Mad Catz® Reports Fiscal 2014 Fourth Quarter and Year End Financial Results

SAN DIEGO, Calif.--()--Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz” or the “Company”) (NYSE MKT/TSX: MCZ), today announced financial results for the fiscal 2014 fourth quarter and full year ended March 31, 2014.

Key Highlights of Fiscal 2014 Fourth Quarter and Subsequent:

  • Fiscal 2014 fourth quarter net sales declined 18% to $20.2 million, driven by a decline in sales to EMEA, the Americas and APAC of 11%, 35% and 1%, respectively;
  • Gross margin for the Fiscal 2014 fourth quarter was 23.9%, compared to 25.8% in the prior year;
  • Total operating expenses in the Fiscal 2014 fourth quarter decreased 65% from the prior year period to $6.5 million;
  • Diluted loss per share was ($0.00) for the Fiscal 2014 fourth quarter, compared to a diluted loss per share of ($0.19) in the prior year quarter;
  • Net position of bank loan, less cash, of $4.1 million at March 31, 2014, compared to $11.1 million at December 31, 2013 and $6.1 million at March 31, 2013;
  • Announced new range of Xbox One™ licensed headsets;
  • Announced agreement to bring OUYA content to the M.O.J.O.™ Micro-Console™;
  • Began shipping the KUNAI™ and FREQ 4D™ headsets as well as Titanfall™-licensed headset, mouse and keyboard; and
  • Announced a co-marketing agreement to promote OnLive’s cloud gaming service on the M.O.J.O. Micro-Console.

Key Financial Highlights of Fiscal 2014:

  • Fiscal 2014 net sales declined 27% to $89.6 million, driven by a decline in sales to EMEA, the Americas and APAC of 14%, 45% and 14%, respectively;
  • Gross margin for Fiscal 2014 was 25.5%, compared to 28.1% in Fiscal 2013;
  • Total operating expenses in Fiscal 2014 decreased 33% year-over-year to $29.4 million; and
  • Diluted loss per share was ($0.12) for Fiscal 2014 compared to ($0.18) in the prior year.

Summary of Financials

(in US$ thousands, except margins and per-share data)

       
Three Months Years
Ended March 31, Ended March 31,
  2014       2013   Change   2014       2013   Change
 
Net sales $ 20,217 $ 24,608 (18 )% $ 89,629 $ 122,664 (27 )%
Gross profit 4,838 6,351 (24 )% 22,898 34,516 (34 )%
Total operating expenses   6,527     18,830   (65 )%   29,420     44,032   (33 )%
Operating loss   (1,689 )   (12,479 ) (86 )%   (6,522 )   (9,516 ) (31 )%
Net loss   ($265 )   ($12,160 ) (98 )%   ($7,441 )   ($11,200 ) (34 )%
Net loss per share, basic   ($0.00 )   ($0.19 ) (100 )%   ($0.12 )   ($0.18 ) (33 )%
Net loss per share, diluted   ($0.00 )   ($0.19 ) (100 )%   ($0.12 )   ($0.18 ) (33 )%
 
Gross margin 23.9 % 25.8 % (1.9 )% 25.5 % 28.1 % (2.6 )%
 
Adjusted EBITDA (loss) (1) ($1,155 ) ($81 ) (1326 )% ($3,952 ) $ 6,434 (161 )%
 

(1) Definitions, disclosures and reconciliations regarding non-GAAP financial information are included on page 7.

Commenting on the Company’s Fiscal 2014 fourth quarter and full year results, Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz, said, “Sales of our console products are rebounding on the back of strong next gen console sales. Products for next gen consoles accounted for 11% of our fourth quarter sales and we expect that growth to accelerate once our Xbox One headset range ships in the summer. We are adding key new products to our mice and keyboard category, which we believe will revitalize growth of our PC and Mac products. In addition, we are seeing early signs of traction in our GameSmart products for Smart devices. Products for Smart devices accounted for 4% of our sales in the fourth quarter and we expect that growth to accelerate with the launch of new controller-enabled games and a growing installed base of micro-consoles. While sales of our legacy console products are likely to decline, we believe that the console manufacturers’ commitment to support the legacy consoles over the next few years will allow us to continue to sell these legacy products as we build out our line of next gen products .”

