Q4 2026 Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd Earnings Call

August 25, 2026

Speaker #4: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for our FY26 results briefing. I'm Matt Stanton, CEO of Nine Entertainment, and joining me here today is our CFO, Martin Roberts.

Matt Stanton: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for our FY26 results briefing. I am Matt Stanton, CEO of Nine Entertainment. Joining me here today is our CFO, Martyn Roberts. On both the continuing business and pro forma basis, we have reported growth in revenue, EBITDA, and EBITDA margin in FY26. Continuing business revenue of AUD 2.2 billion resulted in EBITDA of AUD 379 million, which grew by 17% and is the basis on which the analysts have forecast. On the same basis, NPATA of AUD 147 million and EPSA of 9.3 cents were both up by 11%. On a pro forma basis, which includes a full year of QMS in both periods, so like for like, on revenue of AUD 2.4 billion, Nine reported group EBITDA in FY26 of AUD 560 million, up 6% on PCP. The company intends to pay an unfranked final dividend of 3 cents per share.

Matt Stanton: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for our FY26 results briefing. I am Matt Stanton, CEO of Nine Entertainment. Joining me here today is our CFO, Martyn Roberts.

Speaker #4: On both a continuing business and pro forma basis, we have reported growth in revenue, EBITDA, and EBITDA margin in FY26. Continuing business revenue of $2.2 billion resulted in EBITDA of $379 million, which grew by 17%, and is the basis on which the analysts have forecast.

Matt Stanton: On both the continuing business and pro forma basis, we have reported growth in revenue, EBITDA, and EBITDA margin in FY26. Continuing business revenue of AUD 2.2 billion resulted in EBITDA of AUD 379 million, which grew by 17% and is the basis on which the analysts have forecast. On the same basis, NPATA of AUD 147 million and EPSA of 9.3 cents were both up by 11%. On a pro forma basis, which includes a full year of QMS in both periods, so like for like, on revenue of AUD 2.4 billion, Nine reported group EBITDA in FY26 of AUD 560 million, up 6% on PCP. The company intends to pay an unfranked final dividend of 3 cents per share.

Speaker #4: On the same basis, MPAT-A of $147 million and EPS-A of 9.3 cents were both up by 11%. On a pro forma basis, which includes a full year of QMS in both periods, so like-for-like, on revenue of $2.4 billion, Nine reported group EBITDA in FY26 of $560 million, up 6% on PCP.

Speaker #4: The company intends to pay an unfranked final dividend of 3 cents per share. This brings the full-year dividend to 7.5 cents per share. And, of course, we also paid a special dividend of 49 cents per share, fully franked, in September last year following the sale of a stake in Domain.

Matt Stanton: This brings the full-year dividend to 7.5 cents per share. Of course, we also paid a special dividend of 49 cents per share, fully franked in September last year, following the sale of a stake in Domain. Unnet debt at the end of June of AUD 658 million equated to leverage of 1.7 times, which is slightly better than the guidance we gave six months ago. For FY26, we are pleased to report profit growth from our outdoor, our mastheads, and streaming and broadcast against the backdrop of our significant portfolio realignment and soft advertising market. On a pro forma basis, Nine's outdoor business, QMS, reported revenue and EBITDA growth of 15% and 18% respectively. This was driven by above-market growth in the key categories of large format and street furniture in both Australia and New Zealand.

Speaker #4: Our net debt at the end of June of $658 million equated to leverage of 1.7 times, which is slightly better than the guidance we gave six months ago.

Speaker #4: For FY26, we are pleased to report profit growth from our Outdoor and Marsteads, and Streaming and Broadcast, against the backdrop of our significant portfolio realignment and soft advertising market.

Speaker #4: On a pro forma basis, Nine's outdoor business, QMS, reported revenue and EBITDA growth of 15% and 18%, respectively. This was driven by above-market growth in the key categories of large format and street furniture in both Australia and New Zealand.

Speaker #4: QMS's revenue growth was augmented by new contract and site rollouts, as well as the strong performance from the City of Sydney street furniture business.

Matt Stanton: QMS's revenue growth was augmented by new contract and site rollouts, as well as the strong performance from the City of Sydney street furniture business. We also reported EBITDA growth for our mastheads, underpinned by a further 15% growth in digital subscription revenue. Nine's quality journalism continues to drive growth in our subscription and licensing revenues. We also reported combined EBITDA growth for streaming and broadcast, underpinned by 34% growth to a record result at Stan and tight cost control in Total Television. During FY26, we have also made significant progress in our strategic initiatives. During this latest half, we have completed the sale of Nine Radio and our NBN and Darwin affiliates, as well as Pedestrian and our stake in Future Women. We have completed the purchase of QMS and have subsequently locked in the next generation of our NRL rights.

Speaker #4: We also reported EBITDA growth for our mastheads, underpinned by a further 15% growth in digital subscription revenue. Nine's quality journalism continues to drive growth in our subscription and licensing revenues.

Speaker #4: We also reported combined EBITDA growth for streaming and broadcast, underpinned by 34% growth to a record result at Stan and tight cost control in total television.

Speaker #4: During FY26, we have also made significant progress in our strategic initiatives. During this latest half, we have completed the sale of nine radio and our MBN and Darwin affiliates, as well as Pedestrian and our stake in Future Women.

Speaker #4: We've completed the purchase of QMS and have subsequently locked in the next generation of our NRL rights, all significant achievements that have markedly improved the position of our business for the future.

Matt Stanton: All significant achievements that markedly improve the position of our business for the future. We believe our portfolio now offers the greatest opportunity for optimizing the combined value of our assets, underpinning long-term growth and value for our shareholders. We have continued with our cost-out program and now expect to exceed the previous target of AUD 160 million over the 3 years to the end of FY27. Post-year end, we also announced some structural changes to publishing, which will result in a net headcount reduction of around 35 people. Within this, we are investing in further growth opportunities as the business model continues to evolve. We continue to focus on efficiently utilizing content across Nine, 9Now and Stan, using each platform as a promotional tool for the other and consolidating our promotional and marketing functions.

Speaker #4: We believe our portfolio now offers the greatest opportunity for optimizing the combined value of our assets, underpinning long-term growth and value for our shareholders.

Speaker #4: We have continued with our cost-out program and now expect to exceed the previous target of $160 million over the three years to the end of FY27.

Speaker #4: Post-year end, we also announced some structural changes to publishing, which will result in a net headcount reduction of around 35 people. Within this, we are investing in further growth opportunities as the business model continues to evolve.

Speaker #4: We continue to focus on efficiently utilizing content across Nine, 9Now, and Stan, using each platform as a promotional tool for the others, and consolidating our promotional and marketing functions.

Speaker #4: And we continue to grow our presence in the video advertising market with ads sold on Nine and 9Now, as well as Stan Sport, HBO Max, and, recently launched, in Stan Entertainment.

Matt Stanton: We continue to grow our presence in the video advertising market with ads sold on Nine and 9Now, as well as Stan Sport, HBO Max, and recently launched in Stan Entertainment. During the year, we successfully democratized AI within the business, continuing to expand the use internally, including promos, creative, semantic search, and credit collection. A significant milestone was the signing of our first licensing agreement with major Australian corporate partners. These deals allow these organizations to use Nine's premium trusted content to ground their own large language models. Later in the period, we also signed an Australian first AI agreement for news media content with Microsoft Copilot, allowing Nine's professional high-value journalism to play a crucial role in AI outputs generated by millions of Microsoft Copilot users.

Speaker #4: During the year, we successfully democratized AI within the business, continuing to expand its use internally, including in promos, creative, semantic search, and credit collection. A significant milestone was the signing of our first licensing agreement with major Australian corporate partners.

Speaker #4: These deals allow these organizations to use Nine's premium, trusted content to ground their own large language models. Later in the period, we also signed an Australian-first AI agreement for news media content with Microsoft Copilot.

Speaker #4: Allowing Nine's professional, high-value journalism to play a crucial role in AI outputs generated by millions of Microsoft Copilot users. Together, these initiatives create a new, high-margin revenue stream that acknowledges the fundamental value of our journalism in an AI-driven world.

Matt Stanton: Together, these initiatives create a new high-margin revenue stream that acknowledges the fundamental value of our journalism in an AI-driven world. Technology remains at the forefront of our industry, and during 2026, we have made some significant investments. We have accelerated our aim of single platform delivery with the initial launch of our total sales trading platform and further development of our integrated consumer platform. We are also significantly progressed in our project to digitize Nine's publishing and video archives. At this point, I will hand over to Martyn to talk through the group financials.

Speaker #4: Technology remains at the forefront of our industry, and during 2026, we have made some significant investments. We have accelerated our aim of single-platform delivery with the initial launch of our total sales trading platform and further development of our integrated consumer platform.

Speaker #4: We have also made significant progress on our project to digitize Nine's publishing and video archives. At this point, I'll hand over to Martin to talk through the group financials.

Speaker #5: Thanks, Matt. And good morning, everyone. Before I present the P&L, I'd just like to take a minute to acknowledge that this year's results are very complex due to the M&A transactions we made during the year and the non-cash impairment we have taken on Total TV.

