"Dolphin had an outstanding third quarter. Revenue for the quarter grew 8.3% year-over-year to
Last quarter, we said to expect a meaningful step up in profitability in the third quarter, and that is what we delivered. We reported net income of
We expect continued improved operating results in the quarters ahead, especially as we get stronger each quarter in cross-selling services between our various agencies. We expect to continue to be able to leverage our horizontal scale across the major sectors of entertainment, and our vertical scale in the various disciplines of earned media.
The free cash flow drivers we have discussed also remain on schedule. The largest of our
We also expect 2027 to be a big year for our ventures. We have identified our next two ventures and expect at least one to be in market in the first quarter of 2027, and we are on track for three more during the year, for a total of four in 2027.
At
Finally, I have continued to buy Dolphin stock every week under my 10b5-1 plan and now own over 5% of the common shares outstanding. Management remains closely aligned with shareholders in building long-term value."
Q3 2026 and Recent Highlights
- Total revenue for the three months ended
September 30, 2026 , was$16.0 million , the highest quarterly revenue in the Company's history and an increase of 8.3% from$14.8 million last year. Total revenue for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2026 , was$43.3 million , an increase of 5.4% from$41.1 million last year. - Income from operations was
$0.8 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2026 , an increase of 167% from$0.3 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2025 . - Operating expenses for Q3 2026 were
$15.2 million , including non-cash depreciation and amortization of$0.5 million and approximately$0.4 million of litigation-related legal costs. This compares to operating expenses of$14.5 million in Q3 2025. - Net income for Q3 2026 was
$0.2 million , compared to a net loss of$0.4 million for Q3 2025. - Basic and diluted earnings per share for Q3 2026 was
$0.02 based on 13,029,555 and 13,093,494 weighted average shares outstanding, respectively, compared to basic and diluted loss per share in Q3 2025 of$(0.03) based on 11,770,195 weighted average shares outstanding. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2026 was approximately
$1.6 million , an increase of 42.9% from approximately$1.1 million in Q3 2025. Adjusted EBITDA basic earnings per share for Q3 2026 was$0.12 based on 13,029,555 weighted average shares outstanding, and fully diluted earnings per share was$0.08 based on 20,090,590 weighted average shares outstanding, compared to Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 of$1.1 million , or$0.09 basic earnings per share and$0.06 fully diluted earnings per share based on 11,770,195 and 17,842,349, respectively, weighted average shares outstanding. - Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended
September 30, 2026 , was approximately$1.4 million , an increase of 24.2% from approximately$1.1 million for the same period last year. - Cash and cash equivalents were
$8.1 million as ofSeptember 30, 2026 , compared to$7.7 million as ofJune 30, 2026 , and$8.8 million as ofDecember 31, 2025 .
Dolphin
- Identified its next two ventures, with at least one expected to be in market in the first quarter of 2027, with two more expected during the year for a total of four in 2027
- Named to The PR Net 100 2026, the annual list of leading global agencies recognized for talent, innovation and influence in marketing and communications
Graviteur Studios , the creator-driven film and television studio fromDolphin and KYNETIC Media Ventures , setKristen Brancaccio , director ofIssa Rae's vertical series Screen Time, to direct its first feature, "Crush Party ", slated to begin production in the first half of 2027- Subsidiaries Special Projects, 42West and
The Digital Dept . delivered a wide-ranging presence at New York Fashion Week - Presented at the 20th Annual LD Micro Main Event
42West
- Delivered a slate of 16 titles at the
51st Toronto International Film Festival , including People's Choice Documentary Award winnerDarlene Love : I Know Where I've Been - Handled
Christian Siriano's SS27 fashion show at New York Fashion Week
- Client Qobuz, the high-quality music streaming and download platform, was named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 in the Entertainment & Gaming category
- Client
Angélique Kidjo became the first African musician honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - Supported estate clients through milestone years, including the John Coltrane and
Miles Davis centennials andFela Kuti's upcomingRock & Roll Hall of Fame induction
The Door
- Named
U.S . public relations agency for Kewpie,Japan's iconic mayonnaise and condiment brand - The Door's DISRPT division returned as CultureCon's agency of record for the fifth consecutive year
- Named communications and thought leadership agency for The Longest Table, a movement that has supported more than 200 community tables in more than 40 cities
The Digital Dept.
- Grew its talent roster to more than 380 creators, up from roughly 250 a year ago, expanded its team by 45% and started new teams in
Dallas andBoston - Hosted an exclusive
Ranch House for its creators at LTK Con 2026
Special Projects
- Produced events during Academy Museum Gala week with
W Magazine , FENDI,Boucheron andCartier - Partnered with Moncler, CHANEL and
Rag & Bone on events during New York Fashion Week
Conference Call Information
To participate in this event, dial in approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the beginning of the call.
