News Press Releases

IDW Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Fiscal Year 2019 Results

IDWM | January 23, 2020

Fourth Quarter Revenue Surges on Deliveries of "V Wars" and "October Faction" to Netflix

NEWARK, NJ and LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 23, 2020 / IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK:IDWM), an integrated media company, today reported a fourth quarter net loss per share of $2.29 on revenue of $33.9 million and a full fiscal year net loss per share of $3.90 on revenue of $62.6 million for the three months and twelve months ended October 31, 2019, respectively.

Media Highlights

IDW Entertainment's (IDWE) "V Wars," a vampire science fiction horror series starring Ian Somerhalder and Adrian Holmes based on the IDW Publishing (IDWP) graphic novels by five-time Bram Stoker award-winning author Jonathan Maberry, debuted December 5, 2019 on Netflix.

IDWE's "October Faction," a science fiction drama starring Tamara Taylor and J.C. MacKenzie based on the IDWP comic series by Steve Niles - author of "30 Days of Night" - and digital artist Damien Worm, premieres this evening, January 23^rd on Netflix. The "October Faction" season one trailers can be seen here.
- "V Wars" and "October Faction" were both produced by High Park Entertainment in Toronto, Canada, maximizing local credits and incentives that minimized the series' net production budgets and out-of-pocket expenses.

IDWE's "Locke & Key," a supernatural horror drama based on the IDWP comic series by best-selling author and Eisner award winner Joe Hill, is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on February 7^th. The "Locke & Key" season one trailer can be seen here.

Season four of IDWE's "Wynonna Earp," a live action Western horror drama and winner of the People's Choice Awards in 2018, starring E! Awards winner Melanie Scrofano and based on the IDWP comic series by Beau Smith, is now in production. Season four is expected to debut on SyFy during the second half of CY 2020.

IDWP announced a multi-year agreement with the Smithsonian Institution to jointly develop and publish graphic novels leveraging the Smithsonian's unique cultural and scientific history and expertise. The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum, educational and research complex.

IDWP announced a Spanish language initiative to bring graphic novels to Spanish speakers throughout North America. To launch the initiative, IDWP is planning to release a Spanish translation of George Takei's best-selling memoir, "They Called Us Enemy" in June 2020.

Comments of IDW's Chairman and CEO, Howard Jonas

"The unprecedented demand from streaming networks for fresh, innovative shows provides IDW with a tremendous market opportunity. Our IP portfolio, strong relationships with renowned creators and holistic approach to franchise development strategically positions IDW for near and long-term growth.

"With three new shows premiering on Netflix in a sixty-day span - and a fourth season of ‘Wynonna Earp' debuting later this year on SyFy, IDW has come a very long way since entering the entertainment space just a few years ago. It has taken a lot of hard work and effort to build out these capabilities, and our team deserves tremendous credit for getting us here so quickly. With this foundation now in place, I am extremely excited about our ability to capitalize on this huge market opportunity. Our outlook has never been brighter.

"In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, revenue was boosted by delivery of ‘V Wars' and the majority of the ‘October Faction" episodes to Netflix, while the legacy production finance agreements utilized for these shows and production cost overages resulted in significant losses. The remaining impact of these legacy deals will be recognized in the first quarter fiscal 2020 results reflecting the delivery of the balance of ‘October Faction' episodes to Netflix.

"Looking ahead, IDW Entertainment is delivering season one of ‘Locke & Key' to Netflix and we expect that it will contribute to our bottom line in the first half of fiscal 2020.

"IDW is on track to attain steadily profitable operations in 2021 and beyond with prospective upside from potential renewals of IDW Entertainment's current line-up, from our previously announced deal with Cineflix and SyFy for distribution of ‘Wynonna Earp', from new deals that the IDW Entertainment team is developing from its IP pipeline and from our focus on complete franchise monetization through merchandising, games, video on demand, and other fandom-driven channels. We are working to ensure that all divisions of IDW operate profitably by fiscal 2021.

"With our improving financial and operational outlook, we are exploring listing IDW on a national stock exchange to enhance our visibility, increase liquidity in the market for our stock, and broaden our shareholder base. In conjunction with the up-list, we intend to raise additional growth capital to further strengthen our balance sheet and to pursue the abundant growth opportunities afforded by the intensifying competition among streaming services for original content.

"Buckle your seat belt and stay tuned for exciting news during fiscal 2020, and don't forget to check out the ‘October Faction' premiere tonight on Netflix."