Martyn Roberts: Thanks, Matt, and good morning, everyone. Before I present the P&L, I would just like to take a minute to acknowledge that this year's results are very complex due to the M&A transactions we made during the year and the non-cash impairment we have taken on Total TV. This slide provides context to help you navigate these results. Starting with portfolio changes, we have carved out discontinued operations, removing divested assets like Domain, Nine Radio, and Pedestrian from our underlying results, while treating NBN and Darwin as affiliates from 1 July 2024. When we refer to continuing business basis, this includes QMS results from the 31 March acquisition date. When we refer to pro forma results, this includes QMS for the full year in FY26 and FY25 to provide a like-for-like comparison of performance.

Speaker #5: This slide provides context to help you navigate these results. Starting with portfolio changes, we've carved out discontinued operations, removing divested assets like Domain, Radio, and Pedestrian from our underlying results.

Speaker #5: While treating MBN and Darwin as affiliates from 1 July 2024, when we refer to a continuing business basis, this includes QMS results from the 31 March acquisition date.

Speaker #5: When we refer to pro forma results, this includes QMS for the full year in FY26 and FY25, to provide a like-for-like comparison of performance.

Speaker #5: In terms of adjustments, under AASB 16 lease accounting, we have applied Nine's lower cost of debt to QMS right-of-use assets, which increases their AASB 16 depreciation while reducing AASB 16 interest.

Martyn Roberts: In terms of adjustments, under AASB 16 lease accounting, we have applied Nine's lower cost of debt to QMS right-of-use assets, which increases their AASB 16 depreciation while reducing AASB 16 interest. On operating metrics, following the QMS acquisition, we are moving to introduce EBITA, NPATA, and EPSA as core profit metrics for QMS and the group. Acquiring QMS brings significant site lease intangibles onto our balance sheet, which amortize directly through the P&L as a non-cash expense. Moving to these metrics removes this non-cash expense, which requires no cash CapEx for replacement to accurately reflect the underlying cash conversion and core trading performance of the group. EBITA is also the benchmark valuation metric for out-of-home media assets, giving shareholders and analysts a clean like-for-like basis to evaluate Nine Outdoor against market peers.

Speaker #5: On operating metrics, following the QMS acquisition, we are moving to introduce EBITA, EMPATA, and EPSA as core profit metrics for QMS and the group.

Speaker #5: Acquiring QMS brings significant site lease intangibles onto our balance sheet, which amortize directly through the P&L as a non-cash expense. Moving to these metrics removes this non-cash expense, which requires no cash capex replacement, to accurately reflect the underlying cash conversion and core trading performance of the group.

Speaker #5: EBITA is also the benchmark valuation metric for out-of-home media assets, giving shareholders and analysts a clean, like-for-like basis to evaluate Nine Outdoor against market peers.

Speaker #5: I would also like to add that, for the first time, we have today issued our full annual report on the same day as our results.

Martyn Roberts: I would also like to add that for the first time, we have today issued our full annual report on the same day as our results. This report includes our inaugural ESG reporting as well. The next two slides cover the detail of our P&L on both the continuing business and pro forma basis, as Matt has already covered. Slide 8 details the composition of specific items, which total a net cost after tax of AUD 481 million for the year. Aside from the impairment and the content-specific provisions, which I will touch on the next slide, the major components of specific items included restructuring costs, primarily redundancies of AUD 14 million, and around AUD 25 million of transaction costs, mainly relating to the acquisition of QMS and our divestments. The technology transformation projects include development of Nine's total trading platform and our HRIS Workday.

Speaker #5: This report includes our inaugural ESG reporting as well. The next two slides cover the detail of our P&L on both the continuing business and pro forma basis, as Matt has already covered.

Speaker #5: Slide eight details the composition of specific items which total the net cost after tax of $481 million for the year. Aside from the impairment and the content-specific provisions, which I'll touch on on the next slide, the major components of specific items included restructuring costs, primarily redundancies, of $14 million, and around $25 million of transaction costs, mainly relating to the acquisition of QMS and our divestments.

Speaker #5: With technology transformation projects, including development of Nine's total trading platform and our HRIS Workday, the biggest component of specific items relates to the accounting-led impairment of Nine's total TV business of $404 million after tax.

Martyn Roberts: The biggest component of specific items relates to the accounting-led impairment of Nine's Total TV business of AUD 404 million after tax. Page 9 details the components of the impairment and also shows the future year P&L impact. The impairment has been made mainly against broadcast licenses, PP&E, software, and legacy international content rights. Importantly, no impairment or onerous contract provisions have been applied to our sports rights or local programming, which continue to deliver strong advertising revenues and benefits across the broader streaming and broadcast business. With part of the impairment taken against property, plant, and equipment, there will be a reduction in FY27 depreciation expense of AUD 36 million. Also in this table is the impact of the content-specific provision. This provision of AUD 23 million relates to a number of US series acquired in the past under a legacy life-of-series deal, which we are no longer utilized.

Speaker #5: Page nine details the components of the impairment and also shows the future-year P&L impact. The impairment has been made mainly against broadcast licenses, TP&E, software, and legacy international content rights.

Speaker #5: Importantly, no impairment or onerous contract provisions have been applied to our sports rights or local programming, which continue to deliver strong advertising revenues and benefits across the broader streaming and broadcast business.

Speaker #5: With part of the impairment taken against property, plant, and equipment, there will be a reduction in FY27 depreciation expense of $36 million. Also, in this table is the impact of the content-specific provision.

Speaker #5: This provision of $23 million relates to a number of US series acquired in the past under a legacy life-of-series deal, which we are no longer utilizing.

Speaker #5: The waterfall chart on page 10 illustrates our ongoing work on costs. Through FY26, we have removed a further $70 million of recurring costs, taking our two-year total to $130 million.

Martyn Roberts: The waterfall chart on page 10 illustrates our ongoing work on costs. Through FY26, we have removed a further AUD 70 million of recurring costs, taking our two-year total to AUD 130 million. As a result, we are now on track to exceed our previous three-year estimate of AUD 160 million in annualized savings to the end of FY27. A strong focus on costs and efficiency of spend is now deeply ingrained in Nine's DNA. Whilst we are ahead of earlier targets, we will continue to focus on further opportunities going forward. Page 11 shows the movement of Nine's net debt from the starting position at 1 July 2025 of AUD 450 million to the AUD 658 million we have reported for 30 June 2026.

Speaker #5: As a result, we are now on track to exceed our previous three-year estimate of $160 million in annualized savings through the end of FY27.

Speaker #5: A strong focus on costs and efficiency of spend is now deeply ingrained in Nine's DNA, and whilst we are ahead of earlier targets, we will continue to focus on further opportunities going forward.

Speaker #5: Page 11 shows the movement of Nine's net debt from the starting position at 1 July 2025 of $450 million to the $658 million we have reported for 30 June 2026.

Speaker #5: This includes the net impact of the domain sale and special dividend, the sale of Nine Radio MBN and Darwin, as well as the acquisition of QMS.

Martyn Roberts: This includes the net impact of the Domain sale and special dividend, the sale of Nine Radio, NBN, and Darwin, as well as the acquisition of QMS. It also includes the AUD 170 million in capital gains tax that has been paid across the year due to the sale of our share in Domain. Leverage of 1.7x at June 2026, post completion of our M&A transactions was slightly below previous guidance. Whilst the recent asset sales have done much to offset the capital gains tax relating to the Domain sale, much of this benefit will be reduced in FY27 by the voluntary prepayment of FY27 and FY28 PAYG installments. These prepayments ensure Nine's franking account balance returns to a surplus as soon as possible following the impact of the fully franked special dividend and the tax benefits realized from sale transactions.

Speaker #5: It also includes the $170 million in capital gains tax that has been paid across the year due to the sale of our share in Domain.

Speaker #5: Leverage of 1.7 times at June 2026, post completion of our M&A transactions, was slightly below previous guidance. While the recent asset sales have done much to offset the capital gains tax relating to the Domain sale, much of this benefit will be reduced in FY27 by the voluntary prepayment of FY27 and FY28 PAYG installments.

Speaker #5: These prepayments ensure Nine’s franking account balance returns to a surplus as soon as possible, following the impact of the fully franked special dividend and the tax benefits realized from sale transactions.

Speaker #5: This will obviously result in reduced tax payments in the next two years. As a result of these prepayments, Nine is expecting leverage to remain broadly around current levels through FY27.

Martyn Roberts: This will obviously result in reduced tax payments in the next two years. As a result of these prepayments, Nine is expecting leverage to remain broadly around current levels through FY27. We have included a new slide on page 12, which shows the key metrics of our debt profile. We are fully hedged for FY27 interest and 50% hedged for FY28. In the coming weeks, we will commence an amend-and-extend process to increase the tenor of the three tranches of our net debt. With that, I will now hand back to Matt.

Speaker #5: We've included a new slide on page 12, which shows the key metrics of our debt profile. We have fully hedged for FY27 interest, and are 50% hedged for FY28.