Date:
Time:
Toll Free: 877-545-0320 International: 973-528-0002 Participant Access Code: 268677
Webcast: https://www.webcaster5.com/Webcast/Page/2225/54781
Replay
Toll Free: 877-481-4010 International: 919-882-2331 Replay Passcode: 54781
Webcast Replay: https://www.webcaster5.com/Webcast/Page/2225/54781
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These forward-looking statements may address, among other things,
CONTACT:
(646)-755-7412
james@haydenir.com
ABOUT DOLPHIN:
Dolphin (NASDAQ:DLPN) is where cultural creation meets marketing execution. Founded in 1996 by
At its core, the venture studio creates, produces, finances, markets and promotes new businesses and cultural ideas - ranging from acclaimed film, television and digital content to consumer goods, live events and partnerships that define entertainment and lifestyle. Surrounding this entrepreneurial engine, Dolphin's marketing prowess brings together best-in-class firms including 42West, The Door,
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
| As of 2026 | As of | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 8,140,757 | $ | 8,756,585 | ||||
Restricted cash | 925,004 | 925,004 | ||||||
Accounts receivable, trade, net | 8,754,978 | 7,848,970 | ||||||
Other receivables | 6,007,017 | 5,243,931 | ||||||
Other current assets | 994,414 | 1,179,498 | ||||||
Total current assets | 24,822,170 | 23,953,988 | ||||||
Capitalized production costs, net | 532,908 | 520,338 | ||||||
Employee receivable | 1,228,085 | 1,196,085 | ||||||
Right-of-use assets | 2,084,146 | 3,012,941 | ||||||
| 21,507,944 | 21,507,944 | |||||||
Intangible assets, net | 6,329,979 | 7,898,607 | ||||||
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net | 316,813 | 50,961 | ||||||
Other long-term assets | 189,151 | 189,296 | ||||||
Total Assets | $ | 57,011,196 | $ | 58,330,160 | ||||
LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Current | ||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 4,170,718 | $ | 3,096,715 | ||||
Term loans, current portion | 1,925,510 | 1,813,760 | ||||||
Revolving line of credit | 400,000 | 400,000 | ||||||
Notes payable, current portion | 3,000,000 | 3,500,000 | ||||||
Convertible notes payable, current portion | - | 1,250,000 | ||||||
Accrued interest - related party | 2,407,175 | 2,043,087 | ||||||
Accrued compensation - related party | 2,625,000 | 2,625,000 | ||||||
Lease liabilities, current portion | 1,278,772 | 1,912,482 | ||||||
Deferred revenue | 302,466 | 794,177 | ||||||
Other current liabilities | 12,771,867 | 11,096,820 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 28,881,508 | 28,532,041 | ||||||
Noncurrent | ||||||||
Term loans, noncurrent portion | 2,819,421 | 2,976,930 | ||||||
Notes payable, noncurrent portion | 5,270,000 | 4,580,000 | ||||||
Convertible notes payable | 7,950,000 | 6,460,000 | ||||||
Convertible notes payable - related party | 2,710,584 | 2,904,357 | ||||||
Convertible notes payable at fair value | 240,000 | 270,000 | ||||||
Loans from related party | 983,112 | 983,112 | ||||||
Lease liabilities | 1,201,380 | 1,469,386 | ||||||
Deferred tax liability | 492,897 | 463,909 | ||||||
Total Liabilities | $ | 50,548,902 | $ | 48,639,735 | ||||
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||
Preferred Stock, Series C | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||||||
Common stock, | 195,508 | 183,321 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 159,636,281 | 158,809,301 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (153,370,495 | ) | (149,303,197 | ) | ||||
Total Stockholders' Equity | 6,462,294 | 9,690,425 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $ | 57,011,196 | $ | 58,330,160 | ||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 16,020,848 | $ | 14,796,309 | $ | 43,267,935 | $ | 41,053,549 | ||||||||
Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Direct costs | 861,875 | 643,931 | 2,674,851 | 1,730,516 | ||||||||||||
Payroll and benefits | 10,918,192 | 10,397,559 | 32,996,097 | 31,004,544 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 1,837,458 | 2,041,440 | 5,682,969 | 5,735,759 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 537,709 | 589,388 | 1,608,951 | 1,772,492 | ||||||||||||
Acquisition cost | - | - | - | 416,171 | ||||||||||||
Legal and professional | 1,042,066 | 815,695 | 2,649,012 | 1,916,351 | ||||||||||||
Total expenses | 15,197,300 | 14,488,013 | 45,611,880 | 42,575,833 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 823,548 | 308,296 | (2,343,945 | ) | (1,522,284 | ) | ||||||||||
Other (expenses) income, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of convertible note | 10,000 | (50,000 | ) | 30,000 | 20,000 | |||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | - | - | - | (835,324 | ) | |||||||||||
Interest income | 2,714 | 4,164 | 16,333 | 21,443 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | (612,301 | ) | (627,954 | ) | (1,740,698 | ) | (1,749,264 | ) | ||||||||
Total other (expenses) income, net | (599,587 | ) | (673,790 | ) | (1,694,365 | ) | (2,543,145 | ) | ||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 223,961 | (365,494 | ) | (4,038,310 | ) | (4,065,429 | ) | |||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 6,316 | - | (28,988 | ) | (43,045 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 230,277 | $ | (365,494 | ) | $ | (4,067,298 | ) | $ | (4,108,474 | ) | |||||
Earnings (loss) per share: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.32 | ) | $ | (0.36 | ) | |||||
Diluted | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.32 | ) | $ | (0.36 | ) | |||||
Weighted average shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | 13,029,555 | 11,770,195 | 12,737,967 | 11,370,007 | ||||||||||||
Diluted | 13,093,494 | 11,770,195 | 12,737,967 | 11,370,007 | ||||||||||||
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In order to provide greater transparency regarding our operating performance, the financial results in this press release refer to non-GAAP financial measures that involve adjustments to GAAP results. Non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain income and/or expense items that management deems are not directly attributable to the Company's core operating results and/or certain items that are inconsistent in amounts and frequency, making it difficult to perform a meaningful evaluation of our current or past operating performance.
