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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Date of Report: (Date of Earliest Event Reported): March 16, 2023

 

THE ARENA GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE   001-12471   68-0232575

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

200 VESEY STREET, 24TH FLOOR    
NEW YORK, NEW YORK   10281
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

212-321-5002

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

 

 

(Former name or former address if changed since last report)

 

Securities registered pursuant in Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share   AREN   NYSE American

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
   
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
   
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
   
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

 

On March 16, 2023, The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2022. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

The information furnished with this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1 hereto, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any other filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit

No.

  Description
99.1   Press Release of The Arena Group Holdings, Inc., dated March 16, 2023, announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2022
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: March 16, 2023 THE ARENA GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Douglas B. Smith
  Name: Douglas B. Smith
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

EX-99.1 2 ex99-1.htm

 

Exhibit 99.1

 


 

The Arena Group Reports Full Year 2022 Revenue of $221 Million

Driven by a Nearly 74% Year Over Year Increase in Digital Advertising Revenue

 

Results Showcase a $28 Million Improvement in Operating Income for Full Year 2022

 

NEW YORK – March 16, 2023 – The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: AREN) (the “Company” or “The Arena Group”), a tech-powered media company home to more than 265 brands, including Sports Illustrated, TheStreet, Parade Media (“Parade”), and Men’s Journal operating on a single technology platform, today announced financial results for the three months and twelve months ended December 31, 2022. The Company reported significant improvements in both top- and bottom-line results in 2022, driving record revenues of more than $221 million, while reducing operating expenses by nearly $20 million over that time. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company reported revenue from continuing operations of $61.7 million while reducing operating expenses by more than 30%. These results were driven by significant gains in digital advertising and licensing and syndication, and new lines of revenue in online betting and ecommerce, while managing headwinds and declines in the legacy print and subscription lines. Overall, the Company reported its highest full-year revenue and profits in its history.

 

(in thousands)  

Three Months Ended

December 31,

    2022 versus 2021     Years Ended December 31,     2022 versus 2021  
Revenue by Category   2022     2021     $ Change     % Change     2022     2021     $ Change     % Change  
Digital Revenue                                                                
Digital advertising   $ 34,467     $ 23,468     $ 10,999       46.9 %   $ 109,317     $ 62,865     $ 46,452       73.9 %
Digital subscriptions     4,576       7,155       (2,579 )     -36.0 %     21,156       29,629       (8,473 )     -28.6 %
Licensing and syndication     5,896       2,669       3,227       120.9 %     18,173       8,471       9,702       114.5 %
Other digital revenue     250       11       239       2172.7 %     1,166       43       1,123       2611.6 %
Total digital revenue     45,189       33,303       11,886       35.7 %     149,812       101,008       48,804       48.3 %
Print Revenue                                                                
Print advertising     2,429       2,147       282       13.1 %     10,214       9,051       1,163       12.8 %
Print subscriptions     14,046       25,754       (11,708 )     -45.5 %     60,909       79,081       (18,172 )     -23.0 %
Total print revenue     16,475       27,901       (11,426 )     -41.0 %     71,123       88,132       (17,009 )     -19.3 %
Total revenue   $ 61,664     $ 61,204     $ 460       0.8 %   $ 220,935     $ 189,140     $ 31,795       16.8 %

 

*The results for the fourth quarter of 2022 and full year 2022 have been adjusted in this press release to remove the discontinued operations of the Parade print business (“Parade Print”) that was acquired on April 1, 2022 and was discontinued on November 13, 2022.

 

Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial and Operational Highlights

 

Quarterly revenue from continuing operations was $61.7 million versus $61.2 million in the prior year period.
Digital advertising revenue increased 47% to a record $34.5 million versus $23.5 million in the prior year period.
Quarterly operating expenses decreased by $15.3 million from $50.8 million to $35.6 million in the prior year period.
Net loss improved by $5.4 million to $13.7 million versus $19.1 million in the prior year period.

 

 

 

The fourth quarter of 2022 included approximately $15.0 million in non-cash charges, which represents approximately 109% of the net loss. The non-cash charges include stock-based compensation, depreciation, amortization of platform development and intangible assets and other non-cash charges.
Adjusted EBITDA** was $5.4 million versus $1.1 million in the prior year period.
The Arena Group generated $3.4 million in cash from operations versus $6.5 million of cash used in operations in the prior year period.

