 million year-over-year
• Net loss narrowed to $2.0 million from $9.6 million in Q2 2023
• Strong cash position of $39.6 million with no debt

Negative

• Revenue decreased to $12.4 million from $14.1 million in Q2 2023
• Reported net loss of $2.0 million for the quarter

Insights

Financial Analyst

CuriosityStream's Q2 2024 results show promising signs of financial improvement. The company achieved positive net cash from operating activities for the second consecutive quarter and reported its highest quarterly Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $2.5 million. This represents a significant turnaround from the $10.6 million cash used in Q2 2023.

While revenue decreased year-over-year to $12.4 million, the company managed to increase its gross profit to $6.4 million, up from $4.2 million in Q2 2023. This improvement, coupled with reduced operating expenses, led to a narrower net loss of $2.0 million, compared to $9.6 million in the previous year.

The initiation of a share repurchase program and declaration of a $0.025 per share dividend signal management's confidence in the company's financial position. With $39.6 million in cash and no debt, CuriosityStream appears well-positioned for future growth and shareholder returns.

Media Industry Expert

CuriosityStream's strategic moves in Q2 2024 demonstrate a focus on content expansion and market penetration. The launch of Spanish-language FAST channels with Estrella MediaCo and the partnership with Harbour Rights for Asian distribution are significant steps towards global audience growth.

The company's content strategy, including themed programming initiatives like Earth Month and Summer Doc-busters, shows a commitment to engaging viewers with diverse, high-quality factual entertainment. This approach could help CuriosityStream differentiate itself in the competitive streaming landscape.

The 17% year-over-year increase in direct revenue is particularly noteworthy, indicating growing consumer interest in CuriosityStream's offerings. However, the overall revenue decline suggests challenges in other revenue streams, possibly due to market saturation or increased competition in the factual content space.

Market Research Analyst

CuriosityStream's Q2 2024 results reflect a company in transition, balancing growth initiatives with financial prudence. The focus on international expansion through partnerships and localized content is a smart move in the saturated U.S. streaming market. The Spanish-language FAST channels and Asian distribution deal could open up significant new audience segments.

The company's emphasis on themed content initiatives aligns with viewer preferences for curated, easily discoverable content. This strategy could help improve user engagement and retention, critical metrics in the streaming industry.

The introduction of a share repurchase program and dividend, unusual for a growth-stage streaming company, may be aimed at attracting value investors. However, it's important to monitor whether these shareholder-friendly moves come at the expense of content investment and growth initiatives, which are vital for long-term success in the competitive streaming landscape.

• Second Consecutive Quarter of Positive Net Cash from Operating Activities
• Achieved Our Highest Quarterly Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $2.5 Million
• Initiated Share Repurchase Program for up to $4 Million
• Declared $0.025 Per Share Dividend

SILVER SPRING, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CuriosityStream Inc. (NASDAQ: CURI), a global factual entertainment company, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. In addition, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.025 per share, payable on October 31, 2024, to stockholders of record on October 12, 2024.

"Curiosity delivered excellent results in the second quarter. We generated $2.5 million in adjusted free cash flow, our seventh consecutive quarter of improvement and more than a 100% increase over Q1 2024, while growing sequential revenue," said Clint Stinchcomb, President & CEO. "We increased our direct subscription revenue sequentially and year over year. We added several new traditional licensing partners as well as exciting and entirely new categories of licensing partners. In light of these accomplishments and our increased realization of operational efficiencies, we initiated our first ever share repurchase program. Looking forward, in addition to guiding to significant positive cash flow generation, we believe our dividend program which we are paying from surplus cash, our $40 million in cash and equivalents and no debt, and our extensive library underscore our positive trajectory for the remainder of 2024 and beyond."

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

• Revenue of $12.4 million, compared to $14.1 million in the second quarter of 2023;
• Gross profit of $6.4 million, compared to $4.2 million in the second quarter of 2023;
• Total advertising and marketing and general and administrative expenses of $8.9 million, compared to $12.2 million in the second quarter of 2023;
• Net loss of $2.0 million, compared to net loss of $9.6 million in the second quarter of 2023;
• Adjusted EBITDA loss of $1.0 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA loss of $6.5 million in the second quarter of 2023;
• Net cash provided by operating activities of $2.9 million, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $10.6 million in the second quarter of 2023;
• Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $2.5 million, an improvement of $6.8 million from the second quarter of 2023;
• Cash and restricted cash balance of $39.6 million and no debt as of June 30, 2024.

