Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of our operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes of Emerald Holding, Inc. included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Annual Report”), as filed with the SEC. You should review the disclosures under the headings “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Annual Report, for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis. All references to “Emerald,” the “Company,” “us,” “we,” “our,” and all similar expressions are references to Emerald Holding, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires.
Recent Events
Dividend
On July 29, 2025, the Company’s board of directors declared a dividend for the quarter ending September 30, 2025 of $0.015 per share payable on August 25, 2025 to holders of record of the Company’s common stock on August 14, 2025.
Overview
Emerald is a leading operator of business-to-business trade shows principally in the United States, with expanding operations in the U.K. and international markets. Leveraging our shows as key market-driven platforms, we integrate live events, media content, industry insights, digital tools, data-focused solutions and e-commerce platforms to create uniquely rich experiences. Emerald strives to build its customers’ businesses by creating opportunities that deliver tangible results.
All of our trade show franchises typically hold market-leading positions within their respective industry verticals, with significant brand value established over a long period of time. Each of our shows is scheduled to stage at least annually, with certain franchises offering multiple editions per year. As our shows are frequently the largest and most well attended in their respective industry, we are able to attract high-quality attendees, including those who have the authority to make purchasing decisions on the spot or subsequent to the show. The participation of these attendees makes our trade shows “must-attend” events for our exhibitors, further reinforcing the leading positions of our trade shows within their respective industry verticals. Our attendees use our shows to fulfill procurement needs, source new suppliers, reconnect with existing suppliers, identify trends, learn about new products and network with industry peers, which we believe are factors that make our shows difficult to replace with non-face-to-face events. Our portfolio of trade shows is well-balanced and diversified across both industry sectors and customers.
In addition to organizing our trade shows, conferences and other events, we also operate content and content-marketing websites, related digital products, and produce publications, each of which is aligned with a specific sector for which we organize an event. We also offer business-to-business commerce and digital merchandising solutions, serving the needs of manufacturers and retailers, through our Elastic Suite and Bulletin platforms. In addition to their respective revenues, these products complement our live events and provide us year-round channels of customer acquisition and development.
Reportable Segments
As described in Note 15, Segment Information, our business is organized into one reportable segment, consistent with the information provided to our Chief Executive Officer, who is considered the chief operating decision-maker (“CODM”). The CODM evaluates performance based on the results of our Connections, Content and Commerce business lines, which represent our three operating segments. The Connections segment is primarily comprised of Emerald’s trade shows and other live events. The remaining two operating segments do not meet the quantitative thresholds to be considered reportable segments and are included in the “All Other” category. In addition, we have a “Corporate-Level Activities” category consisting of finance, legal, information technology and administrative functions.
The following discussion provides additional detailed disclosure for the one reportable segment, the “All Other” category and the “Corporate-Level Activity” category:
Connections: This segment includes all of Emerald’s trade shows and other live events that provide exhibitors opportunities to influence their market, engage with significant buyers, generate incremental sales and expand their brand’s awareness in their industry.