Press Releases

TURTLE BEACH REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2017 RESULTS EXCEEDING REVENUE, EPS AND ADJUSTED EBITDA OUTLOOK

San Diego, CA – May 9, 2017 – Turtle Beach Corporation (NASDAQ: HEAR), a leading gaming headset and audio accessory company, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.

First Quarter Summary vs. Year-Ago Quarter:

  • Net revenue of $14.4 million versus $24.0 million, reflecting the expected impact from higher holiday channel inventory.
  • Gross margin improved 140 basis points to 15.4% compared to 14.0%, with headset gross margin of 19.5% versus 19.9%.
  • Operating expenses were reduced by 22% to $10.3 million.
  • Net loss improved to $9.9 million, or $(0.20) per share, compared to a net loss of $12.0 million, or $(0.26) per share.
  • Adjusted EBITDA improved to $(6.2) million compared to $(6.3) million.

“Our first quarter results exceeded our expectations,” said Juergen Stark, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. “Despite facing the dual headwinds of relatively soft industry sales and higher inventory levels at retail after the holidays, our revenue declined less than anticipated, and we kept Adjusted EBITDA flat with last year while improving our net earnings. This was driven primarily by our decision late last year to transition HyperSound to a licensing model, as well as consistently disciplined control of our headset business operating costs.

“Looking further into 2017, we remain confident in our outlook for the full year and continue to expect sales to be skewed more toward the second half of the year compared to 2016. This is due to a continuation of the aforementioned headwinds, as well as a slate of exciting new product launches planned for the third and fourth quarters, and a solid lineup of expected new game launches in the second half of 2017. We believe this will impact second quarter sales as we pull back on other product sales in preparation for the launch. Additionally, our focus on expense discipline should also allow our second half sales strength to be leveraged into significant profit growth.”

First Quarter 2017 Financial Results

Net revenue in the first quarter was $14.4 million compared to $24.0 million in the year-ago quarter. The decline was due largely to lower sales of marquee games during the 2016 holiday season, leading to higher-than-normal channel inventory entering 2017, as well as mid-cycle console releases and upcoming new technology introductions disrupting consumer purchasing behavior. The first quarter of 2017 also included minimal old-gen headset sales compared to $2.5 million in the year-ago quarter.

Gross margin in the first quarter improved 140 basis points to 15.4% compared to 14.0% in the year-ago quarter. The increase was due to costs in the year-ago quarter associated with the launch of HyperSound Clear™ 500P that did not reoccur, as well as supply chain and logistics improvements. Gross margin in the headset segment was 19.5% compared to 19.9% in the year-ago quarter. Supply chain cost improvement initiatives and a more favorable year-over-year new-gen product mix (92% versus 86% in the year-ago quarter) was more than offset by approximately 250 basis points of fixed costs that were not absorbed due to the lower sales volumes.

Operating expenses in the first quarter were reduced by 22% to $10.3 million compared to $13.1 million in the first quarter of 2016. The decline was due to a continued focus on cost management across the business.

Net loss in the first quarter improved to $9.9 million, or $(0.20) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $12.0 million, or $(0.26) per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. The improvement was primarily driven by lower HyperSound investments related to the transition to a license model and cost management initiatives.

Adjusted EBITDA (as defined below in “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”) improved slightly to $(6.2) million compared to $(6.3) million in the year-ago quarter.

Balance Sheet Highlights

At March 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $3.6 million of cash and cash equivalents compared to $3.2 million at March 31, 2016. As a result of the Company’s $60 million revolving credit facility, Turtle Beach generally does not hold a large cash balance.

As of March 31, 2017, total outstanding debt principal was $34.4 million compared to $35.5 at March 31, 2016. The debt consisted of $14.4 million in term loans and $20.0 million in subordinated debt. Turtle Beach fully paid down its revolving credit facility in the first quarter.

2017 Outlook

For the second quarter of 2017, Turtle Beach expects net revenue to range between $17.0-$18.0 million compared to $29.4 million in the second quarter of 2016. This reflects the lingering impact of the soft 2016 holiday retail gaming sales environment and related headwinds discussed above, as well as the impact of several new product launches slated for the third quarter that are expected to negatively impact Q2 sales as the company prepares for the launch of the replacement models. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to improve to approximately $(5.5) million compared to $(6.3) million in the second quarter of 2016. Net loss for the second quarter is expected to improve and range between $(0.17)-$(0.19) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $(0.86) per diluted share in the second quarter of 2016, which included a $(0.63) per share non-cash goodwill impairment charge. Excluding this charge, net loss was $(0.23) per diluted share.