 

Full Year 2022 Financial Highlights

 

Total revenue from continuing operations for 2022 was $220.9 million, representing an increase of 17% from $189.1 million for 2021. This was accomplished as a result of a 48% year-over-year increase in revenues from the digital side of our business, which more than offset the planned reduction in print revenues.
Digital advertising revenue increased 74% to $109.3 million from $62.9 million in 2021.
Operating expenses decreased by $19.0 million from $162.9 million in the prior year to $143.9 million in 2022.
Loss from continuing operations was $67.4 million in 2022, representing an improvement of $22.6 million compared to a loss from continuing operations of $89.9 million in the prior year. Loss from discontinued operations was $3.5 million for 2022, with no such loss in 2021.
Net loss improved by over $19.1 million to $70.9 million in 2022 versus $89.9 million in the prior year. Fiscal year 2022 included $61.6 million in non-cash charges which represents approximately 87% of the net loss. The non-cash charges include stock-based compensation, depreciation, amortization of platform development and intangible assets and other non-cash charges.
Adjusted EBITDA** was $3.1 million, compared to a $12.1 million loss in the prior year.

 

**Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. For additional information regarding non-GAAP financial measures, see “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation” below.

 

Management Commentary

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Arena Group, Ross Levinsohn, said, “2022 was a transformative year for our Company as we grew our digital business lines substantially, expanded our portfolio, recorded revenue growth and sharpened our operations to drive significant improvements to our financial results. We have grown revenue from $53.3 million in 2019 to $220.9 million in 2022, while expanding margins and significantly narrowing our losses and reporting our first full year of positive Adjusted EBITDA in our Company’s history.”

 

“In 2023, we are focused on continuing to streamline our operations to drive operating cash flow and profits for our Company and shareholders,” added Mr. Levinsohn. “We have successfully re-platformed our Men’s Journal, Men’s Fitness, Surfer, Powder and Bike acquisitions, and following the addition of 113 new sites in 2022, we continue to further expand our footprint, reach and inventory. In the fourth quarter of 2022, we generated positive cash from operations and delivered $5.4 million in positive Adjusted EBITDA. We expect $30 to $35 million in Adjusted EBITDA for 2023, demonstrating the growing earnings power of our business as we more effectively leverage our scale. Simultaneously, we expect to continue to expand our use of technology, including artificial intelligence solutions, to drive incremental productivity efficiencies.”

 

 

 

The Company generated impactful growth across each vertical in the fourth quarter. Highlights include:

 

  The Sports vertical, anchored by Sports Illustrated and featuring local team sites brand FanNation, The Spun and Sports Illustrated Media Group partners, increased monthly average pageviews by 76% in 2022 compared to 2021, according to Google Analytics, and the Sports Illustrated Media Group was the #4 ranked sports media property according to ComScore in January 2023.
  The Finance vertical grew monthly average pageviews 139% in 2022 compared to 2021, reaching an average of 27 million pageviews online each month, according to Google Analytics.
  The Lifestyle vertical, anchored by Parade, which the Company acquired in April, continued to deliver improvements in audience and yield. According to Google Analytics, Parade.com’s monthly average pageviews have increased by 44% in 2022 compared to 2021, reaching 586 million quarterly pageviews in the fourth quarter. Unique users approximately doubled in the last six months of 2022, according to Comscore.
  The Company’s pet property, Pet Helpful, delivered a 364% year-over-year growth in quarterly pageviews in the fourth quarter of 2022, reaching 309 million in the fourth quarter, according to Google Analytics.
  In the HubPages business, the Company’s content playbook has now expanded across 34 sites, with plans to double the number of sites utilizing the playbook in 2023. As a result of this strategy, the Company’s total HubPages monthly average pageviews in the fourth quarter was 65.4 million, up 54% from the prior year, according to Google Analytics.

 

Financial Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021

 

Revenue

 

Revenue from continuing operations was $61.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 1% compared to $61.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2021.

 

Digital Revenue

 

Revenue from digital operations grew 36% year-over-year to $45.2 million in the fourth quarter 2022, highlighted by a 47% increase in digital advertising. Consumer engagement, measured by page view growth, recorded a 22% gain to more than 1.5 billion during the quarter, and a 13% increase in revenue per page view year-over-year.

