Cineverse Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results
Cineverse (NASDAQ: CNVS) announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. The company reported total revenue of $49.1 million, down from $68.0 million the previous year. Despite this, the direct operating margin increased to 61% from 47%, and adjusted EBITDA rose to $4.4 million, a $4.3 million increase. SG&A expenses decreased by $8.9 million or 24%. The company recorded a $14 million non-cash, non-recurring impairment to Goodwill due to lower market capitalization. Cineverse began a share repurchase program, acquiring 184,000 shares by June 30, 2024. For Q4 FY 2024, revenue was $9.9 million, and adjusted EBITDA increased by $2.4 million to $1.6 million. The financial condition improved with cash and cash equivalents of $5.2 million and an expanded credit line of $7.5 million. The company also noted operational developments, including new partnerships, channel launches, and the upcoming release of 'Terrifier 3' on October 11, 2024.
- Adjusted EBITDA increased to $4.4 million, up $4.3 million from the prior year.
- Direct operating margin improved to 61% from 47%.
- SG&A expenses decreased by $8.9 million or 24%.
- Positive working capital of $1.5 million as of year-end.
- Cash and cash equivalents of $5.2 million as of March 31, 2024.
- Expanded credit line facility to $7.5 million.
- Began share repurchase program, acquiring 184,000 shares.
- Operational developments include new partnerships and channel launches.
- Total revenue decreased to $49.1 million from $68.0 million.
- Recorded a $14 million non-cash, non-recurring impairment to Goodwill.
- Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $21.8 million, or $(1.78) per share.
Insights
From a financial perspective, Cineverse's report shows a mixture of positive and negative developments. The revenue dropped to
Additionally, the significant reduction in SG&A expenses by
Long-term investors might find the reduced net loss, improved working capital and positive Adjusted EBITDA encouraging, as these indicate potential future profitability. However, the decline in revenue and the substantial net loss could raise concerns about the company's ability to achieve sustainable growth.
Considering the market dynamics, Cineverse's strategic repositioning and cost management have yielded improved EBITDA, but the revenue decline highlights potential market and operational challenges. The drop in advertising-based revenue by
The decision to execute a share repurchase program suggests management's confidence in the company's undervalued stock price, aiming to create shareholder value. The introduction of new channels and partnerships, such as the Dog Whisperer FAST channel and expanded collaboration with Peacock, indicate efforts to enhance content offerings and market reach. These initiatives could bolster future revenues but will require time to materialize fully.
Retail investors should weigh the company's increasing focus on higher-margin channels and cost control against the backdrop of declining revenues and strategic execution risks. The potential success of upcoming releases like 'Terrifier 3' and the impact of new technology partnerships will be important factors to monitor.
From a technology standpoint, Cineverse's launch of cineSearch, a conversational search & discovery tool using Google Cloud, represents a significant innovation. This tool leverages advanced AI to enhance content discovery, which could attract new users and improve user engagement across their streaming platforms. Furthermore, the focus on AI strategies and commercializing their AI models positions Cineverse as a forward-thinking player in the streaming industry.
The expansion of the company's digital content library and the deployment of high-definition and 4K remastered episodes of the Bob Ross Universe could also provide a competitive edge in content quality. The increase in the value of their digital content library, appraised at
Investors should be aware that while these technological advancements are promising, their successful implementation and market adoption remain critical for realizing the expected growth and profitability enhancements.
Total Revenue of
Total Direct Operating Margin Increased to
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses Decreased By
Adjusted EBITDA of
Positive Working Capital of
FY 2024 Financial Overview (all comparisons are to the prior fiscal year ended March 31, 2023):
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, the Company's initiatives to reduce operating costs, optimize our streaming channel portfolio and increase margins continued to have a positive impact on our financial results contributing to Adjusted EBITDA of
During the fourth quarter, the Company recorded a
In addition, during the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, the Company began to execute on its previously approved share repurchase program and acquired 184 thousand shares through June 30, 2024. The share repurchase program remains in place as previously reported and will continue to be utilized to support our stock price as appropriate.
