Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (DLB): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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A Brief History of Dolby Laboratories, Inc.

Company Overview

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (DLB), founded in 1965, is a leading global developer of audio, visual, and imaging technologies. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol DLB.

Financial Performance

As of September 29, 2023, Dolby reported a total revenue of $1.299 billion, representing an increase from $1.254 billion in the previous year. The breakdown of revenue sources for fiscal 2023 is as follows:

Revenue Source FY 2023 FY 2022
Licensing $1.198 billion (92%) $1.165 billion (93%)
Products and Services $102 million (8%) $89 million (7%)
Total Revenue $1.299 billion $1.254 billion

Net Income and Earnings

Dolby reported a net income of $201.6 million for the fiscal year ending September 29, 2023, compared to $184.1 million in 2022. The earnings per share (EPS) for FY 2023 was $2.09, reflecting a growth from $1.84 in the previous year.

Stock Performance

As of September 29, 2023, Dolby's stock price stood at $87.57. The company has a history of returning value to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. In fiscal 2023, Dolby repurchased approximately 1.892 million shares at a total cost of $149.3 million.

Quarter Shares Repurchased Cost (in thousands) Average Price Paid
Q1 680,861 $49,412 $72.57
Q2 631,046 $49,864 $79.02
Q3 294,793 $25,000 $84.81
Q4 285,499 $25,000 $87.57
Total 1,892,199 $149,276

Dividends

In fiscal 2023, Dolby declared quarterly dividends totaling $106.2 million. The dividend per share for Q4 was $0.30, with a total estimated payment of $28.7 million.

Quarter Dividend Per Share Total Dividend Payment (in millions)
Q1 $0.27 $25.9
Q2 $0.27 $25.8
Q3 $0.27 $25.8
Q4 $0.30 $28.7 (estimated)
Total $106.2

Research and Development

Dolby continues to invest in innovation, with R&D expenses totaling $382.5 million for the fiscal year 2023, reflecting the company’s commitment to developing advanced technologies in audio and visual systems.

Global Reach

Dolby’s revenue is generated from various markets worldwide, with international sales accounting for 64% of total revenue in FY 2023. The company operates in approximately 70 countries, licensing its technologies to numerous manufacturers.

Geographic Location FY 2023 Revenue (in millions) Percentage of Total Revenue
United States $466.0 36%
International $833.7 64%
Total $1,299.7 100%

Future Outlook

Looking forward, Dolby remains poised for growth through strategic partnerships and continued innovation in its core areas of expertise, including immersive audio and visual technologies.



A Who Owns Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (DLB)

Ownership Structure

The ownership of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (DLB) is characterized by a dual-class stock structure that significantly influences voting power. As of September 29, 2023, the Dolby family and their affiliates owned:

  • 388,372 shares of Class A common stock
  • 36,012,733 shares of Class B common stock

This ownership grants the Dolby family substantial control, possessing 99.8% of the voting power of the Class B common stock, which translates to 85.7% of the combined voting power of both Class A and Class B shares.

Class of Stock Shares Owned Voting Power
Class A 388,372 1 vote per share
Class B 36,012,733 10 votes per share

Voting Rights and Control

The dual-class structure allows the Dolby family to maintain control over company decisions, including the election of directors and corporate transactions, even with less than 50% of total shares. The Class B shares convert to Class A upon transfer, limiting the voting power of outside investors.

Shareholder Composition

As of October 27, 2023, there were:

  • 93 holders of record for Class A common stock
  • 34 holders of record for Class B common stock

The number of beneficial owners of Class A shares is substantially higher due to shares held through brokerage firms, reflecting a broader distribution among investors.

Recent Financial Overview

As of September 29, 2023, Dolby Laboratories reported the following financial metrics:

Metric Value
Cash and Cash Equivalents $745.4 million
Total Assets $2.98 billion
Total Liabilities $607.6 million
Total Stockholders' Equity $2.37 billion
Net Income (FY 2023) $200.7 million

Dividend Information

Dolby has a history of returning cash to shareholders through dividends. The most recent dividend declared was:

  • Amount: $0.30 per share
  • Payable Date: December 5, 2023
  • Record Date: November 28, 2023

Stock Repurchase Program

Since initiating its stock repurchase program in fiscal 2010, Dolby has completed approximately $2.7 billion in repurchases. As of September 29, 2023, the total authorized repurchase amount was:

Date of Authorization Authorization Amount (in thousands)
November 2009 $250,000
July 2010 $300,000
July 2011 $250,000
February 2012 $100,000
October 2014 $200,000
January 2017 $200,000
July 2018 $350,000
July 2019 $350,000
July 2021 $350,000
February 2022 $250,000
August 2022 $350,000
Total $2,950,000

This structure and financial strategy emphasize the Dolby family’s control and the company's approach to shareholder value. The financial health and operational strategies continue to reflect Dolby's commitment to its investors and long-term growth.



Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (DLB) Mission Statement

Mission Overview

The mission of Dolby Laboratories is to create audio and imaging technologies that transform entertainment and communication. The company aims to enhance the quality of sound and vision in various formats, ensuring a more immersive experience for consumers and creators alike.

Core Values

  • Innovation: Continuously advancing technology to improve user experiences.
  • Quality: Delivering superior sound and visual experiences.
  • Collaboration: Partnering with content creators and device manufacturers to optimize performance.
  • Sustainability: Committing to environmentally responsible practices in technology development.

Financial Performance

As of the fiscal year ended September 29, 2023, Dolby reported total revenue of $1,299,744,000, marking an increase from $1,253,793,000 in the previous year. The breakdown of revenue sources is as follows:

Revenue Source Fiscal Year 2023 Fiscal Year 2022
Licensing $1,197,930,000 $1,164,533,000
Products and Services $101,814,000 $89,260,000

Research and Development

Dolby Laboratories invested $271,523,000 in research and development in fiscal year 2023, which is a 4% increase from $261,174,000 in 2022. This investment represents 21% of total revenue, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation.

Market Position

Dolby continues to maintain a strong market presence, with over 7,500 Dolby Atmos screens installed globally and more than 2,800 theatrical titles announced or released in Dolby formats. The company's technologies are integrated into various platforms, including cinema, television, and mobile devices.

Strategic Goals

  • Expand Technology Reach: Increase adoption of Dolby technologies across new devices and media.
  • Enhance Content Availability: Work with content creators to ensure a robust library of Dolby-enabled content.
  • Strengthen Partnerships: Collaborate with manufacturers and streaming services to enhance user experiences.

Recent Collaborations

In fiscal 2023, Dolby partnered with several major automotive manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz and Li Auto, to integrate Dolby Atmos technology into their vehicles. This expansion into the automotive sector highlights Dolby's strategic goal of enhancing audio experiences beyond traditional media.

Stock Performance

As of October 27, 2023, Dolby Laboratories had approximately 59,190,225 shares of Class A common stock and 36,085,779 shares of Class B common stock outstanding. The aggregate market value of voting common equity held by non-affiliates was approximately $4.1 billion.



How Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (DLB) Works

Company Overview

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (DLB) specializes in audio and imaging technologies for cinema, television, and broadcast. As of September 29, 2023, Dolby had a total revenue of $1.3 billion, with a net income of $201.6 million.

Revenue Breakdown

The company generates revenue from three main segments: licensing, products, and services.