Second Quarter 2024 Business Highlights

• Direct revenue increased by 17% year over year and 3% sequentially.
• Initiated first-ever share repurchase program, successfully repurchasing 22,001 shares. This move underscores our commitment to enhancing shareholder value and confidence in our business strategy.
• Teamed with Estrella MediaCo to launch the first three of a series of Spanish-language FAST channels, starting with Curiosity Español, Curiosity Animales, and Curiosity Motores on Samsung TV Plus.
• Launched a distribution partnership with Harbour Rights, a leading international distribution company based in Hong Kong, to bring CuriosityStream's premium content to various platforms, including TV, VOD, and inflight entertainment, in multiple territories across Asia.
• Launched three new programming initiatives to further enhance content discoverability and promotion, including Earth Month, anchored by the premiere of the landmark original series The Sun; Jaws & Claws Week, anchored by the premiere of the three-part original series Tracker's Diary: Tigers of Nepal; and Summer Doc-busters, an epic celebration of some of Curiosity’s biggest hits, anchored by the premiere of the landmark 5-part original series Fateful Planet.
• Premiered other original series and specials across the full spectrum factual genres, including the two-part original series Taste: The Flavor of Life, the one-hour special A Day on the Reef, and the two-part original series Wings: World War Two in the Skies, timed to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

Financial Outlook

CuriosityStream expects the following for the third quarter of 2024:

• Revenue within the range of $12.0 - $14.0 million
• Adjusted Free Cash Flow¹ within the range of $1.5 - $3.0 million

¹ See Non-GAAP Financial Measures below.

Conference Call Information

CuriosityStream will host a Q&A conference call today to discuss the Company’s second quarter 2024 results at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 p.m. Pacific Time). A live audio webcast of the call will be available on the CuriosityStream Investor Relations website at https://investors.curiositystream.com. Participants may also dial-in toll free at (888) 510-2008 or International at (646) 960-0306 and reference conference ID# 3957505. An audio replay of the conference call will be available for two weeks following the call on the CuriosityStream Investor Relations website at https://investors.curiositystream.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, but not limited to, CuriosityStream’s expectations or predictions of future financial or business performance or conditions, consumers’ valuation of factual content, and the Company’s continued success. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by or include the words “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “plans,” “scheduled,” “anticipates,” “predicts” or “intends” or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. Certain of these risks are identified and discussed under “Risk Factors” in CuriosityStream’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, that CuriosityStream filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 25, 2024, and in CuriosityStream’s other SEC filings. These risk factors are important to consider in determining future results and should be reviewed in their entirety.

Forward-looking statements are based on the current belief of the management of CuriosityStream, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events, and involve factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual results in future periods to differ materially from such statements. However, there can be no assurance that the events, results or trends identified in these forward-looking statements will occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and CuriosityStream is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation to update, alter or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in the reports that CuriosityStream has filed or will file from time to time with the SEC.

In addition to factors previously disclosed in CuriosityStream’s reports filed with the SEC and those identified elsewhere in this communication, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: (i) risks related to CuriosityStream’s ability to maintain and develop new and existing revenue-generating relationships and partnerships or to significantly increase CuriosityStream's subscriber base and retain customers; (ii) the effects of pending and future legislation; (iii) risks of the internet, online commerce and media industry; (iv) the highly competitive nature of the internet, online commerce and media industry and CuriosityStream’s ability to compete therein; (v) litigation, complaints, and/or adverse publicity; and (vi) privacy and data protection laws, privacy or data breaches, or the loss of data.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our unaudited consolidated statement of operations, which is prepared in accordance with GAAP, we present Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow in this press release. Our use of non-GAAP financial measures, such as Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow, has limitations as an analytical tool, and these measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of financial results as reported under GAAP.