Summary of Key Sales Metrics

       
Three Months Years
Ended March 31, Ended March 31,
(in US$ thousands)   2014       2013   Change     2014       2013   Change
 
Net Sales by Geography
EMEA $ 12,557 $ 14,030 (11 )% $ 53,132 $ 61,960 (14 )%
Americas 5,275 8,174 (35 )% 28,470 51,316 (45 )%
APAC   2,385     2,404   (1 )%   8,027       9,388   (14 )%
Total $ 20,217   $ 24,608   (18 )% $ 89,629     $ 122,664   (27 )%
 
Sales by Platform as a % of Gross Sales
PC and Mac 47 % 42 % 45 % 33 %
Universal 25 % 24 % 29 % 25 %
Next gen consoles (a) 11 % 0 % 3 % 1 %
Legacy consoles (b) 12 % 32 % 19 % 39 %
Smart devices 4 % 1 % 2 % 1 %
All others   1 %   1 %   2 %   1 %
  100 %   100 %   100 %   100 %
 
Sales by Product Category as a % of Gross Sales
Audio 47 % 45 % 47 % 48 %
Mice and Keyboards 28 % 28 % 29 % 21 %
Specialty controllers 18 % 15 % 16 % 14 %
Accessories 3 % 7 % 5 % 8 %
Controllers 2 % 3 % 1 % 5 %
Games & Other   2 %   2 %   2 %   4 %
  100 %   100 %   100 %   100 %
 
Sales by Brand as a % of Gross Sales
Mad Catz 39 % 46 % 41 % 45 %
Tritton 43 % 41 % 42 % 44 %
Saitek 14 % 11 % 12 % 9 %
Other   4 %   2 %   5 %   2 %
  100 %   100 %   100 %   100 %
 
(a) Includes products developed for Xbox One, Playstation 4 and Wii U.
(b) Includes products developed for Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Wii.
 

Karen McGinnis, Chief Financial Officer of Mad Catz, commented, “We experienced ongoing weakness in our sales during the fourth quarter and throughout fiscal 2014 as sales were down across all regions and categories, although declines in EMEA were less than in the Americas and APAC. Gross margin during the fourth quarter decreased to 24% due primarily to an increase in distribution costs as a percentage of net sales and increases in sales of products with lower margin, offset partially by a decrease in inventory write-downs as a percentage of net sales. However, we successfully reduced operating expenses, which offset some of the decline in gross profit. Overall, we knew this would be a challenging fiscal year due to the impact of the gaming console transition, yet we remained focused on effectively managing our overall liquidity position by reducing inventory levels and expenses, and managing our accounts receivable collection efforts. As a result, we ended the quarter with a net position of bank loan less cash of only $4.1 million, compared to $6.1 million a year ago and $11.1 million last quarter.”

Mr. Richardson, concluded, “In Fiscal 2015, our goal is to return to growth and profitability by focusing on the following strategic and operational objectives: designing innovative products for passionate gamers and executing strong global market launches of those products; growing the market for accessories designed for smart devices; expanding our global sales reach, with particular focus on the APAC region; continuing our discipline in working capital management and product placement profitability; expanding our flight simulation business; and, identifying strategic opportunities for the expansion of products in adjacent and compatible categories, including transactions with companies for which products Mad Catz can leverage its global distribution capabilities.”

The Company will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast on June 5, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. ET, which can be accessed by dialing (212) 231-2922. Following its completion, a replay of the call can be accessed for 30 days at the Company's Web site (www.madcatz.com, select “About Us/Investor Relations”) or for seven days via telephone at (800) 633-8284 (reservation #21718269) or, for International callers, at (402) 977-9140.