Speaker #5: In the coming weeks, we will commence an amended extend process to increase the tenor of the three tranches of our net debt. With that, I'll now hand back to Matt.

Speaker #1: Turning now to the divisional results, looking first at the performance of Nine's mastheads on page 14, we can see that with total revenue up by more than $10 million, growth in digital revenues more than offset the decline in print.

Matt Stanton: Turning now to the divisional results. Looking first at the performance of Nine's mastheads on page 14, we can see that with total revenue up by more than AUD 10 million, growth in digital revenues more than offset the decline in print. We were particularly pleased with our digital subscriber performance, which resulted in digital subscription revenue growth of around 15%. That marks the sixth year out of the past eight that we have achieved double-digit subscription revenue growth. The modest 3% decline in print sales was similarly pleasing. Nine's metro mastheads were, however, impacted by the softness in the broader advertising market. We reported another strong cost performance from the mastheads, with underlying cost inflation and targeted investment predominantly offset by savings from print, as well as the AUD 4 million net reduction in defamation provisions. Overall, EBITDA growth of AUD 6 million to AUD 153 million resulted in a 33% margin.

Speaker #1: We were particularly pleased with our digital subscriber performance, which resulted in digital subscription revenue growth of around 15%. That marks the sixth year out of the past eight that we have achieved double-digit digital subscription revenue growth.

Speaker #1: The modest 3% decline in print sales was similarly pleasing. Nine's metro mastheads were, however, impacted by the softness in the broader advertising market. We reported another strong cost performance from the mastheads, with underlying cost inflation and targeted investment predominantly offset by savings from print, as well as the $4 million net reduction in defamation provisions.

Speaker #1: Overall, EBITDA grew by $6 million to $153 million, resulting in a 33% margin. The AFR was a standout performer, with high single-digit revenue and EBITDA growth across the year.

Matt Stanton: The AFR was a standout performer with high single-digit revenue and EBITDA growth across the year. In terms of overall publishing results, which include nine.com.au and Drive, we reported revenue of AUD 518 million and a combined EBITDA of AUD 150 million, which was down marginally on FY25. We announced the sale of Pedestrian in June for a nominal sum, but with an incremental tax loss benefit of around AUD 18 million. As a result, this is excluded from both FY25 and FY26 as a discontinued business. After a disappointing contribution from nine.com.au, we relaunched the business late in the period, streamlining the website and app, and refocusing the content on a more monetizable audience. We continue to invest in Drive, and were rewarded with 27% growth in revenue, driven by 88% year-on-year growth from the marketplace business. Drive remains well-positioned for future growth. Moving on to streaming and broadcast.

Speaker #1: In terms of overall publishing results, which include Nine.com.au and Drive, we reported revenue of $518 million and a combined EBITDA of $150 million.

Speaker #1: Which was down marginally on FY25. We announced the sale of Pedestrian in June for a nominal sum, but with an incremental tax loss benefit of around $18 million.

Speaker #1: As a result, this is excluded from both FY25 and FY26 as a discontinued business. After a disappointing contribution from Nine.com.au, we relaunched the business late in the period.

Speaker #1: Streamlining the website and app, and refocusing the content on a more monetizable audience. We continue to invest in Drive, and we're rewarded with 27% growth in revenue, driven by 88% year-on-year growth from the marketplace business.

Speaker #1: Drive remains well positioned for future growth. Moving on to streaming and broadcast, together our streaming and broadcast business recorded EBITDA growth in FY26, with a record result at Stan and a relatively robust result for Total Television, underpinned by solid cost performance.

Matt Stanton: Together, our streaming and broadcast business recorded EBITDA growth in FY26, with a record result at Stan and a relatively robust result for Total Television, underpinned by solid cost performance. During the year, Nine ported streaming and broadcast businesses closer together with a number of key initiatives. In particular, the continued optimization of our market-leading content across both platforms, with a great example being the innovative MAFS After the Dinner Party offering from Stan, driving new subscribers to Stan. From a technology perspective, Nine is working towards the unification of the Stan and 9Now tech stacks, and the use of the Nine user ID to direct further traffic to Stan through our Pathways to Stan initiative. We continue to focus on Nine's premium offering in a digital video advertising market. With the introduction of ads on Stan Sport, coupled with our sales agreement with HBO Max.

Speaker #1: During the year, Nine brought its streaming and broadcast businesses closer together with a number of key initiatives. In particular, the continued optimization of our market-leading content across both platforms, with a great example being the innovative 'Maps After the Dinner Party' offering from Stan, driving new subscribers to Stan.

Speaker #1: From a technology perspective, Nine is working towards the unification of the Stan and 9Now tech stacks and the use of the Nine User ID to direct further traffic to Stan through our Pathways to Stan initiative.

Speaker #1: We continue to focus on Nine's premium offering in a digital video advertising market. With the introduction of ads on Stan Sport, coupled with our sales agreement with HBO Max.

Speaker #1: In total, digital video advertising sold by Nine in the latest half of FY26 grew by around 20%. Now, it's been a time of transformation for streaming and broadcast.

Matt Stanton: Total digital video advertising sold by Nine in the latest H2 of FY26 grew by around 20%. It has been a time of transformation for streaming and broadcast as we position ourselves for the future, enabling these latest results with strong growth at Stan and a resilient result for Total TV in a difficult free-to-air advertising market. Turning to the results for Total TV on page 17. The AUD 134 million in EBITDA reported by Total TV was down 12% on FY25. Audiences remain strong. For the past six months, Nine recorded audience growth for Total TV in total people and 25 to 54s, as well as 5% growth in the younger 16 to 39 demographic, with shows like "Married at First Sight" up 88%, the NRL season to date up 6%, and a record men's State of Origin series up 9% on last year.

Speaker #1: As we position ourselves for the future, enabling these latest results, we see strong growth at Stan and a resilient result for Total TV in a difficult free-to-air advertising market.

Speaker #1: Turning to the results for Total TV on page 17, the $134 million in EBITDA reported by Total TV was down 12% on FY25.

Speaker #1: Audiences remain strong. For the past six months, Nine recorded audience growth for total TV in total people and 25 to 54s, as well as 5% growth in the younger 16 to 39 demographic.

Speaker #1: This shows like Married at First Sight are up 88%. The NRL season today is up 6%, and a record Men's State of Origin series is up 9% on last year.

Speaker #1: While audience performance was strong, the broadcast TV advertising market was soft, cycling both the Paris Olympics and the positive impact of the April-May 2025 federal election campaign.

Matt Stanton: While audience performance was strong, the broadcast TV advertising market was soft, cycling both the Paris 2024 and the positive impact of the April-May 2025 federal election campaign. Total TV ad market declined by 10% for the year. Nine's revenue were down 9%. However, excluding the Olympic impact, we estimate revenues were down circa 2%. Total Television costs declined by AUD 80 million, as Nine again achieved efficiencies. Adjusting for the Olympic impact, costs were down marginally, with cost savings of around AUD 55 million offsetting content and wage inflation. In FY26, Stan reported its fourth successive year of profit growth for a record EBITDA result of AUD 81 million, up 34% on FY25. Revenue growth of 16% was underpinned by the strong performance of sport. The new Premier League contract underpinned 50% growth in average sport subscribers and enabled a price increase in July 2025.

Speaker #1: The total TV ad market declined by 10% for the year. Nine's revenues were down 9%. However, excluding the Olympic impact, we estimate revenues were down circa 2%.

Speaker #1: Total television costs declined by $80 million as Nine again achieved efficiencies. Adjusting for the Olympic impact, costs were down marginally, with cost savings of around $55 million offsetting content and wage inflation.

Speaker #1: In FY26, Stan reported its fourth successive year of profit growth, delivering a record EBITDA result of $81 million, up 34% on FY25. Revenue growth of 16% was underpinned by the strong performance of Sport.

Speaker #1: The new Premier League contract underpinned 50% growth in average Sport subscribers and enabled a price increase in July 2025. As a result, ARPU across the year increased by 8%.

Matt Stanton: As a result, ARPU across the year increased by 8%. Stan's margins expanded further across the year. Entertainment costs were down year-on-year, showing ongoing cost discipline across the entertainment portfolio. While higher sport costs reflected acquisition of the Premier League rights. Following on from the successful inclusion of advertising in Stan Sport in 2025, Nine has recently introduced an advertising tier to Stan Entertainment, furthering Nine's ability to generate incremental revenue in the digital video market. The next couple of slides focuses on the pro forma results of our outdoor advertising business, QMS. As we only owned the business for 3 months, the actual EBITDA contribution was AUD 54 million reported, or AUD 25 million pre-AASB 16. These results are covered in detail in appendix 2. On a pro forma basis, QMS reported growth in net revenues of 15% to AUD 295 million.

Speaker #1: Stan's margins expanded further across the year. Entertainment costs were down year-on-year, showing ongoing cost discipline across the entertainment portfolio, while higher Sport costs reflected acquisition of the Premier League rights.

Speaker #1: Following on from the successful inclusion of advertising in STAN Sport in 2025, Nine has recently introduced an advertising tier to STAN Entertainment, furthering Nine's ability to generate incremental revenue in the digital video market.

Speaker #1: The next couple of slides focus on the pro forma results of our outdoor advertising business, QMS. As we only owned the business for three months, the actual EBITDA contribution was $54 million reported, or $25 million pre-AASB 16.

Speaker #1: These results are covered in detail in Appendix 2. On a pro forma basis, QMS reported growth in net revenues of 15%, to $295 million. This compared with industry growth of 6% in Australia and 11% in New Zealand.

Matt Stanton: This compared with the industry growth of 6% in Australia and 11% in New Zealand. The outperformance stemming from QMS's concentration on the higher margin categories of the market, as well as the rollout of incremental sites. Slide 20 shows the pro forma profit performance of QMS for the year to June 2026. On a pre-AASB 16 basis, QMS reported EBITDA of AUD 88 million, at the high end of the guidance we gave in early June, and 15% up on FY25. QMS finished FY26 in a strong position, highly digital, innovative, with long-term leases and positive operating momentum. The alignment with Nine is clear. Digital screens, scale, data, and sales relationships. QMS extends Nine's multi-platform advantage and reinforces our strategy around brand building and premium environments. Moreover, we have been really pleased with the QMS team.

Speaker #1: The outperformance stems from QMS's concentration on the higher-margin categories of the market, as well as the rollout of incremental sites. Slide 20 shows a pro forma profit performance of QMS for the year.

Speaker #1: To June 2026, on a pre-AASB 16 basis, QMS reported EBITDA of $88 million, at the high end of the guidance we gave in early June, and 15% up on FY25.

Speaker #1: QMS finished FY26 in a strong position: highly digital, innovative, with long-term leases and positive operating momentum. The alignment with Nine is clear—digital screens, scale, data, and sales relationships.

Speaker #1: QMS extends Nine's multi-platform advantage and reinforces our strategy around brand building and premium environments. Moreover, we have been really pleased with the QMS team.

Speaker #1: Not just the quality, but also how they have fitted in and work seamlessly with the broader Nine group. We see a lot more opportunity to come in FY27 and beyond.

Matt Stanton: Not just the quality, but how they have fitted in and work seamlessly with the broader Nine group. We see a lot more opportunity to come in FY27 and beyond. Wrapping up these results, our ASX release this morning includes an updated outlook and view of current trading, which I refer you to. Our reshaped portfolio provides us with a markedly different earnings profile, with a greater weighting to growth and further cross-platform opportunities. As a result, we expect to report another year of pro forma revenue and EBITDA growth for Nine in FY27. Operationally, through Q1 to date, Nine has recorded ongoing growth in growth assets of digital publishing, QMS, and Stan. While the broadcast advertising market remains challenging.

Speaker #1: Wrapping up these results, our ASX release this morning includes an updated outlook and view of current trading, which I refer you to. A reshaped portfolio provides us with a markedly different earnings profile.

Speaker #1: With a greater weighting to growth and further cross-platform opportunities, we expect to report another year of pro forma revenue and EBITDA growth for Nine in FY27.

Speaker #1: Operationally, through Q1 to date, Nine has recorded ongoing growth in growth assets of digital publishing, QMS, and Stan, while the broadcast advertising market remains challenging.

Speaker #1: On the regulatory front, the recent passing of the news bargaining incentive by the Australian Parliament is arguably the most consequential outcome for Nine and other media companies, as it delivers long-term sustainable investment in journalism.

Matt Stanton: On the regulatory front, the recent passing of the news bargaining incentive by the Australian Parliament is arguably the most consequential outcome for Nine and other media companies as it delivers long-term, sustainable investment in journalism. It's rightly a testament to the critical democratic and cultural value of our journalism and the news brands that Nine nurtures and invests in. This means the tech platforms that benefit from our journalism will fairly pay for its value. It's this same principle that underpins why Nine continues pushing for AI companies to come to the table and negotiate agreements for the use of our intellectual property in their AI models. We agree with the Prime Minister's strong words. If you invest in creating journalism and artistic work, you must retain the right to determine how it's used and what it's worth. Anything less is theft.

Speaker #1: It's rightly a testament to the critical democratic and cultural value of our journalism, and the news brands that Nine nurtures and invests in. This means the tech platforms that benefit from our journalism will fairly pay for its value.

Speaker #1: It's this same principle that underpins why Nine continues pushing for AI companies to come to the table and negotiate agreements for the use of our intellectual property in their AI models.

Speaker #1: We agree with the Prime Minister's strong words. If you invest in creating journalism and artistic work, you must retain the right to determine how it's used and what it's worth.

Speaker #1: Anything less is theft. In the year ahead, we look forward to hearing more from the Albanese government on the steps to make the digital advertising market fairer.

Matt Stanton: In the year ahead, we look forward to hearing more from the Albanese government on the steps to make the digital advertising market fairer. This is based on the ACCC's recommendations to bring much needed transparency and guardrails to the digital advertising supply chain. Another way of ensuring ongoing sustainability of the Australian media industry would be to ensure companies such as Nine receive a fair share of the government's significant advertising spend. In FY26, we laid the foundations for further growth in profitability and shareholder value going forward. In FY27, we expect to further leverage these foundations, focusing on the significant opportunities provided by our content and platforms and the technologies that link them together. In FY27, our key growth engines of outdoor streaming and digital publishing are expected to account for more than 60% of revenue and 70% of EBITDA.

Speaker #1: This is based on the ACCC's recommendations to bring much-needed transparency and guardrails to the digital advertising supply chain. Another way of ensuring ongoing sustainability of the Australian media industry would be to ensure companies such as Nine receive a fair share of the government's significant advertising spend.

Speaker #1: In FY26, we laid the foundations for further growth in profitability and shareholder value going forward. In FY27, we expect to further leverage these foundations, focusing on the significant opportunities provided by our content and platforms, and the technologies that link them together.

Speaker #1: In FY27, our key growth engines of outdoor, streaming, and digital publishing are expected to account for more than 60% of revenue and 70% of EBITDA.

Speaker #1: A reshaped portfolio balances the drivers to Nine's long-term profit across subscription and structurally growing advertising assets, with a markedly lesser reliance on legacy advertising assets.

Matt Stanton: Our reshaped portfolio balances the drivers to Nine's long-term profit across subscription and structurally growing advertising assets, with a markedly lesser reliance on legacy advertising assets. This will be achieved through the operational execution of our core operating business, augmented by our commitment to technology initiatives, including AI and licensing. Of course, delivering on our QMS acquisition is at the fore. QMS's growth going forward is underpinned by its strong lease profile and contract momentum. While the opportunities with Nine are just beginning to be realized, there remains significant opportunity for value creation in streaming and broadcast as we continue to optimize the business focusing on our premium content and the growth opportunities of streaming. Future News is a material project, bringing our news to the forefront of technology and efficiency, and that will launch later in the year.

Speaker #1: This will be achieved through the operational execution of our core operating business, augmented by our commitment to technology and initiatives including AI and licensing. Of course, delivering on our QMS acquisition is at the fore.

Speaker #1: QMS's growth going forward is underpinned by its strong lease profile and contract momentum, while the opportunities with Nine are just beginning to be realized.

Speaker #1: Bear in mind the significant opportunity for value creation in streaming and broadcast as we continue to optimize the business, focusing on our premium content and the growth opportunities of streaming.

Speaker #1: Future News is a material project, bringing our news to the forefront of technology and efficiency, and that will launch later in the year. The combination of our tech stacks will both create efficiencies and further alignment between Stan and 9Now.

Matt Stanton: The combination of our tech stacks will both create efficiencies and further alignment between Stan and 9Now. We are pursuing incremental revenue opportunities, growing our presence in the digital video ad market and extending our off-platform presence. We are doubling down on our SME product, Nine Ad Manager, with the opportunity to extending via our ownership of QMS. The value of Nine's content continues to be recognized by audiences, subscribers, and advertisers, and now a new growing revenue stream is emerging through third-party licensing and AI deals. The recently passed news bargaining legislation paves the way for commercial payments from the big tech platforms. We are continuing to progress our technology initiatives, including AI, additional licensing opportunities for our content, and the further development of the Nine single platform delivery initiative.

Speaker #1: We are pursuing incremental revenue opportunities, growing our presence in the digital video ad market and extending our off-platform presence. We are doubling down on our SME product, Nine Ad Manager, with the opportunity to extend buyer ownership of QMS.

Speaker #1: The value of Nine's content continues to be recognized by audiences, subscribers, and advertisers, and now a new, growing revenue stream is emerging through third-party licensing and AI deals.

Speaker #1: The recently passed news bargaining legislation paves the way for commercial payments from the big tech platforms. We'll continue to progress our technology initiatives, including AI, additional licensing opportunities for our content, and the further development of the Nine single platform delivery initiative.

Speaker #1: Changes we have made to both our portfolio and operating structure position Nine as a digitally focused and growing media company, deeply connected to consumers and advertisers, and similarly committed to enhancing shareholder value.