The Company is not able to provide expectations of net cash generated from operating activities, the closest comparable GAAP measure to Adjusted Free Cash Flow (a non-GAAP measure), on a forward-looking basis. The Company is unable to predict without unreasonable costs and efforts the ultimate amounts of certain cash receipts and outlays because, in part, such items may have not yet occurred, are out of the Company’s control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted. These items are further described in the reconciliation tables and related descriptions below. Further, these items are uncertain, depend on various factors and could be material to the Company’s results computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

We use these non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP for planning purposes, including in the preparation of our annual operating budget, as a measure of our core operating results and the effectiveness of our business strategy, and in evaluating our financial performance. These measures provide consistency and comparability with past financial performance, facilitate period-to-period comparisons of core operating results, and also facilitate comparisons with other peer companies, many of which use similar non-GAAP financial measures to supplement their GAAP results. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow are widely used by investors and securities analysts to measure a company’s operating performance. We exclude the following items from net income to calculate Adjusted EBITDA: interest and other income (expense), provision for income taxes, depreciation and non-content amortization, loss/(gain) on the change in fair value of our warrants, equity interests loss (gain), impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and content assets, restructuring charges and stock-based compensation. Adjusted Free Cash Flow is calculated as net cash flow used in operating activities less purchases of property and equipment, restructuring charges and nonrecurring license fees.

Investors are cautioned that there are material limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures as an analytical tool. In particular, (1) although depreciation and amortization expense are non-cash charges, the assets subject to depreciation and amortization may have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash capital expenditure requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditure requirements; (2) Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect: (a) changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; or (b) tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us; and (3) Adjusted Free Cash Flow does not reflect: (a) our cash flow available for discretionary payments; (b) our future contractual commitments (such as any debt service requirements or dividend payments); (c) funds available for investment or other discretionary uses; (d) certain capital expenditure requirements; or (e) the total increase or decrease in our cash balances for the stated period. The non-GAAP financial measures we use may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes. We compensate for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP items excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures has been provided in the financial statements tables included in this press release and investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation.

About Curiosity Inc.

Curiosity Inc. is the entertainment brand for people who want to know more. The global media company is home to award-winning original and curated factual films, shows, and series covering science, nature, history, technology, society, and lifestyle. With millions of subscribers worldwide and thousands of titles, the company operates the flagship Curiosity Stream SVOD service, available in more than 175 countries worldwide; Curiosity Channel, the linear television channel available via global distribution partners; Curiosity University, featuring talks from the best professors at the world's most renowned universities as well as courses, short and long-form videos, and podcasts; Curiosity Now, Curiosity Español, and other free, ad-supported channels; Curiosity Audio Network, with original content and podcasts; and Curiosity Studios, which oversees original programming. Curiosity Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of CuriosityStream Inc. (Nasdaq: CURI). For more information, visit CuriosityStream.com.

CuriosityStream Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
	June 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
(in thousands, except par value)	(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	39,519			$	37,715
Restricted cash		125				500
Accounts receivable, net		4,606				4,760
Other current assets		1,385				2,315
Total current assets		45,635				45,290
Investments in equity method investees		4,446				6,354
Property and equipment, net		561				727
Content assets, net		36,736				44,943
Operating lease right-of-use assets		3,209				3,350
Other assets		290				358
Total assets	$	90,877			$	101,022
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities
Content liabilities	$	323			$	407
Accounts payable		2,684				4,765
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		4,482				3,705
Deferred revenue		13,499				14,521
Total current liabilities		20,988				23,398
Warrant liability		74				44
Non-current operating lease liabilities		4,090				4,283
Other liabilities		901				651
Total liabilities		26,053				28,376
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, $0.0001 par value – 125,000 shares authorized as of June 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023; 53,767 shares issued as of June 30, 2024, including 22 treasury shares; 53,286 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023; 53,745 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2024.		5				5
Treasury stock		(26	)			—
Additional paid-in capital		364,582				362,636
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		—				—
Accumulated deficit		(299,737	)			(289,995	)
Total stockholders’ equity		64,824				72,646
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	90,877			$	101,022

CuriosityStream Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2024								Six Months Ended June 30,
(unaudited and in thousands except per share amounts)		2024				2023				2023				2022
Revenues	$	12,395			$	14,097			$	24,396			$	26,484
Operating expenses
Cost of revenues		6,004				9,933				12,752				18,934
Advertising and marketing		2,981				4,203				6,086				7,318
General and administrative		5,959				7,980				11,761				16,039
		14,944				22,116				30,599				42,291
Operating loss		(2,549	)			(8,019	)			(6,203	)			(15,807	)
Change in fair value of warrant liability		—				184				(30	)			110
Interest and other income		725				437				1,164				825
Equity method investment loss		(152	)			(2,235	)			(1,908	)			(2,454	)
Loss before income taxes		(1,976	)			(9,633	)			(6,977	)			(17,326	)
Provision for income taxes		55				288				89				346
Net loss	$	(2,031	)		$	(9,921	)		$	(7,066	)		$	(17,672	)
Net loss per share
Basic	$	(0.04	)		$	(0.19	)		$	(0.13	)		$	(0.33	)
Diluted	$	(0.04	)		$	(0.19	)		$	(0.13	)		$	(0.33	)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic		53,613				53,006				53,455				52,978
Diluted		53,613				53,006				53,455				52,978