About Mad Catz

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/TSX: MCZ) is a global provider of innovative interactive entertainment products marketed under its Mad Catz® (gaming), Tritton® (audio), and Saitek® (simulation) brands. Mad Catz products cater to passionate gamers across multiple platforms including in-home gaming consoles, handheld gaming consoles, Windows® PC and Mac® computers, smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices. Mad Catz distributes its products through its online store as well as distribution via many leading retailers around the globe. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Mad Catz maintains offices in Europe and Asia. For additional information about Mad Catz and its products, please visit the Company’s website at www.madcatz.com.

Social Media

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Safe Harbor

Information in this press release that involves the Company's expectations business prospects, plans, intentions or strategies regarding its future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the use of words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "should," "plan," "goal," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Among the factors that could cause the Company’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release are the following: the ability to maintain or renew the Company's licenses; competitive developments affecting the Company's current products; first-party price reductions; availability of capital under our credit facility; commercial acceptance of new in-home gaming consoles; the ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; unanticipated product delays; or a downturn in the market or industry. A further list and description of these and other factors, risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the Company's most recent annual report, and any subsequent quarterly reports, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments, except as may be require by applicable law. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of the Company and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

- TABLES FOLLOW -

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

     
Three Months Years
Ended March 31, Ended March 31,
  2014       2013     2014       2013  
 
Net sales $ 20,217 $ 24,608 $ 89,629 $ 122,664
Cost of sales   15,379     18,257     66,731     88,148  
Gross profit   4,838     6,351     22,898     34,516  
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing 2,638 3,935 12,656 15,397
General and administrative 2,746 3,110 11,649 11,941
Research and development 998 1,040 4,238 4,205
Acquisition related items 35 43 134 1,088
Amortization of intangibles 110 234 743 933
Goodwill impairment   -     10,468     -     10,468  
Total operating expenses   6,527     18,830     29,420     44,032  
Operating loss (1,689 ) (12,479 ) (6,522 ) (9,516 )
Other (expense) income:
Interest expense, net (183 ) (147 ) (659 ) (894 )
Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain, net (162 ) 603 (870 ) 615
Change in fair value of warrant liability 84 201 74 544
Other income   41     (21 )   142     87  
Total other (expense) income   (220 )   636     (1,313 )   352  
Loss before income taxes (1,909 ) (11,843 ) (7,835 ) (9,164 )
Income tax benefit (expense)   1,644     (317 )   394     (2,036 )
Net loss   ($265 )   ($12,160 )   ($7,441 )   ($11,200 )
Net loss per share:        
Basic   ($0.00 )   ($0.19 )   ($0.12 )   ($0.18 )
Diluted   ($0.00 )   ($0.19 )   ($0.12 )   ($0.18 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding:        
Basic   63,931,506     63,477,399     63,757,395     63,471,235  
Diluted   63,931,506     64,477,399     63,757,395     64,471,235  
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

(unaudited)

     
March 31, March 31,
  2014     2013  
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash $ 1,496 $ 2,773
Accounts receivable, net 8,059 13,884
Other receivables 1,531 1,374
Inventories 17,189 23,795
Deferred tax assets 926 257
Income tax receivable 895 344
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   1,605     2,711  
Total current assets 31,701 45,138
Deferred tax assets 1,334 370
Other assets 499 359
Property and equipment, net 2,737 2,977
Intangible assets, net   3,022     3,679  
Total assets $ 39,293   $ 52,523  
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Bank loan $ 5,612 $ 8,888
Accounts payable 13,661 15,573
Accrued liabilities 4,874 6,652
Note payable 1,336 -
Contingent consideration, current - 1,650
Income taxes payable   330     258  
Total current liabilities 25,813 33,021
Note payable 1,023 -
Contingent consideration - 2,214
Warrant liability 75 149
Deferred tax liabilities 178 152
Other long-term liabilities   78     109  
Total liabilities $ 27,167   $ 35,645  
 