For the full year 2017, Turtle Beach is maintaining its financial outlook outlined in March. Net revenue is expected to range between $155.0-$160.0 million compared to $174.0 million in 2016. This reflects the higher channel inventory impact on first half revenues and an approximate $6.0-$7.0 million year-over-year decline in old-gen headset sales, bringing this business to a close in 2017. This also assumes no material revenue from HyperSound. The Company expects to generate $10.0-$12.0 million in consolidated adjusted EBITDA in 2017 compared to $4.0 million in 2016. This includes an approximately $1.0 million expected adjusted EBITDA loss from HyperSound in 2017. Net loss in 2017 is expected to range between $(0.08)-$(0.12) per diluted share based upon 49.3 million diluted shares outstanding, compared to a net loss of $(1.79) per diluted share in 2016 (or a loss of $(0.33) per diluted share in 2016 excluding the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges, HyperSound restructuring reserves and other restructuring charges).

With respect to the Company’s adjusted EBITDA outlook for the second quarter and full year 2017, a reconciliation to its net loss outlook for the same periods has not been provided because of the variability, complexity and lack of visibility with respect to certain reconciling items between adjusted EBITDA and net loss, including other income (expense), provision for income taxes and stock-based compensation. These items cannot be reasonably and accurately predicted without the investment of undue time, cost and other resources and, accordingly, a reconciliation of the Company’s adjusted EBITDA outlook to its net loss outlook for such periods is not available without unreasonable effort. These reconciling items could be material to the Company’s actual results for such periods.

Conference Call Details

Turtle Beach Corporation will hold a conference call today, May 9, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific time (5:00 p.m. Eastern) to discuss its first quarter 2017 results.

CEO Juergen Stark and CFO John Hanson will host the call, followed by a question and answer session.

Conference Call Details:

Date: Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Time: 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT

Toll-Free Dial-in Number: (877) 303-9855

International Dial-in Number: (408) 337-0154

Conference ID: 10102221

Please dial-in 5-10 minutes prior to the start time of the conference call and an operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty with the conference call, please contact Liolios at (949) 574-3860.

The conference call will be broadcast live and available for replay at here and via the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.turtlebeachcorp.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available after 8:00 p.m. ET on the same day through May 16, 2017.

Toll-Free Replay Number: (855) 859-2056

International Replay Number: (404) 537-3406

Replay ID: 10102221

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to its reported results, the Company has included in this earnings release certain financial results, including adjusted EBITDA, that the Securities and Exchange Commission defines as “non-GAAP financial measures.” Management believes that such non-GAAP financial measures, when read in conjunction with the Company’s reported results, can provide useful supplemental information for investors analyzing period to period comparisons of the Company’s results. “Adjusted EBITDA” is defined by the Company as net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock- based compensation (non-cash), and certain special items that we believe are not representative of core operations. See a reconciliation of GAAP results to adjusted EBITDA included below for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

About Turtle Beach Corporation

Turtle Beach Corporation (http://corp.turtlebeach.com) designs innovative, market-leading audio products. Under its award-winning Turtle Beach brand (www.turtlebeach.com), the Company is the clear market share leader with its wide selection of acclaimed gaming headsets for use with Xbox One and PlayStation®4, as well as personal computers and mobile/tablet devices. Under the HyperSound brand (www.hypersound.com, the Company develops and licenses pioneering directed audio solutions with applications in digital signage and kiosks, consumer electronics and hearing healthcare. The Company’s shares are traded on the NASDAQ Exchange under the symbol: HEAR.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Except for historical information contained in this release, statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements regarding assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events. Statements containing the words “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “estimate”, “target”, “project”, “intend” and similar expressions constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current belief, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management.

While the Company believes that its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurances that its goals and strategy will be realized. Numerous factors, including risks and uncertainties, may affect actual results and may cause results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made by the Company or on its behalf. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the Company’s liquidity, the substantial uncertainties inherent in the acceptance of existing and future products, the difficulty of commercializing and protecting new technology, the impact of competitive products and pricing, general business and economic conditions, risks associated with the expansion of our business including the implementation of any businesses we acquire, our indebtedness, the outcome of our HyperSound strategic review process and other factors discussed in our public filings, including the risk factors included in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s other periodic reports. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company is under no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement after the date of this release whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

###

For Investor Information, Contact:

Cody Slach

Investor Relations

Liolios

949.574.3860

hear@liolios.com


For Media Information, Contact:

MacLean Marshall

Sr. Director – Brand & PR/Communications

Turtle Beach Corp.

858.914.5093

maclean.marshall@turtlebeach.com


Turtle Beach Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except par value and share amounts)

Table 1.

March 31, 2017

December 31,
2016

ASSETS

(unaudited)

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

3,613

$

6,183

Accounts receivable, net

4,516

54,633

Inventories

22,285

21,698

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

3,937

4,121

Total Current Assets

34,351

86,635

Property and equipment, net

3,919

4,311

Intangible assets, net

1,553

1,618

Deferred income taxes

688

543

Other assets

1,363

1,693

Total Assets

$

41,874

$

94,800

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Revolving credit facilities

$

$

35,905

Term loan

3,850

2,647

Accounts payable

8,429

11,927

Other current liabilities

11,274

16,414

Total Current Liabilities

23,553

66,893

Term loan, long-term portion

9,374

10,442

Series B redeemable preferred stock

17,827

17,480

Subordinated notes – related party

18,566

17,881

Other liabilities

2,750

2,800

Total Liabilities

72,070

115,496

Commitments and Contingencies

Stockholders’ Equity

Common stock, $0.001 par value – 100,000,000 shares authorized; 49,251,336 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016

49

49

Additional paid-in capital

147,001

146,615

Accumulated deficit

(176,726

)

(166,800

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(520

)

(560

)

Total Stockholders’ Equity

(30,196

)

(20,696

)

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

$

41,874

$

94,800


Turtle Beach Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per-share data)
(unaudited)

Table 2.

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2017

March 31, 2016

Net Revenue

$

14,352

$

24,028

Cost of Revenue

12,136

20,666

Gross Profit

2,216

3,362

Operating expenses:

Selling and marketing

4,449

5,600

Research and development

1,390

2,024

General and administrative

4,171

5,283

Restructuring charges

298

225

Total operating expenses

10,308

13,132

Operating loss

(8,092

)

(9,770

)

Interest expense

1,840

1,779

Other non-operating expense (income), net

(51

)

365

Loss before income tax expense

(9,881

)

(11,914

)

Income tax expense

45

97

Net loss

$

(9,926

)

$

(12,011

)

Net loss per share:

Basic

$

(0.20

)

$

(0.26

)

Diluted

$

(0.20

)

$

(0.26

)

Weighted average number of shares:

Basic

49,251

46,624

Diluted

49,251

46,624


Turtle Beach Corporation

Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures

(in thousands, except per-share data)
(unaudited)

Table 3.

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2017

March 31, 2016

Net Income (Loss)

GAAP Net Income (Loss)

$

(9,926

)

$

(12,011

)

Business transition charges

651

225

Non-GAAP Earnings

(9,275

)

(11,786

)

Diluted Earnings Per Share

GAAP – Diluted

$

(0.20

)

$

(0.26

)

Business transition charges

$

0.01

$

Non-GAAP – Diluted

$

(0.19

)

$

(0.26

)


Turtle Beach Corporation

GAAP to Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation

(in thousands)
(unaudited)

Table 4.

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2017

As Reported

Adj

Depreciation

Adj

Amortization

Adj

Stock Compensation

Other (1)

Adj

EBITDA

Net Revenue

$

14,352

$

$

$

$

$

14,352

Cost of Revenue

12,136

(122

)

85

(353

)

11,746

Gross Profit

2,216

122

(85

)

353

2,606

Operating Expense

10,308

(647

)

(84

)

(471

)

(298

)

8,808

Operating loss

(8,092

)

769

84

386

651

(6,202

)

Interest expense

1,840

Other non-operating income, net

(51

)

(51

)

Loss before income tax expense

(9,881

)

Income tax expense

45

Net loss

$

(9,926

)

Adjusted EBITDA

$

(6,151

)

(1) Other includes business transition costs and restructuring charges.

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2016

As Reported

Adj

Depreciation

Adj

Amortization

Adj

Stock Compensation

Other (2)

Adj

EBITDA

Net Revenue

$

24,028

$

$

$

$

$

24,028

Cost of Revenue

20,666

(176

)

(1,071

)

(121

)

19,298

Gross Profit

3,362

176

1,071

121

4,730

Operating Expense

13,132

(1,084

)

(158

)

(1,006

)

(225

)

10,659

Operating loss

(9,770

)

1,260

1,229

1,127

225

(5,929

)

Interest expense

1,779

Other non-operating expense, net

365

365

Loss before income tax expense

(11,914

)

Income tax expense

97

Net loss

$

(12,011

)

Adjusted EBITDA

$

(6,294

)

(2) Other includes restructuring charges.