 

Licensing and syndication revenue increased by $3.2 million, or 121% from the prior year period as we now distribute content to more than 600 external outlets.

 

Print Revenue

 

The improvement in digital revenue offset an $11.4 million decrease in total print revenue, from $27.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 to $16.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, which was primarily related to a planned decrease in print revenue from the Sports Illustrated magazine, as we reduced the rate-base from 1.7 million to 1.2 million. The Company continues to focus on driving margin and profits from its subscription relationships, as the segment remains profitable from subscriptions and print advertising.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2022 decreased slightly to $27.5 million from $33.9 million in the prior year period. Cost of revenue increased by 25% to $34.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 from $27.3 million in the prior year period, primarily driven by higher print production and distribution costs.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Total operating expenses decreased by $15.3 million to $35.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 from $50.8 million in the prior year period. This decrease was primarily driven by lower subscription acquisition costs related to the aforementioned 29% decrease in the Sports Illustrated rate base. In addition, the Company continues to optimize operations, integrate acquired properties and drive efficiency.

 

Net Loss from Continuing Operations

 

Net loss from continuing operations improved to $11.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 as compared to $19.1 million in the prior year period. The fourth quarter of 2022 included non-cash charges of $15.0 million as compared to $19.5 million of non-cash charges in the prior year period.

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

Adjusted EBITDA was $5.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, an improvement from $4.3 million in the prior year period.

 

Financial Results for the 12 Months Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to the 12 Months Ended December 31, 2021

 

Revenue:

 

Total revenue from continuing operations for the full year 2022 was $220.9 million as compared to $189.1 million in the prior year, which represents an increase of 17%.

 

Digital Revenue

 

Our digital advertising revenue from continuing operations increased by $46.5 million or 74%, driven by a 47% increase in monthly average pageviews and a 13% increase in RPM for the full year 2022 as compared to the prior year with 80% of the total digital revenue increase attributable to organic growth.

 

For the full year 2022, licensing and syndication revenue increased by $9.7 million or 115% from the prior year as we added 500 new digital outlets during the year and expanded existing ones to leverage our content with increased monetization. Other digital revenue, primarily consisting of e-commerce and sponsorship revenue, increased by $1.1 million from the prior year largely attributable to the expansion of our e-commerce business.

 

Print Revenue

 

Print subscription revenue decreased by $18.2 million or 23% from the prior year, which was principally related to our planned rate base reduction for our Sports Illustrated media business of 29% from 1.7 million in fiscal 2021 to 1.2 million in fiscal 2022 to focus on more profitable subscriptions.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit was $88.0 million, representing a 40% gross margin, for the full year 2022, as compared to $78.6 million, representing a 42% gross margin in the prior year. Operating expenses decreased by $19.0 million from $162.9 million in the prior year to $143.9 million for the full year 2022.

 

Net Loss from Continuing Operations

 

Net loss from continuing operations was $67.4 million for the full year 2022, an improvement of $22.6 million compared to $89.9 million in the prior year. The Company recorded $61.6 million of non-cash charges in 2022, representing 91% of the net loss in 2022. During fiscal 2021, the Company recorded $69.4 million of non-cash charges.

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

Adjusted EBITDA was $3.1 million for the full year 2022 representing an improvement of more than $15 million, compared to a loss of $12.1 million for the prior year, primarily attributable to the $22.6 million improvement in net loss from continuing operations.

 

Balance Sheet and Liquidity as of December 31, 2022

 

Cash and cash equivalents were $13.9 million as of December 31, 2022, compared to $9.3 million as of December 31, 2021.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in operating activities was $11.3 million, as compared to $14.7 million for the prior year, a $3.4 million improvement. The improvement was primarily a result of the increase in revenue and reduction in operating expenses as well as a general improvement in our working capital efficiency.

 

Fiscal 2023 Outlook

 

Management reiterated its full-year 2023 guidance of between $255 million and $270 million in total revenue and between $30 million and $35 million in Adjusted EBITDA.

 

 

 

“As we do each quarter and on an annual basis, we proactively manage our cost structure and focus on driving increased operational efficiency to position the Company to achieve its Adjusted EBITDA target,” commented Doug Smith, The Arena Group’s Chief Financial Officer.