Chairman's Commentary:
Chris McGurk, Cineverse Chairman and CEO, stated, "Our focus this year has been a concerted drive toward sustainable profitability for the Company. Our full year and fourth quarter results reflect the results of those efforts, with vastly improved operating margins and significantly streamlined cost structure generating positive and growing Adjusted EBITDA and accelerating a rapid trend toward positive annual net income. Excluding the key non-cash Goodwill Impairment and non-operating Metaverse investment loss, we reduced our net loss by
McGurk continued, "Importantly, given what we believe is a vastly undervalued stock equity price that has sustained at that depressed level well below book value for far too long, we began to implement the Company's previously announced stock repurchase program subsequent to year end. We believe that by repurchasing our significantly undervalued shares we are taking advantage of a significant value-creation opportunity for the Company that will prove itself as we continue to execute our strategic growth and profitability plan.
"Finally, Terrifier 3, the highly anticipated next installment of the Terrifier horror franchise, will be released on October 11, 2024. All of the marketing, streaming, advertising, podcast and human assets of the Company are being geared up to support this film, which we believe will be a major contributor to our growth and profitability."
FY 2024 Financial Highlights:
- Full-year consolidated revenue was
, down from$49.1 million in the prior year, primarily due to prior year legacy Digital Cinema revenues of$68.0 million and revenue of$12.0 million from last year's theatrical success of the horror phenomenon Terrifier 2, which are not included in the current year.$3.8 million - Streaming revenue of
was down from the prior year revenue of$37.3 million , driven by a$40.4 million decrease in advertising-based revenue to$6.6 million from$12.5 million , attributable to our channel optimization efforts and persistent headwinds in the advertising market, partially offset by a$19.1 million 25% increase in subscription-based revenue to from$13.5 million .$10.8 million
- Streaming revenue of
- The Company's direct operating costs decreased
to$17.2 million , down from$19.1 million . This was driven by lower revenue and significantly improved direct operating margin of$36.4 million 61% , up from47% , and a decrease in estimated royalty-related liabilities at the fiscal year end as compared to the prior year.$2.3 million - The Company also achieved an
decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) by further leveraging its Cineverse Services India business which was a primary driver of$8.9 million in reduced compensation expense, as well as tighter spending controls.$5.8 million - Net loss attributable to common stockholders was
, or$21.8 million per diluted share, compared to$(1.78) , or$10.1 million per share in the prior year.$(1.13) - Adjusted EBITDA increased to
from$4.4 million in the prior year.$0.1 million - Working Capital improved to a positive
as of March 31, 2024 compared to$1.5 million as of March 31, 2023 reflecting our improving financial condition.$(7.8) million - Stockholders' equity was
, or$32.2 million per weighted average outstanding share for the year, as of March 31, 2024.$2.62
Q4 FY 2024 Highlights (all comparisons are to the prior year fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2023):
- Total revenue was
compared to$9.9 million , reflecting a decrease in the Company's physical business ($12.5 million ), the Digital Cinema ($1.3 million ) impact in the prior year quarter, and the impact of our channel portfolio optimization efforts where we have culled lower margin channels, concentrating our resources on higher-return performers.$0.8 million - The Company's direct operating expenses decreased to
from$2.0 million , in part attributable to the reduced fourth quarter estimate of the Company's royalty accrual, leading to a direct operating margin of$6.5 million 79% , as compared to48% for the prior year quarter. This margin is well above our previously stated margin target of45% to50% and we expect future quarters to return to our previously stated targeted margins. - SG&A expenses decreased by
to$1.0 million from$6.8 million , reflecting the impact of our continued cost savings initiatives.$7.8 million - Adjusted EBITDA increased by
to$2.4 million .$1.6 million - Financial condition overview:
- Cash and cash equivalents of
as of March 31, 2024.$5.2 million - In February 2024, the Company expanded its revolving line of credit facility with
East West Bank from to$5.0 million .$7.5 million - In June 2024, the Company was notified in writing by EWB that it intends to extend the maturity date of the Line of Credit Facility to September 15, 2025, subject to definitive documentation.
- Digital content library valued in FY 2024 at
to$26 million in a third-party appraisal, compared to a book value of$30 million as of March 31, 2024.$2.6 million
- In February 2024, the Company expanded its revolving line of credit facility with
- Cash and cash equivalents of
Operational Developments During the Quarter
- Announced partnership with Google Cloud to launch cineSearch, a conversational search & discovery (SAND) tool for film and television content, with a public beta subsequently launched in May 2024.
