EX-99.1 2 exh99-1.htm PRESS RELEASE, DATED MAY 15, 2023.

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

Enthusiast Gaming Reports First Quarter 2023 Results

 

Company Delivers Double-Digit Growth in High-Margin Revenue Streams, Including Brand Solutions, and Delivers
24% YoY Growth in Gross Profit

 

LOS ANGELES, May 15, 2023 -- Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. (“Enthusiast Gaming” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: EGLX; TSX: EGLX), an independent gaming media and entertainment company, today announced financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 (“Q1 2023”).

 

Q1 2023 Financial Highlights

 

Significant increase in high-margin revenue streams compared to Q1 2022, including Brand Solutions (formerly Direct Sales) up 92% to $10.0 million, and Subscriptions up 19% to a record $4.0 million.
Gross profit increased 24% to $16.8 million, compared to $13.5 million in Q1 2022, with margins expanding 1,050 bps YoY to 39.1% from 28.6% in Q1 2022.        

 

“The rapid transformation of Enthusiast Gaming from a collection of entrepreneurial assets to an enterprise-scale platform company built around a single technology stack is underway,” commented Nick Brien, CEO of Enthusiast Gaming. “In the 10 weeks since I joined the company, we have begun to reorganize around a unified vision, strategy, structure and processes that will unlock the true potential of our diverse brands and highly engaged audience. There is a tremendous opportunity in front of us to increase the spend of our current advertisers, while attracting new brands to the emergent gaming marketing sector.”

 

Continued Brien, “Our first quarter 2023 results demonstrate the significant upside potential of our business. We focused on delivering integrated marketing solutions to brands (formerly direct sales) resulting in a near doubling of revenue to $10 million, and we drove a 19% increase in Subscription revenue by serving our communities of enthusiast gamers. The result was a 24% increase in gross profit dollars and a 1,050 bps YoY increase in gross margins to 39.1%, despite the digital ad market headwinds which pressured our programmatic monetization.”

 

“We are transforming every aspect of our business model at speed,” continued Mr. Brien. “The reorganization of the leadership team and focus on the North American marketplace is the first step in the strategic change process. We are strengthening our product and content offerings to reinvent our growth engine and create a more profitable revenue flywheel. Our operations will be enhanced by increased automation and AI application to ensure maximum efficiency and optimum yield extraction of every dollar of revenue earned. We are focused on developing smarter brand activation opportunities, not just selling digital ads. Our company’s unique ability to create bespoke brand experiences, increase site subscriptions, launch new products, enable community commerce while building strategic partnerships with major sports leagues like the NFL, all reinforce our unique opportunity to create diversified revenue streams that deliver value to shareholders.”

 

Q1 2023 Operational Highlights

 

Completion of the first season of NFL Tuesday Night Gaming (NFL TNG), including the production and broadcasting of 19 episodes, connecting fans with NFL stars and gamers, and generating more than 73 million impressions across livestream and social content since the debut in September 2022. Recent NFL TNG media sponsors include Hulu + Live TV, Xbox, Paramount+, Disney+, Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, Nickelodeon, the FDA, TurboTax, Verizon, Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Hasbro, Sour Patch Kids, and Carnival Cruise Line.
Renewals or new business with key notable advertisers including Coca-Cola, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, Toyota Canada, Hasbro, Hut8, LEGO, and the US Navy. Renewals and additional business with existing customers accounted for 59% of brand solutions in Q1 2023.
A record of 2,600 attendees from more than 1,200 companies participated in Pocket Gamer Connects London in January.
EV.IO, the Company’s browser-based first-person shooter cross-chain blockchain game, won multiple “Game of the Year” awards in the Esports and FPS categories in January.
Luminosity Gaming, the Company’s esports division, won 9 championships and gained 35 million impressions across all of its social channels in Q1 2023.
The Company’s Tiktok network achieved over 300 million views across 11 diverse channels in Q1 2023.
The Company was ranked as the #1 gaming property for unique visitor traffic in the United States by Comscore in January (Comscore Media Metrix®, Games, January 2023, U.S.).
Paid subscribers increased 5% to 275,000 at March 31, 2023 from 262,000 at December 31, 2022.

 

First Quarter 2023 Results Comparison

 

Revenue was $42.9 million in Q1 2023 compared to $47.2 million in Q1 2022. Brand solutions (included in revenue) increased by 92% to $10.0 million, Esports & Entertainment revenue increased 72% to $3.4 million, and Subscription revenue increased 19% to $4.0 million. The decline in total revenue was driven by Media & Content revenue which decreased 15% to $35.5 million, driven by: i) less video views due to a separation from a number of non-profitable creator channels, ii) YouTube’s introduction of stricter language moderation on monetized videos, and iii) lower CPMs primarily due to the expansion of YouTube Shorts which monetize at lower rates than long form video. Web page views increased 4%.

 

 

Gross profit increased 24% to $16.8 million in Q1 2023 compared to $13.5 million in Q1 2022, with margins expanding 1,050 bps YoY to 39.1% from 28.6% in Q1 2022.

 

Net loss and comprehensive loss was $8.7 million in Q1 2023, compared to $12.2 million in Q1 2022. Net loss per basic and diluted share was $0.06 in Q1 2023 compared to $0.08 in Q1 2022.

 

As of March 31, 2023, cash balance was $3.5 million compared to $7.4 million as of December 31, 2023. The $3.9 million decrease is primarily the result of a $2.6 million outflow in cash from operations and $1.1 million of repayments on the Company’s term credit.

 

In March, the Company received approval from its lender to extend the maturity dates for the credit facility, together with the Company’s $5 million operating facility, for an additional year to December 31, 2024.

 

Conference Call

 

Management will host a conference call and webcast on May 15, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET to review and discuss the first quarter 2023 results. Conference call details:

 

Toll Free Dial-in: 1-855-239-1101 (Conference ID: 10178677)
Live webcast: https://www.enthusiastgaming.com/investors

 

A replay of the webcast will be available on the Investor Relations page of the Enthusiast Gaming website.

 

Supplemental Information

 

Certain information provided in this news release is extracted from financial statements and management’s discussion & analysis (“MD&A”) of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and should be read in conjunction with them. It is only in the context of the fulsome information and disclosures contained in the financial statements and MD&A that an investor can properly analyze this information. The financial statements and MD&A have been published on the Company’s profile on SEDAR and EDGAR. All amounts are in Canadian dollars.

 

About Enthusiast Gaming

 

Enthusiast Gaming is an independent gaming media and entertainment company, building the largest media and content platform for video game players and esports fans to connect and compete worldwide. Combining the elements of its five core pillars: Communities, Content, Creators, Commerce and Experiences, Enthusiast Gaming provides a unique opportunity for marketers to create integrated brand solutions to connect with coveted GenZ and Millennial audiences. Through its proprietary mix of digital media, content and gaming assets, Enthusiast Gaming continues to grow its network of communities, reflecting the diversity of gaming enthusiasts today.

 

Investor Contacts

 

Enthusiast Gaming – Alex Macdonald, Chief Financial Officer

FNK IR – Rob Fink / Matt Chesler, CFA

investor@enthusiastgaming.com

 

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This news release contains certain statements that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. All statements, other than those of historical fact, which address activities, events, outcomes, results, developments, performance or achievements that Enthusiast Gaming anticipates or expects may or will occur in the future (in whole or in part) should be considered forward-looking information. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the forgoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding trends in certain financial and operating metrics of the Company, and expectations relating to the financial performance and the financial results of future periods.

 

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, including, but not limited to, expectations and assumptions concerning: interest and foreign exchange rates; capital efficiencies, cost saving and synergies; growth and growth rates; the success in the esports and gaming media industry; the Company’s growth plan, and judgment applied in the application of the Company’s accounting policies and in the preparation of financial statements in accordance with applicable financial reporting standards. While Enthusiast Gaming considers these assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; and future legislative, tax and regulatory

 

 

developments. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially, please refer to the public filings of Enthusiast Gaming which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect our expectations as of the date hereof, and thus are subject to change thereafter. Enthusiast Gaming disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

 

 

 

 

Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Financial Position

As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022

(Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian Dollars)

 

 

   March 31, 2023  December 31, 2022
       
 ASSETS          
 Current          
  Cash  $3,466,909   $7,415,516 
  Trade and other receivables   31,965,982    37,868,107 
  Investments   124,939    125,000 
  Loans receivable   —      50,935 
  Income tax receivable   159,807    367,092 
  Prepaid expenses   1,474,635    2,017,004 
 Total current assets   37,192,272    47,843,654 
 Non-current          
  Property and equipment   178,176    180,621 
  Right-of-use assets   1,868,052    2,099,996 
  Investment in associates and joint ventures   2,277,584    2,450,031 
  Long-term portion of prepaid expenses   279,586    279,814 
  Intangible assets   113,916,348    116,967,438 
  Goodwill   171,642,377    171,615,991 
 Total assets  $327,354,395   $341,437,545 
           
