TKO Group Holdings, Inc. - TKO STOCK NEWS

Endeavor Group Holdings (NYSE: EDR) announced a quarterly cash dividend of approximately $27 million for Q4 2024. The dividend amounts to $0.06 per share for Class A common stockholders. Payments will be made on December 30, 2024 to those on record as of December 16, 2024. Future dividends will be determined based on various factors including results of operations, financial condition, market conditions, cash flow needs, and legal requirements. This declaration also complies with the merger agreement with Silver Lake, which mandates a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share before closing.

TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) has announced its participation in the upcoming UBS Global Media & Communications Conference. The company's President and COO, Mark Shapiro, will represent TKO at the event scheduled for December 9, 2024 at 11:15 a.m. ET in New York. Investors and interested parties can access both the live session and a 30-day replay through TKO's investor relations website at investor.tkogrp.com.

IBM and UFC have announced a groundbreaking partnership making IBM the UFC's first-ever Official Global AI Partner. The collaboration will introduce the UFC Insights Engine, powered by IBM's watsonx AI platform, set to launch in early 2025. The system will provide real-time analysis, fight insights, and outcome predictions across UFC's viewing platforms, reaching fans in 170 countries. The engine will leverage IBM's Granite large language models and UFC's data feeds to deliver advanced analytics, fighter tendencies, and match projections, integrating these insights into UFC's broadcasts, social media, and venue displays.

Endeavor Group Holdings (NYSE: EDR) has announced the sale of OpenBet and IMG ARENA to OB Global Holdings in a management buyout backed by Ariel Emanuel, with participation from OpenBet executives including CEO Jordan Levin. The transaction is valued at approximately $450 million, financed through cash and debt. During and after closing, Endeavor will continue marketing IMG ARENA for third-party sale. The deal is a necessary step for Endeavor's proposed take-private transaction by Silver Lake and is subject to gaming regulatory approvals.

Endeavor Group Holdings (NYSE: EDR) reported Q3 2024 revenue of $2.032 billion with a net loss of $420.4 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $277.6 million. The company saw growth in Owned Sports Properties, driven by WWE and PBR performance. The Representation segment showed strength in WME's music and talent groups. Owned Sports Properties revenue increased 53.2% to $735.2 million, while Events, Experiences & Rights revenue grew 145.1% to $899.8 million. The company announced a $3.25 billion deal with TKO Group Holdings to sell PBR, On Location, and IMG assets. Additionally, Endeavor is proceeding with its take-private transaction with Silver Lake at $27.50 per share.

Black Rifle Coffee Company (NYSE: BRCC) and UFC have partnered to auction a specially designed jacket worn by Bruce Buffer during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. The unique suit, featuring Vietnam War-inspired tiger stripe camouflage and custom details, will be auctioned from November 16-23 to benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation's Children with Disabilities Program. Additionally, BRCC has announced a $250,000 direct donation to support SOWF's mission of providing education funding for children of fallen Special Operations Personnel and Medal of Honor Recipients.

TKO Group Holdings reported strong Q3 2024 results with revenue of $681.2 million and net income of $57.7 million. The company achieved Adjusted EBITDA of $310.0 million. Based on solid performance, TKO revised its full-year 2024 guidance to the upper end of ranges: revenue of $2.670-2.745 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $1.220-1.240 billion. The quarter saw WWE revenue increase by $274.7 million to $326.3 million, while UFC revenue decreased by $42.6 million to $354.9 million. The company announced a $2.0 billion share repurchase program and quarterly dividend payments starting March 2025.

Endeavor Group Holdings (NYSE: EDR) has initiated a review and potential sale of certain events within its IMG portfolio, including the Miami Open, Madrid Open tennis tournaments, and Frieze, the world's leading modern and contemporary art platform. This review follows Silver Lake's April 2024 agreement to take Endeavor private, which includes provisions for selling certain businesses, excluding TKO Group Holdings and WME. The company has retained The Raine Group to assist with the exploratory process, though no definitive timetable has been set.

TKO Group Holdings announced two major initiatives: a capital return program and a strategic acquisition. The board authorized a $2.0 billion share repurchase program and initiated a $75.0 million quarterly cash dividend program. Additionally, TKO reached a $3.25 billion all-equity agreement to acquire Professional Bull Riders (PBR), On Location, and IMG from Endeavor. The transaction will result in Endeavor owning approximately 59% of TKO, with existing shareholders retaining 41%. The acquisition aims to expand TKO's presence in premium sports and enhance revenue streams across media rights, live events, and brand partnerships. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025.