NTN Buzztime, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2018 Results

CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- NTN Buzztime, Inc. (NYSE American: NTN), reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018.

"Third quarter 2018 delivered 15.5% revenue growth over third quarter 2017; reported positive net income for the first time since 2012; and reached $1.1 million in EBITDA, more than double third quarter 2017," said Ram Krishnan, NTN Buzztime CEO. "The results reflect our diversification strategy, which includes focusing on hardware sales, licensing content, and entering new markets. To drive future growth, we continue to invest in advancing our technology platform and extending our solution suite. Leveraging our foundation interactive entertainment, we are developing new options in functionality, form factor, and mobility culminating in an entry-level price point option that we expect to broaden market appeal."

Recent Highlights

    --  Delivered initial round of tablets to partner in the jail service
        industry.
    --  Launched a Quick Service and Fast casual mode that combines the order
        and payment, which generated interest at October's FSTEC conference.
    --  Increased player engagement with sweepstake promotions that drive the
        network effect and venue traffic for customers.
    --  Positioned to release an entry-level or capital-light offering in the
        first quarter of 2019, new elements include
        --  A sitehub the size of a deck of cards that improves functionality,
            eliminates wires and lowers costs;
        --  A new TV display form factor that increases flexibility to add more
            content and advertising; and
        --  Mobile Trivia and Mobile Live that leverage successful games with
            new features designed to expand audience.

"We believe our lighter offering will enhance our value equation, increase our market potential, give players way more places to play, expand our audience through mobile downloads, and improve our ability to scale. All of which, we believe will create shareholder value," concluded Krishnan.

Financial Results for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2018
Total revenues were $6.0 million, up 15.5% from $5.2 million in the third quarter of 2017, as hardware revenue increases offset lower subscription revenue. Direct costs were $2.1 million and gross margin was 65%, compared to $1.5 million and 70% for the same period in 2017, reflecting higher equipment lease revenue, which carries a higher cost and lower margin. Selling, general and administrative expense was $3.4 million, or 57% of revenue, down from $3.6 million, or 70% of revenue, in the prior year quarter. Net income was $222,000, or $0.08 per share, improved from a net loss of $184,000, or $0.07 per share, in the prior year quarter. EBITDA was $1.1 million, compared to $517,000 in the third quarter of 2017.

EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and is not intended to represent a measure of performance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). Although EBITDA is positive this quarter, it may not be positive in future quarters. A detailed description and reconciliation of EBITDA and management's reasons for using this measure is set forth at the end of this press release.

Metric Review for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2018
The site count was 2,666 at September 30, 2018, compared to 2,703 at June 30(th). Management anticipates the net site count will continue to fluctuate. The tablet platform installations increased 84% of the installed base, compared to 83% as of June 30, 2018.

Liquidity
Cash and cash equivalents were $3.1 million at September 30, 2018, compared to $3.4 million at December 31, 2017. Total deferred revenue was $2.5 million, down from $3.6 million at December 31, 2017. Working capital was $3.0 million at September 30, 2018, improving $4.1 million from negative $1.1 million at December 31, 2017.

Conference Call
Management will review the results on a conference call with a live question and answer session today, November 7, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. ET. To access the call, please use passcode 7619929 and dial:

    --  (877) 307-1373 for the live call and (855) 859-2056 for the replay, if
        calling from the United States or Canada; or
    --  (678) 224-7873 for the live call and (404) 537-3406 for the replay, if
        calling internationally.

The call will also be accompanied live by webcast that will be accessible at the company's website at http://www.buzztime.com. The replay of the call will be available until November 14, 2018.

Forward-looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current views of future events and operations, including statements regarding management's expectations regarding future growth, market expansion, and the ability of the company's new lighter offerings to enhance the value of the company's offerings, to increase the company's market potential and the company's ability to scale, and to create shareholder value. These risks and uncertainties include the risks of unsuccessful execution or launch of products, platforms or brands, risks associated with customer retention and growth plans, the impact of alternative entertainment options and technologies and competitive products, brands, technologies and pricing, adverse economic conditions, the regulatory environment and changes in the law, failure of customer and/or player acceptance or demand for new or existing products, lower market acceptance or appeal of both existing and new products and services by particular demographic groups or audiences as a whole, termination of partnership and contractual relationships and technical problems or outages. Please see NTN Buzztime, Inc.'s recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks that may affect the Company. All forward-looking statements included in this release are based on information available to us on the date hereof. These statements speak only as of the date hereof and NTN Buzztime, Inc. does not undertake to publicly update or revise any of its forward-looking statements, even if experience or future changes show that the indicated results or events will not be realized.