Adjusted EPS is calculated by dividing adjusted EBITDA by the weighted average number of basic and diluted shares outstanding for periods in which the Company reports adjusted EBITDA, consistent with the Company's convention for GAAP earnings per share. The Company uses the two-class method when calculating adjusted EPS in periods where the adjusted EBITDA results in income as the participating securities have the right to participate in undistributed earnings. To calculate the adjusted EPS, the adjusted EBITDA is reduced by the amount of the adjusted EBITDA that is available to the participating security holders.
Management believes that the presentation of operating results using this non-GAAP financial measure provides useful supplemental information for investors by providing them with the non-GAAP financial measure used by management for financial and operational decision making, planning and forecasting and in managing the business. This non-GAAP financial measure does not replace the presentation of financial information in accordance with
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income (Loss) to Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) (GAAP) | $ | 230,277 | $ | (365,494 | ) | $ | (4,067,298 | ) | $ | (4,108,474 | ) | |||||
Adjustments to GAAP measure: | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 609,587 | 623,790 | 1,724,365 | 1,727,821 | ||||||||||||
Income tax (benefit) expense | (6,316 | ) | - | 28,988 | 43,045 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 537,709 | 589,388 | 1,608,951 | 1,772,492 | ||||||||||||
Acquisition costs | - | - | 52,728 | 416,171 | ||||||||||||
Change in fair value of convertible note | (10,000 | ) | 50,000 | (30,000 | ) | (20,000 | ) | |||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | - | - | - | 835,324 | ||||||||||||
Allowance for credit losses | (115,509 | ) | 115,422 | 56,292 | 264,583 | |||||||||||
One-time advance on distribution of Youngblood | - | - | 700,000 | - | ||||||||||||
Non-recurring retention bonuses | - | - | 360,000 | - | ||||||||||||
Litigation costs | 352,672 | 105,196 | 940,057 | 175,474 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | $ | 1,598,420 | $ | 1,118,302 | $ | 1,374,083 | $ | 1,106,436 | ||||||||
Adjusted Basic EPS based on Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | $ | 0.12 | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.10 | ||||||||
Adjusted Fully Diluted EPS | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.06 | ||||||||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | 13,029,555 | 11,770,195 | 12,737,967 | 11,370,007 | ||||||||||||
Fully Diluted | 20,090,590 | 17,842,349 | 19,462,451 | 16,879,023 |
Reconciliation of GAAP EPS to Non-GAAP EPS
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share (GAAP) | $ | 0.02 | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.32 | ) | $ | (0.36 | ) | |||||
Adjustments to GAAP measure: | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.14 | 0.15 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 0.04 | 0.05 | 0.13 | 0.16 | ||||||||||||
Acquisition costs | - | - | - | 0.04 | ||||||||||||
Other one-time (income) expenses | (0.01 | ) | 0.00 | 0.01 | - | |||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | - | 0.00 | - | 0.07 | ||||||||||||
Allowance for credit losses | (0.01 | ) | 0.01 | - | 0.02 | |||||||||||
One-time advance on distribution of Youngblood | - | - | 0.05 | - | ||||||||||||
Non-recurring retention bonuses | - | - | 0.03 | |||||||||||||
Litigation costs | 0.03 | 0.01 | 0.07 | 0.02 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted Basic EPS based on Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | $ | 0.12 | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.10 | ||||||||
Adjusted Fully Diluted EPS | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.06 | ||||||||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | 13,029,555 | 11,770,195 | 12,737,967 | 11,370,007 | ||||||||||||
Fully Diluted | 20,090,590 | 17,842,349 | 19,462,451 | 16,879,023 | ||||||||||||
SOURCE:
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire