DSP Group, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2021 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

DSP Group reported a 45% year-over-year increase in Q3 revenues, totaling $37.8 million. Noteworthy growth occurred in Unified Communications, which surged 458%. Gross margins improved to 55.3% (GAAP) and 55.7% (non-GAAP). The company achieved a non-GAAP net income of $4.1 million and plans to merge with Synaptics, with stockholders set to vote on the deal on November 29, 2021. DSP Group's strong cash position now totals $133.4 million. The merger could potentially benefit stockholders significantly.

Positive

• Q3 2021 revenues of $37.8 million, up 45% YoY.
• Unified Communications segment grew 458%, contributing $14.42 million.
• GAAP gross margin increased by 460 basis points to 55.3%.
• Non-GAAP net income of $4.1 million, up from $1.3 million YoY.
• Cash, deposits, and marketable securities of $133.4 million.

Negative

• SmartVoice revenues decreased by 17% YoY.
• Cordless revenues fell by 16% YoY.
• The company will not host an earnings conference call due to the pending merger.

Third Quarter Revenues of $37.8 Million, an Increase of 45% YoY
GAAP and Non-GAAP Gross Margins of 55.3% and 55.7%, respectively

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DSP Group^®, Inc. (NASDAQ: DSPG), a leading global provider of wireless chipset solutions for converged communications, announced today its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021.

Third Quarter Financial Highlights (and Comparison to Third Quarter of 2020):
Revenue breakdown (USD in millions)

	Q3 2021		Q3 2020		vs. Q3 2020
IoAT Revenues:
SmartVoice	$5.96		$7.20		down 17%
SmartHome	$6.86		$3.69		up 86%
Unified Communications	$14.42		$2.59		up 458%
Total IoAT Revenues	$27.24		$13.48		up 102%
Cordless Revenues	$10.52		$12.54		down 16%
Total Revenues	$37.76		$26.02		up 45%

• GAAP and non-GAAP gross margin of 55.3% and 55.7%, respectively, a 460 and 420 basis point increase compared to the third quarter of 2020, respectively.
• GAAP zero loss per share and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.16, compared to GAAP loss per share of $0.08 and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.05 for the third quarter of 2020.
• GAAP operating income of $0.3 million and non-GAAP operating income of $4.5 million, compared to GAAP operating loss of $2.3 million and non-GAAP operating income of $1.0 million for the third quarter of 2020.
• GAAP net loss of less than $0.1 million and non-GAAP net income of $4.1 million, compared to GAAP net loss of $1.9 million and non-GAAP net income of $1.3 million for the third quarter of 2020.
• Generated $4.4 million of cash from operations, compared to $2.9 million of cash used in operations in the third quarter of 2020.
• Cash, deposits and marketable securities of approximately $133.4 million as of September 30, 2021.

Management Comments:
Commenting on the results, Ofer Elyakim, CEO of DSP Group, stated: “We are delighted that we have been able to execute a successful business transformation of DSP Group as evidenced by the substantially improved results on multiple fronts and culminating in the proposed acquisition by Synaptics. We believe this proposed combination will provide a great result for our stockholders who have supported us through this journey.”

Third Quarter Non-GAAP Results:
Non-GAAP net income and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2021 were $4.1 million and $0.16, respectively, as compared to non-GAAP net income and diluted earnings per share of $1.3 million and $0.05, respectively, for the third quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP net income and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2021 excluded the impact of amortization of acquired intangible assets in the amount of $0.3 million associated with previous acquisitions, equity-based compensation expenses of $2.7 million, $1.1 million of transaction costs related to the anticipated acquisition by Synaptics Incorporation, amortization of employee retention expenses related to the SoundChip acquisition of $0.03 million, non-cash expenses from exchange rate differences resulting from the lease accounting standard (ASC 842) in the amount of $0.04 million, and income resulting from changes in deferred taxes in the amount of $0.03 million related to intangible assets acquired in previous acquisitions and equity-based compensation expenses. Non-GAAP net income and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2020 excluded the impact of amortization of acquired intangible assets in the amount of $0.4 million associated with previous acquisitions, equity-based compensation expenses of $2.4 million, non-cash expenses from exchange rate differences resulting from ASC 842 in the amount of $0.1 million, transaction expenses related to the acquisition of SoundChip in amount of $0.25 million, amortization of employees retention expenses related to the acquisition of SoundChip in amount of $0.25 million and income resulting from changes in deferred taxes in the amount of $0.2 million related to intangible assets acquired in current and previous acquisitions and equity-based compensation expenses.

Proposed acquisition of DSP Group by Synaptics
As announced on August 30, 2021, DSP Group entered into an agreement and plan of merger with Synaptics Incorporated ("Synaptics") and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Synaptics. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Synaptics will acquire all outstanding shares of DSP Group common stock for a per share price of $22.00 in cash. DSP Group’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the transaction and DSP Group filed definitive proxy materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 25, 2021. The definitive proxy materials were mailed to DSP Group’s stockholders of record as of October 18, 2021 for a special meeting of stockholders to vote on the merger and other matters. The virtual special meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 29, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time. The consummation of the merger is subject to approval by the stockholders of DSP Group and the satisfaction of other conditions set forth in the merger agreement. Subject to the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the merger, we currently expect to complete the transaction by year end.

In light of the pending transaction, DSP Group will not host an earnings conference call and will not provide guidance relating to its expected financial results for future periods.

About DSP Group
DSP Group^®, Inc. (NASDAQ: DSPG) is a global leader in wireless chipsets for a wide range of smart-enabled devices. The company was founded in 1987 on the principles of experience, insight and continuous advancement which enable the company to consistently deliver next-generation solutions in the areas of voice, audio, video and data connectivity. DSP Group, an expert in voice processing, invests heavily in innovation for the smart future and designs leading-edge semiconductor technology that is enabling our customers to develop a new wave of products that bring enhanced user experiences through innovation. For more information, visit www.dspg.com.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the merger transaction, DSP Group filed definitive proxy materials with the SEC on October 25, 2021 and mailed such materials and a proxy card to each stockholder of record as of October 18, 2021. STOCKHOLDERS OF DSP GROUP ARE URGED TO READ THESE MATERIALS, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION THAT DSP GROUP HAS FILED OR WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT DSP GROUP AND THE TRANSACTION. The definitive proxy statement and other relevant materials for DSP Group stockholders in connection with the transaction, and any other documents filed by DSP Group with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov) or at DSP Group's website (http://www.dspg.com) or by writing to DSP Group at 2055 Gateway Place, San Jose, California 95110, attention Investor Relations.

Participants in the Solicitation

DSP Group and certain of its directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from DSP Group’s stockholders with respect to the transaction. Information about DSP Group’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of DSP Group's common stock, as well as their direct and indirect interests in the transaction, are set forth in DSP Group’s definitive proxy materials filed with the SEC on October 25, 2021, and subsequent changes made by such persons on Statements of Changes in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC.

Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business, including the expected timetable for completing the transaction, and can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Such forward-looking statements may include words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "believe," "estimate," "plan," “target,” “strategy,” “continue,” “may,” “will,” “should,” variations of such words, or other words and terms of similar meaning. All forward-looking statements reflect our best judgment and are based on several factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the possibility that various conditions to the consummation of the proposed transaction between Synaptics and DSP Group will not be satisfied or waived, and the adverse impact associated with the announcement or pendency of the proposed transaction on the business relationships, operating results and employees of DSP Group, and other risks as identified from time to time in the SEC reports of DSP Group. Forward-looking statements are based on information available to DSP Group on the date hereof, and DSP Group expressly disclaims any obligation to publicly release any updates or any changes in expectations, or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based. Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from the forward-looking statements.

Contact:
Claus Stetter
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
DSP Group Inc.
+1 +(650) 521 4082
claus.stetter@dspg.com

DSP GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share amounts)
		Three Months Ended September 30								Nine Months Ended September 30
		2021				2020				2021				2020
		(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)
Revenues		$	37,756			$	26,020			$	106,210			$	82,595
Cost of revenues			16,868				12,814				49,210				40,747
Gross profit			20,888				13,206				57,000				41,848
Operating expenses:
Research and development, net			10,933				8,122				32,043				26,931
Sales and marketing			5,292				4,117				15,820				13,563
General and administrative			4,012				2,864				9,826				7,839
Amortization of intangible assets			349				427				1,197				636
Total operating expenses			20,586				15,530				58,886				48,969
Operating income (loss)			302				(2,324	)			(1,886	)			(7,121	)
Financial income, net			216				343				951				1,535
Income (loss) before taxes on income			518				(1,981	)			(935	)			(5,586	)
Income tax expenses (benefit)			548				(90	)			837				(152	)
Net loss		$	(30	)		$	(1,891	)		$	(1,772	)		$	(5,434	)
Net loss per share:
Basic and diluted		$	(0.00	)		$	(0.08	)		$	(0.07	)		$	(0.23	)
Weighted average number of shares used in per share computations of loss per share:
Basic and diluted			24,141				23,562	24,134							23,399

                                                              

Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (In thousands, except per share amounts)
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2021				2020				2021				2020
		Unaudited				Unaudited				Unaudited				Unaudited
GAAP net income (loss)		$	(30	)		$	(1,891	)		$	(1,772	)		$	(5,434	)
Equity-based compensation expense included in cost of revenues			157				142				503				391
Equity-based compensation expense included in research and development, net			1,161				946				3,608				2,523
Equity-based compensation expense included in sales and marketing			646				646				2,017				1,821
Equity-based compensation expense included in general and administrative			713				699				2,084				1,811
Amortization of employee’s retention expenses related to the acquisition of SoundChip included in cost of revenues			-				67				134				67
Amortization of employee’s retention expenses related to the acquisition of SoundChip included in sales and marketing			-				149				298				149
Amortization of employee’s retention expenses related to the acquisition of SoundChip included in research and development, net			34				34				102				34
Transaction expenses related to the acquisition of SoundChip			-				249				-				249
Transaction expenses related to the anticipated acquisition by Synaptics			1,096				-				1,096				-
Amortization of intangible assets			349				427				1,197				636
Non-cash expenses (income) from exchange rates differences resulting from lease accounting standard (ASC 842)			44				90				(227	)			(71	)
Income from changes of deferred taxes related to intangible assets and equity-based compensation expense			(34	)			(232	)			(432	)			(249	)
Non-GAAP net income		$	4,136			$	1,326			$	8,608			$	1,927
Weighted-average number of common stock used in computation of GAAP diluted net loss per share (in thousands)			24,141				23,562				24,134				23,399
Weighted-average number of shares related to outstanding options, stock appreciation rights and restricted share units (in thousands)			1,494				1,565				1,505				1,616
Weighted-average number of common stock used in computation of non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share (in thousands)			25,635				25,127				25,639				25,015
GAAP diluted net loss per share		$	(0.00	)		$	(0.08	)		$	(0.07	)		$	(0.23	)
Equity-based compensation expense			0.11				0.09				0.32				0.27
Amortization of intangible assets			0.01				0.02				0.05				0.03
Transaction expenses related to the acquisition of SoundChip			-				0.01				-				0.01
Amortization of employee’s retention expenses related to the acquisition of SoundChip			-				0.01				0.02				0.01
Non-cash expenses from Exchange rates differences resulting from lease accounting standard (ASC 842)			-				0.01				(0.01	)			-
Transaction expenses related to the anticipated acquisition by Synaptics			0.04				-				0.04				-
Income from changes of deferred taxes related to intangible assets and equity-based compensation expense			-				(0.01	)			(0.01	)			(0.01	)
Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share		$	0.16			$	0.05			$	0.34			$	0.08

DSP GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands)
		September 30,				December 31,
		2021				2020
		(Unaudited)				(Audited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	20,422			$	16,936
Restricted deposits			579				548
Marketable securities and short-term deposits			52,945				50,615
Trade receivables, net			18,019				11,003
Inventories			7,009				9,061
Other accounts receivable and prepaid expenses			3,359				3,460
Total current assets			102,333				91,623
Property and equipment, net			6,252				6,574
Long term marketable securities and deposits			59,434				60,454
Severance pay fund			15,655				16,285
Operating leases– right of use assets			10,315				11,102
Deferred income taxes			6,012				6,893
Intangible assets, net			19,303				20,654
Long term prepaid expenses and lease deposits			2,498				2,888
Total long-term assets			113,217				118,276
Total assets		$	221,802				216,473
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Trade payables		$	11,259			$	10,708
Operating lease liability			3,020				2,974
Other current liabilities			19,063				15,724
Total current liabilities			33,342				29,406
Accrued severance pay			16,164				16,647
Operating lease liability			9,003				10,075
Accrued pensions			1,016				1,089
Deferred income taxes			898				1,073
Other long-term liabilities			1,945				1,945
Total long term liabilities			29,026				30,829
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock			24				24
Additional paid-in capital			404,806				396,335
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(1,071	)			(637	)
Less – Cost of treasury stock			(105,727	)			(108,509	)
Accumulated deficit			(138,598	)			(130,975	)
Total stockholders’ equity			159,434				156,238
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	221,802			$	216,473

FAQ

What were DSPG's Q3 2021 revenue figures?

DSP Group reported revenues of $37.8 million for Q3 2021, a 45% increase compared to the previous year.

How did DSPG's gross margins perform in Q3 2021?

GAAP gross margin for Q3 2021 was 55.3%, up 460 basis points from Q3 2020.

What is the date for DSPG's special stockholder meeting regarding the Synaptics merger?

The special stockholder meeting is scheduled for November 29, 2021.

What is the proposed price per share in the Synaptics acquisition of DSPG?

Synaptics proposes to acquire DSP Group shares at $22.00 per share.

What were the financial results of DSPG for the third quarter of 2021?

DSP Group's Q3 2021 results included a non-GAAP net income of $4.1 million and a non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.16.