CuriosityStream Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
	Six Months Ended June 30,
(unaudited and in thousands)		2024				2023
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	$	(7,066	)		$	(17,672	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities
Change in fair value of warrant liability		30				(110	)
Additions to content assets		(1,693	)			(7,103	)
Change in content liabilities		(84	)			(1,112	)
Amortization of content assets		9,901				12,317
Depreciation and amortization expenses		210				249
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts associated with investments in debt securities, net		—				26
Stock-based compensation		2,014				2,689
Equity method investment loss		1,908				2,454
Other non-cash items		239				243
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable		154				1,812
Other assets		954				1,464
Accounts payable		(1,697	)			(645	)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		(858	)			(3,862	)
Deferred revenue		(1,156	)			(1,358	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		2,856				(10,608	)
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment		—				(5	)
Maturities of investments in debt securities		—				15,000
Net cash provided by investing activities		—				14,995
Cash flows from financing activities
Repurchases of common stock		(26	)			—
Dividends paid		(1,333	)			—
Payments related to tax withholding		(68	)			(57	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(1,427	)			(57	)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		1,429				4,330
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period		38,215				40,507
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	39,644			$	44,837
Supplemental disclosure:
Cash paid for taxes	$	50			$	25
Cash paid for operating leases	$	276			$	269

CuriosityStream Inc.
Reconciliation from Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA
	Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
(unaudited and in thousands)		2024				2023				2024				2023
Net loss	$	(2,031	)		$	(9,921	)		$	(7,066	)		$	(17,672	)
Change in fair value of warrant liability		—				(184	)			30				(110	)
Interest and other (income) expense		(725	)			(437	)			(1,164	)			(825	)
Provision for Income taxes		55				288				89				346
Equity method investment loss		152				2,235				1,908				2,454
Depreciation and amortization1		93				122				210				249
Restructuring2		126				—				140				—
Stock-based compensation		1,325				1,422				2,014				2,689
Adjusted EBITDA	$	(1,005	)		$	(6,475	)		$	(3,839	)		$	(12,869	)
1 These amounts do not include amortization of content assets.
2 Consists primarily of severance and workforce optimization expenses resulting from 2023 and 2024 reduction in force.

CuriosityStream Inc.
Reconciliation from Net Cash Flow used in Operating Activities to Adjusted Free Cash Flow
	Three Months Ended June 30,							Six Months Ended June 30,
(unaudited and in thousands)	2024				2023			2024				2023
Net cash flow used in operating activities	$	2,190		$	(4,300	)		$	2,856		$	(10,608	)
Purchases of property and equipment		—			(5	)			—			(5	)
Restructuring payments1		247			—				682			—
Nonrecurring license fees		25			—				110			—
Adjusted Free Cash Flow	$	2,462		$	(4,305	)		$	3,648		$	(10,613	)
1 Consists primarily of severance and workforce optimization payments resulting from 2023 and 2024 reductions in force.

 

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CuriosityStream Investor Relations

Vanessa Gillon

IR@CuriosityStream.com

Source: CuriosityStream

FAQ

What was CuriosityStream's (CURI) revenue for Q2 2024?

CuriosityStream reported revenue of $12.4 million for Q2 2024, compared to $14.1 million in Q2 2023.

Did CuriosityStream (CURI) report a profit or loss in Q2 2024?

CuriosityStream reported a net loss of $2.0 million in Q2 2024, an improvement from the $9.6 million net loss in Q2 2023.

What was CuriosityStream's (CURI) Adjusted Free Cash Flow in Q2 2024?

CuriosityStream achieved its highest quarterly Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $2.5 million in Q2 2024.

Has CuriosityStream (CURI) initiated a share repurchase program?

Yes, CuriosityStream initiated its first-ever share repurchase program for up to $4 million in Q2 2024.

What is CuriosityStream's (CURI) cash position as of June 30, 2024?

CuriosityStream reported a cash and restricted cash balance of $39.6 million with no debt as of June 30, 2024.