 

Conference Call

 

Ross Levinsohn, The Arena Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Doug Smith, Chief Financial Officer, and Andrew Kraft, Chief Operating Officer, will host a conference call and live webcast to review the financial results and provide a corporate update on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. ET. To access the call, please dial 888-506-0062 (toll free) or 973-528-0011 and if requested, reference conference ID 403807. The conference call will also be webcast live on the Investor Relations section of The Arena Group’s website at https://investors.thearenagroup.net/news-and-events/events.

 

Following the conclusion of the live call, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website for at least 90 days. A telephonic replay of the conference call will also be available from 7 p.m. ET on March 16, 2023 until 11:59 p.m. ET on March 30, 2023 by dialing 877-481-4010 (United States) or 919-882-2331 (international) and using the passcode 47566.

 

About The Arena Group

 

The Arena Group creates robust digital destinations that delight consumers with powerful journalism and news about the things they love – their favorite sports teams, advice on investing, the inside scoop on personal finance, and the latest on lifestyle essentials. With powerful technology, editorial expertise, data management, and marketing savvy, the transformative company enables brands like Sports Illustrated, TheStreet, Parade, and Men’s Journal to deliver highly relevant content and experiences that consumers love. To learn more, visit www.thearenagroup.net.

 

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

We report our financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”); however, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures provide users of our financial information with useful supplemental information that enables a better comparison of our performance across periods. This press release includes references to Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. We believe Adjusted EBITDA provides visibility to our underlying continuing operating performance by excluding the impact of certain items that are noncash in nature or not related to our core business operations. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net loss, adjusted for (i) interest expense (net), (ii) income taxes, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) stock-based compensation, (v) change in derivative valuations, (vi) liquidated damages, (vii) gain upon debt extinguishment, (viii) loss on impairment of lease, (ix) loss on lease termination, (x) loss on impairment of assets, (xi) professional and vendor fees, and (xii) employee restructuring payments.

 

Our Adjusted EBITDA measure may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure used by other companies, has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our operating results as reported under GAAP. Additionally, we do not consider our Adjusted EBITDA as superior to, or a substitute for, the equivalent measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net loss has been provided in the financial statement tables included in this press release, and investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation.

 

We have not reconciled full year 2023 guidance for Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP measure because certain items that impact Adjusted EBITDA are uncertain, out of our control, and/or cannot be reasonably predicted. Accordingly, a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA guidance to the corresponding GAAP measure is not available without unreasonable effort.

 

 

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This press release includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “forecast,” “guidance,” “plan,” “estimate,” “will,” “would,” “project,” “maintain,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “prospect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “believe,” “continue,” “opportunity,” “potential,” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, and include, for example, statements related to full year 2023 guidance for Adjusted EBITDA, the Company’s anticipated future expenses and investments, business strategy and plans, expectations relating to its industry, market conditions and market trends and growth, market position and potential market opportunities, and objectives for future operations. These forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the duration and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic and impact on the demand for the Company products; the ability of the Company to expand its verticals; the Company’s ability to grow its subscribers; the Company’s ability to grow its advertising revenue; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the effects of steps that the Company could take to reduce operating costs; the inability of the Company to sustain profitable sales growth; circumstances or developments that may make the Company unable to implement or realize the anticipated benefits, or that may increase the costs, of its current and planned business initiatives; and those factors detailed by the Company in its public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties, or facts materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

Investor Relations Contact

Rob Fink

FNK IR

Aren@fnkir.com

646.809.4048

 

Media Contacts:

Rachael Fink

Communications Manager, The Arena Group

Rachael.fink@thearenagroup.net

 

Andrew Rhodes

DKC

arena@dkcnews.com

 

 

 

THE ARENA GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

 

