Strong Sales Increase, Margin Expansion and Operating Cost Leverage Drive Significant Improvement in Results

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 28, 2021-- JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021.

First Quarter 2021 Overview:

• Net sales were $83.8 million, up 26% compared to $66.6 million last year
• Highest year-over-year first quarter sales growth since Q1 2015
• Gross margin of 31.1%, up 650 basis points vs. Q1 2020
• Highest Q1 gross margin percentage since 2017
• Net loss attributable to common stockholders of $24.4 million compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $12.3 million in Q1 2020
• Adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders (a non-GAAP measure) of $9.5 million, compared to an adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders of $21.9 million in Q1 2020
• Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) was negative $2.4 million, compared to negative $13.9 million in the first quarter of 2020
• Trailing twelve month adjusted EBITDA of $39.5 million (7.4% of net sales) up 79% from $22.1 (3.7% of net sales) in the trailing twelve months ended March 2020

Management Commentary

JAKKS Chairman and CEO Stephen Berman stated, “We had an excellent beginning to 2021, with strong sales growth in many product lines, a healthy increase in gross margins, and tight cost controls. We delivered the best first quarter operating results since 2015, with significant improvement in sales, gross margin, adjusted net income and adjusted EBITDA. These results reflect the efforts we have made to broaden our product line, reduce our operating costs and cut interest expense.

“During the quarter, we drove double-digit sales increases in all of our toy divisions: Boys, Girls and Seasonal. We saw strong sales of products tied to video games, including Nintendo, Sonic the Hedgehog and Apex: Legends, a near doubling of sales in Disney Princess, solid initial sales of Raya and the Last Dragon, and continued strength in Black & Decker. We also registered strong sales of our own brands such as Perfectly Cute and Redo Skateboards. These sales gains easily offset the expected sales decreases we saw in Frozen, Frozen 2, and Fly Wheels.

“We are especially pleased by our continued success in reducing our operating costs, as reflected by our strong increase in gross margin and lower SG&A costs. Looking toward the balance of the year, we expect to continue to benefit from lean retail inventories and lower operating costs. Our retail POS trends remain positive, and we have a well-balanced line of new and continuing products planned for the holiday season. As we have for our 27-year history, we will focus on proven play patterns and our partnerships with world-class license partners and highly recognizable brands.

“As 2021 unfolds, we expect to see a return to more normal patterns of shopping, gift-giving and celebrating Halloween. We believe we are set up very well for a year of increased sales, improved EBITDA and a strengthened financial position, which we expect to generate strong momentum and can position us well for 2022 and beyond.”

First Quarter 2021 Results

Net sales for the first quarter 2021 were $83.8 million up 26% versus $66.6 million last year. The increase was driven primarily by higher sales of products across our Toys/Consumer Products segment which were up 28% globally. Net sales of Disguise costumes were essentially flat compared to last year.

Gross profit in the first quarter of 2021 was $26.1 million or 31.1% of net sales, compared to $16.4 million or 24.6% of net sales in the prior year, driven by significantly improved product margins and lower royalty costs as a percent of sales. SG&A costs were $28.8 million, down from $32.3 million in the prior year. As a percent of net sales, SG&A costs were 34.4%, down from 48.6% in the prior year.

The net loss attributable to common stockholders was $24.4 million, or $4.54 per basic and diluted share, compared to a loss of $12.3 million, or $4.09 per basic and diluted share in the first quarter of 2020. Net loss in the first quarter of both 2021 and 2020 included several significant adjustments, including those related to changes in the fair value of convertible senior notes and preferred stock derivative liability and other adjustments. Excluding such adjustments in both years, the adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders (a non-GAAP measure) was a loss of $9.5 million, or $1.77 per basic and diluted share in the first quarter of 2021 compared to a loss of $21.9 million or $7.23 per basic and diluted share in the first quarter of 2020. Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) was negative $2.4 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to negative $13.9 million a year ago. For the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2021, adjusted EBITDA was $39.5 million, up 79% compared to $22.1 million for the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2020. (See note below on “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information.”)