Matt Stanton: Changes we have made to both our portfolio and operating structure position Nine as a digitally focused and growing media company, deeply connected to consumers and advertisers, and similarly committed to enhancing shareholder value. So now Martyn and I will take your questions. Thank you.

Speaker #1: So now, Martin and I will take your questions. Thank you. We’ll move to our first question now, thank you.

Operator: Thank you.

Matt Stanton: Operator, if you could pass through our first question. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you. If you wish to ask a question, please press star one (*) on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. If you wish to cancel your request, please press star two (*2).

Operator: Thank you. If you wish to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. If you wish to cancel your request, please press star two. If you are on a speakerphone, please pick up the handset to ask your question. Your first question today comes from Eric Choi with Barrenjoey. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: If you're on a speakerphone, please pick up the handset to ask your question. Your first question today comes from Eric Choi with Baron Joey.

Speaker #2: Please go ahead.

Eric Choi: Hey, guys. Could I ask a couple. Just the first one, just on the guidance comments. I think you guys previously gave us splits for your non-growth and growth EBITDA, and now you are saying your growth EBITDA or your growth division EBITDA is going to be about 70% of the total in FY27. If you do all the math on that, because the non-growth divisions were kind of AUD 160 million to AUD 170 million in FY26, and if that AUD 160 million to AUD 170 million holds into next year, and you sort of gross that up, it sort of suggests you are guiding to group EBITDA of about AUD 550 million, maybe a bit more. So that is the first question, if I could check that. Did you want me to go with the second one, Matt, or just.

Speaker #3: Hey guys. Could I ask a couple sorry. Just the first one. Just on guidance comments. I think you guys previously gave us splits for your non-growth and growth EBITDA and now you're saying your growth EBITDA or your growth division EBITDA is going to be about 70%.

Speaker #3: Of the total in FY27—if you kind of do all the math on that, because the non-growth divisions were kind of $160 to $170 million in FY26—and if that $160 to $170 million holds into next year...

Speaker #3: And you sort of gross that up. It sort of suggests you're guiding to Group EBITDA of about $550 million, maybe a bit more. So that's the first question.

Speaker #3: If I could check that. Did you want me to go with the second one, Matt, or just—?

Speaker #1: Yeah, go with the second one. What's the second question? I'll take it myself, and Martin and I will take them. So give us the second one. I'll see which one we go with first.

Matt Stanton: Yeah. Go to the second one. What is the second question? Myself and Martyn will take them. So give us the second one. I will see which one we go first with.

Speaker #3: Awesome. Maybe just on AI/content monetization. And I apologize if I’ve missed this, but there have been a number of things you guys have done now.

Eric Choi: Awesome. Maybe just on AI/content monetization, and I apologize if I have missed this, but there has been a number of things you guys have done now. Obviously, you have done the July Copilot deal. February, I think you flagged some seven-digit enterprise deals, and then I do not know if you have won any other new enterprise deals. Probably individually, they are not material enough for an ASX release. But I am just wondering if you bundled all of that together, would you be breaching that 5% or AUD 25 million materiality threshold? Then, sorry, mouthful, but obviously on top of AI and content, you could get Meta revenues again. So if you put all those things together, could you get publishing EBITDA or publishing revenues kind of up in 2027 versus 2026?

Speaker #3: Obviously, you've done the July Copilot deal. In February, I think you flagged some seven-digit enterprise deals, and then I don't know if you've won any other new enterprise deals.

Speaker #3: Probably, individually they're not material enough for an ASX release. But I'm just wondering, if you bundled all of that together, would you be breaching that 5% or $25 million materiality threshold?

Speaker #3: And then, sorry—now full. But obviously, on top of AI and content, you could get meta revenues again. So, if you put all those things together, could you get publishing EBITDA or publishing revenues kind of up in '27 versus '26?

Speaker #1: Yeah, thanks, Eric. So, a number of questions in those, but say the two questions—maybe I’ll take the second question first and then hand over to Martin for the other question on guidance.

Matt Stanton: Yeah. Thanks, Eric. A number of questions in those. I will say the two questions, maybe I will take the second question first, and then maybe hand over to Martyn for the other question on guidance. I will say a few words. Yeah, look, the AI deals that we have in place, and the Microsoft Copilot, fair to say there is a good pipeline of those as well to come through. But at this point in time, they would not breach the 5%, so we would not go the AUD 25 million you talked about then. It would not be above that, but there is a number in the pipeline. The second question around the news media bargaining around Meta as well, and would there be a situation where we could see growth in publishing? Well, yes, there is.

Speaker #1: So, a few words. Yeah, look. The AI deals that we have in place, and the Microsoft Copilot—fair to say there's a good pipeline of those as well to come through.

Speaker #1: But at this point in time, they wouldn't breach the 5%. So we wouldn't go to the $25 million you talked about then. It wouldn't be above that.

Speaker #1: But there's a number in the pipeline. The second question is around the news media bargaining, around Meta as well. And would that situation—would there be a situation where we could see growth in publishing?

Speaker #1: Well, yes, there is. I mean, there are a number of variables that fly around, not just news media bargaining, but yes, there is a world there of growth in publishing.

Matt Stanton: There is a number of variables that fly around, not just news media bargaining, but yes, there is a world there of growth in publishing. We will see, and I will give an update of where we go through the course of the year as negotiations or not go forward. If you talk about your first question around guidance around that, we are not going to steer to an exact number from a guidance point of view. As you can imagine, there is still a number of ups and downs and opportunities and also risks to manage. I do not know, Martyn, if you have got anything to say on it.

Speaker #1: And we'll see, and I'll give an update of where we go through the course of the year as negotiations, or not, go forward. If you talk about your first question around guidance, around that.

Speaker #1: We're not going to stick to an exact number from a guidance point of view. As you can imagine, there are still a number of ups and downs, and opportunities and also risks to manage.

Speaker #1: I know, Martin, if you've got anything to say on it.

Speaker #4: Yeah, I think what we've said before, Eric, is that 45% of revenue in FY25 was from non-growth businesses. I'm not sure whether we'd ever said what the EBITDA split was.

Martyn Roberts: Yeah. I think what we have said before is that 45% of revenue in FY25 was for non-growth businesses. I am not sure whether we had ever said what the EBITDA split was. But if your assumption is that in FY26, the non-growth businesses were AUD 160 million to AUD 170 million, and that they stay flat and you gross that up by 30%, then you do get to a number of AUD 550 million, but that has a lot of assumptions in it in terms of whether those businesses stay flat or not. There is a lot of variables in that. The main guidance we are giving is that we are going to focus on revenue and EBITDA growth in FY27 after growth in FY26.

Speaker #4: But if your assumption is that in FY26 the non-growth businesses were 160 to 170 and that they stay flat, and you grossed that up by 30%, then you do get to a number of 550.

Speaker #4: But that's got a lot of assumptions in it, in terms of whether those businesses stay flat or not. So, there's a lot of variables in that.

Speaker #4: So, the main guidance we're giving is that we're going to focus on revenue and EBITDA growth in FY27, following growth in FY26.

Speaker #3: Awesome. Thanks Matt. Thanks Martin.

Eric Choi: Awesome. Thanks, Matt. Thanks, Martyn.

Speaker #2: The next question comes from Andrea Rykowski with ANP. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question comes from Andrew Reschovsky with AMP. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hi Matt. Hi Martin. My first question is just a clarification, also around the guidance. Your exact expectation for growth in FY27—do you expect that you'll deliver this even without the $14 million benefit from the TV impairment?

Andrew Reschovsky: Hi, Matt. Hi, Martyn. My first question is just a clarification also around the guidance. Your expectation for growth in FY27, do you expect that you will deliver this even without the AUD 14 million benefit from the TV impairment, or are you taking that benefit within your guidance? Maybe give us a straightforward one, if you can answer that, and then I have got a couple others.

Entcho Raykovski: Hi, Matt. Hi, Martyn. My first question is just a clarification also around the guidance. Your expectation for growth in FY27, do you expect that you will deliver this even without the AUD 14 million benefit from the TV impairment, or are you taking that benefit within your guidance? Maybe give us a straightforward one, if you can answer that, and then I have got a couple others.

Speaker #5: Are you sort of taking that benefit within your guidance? Maybe give it to me straight on that one if you can answer that, and then I've got a couple of others.

Speaker #1: Yeah. Martin, do you want to say something?

Matt Stanton: Yeah. Martyn, do you want to say that?

Speaker #4: Yeah, I think our guidance is that we'll have EBITDA growth over and above that $14 million of benefit from the write-off of that content.

Martyn Roberts: Yeah. I think our guidance is that we will have EBITDA growth over and above that AUD 14 million of benefits from the write-off of that content.

Speaker #5: Okay, great. That's very clear. And then, on QMS—given QMS revenue is up in the mid-teens in the first quarter, it seems like your expectation is for double-digit growth in EBITDA, so even with the synergy impact on top of that.