    As of December 31,  
    2022     2021  
    ($ in thousands, except share data)  
Assets                
Current assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 13,871     $ 9,349  
Restricted cash     502       502  
Accounts receivable, net     33,950       21,660  
Subscription acquisition costs, current portion     25,931       30,162  
Royalty fees     -       11,250  
Prepayments and other current assets     4,441       4,748  
Total current assets     78,695       77,671  
Property and equipment, net     735       636  
Operating lease right-of-use assets     372       528  
Platform development, net     10,330       9,299  
Subscription acquisition costs, net of current portion     14,133       8,235  
Acquired and other intangible assets, net     58,970       57,356  
Other long-term assets     1,140       639  
Goodwill     39,344       19,619  
Total assets   $ 203,719     $ 173,983  
Liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders’ deficiency                
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable   $ 12,863     $ 11,982  
Accrued expenses and other     23,102       24,011  
Line of credit     14,092       11,988  
Unearned revenue     58,703       54,030  
Subscription refund liability     845       3,087  
Operating lease liabilities     427       374  
Liquidated damages payable     5,843       5,197  
Bridge notes     34,805       -  
Current portion of long-term debt     65,684       5,744  
Total current liabilities     216,364       116,413  
Unearned revenue, net of current portion     19,701       15,277  
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion     358       785  
Liquidating damages payable, net of current portion     494       7,008  
Other long-term liabilities     5,307       7,556  
Deferred tax liabilities     465       362  
Long-term debt, net of current portion     -       64,373  
Total liabilities     242,689       211,774  
Commitments and contingencies                
Mezzanine equity:                
Series G redeemable and convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value, $1,000 per share liquidation value and 1,800 shares designated; aggregate liquidation value: $168; Series G shares issued and outstanding: 168; common shares issuable upon conversion: 8,582 at December 31, 2022 and 2021     168       168  
Series H convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value, $1,000 per share liquidation value and 23,000 shares designated; aggregate liquidation value: $14,356 and $15,066; Series H shares issued and outstanding: 14,356 and 15,066; common shares issuable upon conversion: 1,981,128 and 2,075,200 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively     13,008       13,718  
Total mezzanine equity     13,176       13,886  
Stockholders’ deficiency:                
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 1,000,000,000 shares: issued and outstanding; 18,303,193 and 12,635,951 shares December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively     182       126  
Common stock to be issued     -       -  
Additional paid-in capital     270,743       200,410  
Accumulated deficit     (323,071 )     (252,213 )
Total stockholders’ deficiency     (52,146 )     (51,677 )
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders’ deficiency   $ 203,719     $ 173,983  

 

 

 

THE ARENA GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended

December 31,

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2022     2021  
    ($ in thousands)  
Revenue   $ 61,664     $ 61,204     $ 220,935     $ 189,140  
Cost of revenue (includes amortization for developed technology and platform development for 2022 and 2021 of $9,459 and $8,829, respectively and for the three months ended 2022 and 2021 of 2,360 and $2,263, respectively)     34,134       27,266       132,923       110,530  
Gross profit     27,530       33,938       88,012       78,610  
Operating expenses                                
Selling and marketing     19,366       27,697       72,489       81,929  
General and administrative     11,658       18,025       53,499       55,612  
Depreciation and amortization     4,526       4,363       17,650       16,345  
Loss on impairment of assets     -       288       257       1,192  
Loss on impairment of lease     -       466       -       466  
Loss on termination of lease     -       -       -       7,345  
Total operating expenses     35,550       50,839       143,895       162,889  
Loss from operations     (8,020 )     (16,901 )     (55,883 )     (84,279 )
Other (expense) income                                
Change in valuation of warrant derivative liabilities     -       (463 )     -       34  
Interest expense, net     (2,918 )     (2,754 )     (11,428 )     (10,449 )
Liquidated damages     (501 )     (439 )     (1,140 )     (2,637 )
Gain upon debt extinguishment     -       -       -       5,717  
Total other expense     (3,419 )     (3,656 )     (12,568 )     (7,335 )
Loss before income taxes     (11,439 )     (20,557 )     (68,451 )     (91,614 )
Income tax benefit (provision)     (117 )     1,444       1,063       1,674  
Loss from continuing operations     (11,566 )     (19,113 )     (67,388 )     (89,940 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax     (2,141 )     -       (3,470 )     -  
Net loss   $ (13,697 )   $ (19,113 )   $ (70,858 )   $ (89,940 )
Basic and diluted net loss per common share:                                
Continuing operations   $ (0.63 )   $ (1.56 )   $ (3.82 )   $ (7.87 )
Discontinued operations     (0.12 )     -       (0.20 )     -  
Basic and diluted net loss per common stock   $ (0.75 )   $ (1.56 )   $ (4.02 )   $ (7.87 )
Weighted average number of common stock outstanding – basic and diluted     18,457,296       12,275,151       17,625,619       11,429,740  

