EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE Press Release

Exhibit 99.1

NTN BUZZTIME, INC. ANNOUNCES

THIRD QUARTER 2007 RESULTS

Third Quarter 2007 Highlights:

 

   

Gross margin improved to 70% from 69%

 

   

Cash position up to $10.8 million from $8.8 million at year-end

 

   

In October 2007, completed sale of intellectual property assets of Software Solutions and initiated wind-down of remaining Discontinued Operations which is expected to improve cash flow by $1 million annually

 

   

Purchased 454,000 common shares in open-market transactions under Share Repurchase Authorization

November 8, 2007-Carlsbad, CA—NTN Buzztime, Inc. (the Company) (AMEX- NTN - News), a multi-point social interactive entertainment company, today announced results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2007.

Entertainment Division Financial Results (Continuing Operations)

Results for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2007

Revenue from continuing operations, which consists solely of the Entertainment Division, decreased $0.8 million or 10% to $7.5 million for the third quarter of 2007, compared to revenues of $8.3 million for the third quarter of 2006. The Entertainment Division net loss for the third quarter of 2007 was $1.6 million compared to net income of $161,000 for the third quarter of 2006.

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue for the Entertainment Division increased to 70% in the third quarter of 2007 from 69% in the third quarter of 2006.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Entertainment Division increased $0.4 million or 8%, to $5.8 million for the third quarter 2007 from $5.4 million for the third quarter of 2006. This increase is primarily related to salaries and benefits, as well as marketing and consulting expenses.

The Company also incurred a non-cash charge of approximately $968,000 during the third quarter of 2007 related to selected technology and content licensed from Media General, associated with an investment Media General made in the Company in 2003 in which the Company issued 666,667 shares of unregistered NTN common stock as consideration. The original license was for five years with an option to renew. The Company has since decided not to renew the license agreement as it is no longer a strategic fit and has fully expensed the remaining net book value of the capitalized license.

Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

Revenue from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, decreased by $1.7 million or 7%, to $22.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $24.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The Entertainment Division net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $2.8 million compared to a net loss of $1.4 million for the same period in 2006.

Gross margin as a percentage of revenues was 71% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to 69% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Entertainment Division increased to $17.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $16.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase is primarily related to salaries and benefits, as well as marketing and consulting expenses.

“We are beginning to see signs that our core business has stabilized,” commented Dario Santana, CEO of NTN Buzztime. “Content improvements and initiatives designed to increase player engagement at our hospitality venues resulted in growth to our player community and helped sustain the retention gains registered during the second quarter. Increased investment in lead generation led to twenty percent improvement in new site sales relative to the second quarter of 2007.”


Hospitality Division Financial Results (Discontinued Operations)

Results for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2007

The Hospitality Division consisted of two segments, Wireless and Software Solutions. On March 30, 2007, the Company reported the sale of substantially all assets of the NTN Wireless segment for $2.4 million, which resulted in a gain of approximately $396,000 in the first quarter of 2007 and reported neither revenues nor income in the third quarter.

The Software Solutions segment had revenues of $0.9 million, representing a decrease in revenue from $1.1 million in the year-ago period and a net loss of $168,000 compared to a $350,000 net loss for the third quarter of 2006.

Subsequent to the end of the quarter, on October 31, 2007, the Company announced that it had completed the sale and transfer of the NTN Software Solutions intellectual property assets for its ProHost™ table management and reservations systems to a provider of wireless technologies to restaurants, for $215,000 in cash with no contingencies. Separately, the Company announced it had signed an agreement with Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (DPI) effective December 31, 2007 to discontinue the outsourced software development it has been providing to DPI. NTN Buzztime will wind-down its professional help desk and support and maintenance services as it fulfills its obligations under existing customer agreements which is expected to be substantially complete by June 2008. Once this wind-down is complete, the Company’s financial results will be free of the adverse impact from such Discontinued Operations.

“We are pleased that we were able to close on this transaction. The divestiture of substantially all the remaining assets of NTN’s Software Solutions will contribute roughly one million dollars to annualized cash flow beginning no later than June of 2008,” said Mr. Santana.

Third Quarter 2007 Operating Highlights:

 

   

Hired Jake Tauber to lead content development, content acquisition and programming and improve Buzztime Network’s entertainment value

 

   

Hired Mariana Danilovic to lead business development and to grow Buzztime’s revenue by leveraging opportunities beyond the core business

 

   

Increased site sales and site installations by 20% and 24%, respectively, relative to the second quarter of 2007

 

   

Retention in the first six months of contract life has improved more than 30% since launch of the Rookie program

 

   

Churn remained consistent with prior quarter at 28%

 

   

Players website exceeded 100,000 members during September

 

   

Launched Blur, the Hollywood Gossip Game – a light hearted, humorous look at stardom

 

   

Launched Odds On Sports Game – a predictive game that provides fun and bragging rights for sports fans in bars and restaurants

“We are confident that we have selected the right strategy and we are excited with our progress to date, however, we recognize that there is still much to be done,” added Mr. Santana. “During the quarter, we recruited new talent to our organization; talent that brings extensive content, programming, broadband and advertising experience to our team. We are leveraging that experience to raise the entertainment value of our content and to develop new channels of distribution including Internet, while looking for new and innovative ways to monetize our offering and enhance shareholder value.”