Andrew Reschovsky: Okay, great. That is very clear. On QMS, given QMS revenue is up in the mid-teens in the first quarter, it seems like your expectation for double-digit growth in EBITDA. Even you have got the synergy impact on top of that, but that feels like it is more of a floor, particularly because the comps look like they get easier as the year progresses. I suppose my question is that the case? Is there perhaps anything to flag on margins, which perhaps will put pressure on EBITDA if the revenue trend continues to sit in that mid-teens level, particularly given that you have won the Auckland transport contract? I suspect that is a contract which is slightly lower margin.

Entcho Raykovski: Okay, great. That is very clear. On QMS, given QMS revenue is up in the mid-teens in the first quarter, it seems like your expectation for double-digit growth in EBITDA. Even you have got the synergy impact on top of that, but that feels like it is more of a floor, particularly because the comps look like they get easier as the year progresses. I suppose my question is that the case? Is there perhaps anything to flag on margins, which perhaps will put pressure on EBITDA if the revenue trend continues to sit in that mid-teens level, particularly given that you have won the Auckland transport contract? I suspect that is a contract which is slightly lower margin.

Speaker #5: But that feels like it's more of a flaw, particularly because the comps look like they get easier as the year progresses. I suppose my question is, is that the case, and is there perhaps anything to flag on margins which perhaps will put pressure on EBITDA if the revenue trend continues to sort of sit in that mid-teens level?

Speaker #5: Particularly given that you've won the Auckland Transport contract, I don't suspect that's a contract which is slightly lower margin.

Speaker #1: Yeah. Look, that's okay. It is slightly lower on the Auckland contract. Look, with QMS, we're very pleased with the acquisition. First quarter, we had good performance.

Matt Stanton: Yeah. Look, that is okay. It is slightly lower on the Auckland contract. Look, with QMS, we are very pleased with the acquisition. Q1, we had a good performance. We see double-digit growth continuing. We have the Auckland rollout going, but also we have got Metcash coming online from September, October. That will start to build from there as well. We see continued growth from that business. That is where we are at. It is a good business, and we are starting to integrate it more and more with Nine and taking some opportunities there as well.

Speaker #1: We see double-digit growth continuing. We have the Auckland rollout going, but also we've got Metcash coming online from September–October. That'll start to build from there as well.

Speaker #1: So, we see continued growth from that business. I mean, that's where we're at. It's a good business, and we're starting to integrate it more and more with Nine and taking some opportunities there as well.

Speaker #5: Okay, thanks, Matt. And just last one on Stan. I mean, obviously, you've got it to gross in '27. I'm just curious how you think about the ongoing inflation of the cost base.

Andrew Reschovsky: Okay. Thanks, Matt. Last one on Stan. Obviously, you have guided to growth in 2027. I am just curious how you think about the ongoing inflation of the cost base. Firstly, I do not know if you can answer that in two steps, into 2027 and then beyond, particularly once it comes to renewal of the Premier League rights and the UEFA competition rights, because I would assume there will be some step up. I do not expect you to necessarily give specifics, but how do you think about that step-up? Do you think it will be a bigger step-up into 2028, and what are some of the levers that you have got, do you think? Is there a subscriber opportunity out there, or is ARPU the key lever you can pull?

Entcho Raykovski: Okay. Thanks, Matt. Last one on Stan. Obviously, you have guided to growth in 2027. I am just curious how you think about the ongoing inflation of the cost base. Firstly, I do not know if you can answer that in two steps, into 2027 and then beyond, particularly once it comes to renewal of the Premier League rights and the UEFA competition rights, because I would assume there will be some step up. I do not expect you to necessarily give specifics, but how do you think about that step-up? Do you think it will be a bigger step-up into 2028, and what are some of the levers that you have got, do you think? Is there a subscriber opportunity out there, or is ARPU the key lever you can pull?

Speaker #5: Firstly, I don't know if you can answer that in two steps: into '27 and then beyond, particularly once it comes to renewal of the Premier League rights and the UEFA club competition rights.

Speaker #5: Because I assume there will be some step up. I mean, I don't expect you to necessarily give a specific, but how do you think about that step up?

Speaker #5: Do you think it’ll be a bigger step up into Q4 2026, and what are sort of the levers that you’ve got? Do you think there’s a subscriber opportunity out there, or is ARPU the key lever that you can pull?

Speaker #1: Yeah, sure. No, we're very pleased, obviously, with Stan's performance this year. It was stellar growth coming through, some of that helped by the EPL—first year of the deal.

Matt Stanton: Yeah, sure. No, we are very pleased, obviously, with Stan's performance this year. It was a stellar growth coming through, and some of that helped by the EPL first year of the deal. Not just that, there were some other areas as well that we had. We like the product. We have still got it for another two years under the current contract we have. Yes, we would like to be involved to extend that forward if we can through there, and one would expect that it would be slightly higher given where the Optus situation was, and we took advantage of that. But there are opportunities and levers still to increase EBITDA through this, and we have that both through volume of subscribers and pricing as well. So we are well-placed with Stan going forward, and there is good levers we can do to continue the growth pattern.

Speaker #1: Not just that. There were some other areas as well that we had. We like the product. We've still got it for another two years under the current contract we have.

Speaker #1: Yes, we'd like to be involved to extend that forward if we can, through there. And one would expect that it would be slightly higher given where the Optus situation was when we took advantage of that.

Speaker #1: But there are opportunities and levers still to increase EBITDA through this, and we have that both through volume of subscribers and pricing as well.

Speaker #1: So we're well placed with Stan going forward, and there are good levers we can use to continue the growth pattern.

Speaker #5: Okay. Thanks Matt.

Andrew Reschovsky: Okay. Thanks, Matt.

Entcho Raykovski: Okay. Thanks, Matt.

Speaker #2: Eunice, the next question comes from Elsa Lee with UBS. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question comes from Elsa Li with UBS. Please go ahead.

Elsa Li: Morning, Matt and Martyn. I have three questions. If I just go one by one. Firstly, just a question on the new ad tier on Stan. Could you please talk through the thought process around the product features, your expectations for ARPU impact in the short and long term, as well as the subscriber mix in terms of trade down versus new?

Ailsa Lei: Morning, Matt and Martyn. I have three questions. If I just go one by one. Firstly, just a question on the new ad tier on Stan. Could you please talk through the thought process around the product features, your expectations for ARPU impact in the short and long term, as well as the subscriber mix in terms of trade down versus new?

Speaker #6: Morning, Matt and Martin. I've got three questions, if I could just go one by one. Firstly, just a question on the new ad tier on Stan.

Speaker #6: Could you please talk through the thought process around the product features your expectations for our pool impacts in the short and long term as well as sort of the subscriber mix in terms of trade down versus new?

Speaker #1: Yep. Do you want me to answer them? I'll go one by one, if that's how you want. Yeah. The new ad tier—well, we did the Stan Sport ad tier in FY26.

Matt Stanton: Yep. Do you want me to answer them one. I will go one by one if that is how you want. Yeah, the new ad tier. Well, we did the Stan Sport ad tier in FY26. That has worked very well. We are very pleased with that and how we went about that, and more of a sponsorship type ad tier, if you like, not really spots and dots you would have on traditional TV. So that has worked well. On 1 August, we launched our entertainment ad tier, and we took the price down from AUD 12 for the base tier down to AUD 10 for the new ad tier. Now, the people on AUD 12 just reverted back down to AUD 10. We have ads going through there. They are selling well at this point in time.

Speaker #1: That's worked very well. We're very pleased with that and how we went about that. And more of a sort of sponsorship-type ad tier, if you like.

Speaker #1: Not really spots and dots you'd have on traditional TV, so that's worked well. On August 1st, we launched our Entertainment ad tier, and we took the price down from $12 for the base tier to $10 for the new ad tier.

Speaker #1: Now the people on $12 just reverted back down to $10. We have ads going through there. They're selling well at this point in time.

Speaker #1: And we have seen a bit of trade-up from those on the $12 upper tier as well, going through until we get through the next couple of months, though.

Matt Stanton: We have seen a bit of trade-up from those on AUD 12 upper tier as well, going through. Until we get through the next couple of months, we cannot really work through the churn of them. When we do our maths on it, we look at what is the accuracy? Will we get more volume through? What will the revenue side be? We sort of thought the AUD 2 down is sort of net flat for us, but we will see, and we will adapt as we go for it. But so far, so good on it.

Speaker #1: We can't really work through the churn of them. And when we do our maths on it, we look at what is the accuracy. Will we get more volume through?

Speaker #1: And what will the revenue side be? And we sort of thought the $2 down is sort of net flat for us. But we'll see, and we'll adapt as we go.

Speaker #1: But so far, so good on it.

Speaker #6: Wonderful. And then just on my second question on QMS—the new Metcash Retail Media partnership you previously announced. Given the initial is for 860 screens, against the potential 3,000-plus retail locations they have...

Elsa Li: Wonderful. Then just on my second question on QMS, the new Metcash retail media partnership you previously announced. Given the initial is for 860 screens against the potential 3,000-plus retail locations they have, could you please just give us some color on what potentially needs to happen or maybe a timeline for this to occur?