Consolidated P&L Highlights

(in millions, except net loss per share, unaudited)	4Q19	3Q19	4Q18	FY 2019	FY 2018
Revenue	$33.9	$11.5	$20.1	$62.6	$58.7
Direct cost of revenue	$42.0	$5.2	$33.7	$56.2	$54.8
Gross (loss) profit	$(8.1)	$6.3	$(13.6)	$6.4	$3.9
SG&A	$8.7	$7.4	$7.7	$31.2	$27.8
Depreciation & amortization	$0.4	$0.4	$0.4	$1.5	$1.6
Non-cash compensation	$0.6	$0.8	$0.7	$3.1	$3.0
(Loss) from operations	$(17.2)	$(1.5)	$(21.7)	$(26.4)	$(25.6)
Net (loss) attributable to IDW Media Holdings	$(17.1)	$(1.5)	$(28.8)	$(26.4)	$(36.0)
Net loss per share	$(2.29)	$(0.20)	$(4.69)	$(3.90)	$(5.88)

Segment P&L Highlights

(in thousands, unaudited)	4Q19	3Q19	4Q18	FY 2019	FY 2018
Revenue
IDW Publishing*	$5.8	$5.3	$5.8	$20.1	$21.9
IDW Entertainment	$22.6	-	$8.6	$22.7	$16.9
CTM	$5.5	$6.2	$5.7	$19.8	$19.8

(Loss) income from operations
IDW Publishing*	$(0.8)	$(0.8)	$(0.8)	$(5.2)	$(3.4)
IDW Entertainment	$(17.2)	$(0.8)	$(21.4)	$(19.8)	$(21.8)
CTM	$0.8	$1.0	$0.5	$(1.3)	$(0.5)

* Results include Clover Press, which operates independently of IDW Publishing

Financial Take-Aways and Outlook

Revenue Increase: IDWE delivered season one of "V Wars" and seven of ten episodes of season one of "October Faction" to Netflix during the fourth quarter driving an increase in consolidated revenue to $33.9 million in 4Q19 from $20.1 million in 4Q18, and to $62.6 million in FY 2019 from $58.7 million in FY 2018. Note that revenue and amortized production expenses for each series are recognized upon delivery of episodes to the client.

Loss from Operations: IDW's consolidated loss from operations decreased to $17.2 million in 4Q19 from $21.7 million in 4Q18. The 4Q19 loss primarily reflects the production costs and related overages of "V Wars" and of the seven episodes of "October Faction" IDW delivered in the quarter as well as a write-down of the carrying value of Dirk Gently, which was not renewed. The full fiscal year loss from operations increased to $26.4 million in 2019 from $25.6 million in 2018.

Legacy Impacts in FY 2020:
- In 1Q20, IDW expects to realize a loss of approximately $2.6 million on the delivery of the remaining three episodes of "October Faction" to Netflix.
- In 2H20, IDW expects to invest in certain distribution rights to enhance its international franchise sales effort.
- Finally, IDW may incur restructuring expense in FY 2020 as it seeks to attain consistently profitable operations in each of its three operating divisions.

Return to Profitability:
- In FY 2020, IDW expects to generate improved financial performance inclusive of the legacy impacts noted above and the positive EBITDA contribution from the delivery of season one of "Locke & Key."
- In FY 2021, IDW anticipates that the company and each of its three businesses will operate profitably.

Balance Sheet Highlights: IDW's cash balance at October 31st was $10.2 million. Related party debt was $9.1 million. Following the quarter close, the terms of the $4.6 million current portion of this debt were modified and the entire balance will be reported as long-term debt in 1Q20. Bank loans of $39.7 million (the balance of ‘bank loans payable' including current and non-current liabilities) that financed 'V Wars' and 'October Faction' production costs will be paid in full from license fees during CY 2020.

Earnings Conference Call

IDW's management will host an earnings conference call beginning at 5:00 PM Eastern today to present results, outlook and strategy followed by Q&A with investors.

To listen to the call and participate in the Q&A, dial toll-free 1-877-705-6003 (toll free - U.S.) or 1-201-493-6725 (toll - international) and request the ‘IDW call'.

A replay of the conference call can be accessed approximately three hours after the call concludes through January 30, 2020 by dialing 1-844-512-2921 (toll free - U.S.) or 1-412-317-6671 (toll - international) and providing this replay number: 13697805. A replay will also be available via streaming audio through the IDW investor relations website.

About IDW

IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: IDWM) is an integrated media company. IDW's businesses include IDW Publishing - a leading publisher of comic books and graphic novels, IDW Entertainment - a producer and distributor of franchise content through television and other media, and CTM Media Group - one of North America's largest distributors of information for tourists and travelers.