- Expanded existing credit line with
East West Bank to – further strengthening Cineverse's balance sheet without equity dilution$7.5 Million - Debuted Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan FAST channel – featuring every episode of the beloved series – on Amazon Freevee.
- Activated Matchpoint at CES 2024 – saw significant lead generation and potential revenue generation from event.
- Launched Cineverse 360 Audience Network, a new ad platform which brings advertisers a scalable solution for reaching enthusiast audiences across a network of Cineverse and third-party publishers.
- Reached a multi-year extension of its partnership with Konami Cross Media NY, Inc., solidifying the Company's position as a leader in the streaming anime landscape.
- Premiered Sid & Marty Krofft Channel – featuring 50 years of iconic shows now made available as VOD offering on Roku Channel, Cineverse, Dove Channel and Midnight Pulp. This marks a historic re-release of the remastered library – making the culture-defining shows available on digital platforms for the first time thanks to Cineverse's proprietary streaming technology, Matchpoint.
- Partnered with Peacock to exclusively stream the documentary film, Represent, which follows hopefuls, as they compete for spots on the first
U.S. Olympic women's surfing team, as well as ON FIRE, a true and harrowing survival drama. - Terry City, Ad Industry Veteran from Yahoo!, Buzzfeed, Tastemade and Variety, joined Cineverse as SVP and Head of Cineverse 360.
Operational Developments Subsequent to Quarter-End
- Set release date for "Terrifier 3" – the highly anticipated follow up to runaway hit, "Terrifier 2" – for October 11, 2024. Announced Iconic Events as theatrical distribution partner.
- Announced the capability to provide robust, cost-streaming workforce solution to Matchpoint customers through the Company's
India -based Cineverse Services India. - Expanded wildly successful Bob Ross Universe with episodes remastered in HD & 4K for the first time ever – along with exclusive new ambient viewing content "The Bob Ross Gallery Collection" series.
- Expanded podcast network to explosive growth - yielding a
49% revenue surge over the last 60 days. - Announced partnerships with Gracenote, Vionlabs and Datatonic to enhance the Company's conversational AI-Powered content discovery tool, cineSearch.
- Announced numerous channel launches on Xfinity, Xumo, Zone-ify and DIRECTV – driving additional distribution to unlock the potential for revenue growth.
- Announced a new distribution deal with
Australia -based Network 10, a division of Paramount Global, to bring 10 play's FAST channels.
President's Commentary:
Erick Opeka, President and Chief Strategy Officer, added, "We made considerable progress during the quarter building out our direct sales teams for advertising and technology, expanding our technology partnerships, and scaling the distribution of our audio and video content businesses, all while continuing to optimize both operating and SG&A costs. The streaming business is currently operating at greater than
During the quarter, we secured carriage agreements for The Dog Whisperer Channel with nearly all hardware manufacturers and FAST streaming services in
On the sales front, we tripled the size of our direct advertising sales force with experienced executives and closed major campaigns with Focus Features, Amazon Prime Video, SimpliSafe Home Security, 20th Century Fox, Master Class, A24 Studios, and many more. We expect to see a significant percentage of our inventory shift to higher-margin direct sales over the next several quarters. Additionally, we are expanding our sales team to handle the rapidly growing footprint of our Podcast Network, which currently ranks #7 in
Opeka continued, "Finally, we made considerable strides in our AI strategy. We successfully launched the cineSearch beta during the quarter and are currently in a dual-track effort to refine our AI models and focus on commercialization. We plan on deploying the product in cloud marketplaces in the coming months and are also engaging in early commercial conversations with various device manufacturers intrigued by the idea of enabling an AI-based search capability within their own streaming services. We are actively leveraging our Matchpoint dispatch technology to meet the growing demand for high-quality training data across general and specialized AI models, engaging in advanced discussions with model developers and content partners to provide the industry's largest and most refined video training dataset. Drawing on our decades of experience as a content aggregator and our proprietary technology, we are uniquely positioned to address the needs of both content owners and AI companies at an unprecedented scale, potentially revolutionizing the AI training landscape. We expect to make additional announcements on these developments later in the current quarter."