 

 

 

THE ARENA GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021  
    ($ in thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities                
Net loss   $ (70,858 )   $ (89,940 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:                
Depreciation of property and equipment     539       443  
Amortization of platform development and intangible assets     26,570       24,731  
Amortization of debt costs     1,581       2,106  
Loss on impairment of assets     466       1,192  
Loss on impairment of lease     -       466  
Loss on termination of lease     -       7,345  
Change in valuation of warrant derivative liabilities     -       (34 )
Liquidated damages     1,140       2,637  
Gain upon debt extinguishment     -       (5,717 )
Accrued and noncash converted interest     320       6,956  
Stock-based compensation     31,345       30,493  
Deferred income taxes     (1,200 )     (1,674 )
Bad debt expense     658       499  
Other     184       -  
Change in operating assets and liabilities net of effect of acquisitions:                
Accounts receivable     (2,038 )     (3.884 )
Subscription acquisition costs     (1,667 )     3,108  
Royalty fees     11,250       15,000  
Prepayments and other current assets     2,280       49  
Other long-term assets     (285 )     692  
Accounts payable     (6,535 )     3,752  
Accrued expenses and other     (2,996 )     7,474  
Unearned revenue     3,898       (15,819 )
Subscription refund liability     (2,379 )     (949 )
Operating lease liabilities     (218 )     (2,489 )
Other long-term liabilities     (3,359 )     (1,166 )
Net cash used in operating activities     (11,304 )     (14,729 )
Cash flows from investing activities                
Purchases of property and equipment     (530 )     (377 )
Capitalized platform development     (5,179 )     (4,819 )
Proceeds from sale of equity investment     2,450       -  
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash     (35,331 )     (7,950 )
Net cash used in investing activities     (38,590 )     (13,146 )
Cash flows from financing activities                
Proceeds from bridge notes, net of debt costs     34,728       -  
Proceeds from long-term debt     -       5,086  
Payments of long-term debt     (5,928 )     -  
Proceeds, net of repayments, under line of credit     2,104       4,809  
Proceeds from common stock public offering, net of offering costs     32,058       -  
Payments of issuance costs from common stock public offering     (1,568 )     -  
Proceeds from common stock private placement     -       20,005  
Payments of issuance costs from common stock private placement     -       (167 )
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options     95       -  
Payment of deferred cash payment     (453 )     -  
Payment for taxes related to common stock withheld for taxes     (4,468 )     (70 )
Payment of restricted stock liabilities     (2,152 )     (1,472 )
Net cash provided by financing activities     54,416       28,191  
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash     4,522       316  
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash – beginning of year     9,851       9,535  
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash – end of year   $ 14,373     $ 9,851  
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 13,871     $ 9,349  
Restricted cash     502       502  
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash   $ 14,373     $ 9,851  

 

 

 

THE ARENA GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NET LOSS TO ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION

(unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended

December 31,

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2022     2021  
    ($ in thousands)  
Net loss   $ (13,697 )   $ (19,113 )   $ (70,858 )   $ (89,940 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax     2,141       -       3,470       -  
Loss from continuing operations     (11,556 )     (19,113 )     (67,388 )     (89,940 )
Add (deduct):                                
Interest expense, net (1)     2,918       2,754       11,428       10,449  
Income tax (benefit) provision     117       (1,444 )     (1,063 )     (1,674 )
Depreciation and amortization (2)     6,886       6,626       27,109       25,174  
Stock-based compensation (3)     6,568       8,804       31,345       30,493  
Change in derivative valuations     -       463       -       (34 )
Liquidated damages (4)     501       439       1,140       2,637  
Gain upon debt extinguishment (5)     -       -       -       (5,717 )
Loss on impairment of lease (6)     -       466       -       466  
Loss on lease termination (7)     -       -       -       7,345  
Loss on impairment of assets (8)     -       288       257       1,192  
Professional and vendor fees (9)     -       1,748       -       6,901  
Employee restructuring payments (10)     -       65       273       645  
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 5,434     $ 1,096     $ 3,101     $ (12,063 )

 