Investor Contact

IDW Media Holdings
Ezra Rosensaft, Chief Financial Officer
ezra@idwmh.com

IDW MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share data)	October 31, 2019 (unaudited)		October 31, 2018
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	10,165	$	13,445
Trade accounts receivable, net		45,253		15,998
Inventory - print and production costs		12,701		41,525
Prepaid expenses		2,092		1,757
Total current assets		70,211		72,725
Property and equipment, net		3,078		3,167
Non-current assets
Trade accounts receivable - non-current portion		-		408
Taxes receivable - non-current		513		513
Intangible assets, net		455		766
Goodwill		2,430		2,297
Other assets		571		463
Total non-current assets		3,969		4,447
Total assets	$	77,258	$	80,339
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	$	2,625	$	2,150
Accrued expenses		4,173		10,116
Deferred revenue		2,255		1,540
Bank loans payable - current portion		29,242		19,238
Related party loans payable - current portion		4,550		14,500
Income taxes payable		73		79
Capital lease obligations - current portion		396		402
Other current liabilities		2,068		95
Total current liabilities		45,382		48,120
Non-current liabilities
Capital lease obligations - long term portion		683		727
Bank loans payable - long term portion		10,500		10,500
Related party loans payable - long term portion		4,500		4,500
Total non-current liabilities		15,683		15,727
Total liabilities		61,065		63,847
Commitments and contingencies (see note 14)		-		-
Stockholders' equity (see note 1):
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares - 500; no shares issued at October 31, 2019 and October 31, 2018		-		-
Class B common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized shares - 12,000; 7,419 and 6,072 shares issued and 6,899 and 5,553 shares outstanding at October 31, 2019 and October 31, 2018, respectively		74		61
Class C common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized shares - 2,500; 545 shares issued and outstanding at October 31, 2019 and 2018		5		5
Stock subscription receivable		(1,000)		-
Additional paid-in capital		96,671		69,780
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(60)		(228	)
Accumulated deficit		(78,359)		(51,930	)
Treasury stock, at cost, consisting of 519 shares of Class B common stock at October 31, 2019 and 2018		(1,196)		(1,196	)
Total IDW Media Holdings Inc. stockholders' equity		16,135		16,492
Non-controlling interest		58		-
Total stockholders' equity		16,193		16,492
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	77,258	$	80,339

IDW MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

	Three Months Ended October 31,					Fiscal Years Ended October 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2019 (unaudited)		2018			2019 (unaudited)		2018

Revenues	$	33,901	$	20,073		$	62,599	$	58,680
Costs and expenses:
Direct cost of revenues		42,002		33,684			56,184		54,838
Selling, general and administrative (i)		8,718		7,673			31,152		27,772
Depreciation and amortization		369		420			1,513		1,625
Bad debt expense		31		38			113		69
Total costs and expenses		51,120		41,815			88,964		84,304
Loss from operations		(17,219)		(21,742	)		(26,363)		(25,624	)
Interest expense, net		(17)		(220	)		(208)		(524	)
Other income (expense), net		39		(2	)		41		10
Loss before income taxes		(17,197)		(21,964	)		(26,530)		(26,138	)
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes		57		(6,883	)		38		(9,884	)
Net loss	$	(17,140)	$	(28,847	)	$	(26,492)	$	(36,022	)
Net (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests		35		-			63		-
Net loss attributable to IDW Media Holdings, Inc.		(17,105)		(28,847	)		(26,429)		(36,022	)

Basic and diluted loss per share (note 3):
Net loss per share	$	(2.29)	$	(4.69	)	$	(3.90)	$	(5.88	)

Weighted-average number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted income per share:		7,444		6,153			6,768		6,130

Interest Expense	$	17	$	172		$	228	$	551

(i) Stock-based compensation included in selling, general and administrative expenses	$	605	$	672		$	3,123	$	2,960

IDW MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Fiscal years ended October 31, (in thousands)	2019 (unaudited)		2018
Operating activities:
Net loss	$	(26,492)		(36,022)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		1,513		1,625
Bad debt expense		113		69
Warrants issued		118		126
Stock based compensation		3,123		2,960
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable		(28,960)		1,233
Inventory		28,824		(12,171)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(443)		(26)
Deferred taxes		-		10,391
Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities		(3,501)		(2,262)
Deferred revenue		715		(3,137)
Net cash used in operating activities		(24,990)		(37,214)
Investing activities:
Business acquisitions		(12)		(28)
Capital expenditures		(1,113)		(911)
Net cash used in investing activities		(1,125)		(939)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		22,663		-
Financing under capital leases		360		241
Repayments of capital lease obligations		(410)		(432)
Proceeds of related party loan		9,050		19,000
Proceeds of bank loans		19,382		34,314
Repayments of related party loans		(19,000)		-
Repayments of bank loans		(9,378)		(10,634)
Net cash provided by financing activities		22,667		42,489
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		168		(45)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		(3,280)		4,291
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		13,445		9,154
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	10,165		13,445

Supplemental schedule of investing and financing activities
Cash paid for interest	$	228		551
Cash paid for income taxes	$	25		159
Purchases of property and equipment through capital lease obligations	$	360		241