Ailsa Lei: Wonderful. Then just on my second question on QMS, the new Metcash retail media partnership you previously announced. Given the initial is for 860 screens against the potential 3,000-plus retail locations they have, could you please just give us some color on what potentially needs to happen or maybe a timeline for this to occur?

Speaker #6: Could you please give us some color on what potentially needs to happen, or maybe a timeline for this to occur?

Speaker #1: Yeah, so look, we'll start with the 860, as you say, and roll those out. And then we'll go through a process and see how they're working.

Matt Stanton: Yeah. We will start with the 860, as you say, and roll those out, and then we will go through a process and see how they are working. Obviously, some stores will be different to other stores, whether they be a liquor store, grocery stores, or hardware stores as well, and how they exactly work. It will not work potentially on everything. But we will review the performance of those with Metcash, and Metcash working closely with them, decide on what is the appropriate level of rollout for there. So there is no real timeline on that. There are no steps where we have to take. I think we are very focused now, because I think the launch is in September, early September. So we are looking to get those out as quick as possible. And then we will review as we go with Metcash and decide what they want to do.

Speaker #1: I mean, obviously some stores will be different to other stores, whether they'll be liquor stores, grocery stores, or hardware stores as well, and how they exactly work.

Speaker #1: It won't work potentially on everything. But we'll review the performance of those with Metcash, and Metcash will work closely with them to decide on what is the appropriate level of rollout for there.

Speaker #1: So there's no real timeline on that. There are no steps we have to take. I think we're very focused now, because I think the launch is in September.

Speaker #1: Early September. So we're looking to get those out as quickly as possible, and then we'll review as we go, with Metcash, and decide what they want to do.

Speaker #6: Yep, understood. And then, just on my last question—sorry—on the cost-out program, I'm wondering how much of what's left for FY27 is already locked in versus identified.

Elsa Li: Yep, understood. Then just on my last question, sorry. On the cost out program, wondering how much of what is left for FY27 is already locked in versus identified. If you could give us a sense of how much of that savings we can expect to drop down to EBITDA versus reinvest it back.

Ailsa Lei: Yep, understood. Then just on my last question, sorry. On the cost out program, wondering how much of what is left for FY27 is already locked in versus identified. If you could give us a sense of how much of that savings we can expect to drop down to EBITDA versus reinvest it back.

Speaker #6: And if you could give us a sense of how much of that savings we can expect to drop down to EBITDA versus being reinvested back.

Speaker #1: Yeah. Okay. I mean, it's difficult to give an exact—I don't really want to give an exact number. What I'd say is we're ahead of where we said we were going to be.

Matt Stanton: Yeah. Okay. It is difficult to give an exact. I do not really want to give an exact number. What I would say is we are ahead of where we said we were going to be, and we will deliver that. We pretty much identified the buckets of areas of where we will look to get that from. I think, though, the reality is we are in a continuous change moment in media, and I think we continue to evolve our business model in all our divisions. They will all change and work, and some will work together closely, as well to be more efficient and effective. So, at this point in time, I think you are going to see continuous us change, continuous where we will take some cost out the business, but also reinvest around where the growth areas are. So you cannot say it is just going to be one number and that is it.

Speaker #1: And we'll deliver that. We've pretty much identified the buckets or areas where we'll look to get that from. I think, though, the reality is we're in a continuous change moment in media.

Speaker #1: And I think we can continue to evolve our business model in all our divisions. They'll all change and adapt, and some will work closely together as well to be more efficient and effective.

Speaker #1: So at this point in time, I think you're going to see continuous change—continuous, where we will take some cost out of the business.

Matt Stanton: So, at this point in time, I think you are going to see continuous us change, continuous where we will take some cost out the business, but also reinvest around where the growth areas are. So you cannot say it is just going to be one number and that is it. It will be a continuum, as we change and evolve the businesses.

Speaker #1: But also reinvest around where the growth areas are. So, you can't say it's just going to be one number and that's it. It will be a continuum as we change and evolve the businesses.

Matt Stanton: It will be a continuum, as we change and evolve the businesses.

Speaker #6: Perfect. Thank you.

Elsa Li: Perfect. Thank you.

Ailsa Lei: Perfect. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you.

Matt Stanton: Okay.

Speaker #2: Once again, if you wish to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone. Your next question comes from Fraser McLeish with MST Marquee.

Operator: Once again, if you wish to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone. The next question comes from Fraser McLeish with MST Marquee. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Great. Thanks, Matt Martin. There's obviously a bit going on, so I've actually got a few questions, if that's all right. But just if you could, Matt, talk a bit about BVOD and how you're going with improving your monetization of BVOD.

Fraser McLeish: Great. Thanks. Hi, Matt, Martyn. There's obviously a bit going on, so I've actually got a few questions, if that's all right. But if you could, Matt, talk a bit about BVOD, and how you're going with improving your monetization of BVOD. I think in the H2, your BVOD revenues were up 5% or something, which is obviously better, but audiences are growing a lot more than that. So it still feels like you're kind of under-monetizing BVOD. I'll maybe just ask that one first. Thanks.

Speaker #3: I think in the second half your BVOD revenues were up 5% or something, which is obviously better. But, I mean, audiences are growing a lot more than that.

Speaker #3: So it still feels like you're kind of under-monetizing BVOD. I might just ask that one first. Thanks.

Speaker #1: Sure. No, you're right. I think we are under-monetizing BVOD. I think that's absolutely right. I mean, we're up 5% in the second half, as you said.

Matt Stanton: Sure. No, you're right. I think we are under-monetizing BVOD. I think that's absolutely right. We were up 5% in the H2, as you said. Don't forget, the market was pretty soft, but especially that Q4 for us, so April, May, June, the market was pretty soft. We had 5% growth. But the issue we have that we're working through of how do we monetize that more is really down to the sell-through rate that we're getting on BVOD, and that is an important point. We need to improve the sell-through rate. There's a few things we're working through at this point in time. The first thing probably to say is around frequency capping. Frequency capping on BVOD is very different to free-to-air, and actually is more restricted on BVOD. So we're looking to unleash that a little bit.

Speaker #1: Don't forget, the market was pretty soft, especially that fourth quarter for us—so April, May, June. The market was pretty soft, so we had 5% growth.

Speaker #1: But the issue we have, that we're working through—of how do we monetize that more—is really down to the sell-through rate that we're getting on BVOD.

Speaker #1: And that is an important point. We need to improve the sell-through rate, and there are a few things we're working through at this point in time.

Speaker #1: The first thing, probably, to say is around frequency capping. Frequency capping on BVOD is very different to freeware, and actually is more restricted on BVOD.

Speaker #1: So we're looking to unleash that a little bit. That will be a material impact if we do that. The second thing is around co-viewing.

Matt Stanton: So that will be a material impact if we do that. The second thing is around co-viewing, which I know we have mentioned a few times before. But co-viewing, we do measure now co-viewing. In digital, don't forget, it measures on a one-to-one basis versus TV is more of a one to 1.something basis as people watch it. We are working on the co-viewing area as well. So that is something we are measuring now and we will look to change. The third area around SMEs, a market we have not been in, so we will look to go through there. We are not going to switch that on overnight. I want to be clear. We will do that over a period of time. So we will start to see some benefits coming through the back end of FY27, but into FY28 and 2029.

Speaker #1: Which I know we've mentioned a few times before. But the co-viewing we do measure now co-viewing. In digital don't forget they do on it measures on a one to one basis versus TV is more of a one to one point something basis.

Speaker #1: As people watch it. And so we're working on the co-viewing area as well, so that's something we're measuring now, and we'll look to change.

Speaker #1: And the third area around SMEs—a market we've not been in. So we'll look to go through there. And that's not going to—we're not going to switch that on overnight.

Speaker #1: I want to be clear: we'll do that over a period of time. So, we'll start to see some benefits coming through at the back end of FY27.

Speaker #1: But into FY28 and 2029, one of the big enablers we've talked about—and it's something actually we're doing with Seven at the moment—is this joint venture on the DSP.

Matt Stanton: One of the big enablers we have talked about, and it is something actually we are doing with Seven at the moment, is this joint venture on the DSP, and that is our inventory pipelines. To get that will make it more transparent for us to be able to trade on BVOD. So there is a number of strategies we have got in place. There is no silver bullet, but we have got some really good opportunities, and we think longer term, we are in a really good place to improve that sell-through rate and take more money out of that digital video market.

Speaker #1: And that's our inventory pipelines. To get that, we'll make it more transparent for us to be able to trade on BVOD. So, there's a number of strategies we've got in place.

Speaker #1: There's no silver bullet, but we've got some really good opportunities, and we think longer term we're in a really good place to improve that sell-through rate.

Speaker #1: And take more money out of that digital video market. So, great.

Fraser McLeish: Great. That is helpful. Thanks. My next one was just on News Media Bargaining incentive. I think the press is talking about it is being aimed at generating AUD 250 million, sort of similar to the previous legislation that was there or the current legislation. The potential to split sort of four ways, roughly 25%, would be around about AUD 60 million is potentially for Nine. Is that your understanding of the numbers?