(1) Interest expense is related to our capital structure and varies over time due to a variety of financing transactions. Interest expense includes $365 and $566 for amortization of debt discounts for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $1,581 and $2,106 for amortization of debt discounts for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, as presented in our condensed consolidated and consolidated statements of cash flows, which are a noncash item. Investors should note that interest expense will recur in future periods.
(2) Represents depreciation and amortization related to our developed technology and Platform included within cost of revenues of $2,360 and $2,263 for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $9,459 and $8,829, for the years ending December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Depreciation and amortization included within operating expenses was $4,526 and $4,363 for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $17,650 and $16,345 for the years ending December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We believe (i) the amount of depreciation and amortization expense in any specific period may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations and (ii) such expenses can vary significantly between periods as a result of new acquisitions and full amortization of previously acquired tangible and intangible assets. Investors should note that the use of tangible and intangible assets contributed to revenue in the periods presented and will contribute to future revenue generation and should also note that such expense will recur in future periods.
(3) Represents noncash costs arising from the grant of stock-based awards to employees, consultants and directors. We believe that excluding the effect of stock-based compensation from Adjusted EBITDA assists management and investors in making period-to-period comparisons in our operating performance because (i) the amount of such expenses in any specific period may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations, and (ii) such expenses can vary significantly between periods as a result of the timing of grants of new stock-based awards, including grants in connection with acquisitions. Additionally, we believe that excluding stock-based compensation from Adjusted EBITDA assists management and investors in making meaningful comparisons between our operating performance and the operating performance of other companies that may use different forms of employee compensation or different valuation methodologies for their stock-based compensation. Investors should note that stock-based compensation is a key incentive offered to employees whose efforts contributed to the operating results in the periods presented and are expected to contribute to operating results in future periods. Investors should also note that such expenses will recur in the future.

 

 

 

THE ARENA GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NET LOSS TO ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION

(unaudited)

 

(4) Represents damages (or interest expense related to accrued liquidated damages) we owe to certain of our investors in private placements offerings conducted in fiscal years 2018 through 2020, pursuant to which we agreed to certain covenants in the respective securities purchase agreements and registration rights agreements, including the filing of resale registration statements and becoming current in our reporting obligations, which we were not able to timely meet.
(5) Represents a gain upon extinguishment of the Paycheck Protection Program Loan.
(6) Represents our impairment of certain leased property that is no longer being used.
(7) Represents our loss related to the surrender and termination of our lease of office space located in New York based on our decision to no longer lease office space.
(8) Represents our impairment of certain assets that are no longer useful.
(9) Represents one-time, non-recurring third party professional and vendor fees recorded in connection with services provided by consultants, accountants, lawyers, and other vendors (these fees are collectively referred to as “Professional Fees”) related to (i) the preparation of periodic reports in order for us to become current on our Securities Exchange Act of 1934 reporting obligations, (ii) up-list to a national exchange, (iii) contemplated and completed acquisitions, (iv) public and private offerings of our securities and other financings, and (v) stockholder disputes and the implementation of our rights agreement.

 

The table below summarizes the costs defined above that we incurred during fiscal 2022 and 2021:

 

   

Three Months Ended

December 31,

    Years Ended December 31,  
Category   2022     2021     2022     2021  
(i) Catch-up periodic reports   $ -     $ 301     $ -     $ 4,096  
(ii) Up-list     -       138       -       231  
(iii) M&A     -       695       -       1,034  
(iv) Public & private offerings and other financings     -       56       -       444  
(v) Stockholder disputes/Rights Agreement     -       558       -       1,096  
Totals   $ -     $ 1,748     $ -     $ 6,901  

 

(10) Represents severance payments to the former Chief Financial Officer of Parade and our former Chief Executive Officer for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

The table below sets forth the loss from discontinued operations for the period from April 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022:

 

    Three Months Ended December 31, 2022     Year Ended December 31, 2022  
    ($ in thousands)  
Revenue   $ 6,064     $ 26,817  
Cost of revenue     6,074       23,015  
Gross profit     (10 )     3,802  
Operating expense                
Selling and marketing     1,893       5,396  
General and administrative     238       1,722  
Loss on impairment of assets     -       209  
Total operating expenses     2,131       7,327  
Loss from discontinued operations     (2,141 )     (3,525 )
Income tax benefit     -       55  
Net loss from discontinued operations   $ (2,141 )   $ (3,470 )