About Buzztime:
Buzztime (NYSE American: NTN) delivers interactive entertainment and innovative technology, including performance analytics and secure payment with Europay, MasterCard® and Visa® (EMV) chip card readers or with near-field communication (NFC) technology to accept Apple, Android and Samsung Pay. Most frequently used in bars and restaurants in North America, the Buzztime tablets and technology offer engaging solutions to establishments that have guests who experience dwell time, such as casinos, senior living and more. Casual dining venues license Buzztime's customizable solution to differentiate themselves via competitive fun by offering guests trivia, card, sports and arcade games, customized menus and self-service dining features. Buzztime's platform improves operating efficiencies, creates connections among the players and venues, and amplifies guests' positive experiences. The Buzztime platform has also been recently resold and the content licensed for other businesses serving other markets. For more information, please visit http://www.buzztime.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @buzztime.

IR AGENCY CONTACT:
Kirsten Chapman/Becky Herrick, LHA Investor Relations
buzztime@lhai.com
415-433-3777


                                              
            
         NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


                                                  
          
           Consolidated Balance Sheets


                                            
            
         (In thousands, except par value amount)





     ASSETS                                                 
            
              September 30,     
     
     December 31,
                                                                                            2018                  2017

                                                                                                                  ---


     Current Assets:                                         
            
              (unaudited)



     Cash and cash equivalents                                                           $3,078                $3,378



     Accounts receivable, net                                                             1,279                   714



     Site equipment to be installed                                                       3,600                 4,866


      Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                              572                   680




     Total current assets                                                                 8,529                 9,638





     Fixed assets, net                                                                    3,645                 3,678



     Software development costs, net                                                      1,840                 1,459



     Deferred costs                                                                         470                   775



     Goodwill                                                                               976                 1,004



     Other assets                                                                            84                    16






     Total assets                                                                       $15,544               $16,570

                                                                                                                  ===




     LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY



     Current Liabilities:



     Accounts payable                                                                      $341                  $390



     Accrued compensation                                                                   360                   646



     Accrued expenses                                                                       792                   418



     Sales taxes payable                                                                    137                   107



     Income taxes payable                                                                    36                    13



     Current portion of long-term debt                                                    1,104                 5,059


      Current portion of obligations under capital
       leases                                                                                156                   176



     Current portion of deferred revenue                                                  2,487                 3,564



     Deferred rent                                                                           33                   182



     Other current liabilities                                                               96                   192



     Total current liabilities                                                            5,542                10,747





     Long-term debt                                                                       2,977                     8



     Obligations under capital leases                                                        48                   164



     Deferred revenue                                                                        31                    63



     Other liabilities                                                                       50                    52




     Total liabilities                                                                    8,648                11,034





     Commitments and contingencies





     Shareholders' equity:


      Series A 10% cumulative convertible preferred
       stock, $0.005 par value, $156 liquidation
       preference, 156 shares authorized; 156 shares
       issued and outstanding at September 30, 2018
       and December 31, 2017                                                                   1                     1


      Common stock, $0.005 par value, 15,000 shares
       authorized at September 30, 2018 and December
       31, 2017; 2,872 and 2,521 shares issued and
       outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December
       31, 2017, respectively                                                                 14                    13


      Treasury stock, at cost, 10 shares at September
       30, 2018 and December 31, 2017                                                     (456 )               (456 )



     Additional paid-in capital                                                         136,482               134,752



     Accumulated deficit                                                             (129,438 )           (129,119 )



     Accumulated other comprehensive income                                                 293                   345




     Total shareholders' equity                                                           6,896                 5,536





      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                                         $15,544               $16,570

                                                                                                                  ===


                            
              
                NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


      
              
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)


                                        
              
                (Unaudited)


                           
              
                (In thousands, except per share data)




                                                                              Three months ended                     Nine months ended
                                                                                         September 30,                                September 30,

                                                                                                           ---

                                                             2018                     2017                      2018                    2017

                                                                                                                                      ---


      Revenues



      Subscription revenue                                $4,005                   $4,279                   $12,111                 $12,737



      Hardware revenue                                     1,158                      116                     2,427                     524



      Other revenue                                          841                      803                     2,878                   2,717

                                                                                                                                      ---


      Total revenues                                       6,004                    5,198                    17,416                  15,978





      Operating expenses:


       Direct operating costs (includes
        depreciation and amortization)                      2,115                    1,539                     6,019                   5,013


       Selling, general and administrative                  3,444                    3,636                    11,123                  11,628


       Depreciation and amortization
        (excluding depreciation and
        amortization included in direct costs                  75                       76                       244                     250

                                                                                                                                      ---


      Total operating expenses                             5,634                    5,251                    17,386                  16,891

                                                                                                                                      ---


      Operating income (loss)                                370                    (53 )                       30                  (913 )