Speaker #3: That's helpful, thanks. My next one was just on the news media bargaining incentive. I think the press is talking about it being aimed at generating $250 million, sort of similar to the previous legislation that was there.

Speaker #3: Or the current legislation. And that potential for a bid to split sort of four ways, roughly. 25% would be about $60 million. There's potential for Nine.

Speaker #3: Is that your understanding of the numbers?

Speaker #1: Look, I have to be very careful from a commercial point of view. Obviously, Fraser, on this one, there's a lot of work to be done.

Matt Stanton: Look, I have to be very careful from a commercial point of view, obviously, Fraser, on this one. Look, there is a lot of work to be done. We are very pleased with the situation where we are at, as in is now we have got a framework that we can work through. Obviously, we are very keen to do deals with the tech companies, so we will be very proactive from that point of view. If we do not go through a deal, then the charge comes into place through there, and there will be mechanisms we have. I think rough, I would be sort of assuming when we get through the first year, because the first year, don't forget, we will have a catch-up because it is backdated down to 1 January 2025. So there will be a backdating in the first year.

Speaker #1: We're very pleased with the situation where we're at as it is now. We've got a framework that we can work through. Obviously, we're very keen to do deals.

Speaker #1: With the tech companies, we'll be very proactive from that point of view. If we don't go through with a deal, then the charge comes into place.

Speaker #1: Through there. And there'll be mechanisms we have. I think, roughly, I would be sort of assuming when we get through the first year. Because the first year, don't forget, we'll have a catch-up.

Speaker #1: Because it's backdated down to the 1st of January '25. So there will be a backdating in the first year. But once you get through that first year, one expects pretty much where we were, probably before, when we had the Google and the Meta deals in our P&L.

Matt Stanton: But once you get through that first year, one expects pretty much where we were probably before when we had the Google and the Meta deals in our P&L. That would probably be about the right sort of level to assume going forward.

Speaker #1: That would probably be about the right sort of level to assume, going forward. So, yeah.

Speaker #4: Yeah. The other thing I'd add, Fraser, is that obviously that pool would only exist if people don't do deals. And obviously we're trying to do a deal with Google, etc.

Matt Stanton: Yeah. The other thing I would add, Fraser, is that obviously that pool would only exist if people do not do deals. And obviously we are trying to do a deal with Google, et cetera. Therefore, that would take that out. I think to just say it is going to be divided by four, that is not really how it is going to work because I think there is already a 10% deduction to go to regional press.

Speaker #4: So, therefore, that would take that out. And I think to just say it's going to be divided by four—that's not really how it's going to work.

Speaker #4: Because I think there's already a 10% deduction to go to regional press, and it's based on the spend on core news going forward. So, I think 25%.

Martyn Roberts: It is based on the spend on core news going forward. I think if it was a big pool, 25% would be higher than what I think we would anticipate in terms of what we get through from that.

Speaker #4: If it was a big pool, 25% would be higher than what I think we would anticipate in terms of what we get through from that.

Speaker #3: Yeah, great. Look, that's helpful. And just a couple of quick ones, Martin, for you. The CapEx you've guided to for Nick for 2027: $150 to $170.

Fraser McLeish: Yeah, great. That is helpful. Just a couple of quick ones, Martyn, for you. The CapEx you have guided for next for AUD 27,150 to 170. Are you able to just roughly split that down into outdoor and other, and is that your kind of normal CapEx number going forward now, do you think, or is 2027 still a bit of an elevated year?

Speaker #3: Are you able to just roughly split that down into outdoor and other? And is that your kind of normal capex number going forward now, do you think?

Speaker #3: Or is '27 still a bit of an elevated year?

Speaker #4: Yeah. Well, within that number, it's about $35 million for QMS. I think what we've said is we'd like to spend more, because the return on investment, certainly on the QMS deals that we've seen so far, is a very good return on investment.

Martyn Roberts: Well, within that number, it is about AUD 35 million for QMS. I think what we have said is we would like to spend more because the return on investment, certainly on the QMS deals that we have seen so far, have a very good return on investment. That is what the plan currently in terms of current contracts and sites. We are obviously looking for new contracts, new sites, et cetera, so that may increase. The rest is across the board. TV is about 25, publishing about 25, and the rest is tech investment that we have got going on through the business. I think what we have seen, though, in the past, it has just come out to 12 months for me now, is that whatever we have guided, we have probably traditionally underspent, and we will try and get better value for our money going forward.

Speaker #4: So that's what the plan is currently in terms of existing contracts and sites. We're obviously looking for new contracts, new sites, etc., so that may increase.

Speaker #4: The rest is across the board. So, TV is about 25, publishing about 25, and the rest is tech investment that we've got going on through the business.

Speaker #4: I think what we've seen though in the past—I've only just come out to 12 months for me now—is that whatever we've guided, we've probably traditionally underspent.

Speaker #4: And we're trying to get better value for our money going forward. So put QMS to one side; I'd say that's at the top end of where we'll end up.

Martyn Roberts: Put QMS to one side, I would say that is at the top end of where we will end up, and then we would like to spend more on QMS if we could.

Speaker #4: And then we'd like to spend more on QMS if we could.

Speaker #3: Great, thanks. And sorry, one last one—just that net debt number. I didn't quite catch the prepayment thing and the stuff that's going on with that.

Fraser McLeish: Great. Thanks. Sorry, one last one. Just that net debt number, I did not quite catch the prepayment thing and stuff that is going on with that. If you strip that out, what is your actual sort of pro forma net or adjusted net debt? Thanks.

Speaker #3: And if you strip that out, what's your actual pro forma net, or adjusted net debt? Thanks.

Speaker #4: Yeah. So the prepayment was basically to avoid us having franking credit tax, because we would have been in a franking credit deficit. So that payment was about $105 million.

Martyn Roberts: Yeah. The prepayment was basically to avoid us having franking credit tax, because we would have been in a franking credit deficit. That payment was about AUD 105 million. It represents roughly about two years of PAYG tax, so it is essentially a prepayment of tax. If you think our gearing was at 1.7 times at the end, absent that payment, we would have been about 1.5 times. But we will obviously get the benefit of that in the next two years because we will have prepaid our tax, so that you will not see hopefully any tax payments in the next two years' cash flow. Does that make sense?

Speaker #4: It represents roughly about two years of PAYG tax, so it's essentially a prepayment of tax. If you think, our gearing was at 1.7 times at the end.

Speaker #4: Absent that payment, we would have been about 1.5 times. But we'll obviously get the benefit of that in the next two years, because we've prepaid our tax.

Speaker #4: So you won't see, hopefully, any tax payments in the next two years' cash flow. Does that make sense?

Speaker #3: Yeah. So if you net that, you're going to get capital gains tax, or—sorry—you've prepaid, you've got some refunds. Then you've got that.

Fraser McLeish: Yeah. So if you net, you are going to get capital gains tax, or sorry, you have prepaid. You got some refunds, then you have got that. If you compared your net debt sort of adjusted basis to what you previously said, what would your net debt be?

Speaker #3: What would your net debt be if you compared it on an adjusted basis to what you previously said? What would your net debt be?

Speaker #4: We'd take $105 million off it, basically. That was the prepayment.

Martyn Roberts: We will take AUD 105 million off it, basically. That was the prepayment.

Speaker #3: Okay. Fair enough. Thanks.

Fraser McLeish: Okay, fair enough. Thanks.

Speaker #2: There are no further questions at this time. I'll now hand back to Matt Stanton for closing remarks.

Operator: There are no further questions at this time. I will now hand back to Matt Stanton for closing remarks.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Well, thanks very much. That wraps up the results briefing. Thank you for your attendance, and we will see you again at our half-year results briefing in February.

Matt Stanton: Well, thanks very much. Well, that wraps up the results briefing. Thank you for your attendance, and we will see you again at our half-year results briefing in February. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you. It's days like this that give you chills. Yeah, I came to do my thing. Yeah, I came to do my thing. Get ready to go up a level.

[Company Representative] (Nine Entertainment): It's days like this that give you chills.

[Video Narrator 2]: [Presentation].

Fraser McLeish: Yeah, I came to do my thing. Yeah, I came to do my thing.

[Company Representative] (Nine Entertainment): Get ready to go up a level.

Fraser McLeish: Do my thing.

Speaker #1: This really stirs your heart as a footy fan. All their scoring—sensational try. These teams are setting their sights on a top eight finish. The number one ticket is down.

[Company Representative] (Nine Entertainment): This really stirs your heart as a footy fan. Oh, that's scoring sensational try. Oh, what a footwork. It looks like you're going to do a boom gate. These teams setting their sights on a top eight finish. The number one ticket in town.

Andrew Reschovsky: Ash, you can close the phone mics now. The phones can be closed.

[Company Representative] (Nine Entertainment Company Holdings Limited): Ash, you can close the phone mics now. The phones can be closed.

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Q4 2026 Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd Earnings Call

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