Conference Call
Cineverse will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET (Monday, July 1, 2024), during which management will discuss the results of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. To participate in the conference call, please use the following dial-in numbers:
+1 404 975 4839 | |
+1 833 470 1428 | |
+1 833 950 0062 | |
Access Code: | 274103 |
The conference call can also be accessed by webcast at the Investors section of the Company's website at https://investor.cineverse.com/events-and-presentations. Those who are unable to attend the live conference call may access the recording at the above webcast link, which will be made available shortly after the conclusion of the call.
About Cineverse
Cineverse's advanced, proprietary technology drives the distribution of over 70,000 premium films, series, and podcasts to more than 150 million unique viewers monthly. From providing a complete streaming solution to some of the world's most recognizable brands, to super-serving their own network of fan channels, Cineverse is powering the future of Entertainment. For more information, please visit www.cineverse.com. (NASDAQ: CNVS)
Safe Harbor Statement
Investors and readers are cautioned that certain statements contained in this document, as well as some statements in periodic press releases and some oral statements of Cineverse officials during presentations about Cineverse, along with Cineverse's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Cineverse's registration statements, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual report on Form 10-K, are "forward-looking'' statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act''). Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, which include words such as "expects," "anticipates,'' "intends,'' "plans,'' "could," "might," "believes,'' "seeks," "estimates'' or similar expressions. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance (including future revenues, earnings, or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects, and possible future actions, which may be provided by Cineverse's management, are also forward-looking statements as defined by the Act. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about Cineverse, its technology, economic and market factors, and the industries in which Cineverse does business, among other things. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, and Cineverse undertakes no specific obligation or intention to update these statements after the date of this release.
For additional information, please contact:
Julie Milstead
424-281-5411
investorrelations@cineverse.com
CINEVERSE CORP. | ||||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
As of | ||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current Assets | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 5,167 | $ | 7,152 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net | 8,667 | 20,846 | ||||||
Unbilled revenue | 6,439 | 2,036 | ||||||
Employee retention tax credit | 1,671 | 2,085 | ||||||
Content advances | 9,345 | 3,724 | ||||||
Other current assets | 1,432 | 1,734 | ||||||
Total Current Assets | 32,721 | 37,577 | ||||||
Equity investment in A Metaverse Company, a related party, at fair value | 362 | 5,200 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | 2,276 | 1,833 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net | 18,328 | 19,868 | ||||||
Goodwill | 6,799 | 20,824 | ||||||
Content advances, net of current portion | 2,551 | 1,421 | ||||||
Other long-term assets | 1,341 | 1,265 | ||||||
Total Assets | $ | 64,378 | $ | 87,988 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||
Current Liabilities | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 20,817 | $ | 34,531 | ||||
Line of credit, including unamortized debt issuance costs of | 6,301 | 4,924 | ||||||
Current portion of earnout and deferred consideration on purchase of business | 3,294 | 5,232 | ||||||
Operating lease liabilities | 401 | 418 | ||||||
Current portion of deferred revenue | 436 | 226 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities | 31,249 | 45,331 | ||||||
Deferred consideration on purchase, net of current portion | 457 | 2,647 | ||||||
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion | 462 | 863 | ||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 59 | 74 | ||||||
Total Liabilities | $ | 32,227 | $ | 48,915 | ||||
Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||
Preferred stock | $ | 3,559 | $ | 3,559 | ||||
Common stock | 194 | 185 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 545,996 | 530,998 | ||||||
Treasury stock, at cost | (11,978) | (11,608) | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (504,153) | (482,395) | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (345) | (402) | ||||||
Total stockholders' equity of Cineverse Corp. | 33,273 | 40,337 | ||||||
Deficit attributable to noncontrolling interest | (1,122) | (1,264) | ||||||
Total equity | 32,151 | 39,073 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Equity | $ | 64,378 | $ | 87,988 |
CINEVERSE CORP. | ||||||||||||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | ||||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except for per share data) | ||||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended | For the Fiscal Year Ended | |||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 9,863 | $ | 12,548 | $ | 49,131 | $ | 68,026 | ||||||||
Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Direct operating | 2,033 | 6,505 | 19,131 | 36,364 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 6,816 | 7,803 | 27,904 | 36,819 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 984 | 855 | 3,771 | 3,763 | ||||||||||||
Goodwill impairment | 14,025 | — | 14,025 | — | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 23,859 | 15,163 | 64,831 | 76,946 | ||||||||||||
Operating loss | (13,995) | (2,615) | (15,700) | (8,920) | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | (286) | (410) | (1,066) | (1,290) | ||||||||||||
Loss from investment in Metaverse, a related party | (538) | — | (4,299) | (1,828) | ||||||||||||
Employee retention tax credit | — | — | — | 2,475 | ||||||||||||
Other income (expenses), net | 141 | 69 | (190) | (13) | ||||||||||||
Net loss before income taxes | (14,678) | (2,955) | (21,255) | (9,575) | ||||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 2 | (119) | (10) | (119) | ||||||||||||
Net loss | (14,676) | (3,075) | (21,265) | (9,694) | ||||||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | (48) | (4) | (142) | (39) | ||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to controlling interests | (14,724) | (3,079) | (21,407) | (9,734) | ||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | (87) | (87) | (350) | (351) | ||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders | $ | (14,811) | $ | (3,166) | $ | (21,757) | $ | (10,085) | ||||||||
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | (1.10) | $ | (0.35) | $ | (1.78) | $ | (1.13) | ||||||||
Diluted | $ | (1.10) | $ | (0.35) | $ | (1.78) | $ | (1.13) | ||||||||
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | 13,525 | 8,995 | 12,253 | 8,889 | ||||||||||||
Diluted | 13,525 | 8,995 | 12,253 | 8,889 |
Adjusted EBITDA
We define Adjusted EBITDA to be earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, merger and acquisition costs, restructuring, transition and acquisitions expense, net, goodwill impairment and certain other items.
Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. We use Adjusted EBITDA as a financial metric to measure the financial performance of the business because management believes it provides additional information with respect to the performance of its fundamental business activities. For this reason, we believe Adjusted EBITDA will also be useful to others, including our stockholders, as a valuable financial metric.
We present Adjusted EBITDA because we believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful supplement to net income (loss) from continuing operations as an indicator of operating performance. We also believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure that is useful both to management and investors when evaluating our performance and comparing our performance with that of our competitors. We also use Adjusted EBITDA for planning purposes and to evaluate our financial performance because Adjusted EBITDA excludes certain incremental expenses or non-cash items, such as stock-based compensation charges, that we believe are not indicative of our ongoing operating performance.
We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a performance measure and not a liquidity measure, and therefore a reconciliation between net income (loss) from operations and Adjusted EBITDA has been provided in the financial results. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) from operations as an indicator of performance or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as an indicator of cash flows, in each case as determined in accordance with GAAP, or as a measure of liquidity. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA does not take into account changes in certain assets and liabilities as well as interest and income taxes that can affect cash flows. We do not intend the presentation of these non-GAAP measures to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Following is the reconciliation of our consolidated net (loss) income to Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands):
For the Three Months Ended | For the Fiscal Year Ended | |||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (14,676) | $ | (3,075) | $ | (21,265) | $ | (9,694) | ||||||||
Add Backs: | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax (benefit) expense | (2) | 119 | 10 | 119 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 984 | 855 | 3,771 | 3,763 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | 286 | 410 | 1,066 | 1,290 | ||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 347 | 564 | 1,439 | 4,470 | ||||||||||||
Loss from equity investment in Metaverse, a related party | 538 | — | 4,299 | 1,828 | ||||||||||||
Employee retention tax credit | — | — | — | (2,475) | ||||||||||||
Provision for credit losses | — | — | — | 54 | ||||||||||||
Goodwill impairment | 14,025 | — | 14,025 | — | ||||||||||||
Other (income) expense, net | (142) | 95 | (140) | 13 | ||||||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | (48) | (4) | (142) | (39) | ||||||||||||
Transition-related costs | 241 | 170 | 1,335 | 541 | ||||||||||||
Mergers and acquisitions costs | — | — | — | 207 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 1,553 | $ | (867) | $ | 4,398 | $ | 76 |
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SOURCE Cineverse Corp.
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