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash) totaled $84.1 million as of March 31, 2021 compared to $92.7 million as of December 31, 2020, and $44.0 million as of March 31, 2020.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

In addition to the preliminary results reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP included in this release, the Company has provided certain non-GAAP financial information including Adjusted EBITDA which is a non-GAAP metric that excludes various items that are detailed in the financial tables and accompanying footnotes reconciling GAAP to non-GAAP results contained in this release. Management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to investors because the information may allow investors to better evaluate ongoing business performance and certain components of the Company’s results. In addition, the Company believes that the presentation of these financial measures enhances an investor’s ability to make period-to-period comparisons of the Company’s operating results. This information should be considered in addition to the results presented in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered a substitute for the GAAP results. The Company has reconciled the non-GAAP financial information included in this release to the nearest GAAP measures. See the attached “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information.” “Total liquidity” is calculated as cash and cash equivalents, plus availability under the Company’s $60.0 million revolving credit facility.

Conference Call Live Webcast

JAKKS Pacific will webcast its first quarter earnings call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time/2:00 p.m. Pacific Time today. To listen to the live webcast and access the accompanying presentation slides, go to www.jakks.com/investors and click on the earnings website link under the Presentations tab at least 20 minutes prior to register, download and install any necessary audio software.

A replay of the call will be available on JAKKS’ website approximately two hours following completion of the call through May 5, 2021 ending at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time/5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. The playback can be accessed by calling (888) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406 for international callers, with passcode “2188217#” for both playback numbers.

About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of toys and consumer products sold throughout the world, with its headquarters in Santa Monica, California. JAKKS Pacific’s popular proprietary brands include; Creepy Crawlers®, Eyeclops®, Fly Wheel®, Kitten Catfe™, Perfectly Cute®, ReDo Skateboard Co.®, WeeeDo™, Xtreme Power®, Disguise®, Maui®, Moose Mountain®, Kids Only!®; a wide range of entertainment-inspired products featuring premier licensed properties; and C’est Moi®, a New Generation of Clean Beauty®. Through JAKKS Cares, the company’s commitment to philanthropy, JAKKS is helping to make a positive impact on the lives of children. Visit us at www.jakks.com and follow us on Instagram (@jakkstoys), Twitter (@jakkstoys) and Facebook (JAKKS Pacific).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about JAKKS Pacific's business based partly on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above, changes in demand for JAKKS Pacific's products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing, or that the Recapitalization transaction or any future transactions will result in future growth or success of JAKKS. The “forward-looking statements” contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and JAKKS undertakes no obligation to update any of them to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
		March 31,								December 31,
		2021				2020				2020
		(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	80,406			$	39,467			$	87,953
Restricted cash			3,653				4,561				4,740
Accounts receivable, net			79,657				64,761				102,254
Inventory			36,653				48,233				38,642
Prepaid expenses and other assets			23,480				18,802				17,239
Total current assets			223,849				175,824				250,828
Property and equipment			115,068				122,095				114,045
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			102,043				106,696				100,534
Property and equipment, net			13,025				15,399				13,511
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net			22,283				29,824				24,393
Goodwill			35,083				35,083				35,083
Intangibles and other assets, net			4,165				20,783				5,554
Total assets		$	298,405			$	276,913			$	329,369
LIABILITIES, PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	59,540			$	44,841			$	79,799
Reserve for sales returns and allowances			39,499				31,743				42,108
Income taxes payable			175				347				484
Short term operating lease liabilities			10,109				9,592				9,925
Short term debt, net			6,721				1,905				5,950
Total current liabilities			116,044				88,428				138,266
Long term operating lease liabilities			14,475				23,120				16,883
Debt, non-current portion, net			154,960				169,397				150,410
Other liabilities			15,438				3,319				8,062
Income taxes payable			947				1,471				947
Deferred tax liability, net			123				226				123
Total liabilities			301,987				285,961				314,691
Preferred stock			2,066				790				1,740
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, $.001 par value			6				36				6
Additional paid-in capital			227,113				200,248				221,590
Accumulated deficit			(221,509	)			(195,187	)			(197,423	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(12,504	)			(16,056	)			(12,446	)
Total JAKKS Pacific, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)			(6,894	)			(10,959	)			11,727
Non-controlling interests			1,246				1,121				1,211
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)			(5,648	)			(9,838	)			12,938
Total liabilities, preferred stock and stockholders' equity (deficit)		$	298,405			$	276,913			$	329,369

