Q3'26 Revenue Rises 8.3% YoY to a record $16.0 Million; Net Income of $0.2 Million or $0.02 per share; Adjusted EBITDA Up 42.9% YoY to $1.6 Million or $0.12 per share
Anticipates Four Ventures in 2027, with First Expected in Q1 2027
MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / November 10, 2026 / Dolphin (NASDAQ:DLPN), a leading entertainment marketing and premium content production company, today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026.
Bill O'Dowd, CEO of Dolphin, commented:
"Dolphin had an outstanding third quarter. Revenue for the quarter grew 8.3% year-over-year to $16.0 million, the highest quarterly revenue in Dolphin's history, even including Q1 2024 when we reported $3.4 million from Blue Angels. This is all organic growth, and actually would have been 9.7% excluding Always Alpha, which we spun-out in November 2025. For the first nine months, revenue grew 5.4% to $43.3 million, or 6.5% excluding Always Alpha.
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 $0.2 million, compared to a net loss of $0.4 million a year ago, and adjusted EBITDA increased 42.9% to $1.6 million versus $1.1 million a year ago. For the first nine months, adjusted EBITDA increased 24% to $1.4 million versus $1.1 million a year ago. We believe that our large non-cash amortization expenses often obscure our cash flow results, which is why we prefer to measure ourselves using adjusted EBITDA versus net income. We built Dolphin to grow steadily and to grow profits faster than revenue, and this quarter shows it. Revenue grew more than 8%, well ahead of growth in our core operating costs.
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 New York and Los Angeles leases expire in the second half of 2027, from which we expect to save more than $1 million a year, and our primary bank term loan matures in September 2028, which will free up approximately $2.2 million a year in principal and interest payments. With approximately $127 million in NOL carryforwards, we expect most of these savings to flow directly to free cash flow.
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 Graviteur Studios, Kristen Brancaccio will direct our first feature, "Crush Party." Kristen directed Issa Rae's vertical series Screen Time, the most-watched English-language microdrama on TikTok, with more than 580 million views. Casting is underway, and production is slated to begin in the first half of 2027.
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
Dolphin
42West
Shore Fire Media
The Door
Elle Communications
The Digital Dept.
Special Projects
Conference Call Information
To participate in this event, dial in approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the beginning of the call.
Date: November 10, 2026
Time: 4:30pm ET
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, Dolphin Entertainment Inc.'s expected financial and operational results and the related assumptions underlying its expected results. These forward-looking statements are distinguished by the use of words such as "will," "would," "anticipate," "expect," "believe," "designed," "plan," or "intend," the negative of these terms, and similar references to future periods. These views involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, accordingly, Dolphin Entertainment's actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in its forward-looking statements. Dolphin Entertainment's forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this press release. Factors or events Dolphin Entertainment cannot predict, including those described in the risk factors contained in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may cause its actual results to differ from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Although Dolphin Entertainment believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved, and Dolphin Entertainment undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
CONTACT:
James Carbonara
HAYDEN IR
(646)-755-7412
james@haydenir.com
ABOUT DOLPHIN:
Dolphin (NASDAQ:DLPN) is where cultural creation meets marketing execution. Founded in 1996 by Bill O'Dowd, Dolphin operates as both a venture studio - developing and investing in breakthrough content, products and experiences - and a marketing consortium, featuring leading agencies across every communications discipline.
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, Shore Fire Media, Elle Communications, Special Projects and The Digital Dept. Together, this collective delivers unmatched cross-marketing expertise and relationships across every vertical of pop culture - from film, television, music, influencers, sports, hospitality and fashion to consumer brands and purpose-driven initiatives. Dolphin marketing has been the recipient of many accolades, including No. 1 Agency of the Year on the Observer PR Power List in 2025, The PR Net 100 and the PRNEWS Agency Elite Top 120. Follow us on Instagram here.
DOLPHIN ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
| As of September 30, 2026 | As of December 31, 2025, | |||||||
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 | ||||||
Goodwill | 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, $0.015 par value | 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 | ||||
DOLPHIN ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended Sept 30, | Nine Months Ended Sept 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 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 U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial results should not be considered a measure of liquidity and are unlikely to be comparable to non-GAAP financial measures provided by other companies.
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income (Loss) to Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA
| Three Months Ended Sept 30, | Nine Months Ended Sept 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 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 September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 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: Dolphin Entertainment
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