Segment Revenue (in thousands) Percentage of Total Revenue
Licensing $1,197,930 92%
Products and Services $101,814 8%

Licensing Revenue

Licensing revenue is primarily derived from technology used in various markets, with the following breakdown as of September 29, 2023:

Market Revenue (in thousands) Percentage of Total Licensing Revenue
Broadcast $451,719 38%
Mobile $243,897 20%
Consumer Electronics (CE) $170,197 14%
PC $124,362 10%
Other $207,755 18%

Cost and Gross Margin

For the fiscal year ended September 29, 2023, Dolby reported the following financial metrics:

Metric Amount (in thousands)
Cost of Licensing $64,890
Gross Margin $1,133,040
Gross Margin Percentage 95%

Operating Expenses

Dolby’s operating expenses for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2023, include:

Expense Type Amount (in thousands)
Research and Development $271,523
Sales and Marketing $354,364
General and Administrative $258,477
Total Operating Expenses $931,425

Cash Flow and Liquidity

As of September 29, 2023, Dolby reported the following cash flow and liquidity metrics:

Metric Amount (in thousands)
Cash and Cash Equivalents $745,364
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $367,081
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities $54,206
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities ($236,812)

Stock Repurchase and Dividend Program

In fiscal 2023, Dolby repurchased a total of 1,892,199 shares for approximately $149.3 million. The quarterly cash dividends declared were:

Quarter Cash Dividend per Share Total Dividend Payment (in millions)
Q1 $0.27 $25.9
Q2 $0.27 $25.8
Q3 $0.27 $25.8
Q4 $0.30 $28.7

Market Trends and Strategic Focus

Dolby's strategic focus includes enhancing its licensing capabilities and expanding into new markets, particularly through the acquisition of MPEG LA on April 28, 2023, which was aimed at diversifying revenue streams.

Conclusion

Dolby Laboratories continues to leverage its strong brand and technological innovations to maintain a leadership position in the audio and imaging sectors while ensuring robust financial performance and shareholder returns.



How Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (DLB) Makes Money

Revenue Composition

As of the fiscal year ended September 29, 2023, Dolby Laboratories' revenue is predominantly derived from licensing, which accounts for 92% of total revenue, while products and services contribute 8%.

Fiscal Year Licensing Revenue (in thousands) Products and Services Revenue (in thousands) Total Revenue (in thousands)
2023 $1,197,930 $101,814 $1,299,744
2022 $1,164,533 $89,260 $1,253,793
2021 $1,214,147 $67,109 $1,281,256

Licensing Revenue

Licensing revenue is generated from approximately 500 electronics product OEMs and software developers. The breakdown of licensing revenue by market for the fiscal year 2023 is as follows:

Market Segment Revenue (in thousands) Percentage of Total Licensing Revenue
Broadcast $451,719 38%
Mobile $243,897 20%
Consumer Electronics (CE) $170,197 14%
PC $124,362 10%
Other $207,755 18%

Products and Services Revenue

Products and services revenue consists of sales from audio and imaging hardware and software products, as well as services related to cinema and broadcast production. In fiscal 2023, products and services revenue increased by 14% compared to the prior year, driven by the recovery in cinema equipment demand.

Category Revenue (in thousands) Percentage Change from 2022
Products $87,676 10%
Services $14,138 49%

Operating Income and Expenses

For the fiscal year ending September 29, 2023, Dolby reported operating income of $215,753,000. The operating expenses were detailed as follows:

Expense Category Amount (in thousands)
Research and Development $271,523
Sales and Marketing $354,364
General and Administrative $258,477
Restructuring Charges $47,061
Total Operating Expenses $931,425

Net Income

Dolby’s net income for the fiscal year was $200,656,000, translating to a net income per share of $2.05 (diluted).

Fiscal Year Net Income (in thousands) Net Income per Share (Diluted)
2023 $200,656 $2.05
2022 $184,087 $1.81
2021 $310,227 $2.97

Cash and Investments

As of September 29, 2023, Dolby had cash and cash equivalents totaling $745.4 million and short and long-term investments of $237 million.

Financial Metric Amount (in thousands)
Cash and Cash Equivalents $745,364
Short-term Investments $139,148
Long-term Investments $97,812

Dividend and Stock Repurchase Program

Dolby has consistently returned cash to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases. The cash dividend declared per common share for the fiscal year 2023 was $1.11.

Type Amount per Share
Cash Dividend $1.11
Total Stock Repurchases (since 2010) $2.7 billion

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