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2021				2020
		(In thousands, except per share data)
Net sales		$	83,843			$	66,557
Less cost of sales
Cost of goods			44,049				37,704
Royalty expense			12,511				11,475
Amortization of tools and molds			1,189				1,028
Cost of sales			57,749				50,207
Gross profit			26,094				16,350
Direct selling expenses			6,802				8,502
General and administrative expenses			21,411				22,980
Depreciation and amortization			604				854
Loss from operations			(2,723	)			(15,986	)
Other income (expense):
Income from joint ventures			-				2
Other income (expense), net			55				38
Change in fair value of convertible senior notes			(9,047	)			7,675
Change in fair value of preferred stock derivative liability			(7,375	)			2,082
Interest income			2				14
Interest expense			(4,875	)			(5,547	)
Loss before provision for income taxes			(23,963	)			(11,722	)
Provision for income taxes			88				276
Net loss			(24,051	)			(11,998	)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests			35				40
Net loss attributable to JAKKS Pacific, Inc.		$	(24,086	)		$	(12,038	)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders		$	(24,412	)		$	(12,345	)
Loss per share - basic and diluted		$	(4.54	)		$	(4.09	)
Shares used in loss per share - basic and diluted			5,379				3,021

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information (Unaudited)
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP measures:
This press release and accompanying schedules provide certain information regarding Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income (Loss), which may be considered non-GAAP financial measures under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The non-GAAP financial measures included in the press release are reconciled to the corresponding GAAP financial measures below, as required under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the use of non-GAAP financial measures. We define Adjusted EBITDA as income (loss) from operations before depreciation, amortization and adjusted for certain non-recurring and non-cash charges, such as reorganization expenses and restricted stock compensation expense. Net income (loss) is similarly adjusted and tax-effected to arrive at Adjusted Net Income (Loss). Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income (Loss) are not recognized financial measures under GAAP, but we believe that they are useful in measuring our operating performance. We believe that the use of the non-GAAP financial measures enhances an overall understanding of the Company’s past financial performance, and provides useful information to the investor by comparing our performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis.
Investors should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for net income, operating income, or any other measure for determining the Company’s operating performance that is calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because these measures are not calculated in accordance with GAAP, they may not necessarily be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2021				2020
		(In thousands, except per share data)
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
Net loss		$	(24,051	)		$	(11,998	)
Interest expense			4,875				5,547
Interest income			(2	)			(14	)
Provision for income taxes			88				276
Depreciation and amortization			1,793				1,882
EBITDA			(17,297	)			(4,307	)
Adjustments:
Income from joint ventures			-				(2	)
Other income (expense), net			(55	)			(38	)
Restricted stock compensation expense			382				252
Change in fair value of convertible senior notes			9,047				(7,675	)
Change in fair value of preferred stock derivative liability			7,375				(2,082	)
Employee retention credit			(1,900	)			-
Adjusted EBITDA		$	(2,448	)		$	(13,852	)
Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
Net loss attributable to common stockholders		$	(24,412	)		$	(12,345	)
Restricted stock compensation expense			382				252
Change in fair value of convertible senior notes			9,047				(7,675	)
Change in fair value of preferred stock derivative liability			7,375				(2,082	)
Employee retention credit			(1,900	)			-
Tax impact of additional charges			-				-
Adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders		$	(9,508	)		$	(21,850	)
Adjusted loss per share - basic and diluted		$	(1.77	)		$	(7.23	)
Shares used in adjusted loss per share - basic and diluted			5,379				3,021

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210428005946/en/

Gateway Investor Relations
Sean McGowan, (949) 574-3860
Managing Director
smcgowan@gatewayir.com

JAKKS Pacific
Jared Wolfson
(424) 268-9330
jwolfson@jakks.net

Source: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.