      Other (expense) income, net                         (138 )                  (122 )                   (305 )                    496

                                                                                                                                      ---

       Income (loss) before income taxes                      232                   (175 )                   (275 )                 (417 )



      Provision for income taxes                           (10 )                    (9 )                    (36 )                  (21 )

                                                                                                                                      ---


      Net income (loss)                                     $222                  $(184 )                  $(311 )                $(438 )





       Net income (loss) per common share -
        basic and diluted                                   $0.08                 $(0.07 )                 $(0.12 )               $(0.18 )





       Weighted average shares outstanding -
        basic and diluted                                   2,857                    2,505                     2,628                   2,419

                                                                                                                                      ===




      Comprehensive income (loss):



      Net income (loss)                                     $222                  $(184 )                  $(311 )                $(438 )


       Foreign currency translations
        adjustment                                             39                       80                     (52 )                    136

                                                                                                                                      ---

       Total comprehensive income (loss)                     $261                  $(104 )                  $(363 )                $(302 )


          
              
                NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


      
            
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


                      
              
                (unaudited)


                     
              
                (In thousands)




                                                                                 Nine months ended
                                                                                            September 30,



                                                                         2018      2017

                                                                                   ---


       Cash flows provided by operating activities:



       Net loss                                                      $(311 )  $(438 )


        Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
         operating activities:


        Depreciation and amortization                                   2,068     1,716


        Provision for doubtful accounts                                    53        47



       Scrap expense                                                      30        30


        Transfer of fixed assets to sales-
         type lease                                                        10



       Stock-based compensation                                          368       347


        Amortization of debt issuance costs                                57        39


        Issuance of common stock in lieu of
         cash payment for bonus
         compensation                                                              178


        Impairment of capitalized software                                 23         5


        Loss from disposition of equipment                                 30         8



       Changes in assets and liabilities:



       Accounts receivable                                            (617 )      254


        Site equipment to be installed                                  (56 ) (3,047 )


        Prepaid expenses and other
         liabilities                                                       40        37


        Accounts payable and accrued
         expenses                                                          69    (350 )



       Income taxes                                                       24      (2 )



       Deferred costs                                                    305        36



       Deferred revenue                                             (1,109 )     2,521



       Deferred rent                                                  (148 )   (140 )



       Other liabilities                                               (97 )   (185 )

                                                                                   ---

        Net cash provided by operating
         activities                                                       739     1,056





       Cash flows used in investing activities:



       Capital expenditures                                           (502 )   (562 )


        Software development expenditures                              (690 )   (556 )


        Net cash used in investing
         activities                                                  (1,192 )  (1,118 )




        Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:


        Proceeds from long-term debt                                    4,000


        Payment on long-term debt                                    (5,019 )  (2,857 )


        Debit issuance costs of long-term
         debt                                                           (23 )    (22 )


        Principal payments on capital lease                            (132 )   (116 )


        Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
         related to 
              registered direct
         offering

                                                                        1,375     1,773


        Tax withholding related to net share
         settlements of vested
         restricted stock units

                                                                        (12 )


        Payment of preferred stockholder
         dividends                                                       (8 )     (8 )


        Net cash provided by (used in)
         financing activities                                             181  (1,230 )




        Net decrease in cash and cash
         equivalents                                                   (272 ) (1,292 )


        Effect of exchange rate on cash                                 (28 )       70


        Cash and cash equivalents at
         beginning of period                                            3,378     5,686

                                                                                   ---

        Cash and cash equivalents at end of
         period                                                         3,078     4,464

                                                                                   ===

Non-GAAP Information

A schedule reconciling the Company's consolidated net income (loss) calculated in accordance with GAAP to EBITDA is included in the supplemental table below. The Company defines EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is not intended to represent a measure of performance in accordance with GAAP, nor should EBITDA be considered as an alternative to statements of cash flows as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA is included herein because the Company believes it is a measure of operating performance that financial analysts, lenders, investors and other interested parties find to be a useful tool for analyzing companies like Buzztime that carry significant levels of non-cash depreciation and amortization charges in comparison to their net income or loss calculation in accordance with GAAP.

The following table reconciles our net income (loss) per GAAP (in thousands) to EBITDA:


                                          Three months ended                    Nine months ended
                                                     September 30,                               September 30,



                                   2018    2017                  2018      2017



      Net income (loss) per GAAP   $222 $(184 )              $(311 )  $(438 )


      Interest expense, net         118     106                   305       388


      Income tax provision           10       9                    36        21


      Depreciation and
       amortization                 732     586                 2,068     1,716




     Total EBITDA               $1,082    $517                $2,098    $1,687

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SOURCE NTN Buzztime, Inc.