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock 60,847 60,102
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,757 ) (3,701 )
Accumulated deficit   (46,964 )   (39,523 )
Total shareholders' equity   12,126     16,878  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 39,293   $ 52,523  
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

(unaudited)

   
Years
Ended March 31,
  2014       2013  
Operating activities:
Net loss ($7,441 ) ($11,200 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 2,568 3,022
Accrued and unpaid interest expense on note payable 11 -
Amortization of deferred financing fees 39 7
Stock-based compensation 557 663
Change in fair value of contingent consideration (729 ) 475
Loss on disposal or sale of assets 79 72
Change in fair value of warrant liability (74 ) (544 )
Goodwill impairment - 10,468
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes (1,607 ) 188
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable 6,406 1,221
Other receivables (142 ) (200 )
Inventories 7,265 7,640
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,216 207
Other assets (153 ) 346
Accounts payable (1,890 ) (2,367 )
Accrued liabilities (1,601 ) 220
Income taxes receivable/payable   (417 )   (28 )
Net cash provided by operating activities   4,087     10,190  
Investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment (1,461 ) (1,046 )
Purchases of intangible assets   (80 )   -  
Net cash used in investing activities   (1,541 )   (1,046 )
Financing activities:
Borrowings on bank loan 69,810 90,640
Repayments on bank loan (73,086 ) (98,406 )
Payment of financing costs (40 ) -
Payment of contingent consideration (787 ) (980 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options   188     7  
Net cash used in financing activities   (3,915 )   (8,739 )
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash   92     (106 )
Net (decrease) increase in cash (1,277 ) 299
Cash, beginning of period   2,773     2,474  
Cash, end of period $ 1,496   $ 2,773  
 

Supplementary Data

Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation (non-GAAP)

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

(unaudited)

     
Three Months Years
Ended March 31, Ended March 31,
2014     2013   2014       2013  
 
Net loss ($265 ) ($12,160 ) ($7,441 ) ($11,200 )
Adjustments
Interest expense, net 183 147 659 894
Income tax (benefit) expense (1,644 ) 317 (394 ) 2,036
Depreciation and amortization 564 749 2,607 3,029
Stock-based compensation 56 279 557 663
Change in fair value of warrant liability (84 ) (201 ) (74 ) (544 )
Acquisition related items 35 320 134 1,088
Goodwill impairment -   10,468   -     10,468  
Adjusted EBITDA (loss) ($1,155 ) ($81 ) ($3,952 ) $ 6,434  
 

Adjusted EBITDA (loss), a non-GAAP financial measure, represents net loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, the gain/loss on the change in the fair value of the related warrant liability, goodwill impairment, if any, and acquisition related items. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to represent cash flows for the period, nor is it being presented as an alternative to operating or net income as an indicator of operating performance and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. As defined, Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation. We believe, however, that in addition to the performance measures found in our financial statements, Adjusted EBITDA is a useful financial performance measurement for assessing our Company’s operating performance. We use Adjusted EBITDA as a measurement of operating performance in comparing our performance on a consistent basis over prior periods, as it removes from operating results the impact of our capital structure, including the interest expense resulting from our outstanding debt, and our asset base, including depreciation and amortization of our capital and intangible assets. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is an important measure for our lender.

Contacts

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.
Karen McGinnis, 619-683-9830
Chief Financial Officer
kmcginnis@madcatz.com
or
JCIR
Joseph Jaffoni, Norberto Aja, Jim Leahy, 212-835-8500
mcz@jcir.com

Contacts

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.
Karen McGinnis, 619-683-9830
Chief Financial Officer
kmcginnis@madcatz.com
or
JCIR
Joseph Jaffoni, Norberto Aja, Jim Leahy, 212-835-8500
mcz@jcir.com