Conference Call

Management will announce its third quarter 2007 financial results after market close on Thursday, November 8, 2007. Management will then host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results with the investment community.

Anyone interested in participating should call 866-225-8754 if calling within the United States or 480-629-9564 if calling internationally. A replay will be available until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time November 15, 2007, which can be accessed by dialing 800-406-7325 if calling within the United States or 303-590-3030 if calling internationally. Please use passcode 3801121 to access the replay.

The call will also be accompanied live by webcast over the Internet and accessible at NTN Buzztime’s web site at www.buzztime.com.

About NTN Buzztime, Inc.

NTN Buzztime, Inc., a leader in multi-point social interactive entertainment for more than 20 years, is based in Carlsbad, CA. Buzztime is distributed in-home and out-of-home across broadband platforms including online, cable TV, satellite TV, and in approximately 4,000 restaurants, sports bars and pubs throughout North America and the United Kingdom. Buzztime entertainment is also available on mobile phones, electronic games and books. For more information, please visit http://www.buzztime.com.

Forward-looking Statements;

This release contains forward-looking statements which reflect management’s current views of future events and operations including but not limited to projected future financial results and business trends. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include the risk of changing economic conditions, failure of product demand or market acceptance of both existing and new products and services and the impact of competitive products and pricing. Please see NTN Buzztime, Inc.’s recent Form 10-K and other 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.

CONTACT:

Kendra Berger

Chief Financial Officer

NTN Buzztime, Inc.

(760) 438-7400

Kendra.berger@ntnbuzztime.com

Or

Peter Seltzberg

Hayden Communications

(646) 415-8972

peter@haydenir.com


NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

     September 30,
2007
    December 31,
2006
 
     (Unaudited)        

ASSETS

    

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 10,771     $ 8,774  

Restricted cash

     52       58  

Accounts receivable, net

     1,309       1,874  

Investments available-for-sale

     313       337  

Deposits on broadcast equipment

     —         381  

Deferred costs

     991       1,067  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     646       908  

Assets held for sale

     1,004       2,659  
                

Total current assets

     15,086       16,058  

Broadcast equipment and fixed assets, net

     4,675       5,919  

Software development costs, net

     831       806  

Deferred costs

     830       963  

Goodwill

     1,271       974  

Intangible assets, net

     386       1,561  

Other assets

     239       244  
                

Total assets

   $ 23,318     $ 26,525  
                

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current Liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 610     $ 1,139  

Accrued expenses

     2,714       2,921  

Income taxes payable

     41       53  

Obligations under capital leases – current portion

     15       349  

Deferred revenue

     1,305       1,826  

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     979       1,441  
                

Total current liabilities

     5,664       7,729  

Obligations under capital leases, excluding current portion

     3       20  

Deferred revenue, excluding current portion

     148       246  
                

Total liabilities

     5,815       7,995  
                

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Series A 10% cumulative convertible preferred stock

     1       1  

Common stock

     277       272  

Treasury stock

     (444 )     —    

Additional paid-in capital

     112,695       111,617  

Accumulated deficit

     (96,667 )     (93,561 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1,641       201  
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     17,503       18,530  
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 23,318     $ 26,525  
                


NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Revenues

   $ 7,476     $ 8,332     $ 22,849     $ 24,530  
                                

Operating expenses:

        

Direct operating costs (includes depreciation)

     2,249       2,575       6,675       7,614  

Impairment of intangible asset

     968       —         968       —    

Selling, general and administrative

     5,780       5,369       17,071       16,945  

Depreciation and amortization (excluding depreciation and amortization included in direct costs)

     129       165       421       505  

Research and development

     36       56       115       178  

Restructuring costs

     —         —         478       —    
                                

Total operating expenses

     9,162       8,165       25,728       25,242  
                                

Operating income (loss)

     (1,686 )     167       (2,879 )     (712 )

Other income (expense):

        

Interest income

     107       45       253       94  

Interest expense

     (5 )     (19 )     (26 )     (104 )

Impairment on investments available-for-sale

     —         —         —         (652 )

Other income

     2       —         83       —    
                                

Total other income (expense)

     104       26       310       (662 )
                                

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     (1,582 )     193       (2,569 )     (1,374 )

Provision for income taxes

     35       32       188       75  
                                

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

     (1,617 )     161       (2,757 )     (1,449 )

Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (including gain on sale of NTN Wireless of $396 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007)

     (168 )     (216 )     (349 )     (386 )
                                

Net loss

   $ (1,785 )   $ (55 )   $ (3,106 )   $ (1,835 )
                                

Net income (loss) per common share – basic and diluted:

        

Net income (loss) from continuing operations per common share – basic and diluted

   $ (0.03 )   $ 0.00     $ (0.05 )   $ (0.03 )

Net loss from discontinued operations – basic and diluted

     (0.00 )     (0.00 )     (0.01 )     (0.00 )
                                

Net income (loss) per common share – basic and diluted

   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.00 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.03 )
                                

Weighted average shares outstanding

        

Basic and diluted

     56,000       54,427       55,148       54,173  
                                


NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2007     2006  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (3,106 )   $ (1,835 )

Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     349       386  
                

Net loss from continuing operations

   $ (2,757 )   $ (1,449 )

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     2,998       3,249  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     284       286  

Unrealized loss on investment available-for-sale

     —         652  

Share-based compensation

     466       855  

Impairment of intangible asset

     968       —    

Gain from disposition of equipment and other assets

     (171 )     (176 )

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Restricted cash

     6       10  

Accounts receivable

     283       328  

Deferred costs

     265       186  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     280       87  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (789 )     260  

Income taxes payable

     (12 )     (79 )

Deferred revenue

     (658 )     (151 )
                

Net cash provided by continuing operations

     1,163       4,058  

Discontinued operations

     (1,501 )     99  
                

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     (338 )     4,157  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (383 )     (874 )

Software development expenditures

     (432 )     (339 )

Proceeds from sale of equipment and other assets

     363       322  

Deposits on broadcast equipment

     (161 )     (620 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities by continuing operations

     (613 )     (1,511 )

Discontinued operations

     2,397       (46 )
                

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     1,784       (1,557 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Principal payments on capital leases

     (351 )     (335 )

Principal payments on revolving line of credit

     —         (700 )

Settlement of stock options

     (40 )     —    

Purchase of treasury stock

     (444 )     —    

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     651       477  
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (184 )     (558 )
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     1,262       2,042  

Effect of exchange rate on cash

     735       (27 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     8,774       5,982  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 10,771     $ 7,997  
                


Consolidated Results

For the Quarter Ended September 30,

(in thousands)

 

Revenues by Segment:

   2007    2006

Continuing Operations:

     

Buzztime iTV network

   $ 7,323    $ 7,978

Buzztime Distribution

     153      354
             

Total Entertainment Division

     7,476      8,332
             

Discontinued Operations:

     

Wireless

   $ —      $ 1,483

Software Solutions

     910      1,123
             

Total Hospitality Division

     910      2,606
             

Consolidated Revenues

   $ 8,386    $ 10,938
             

Consolidated Results

For the Quarter Ended September 30,

(in thousands)

 

Income (Loss) by Segment:

   2007     2006  

Continuing Operations:

    

Buzztime iTV network

   $ (534 )   $ 352  

Buzztime Distribution

     (1,083 )     (191 )
                

Total Entertainment Division

     (1,617 )     161  
                

Discontinued Operations:

    

Wireless

   $ —       $ 134  

Software Solutions

     (168 )     (350 )
                

Total Hospitality Division

     (168 )     (216 )
                

Consolidated Income (Loss)

   $ (1,785 )   $ (55 )
                


Adjusted EBITDA

A detailed schedule reconciling net income and loss, the nearest GAAP measure, to Adjusted EBITDA is included in the supplemental tables below. Adjusted EBITDA is included herein because management believes that certain investors find it to be a useful tool for measuring a company’s operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP but should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. Non-GAAP financial information such as Adjusted EBITDA, by its nature, departs from traditional accounting conventions; accordingly, its use can make it difficult to compare NTN’s current results with results from other reporting periods and with the results of other companies.

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

 

     Three Months Ended September 30, 2007  
     Entertainment     Hospitality  
    

Buzztime iTV

Network

   

Buzztime

Distribution

   

Software

Solutions

   

NTN

Wireless

    Total  

Net loss per GAAP

   $ (534 )   $ (1,083 )   $ (168 )   $ —       $ (1,785 )

Interest income, net

     (102 )     —         —         —         (102 )

Depreciation and amortization

     877       131       —         —         1,008  

Non-cash stock based compensation

     152       3       11       —         166  

Non-cash charge related to impairments

     4       973       —         —         977  

Income tax expense

     35       —         —         —         35  
                                        

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 432     $ 24     $ (157 )   $ —       $ 299  
                                        
     Three Months Ended September 30, 2006  
     Entertainment     Hospitality  
    

Buzztime iTV

Network

   

Buzztime

Distribution

   

Software

Solutions

   

NTN

Wireless

    Total  

Net income (loss) per GAAP

   $ 352     $ (191 )   $ (350 )   $ 134     $ (55 )

Interest (income) expense, net

     (27 )     1       —         —         (26 )

Depreciation and amortization

     947       144       82       17       1,190  

Non-cash stock based compensation

     146       42       23       3       214  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     32       —         —         (7 )     25  
                                        

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 1,450     $ (4 )   $ (245 )   $ 147     $ 1,348