 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
 Current          
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  $28,717,414   $32,823,320 
  Contract liabilities   4,735,649    5,380,378 
  Income tax payable   246,201    129,485 
  Current portion of long-term debt   4,352,940    17,431,625 
  Current portion of deferred payment liability   2,495,053    2,391,863 
  Current portion of lease liabilities   839,390    872,429 
  Current portion of other long-term debt   10,882    10,891 
 Total current liabilities   41,397,529    59,039,991 
 Non-current          
  Long-term debt   11,985,100    —   
  Long-term portion of deferred payment liability   1,314,363    1,451,939 
  Long-term lease liabilities   1,268,678    1,478,438 
  Other long-term debt   144,482    144,844 
  Deferred tax liability   24,193,054    24,671,326 
 Total liabilities  $80,303,206   $86,786,538 
           
           
 Shareholders' Equity          
  Share capital   442,781,376    442,781,376 
  Contributed surplus   31,533,073    30,402,742 
  Accumulated other comprehensive income   8,636,399    8,629,848 
  Deficit   (235,899,659)   (227,162,959)
           
 Total shareholders' equity   247,051,189    254,651,007 
 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity  $327,354,395   $341,437,545 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Loss and Comprehensive

Loss For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022

(Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian Dollars)

     

   March 31, 2023  March 31, 2022
Revenue  $42,879,966   $47,167,538 
Cost of sales   26,114,408    33,676,159 
Gross margin   16,765,558    13,491,379 
Operating expenses          
  Professional fees   453,336    924,821 
  Consulting fees   1,308,484    1,478,174 
  Advertising and promotion   1,456,111    327,447 
  Office and general   2,291,783    2,262,905 
  Salaries and wages   9,207,024    8,696,875 
  Technology support, web development and content   5,296,024    3,458,868 
  Esports player, team and game expenses   635,447    1,511,488 
  Foreign exchange loss   114,557    8,587 
  Share-based compensation   1,130,331    1,386,181 
  Amortization and depreciation   3,338,023    4,767,024 
 Total operating expenses   25,231,120    24,822,370 
           
 Other expenses (income)          
  Share of net loss (income) from investment in associates and joint ventures   172,447    (296,041)
  Interest and accretion   610,340    1,430,669 
  Gain on revaluation of deferred payment liability   (172,024)   (1,015,538)
  Interest income   (61,207)   (1,401)
 Net loss before income taxes   (9,015,118)   (11,448,680)
           
 Income taxes          
  Current tax expense   203,492    110,529 
  Deferred tax recovery   (481,910)   (526,280)
 Net loss for the period   (8,736,700)   (11,032,929)
           
 Other comprehensive (loss) income          
 Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   6,551    (1,208,430)
 Net loss and comprehensive loss for the period  $(8,730,149)  $(12,241,359)
           
  Net loss per share, basic and diluted  $(0.06)  $(0.08)

 Weighted average number of common shares

    outstanding, basic and diluted

   151,767,243    133,605,479 

  

 

 

 

Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows

For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022

(Unaudited - Expressed in Canadian Dollars)

 

 

 

   March 31, 2023  March 31, 2022
       
 Cash flows from operating activities          
 Net loss for the period  $(8,736,700)  $(11,032,929)
 Items not affecting cash:          
Amortization and depreciation   3,338,023    4,767,024 
Share-based  compensation   1,130,331    1,386,181 
Interest and accretion   83,480    1,227,562 
Deferred tax recovery   (481,910)   (526,280)
Share of net loss (income) from investment in associates and joint ventures   172,447    (296,041)
Gain on revaluation of deferred payment liability   (172,024)   (1,015,538)
Foreign exchange gain   (1,691)   13,456 
Shares for services   —      63,320 
Provisions   159,250    —   
Changes in working capital:          
Changes in trade and other receivables   5,793,769    4,185,031 
Changes in prepaid expenses    542,369    789,542 
Changes in loans receivable   —      125,995 
Changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (4,105,906)   (7,236,523)
Changes in contract liabilities   (644,729)   (22,668)
Changes in income tax   439,202    107,480 
Income tax paid   (115,201)   (71,016)
Net cash used in operating activities   (2,599,290)   (7,535,404)
           
Cash flows from investing activities          
Acquisition of intangible assets   (27,488)   —   
Acquisition of property and equipment   (18,531)   (1,757)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   (46,019)   (1,757)
           
Cash flows from financing activities          
Repayment of long-term debt   (1,088,235)   (500,000)
Proceeds from exercise of options   —      69,821 
Repayment of other long-term debt   (2,968)   (2,741)
Lease payments   (265,523)   (240,001)
Net cash provided by financing activities   (1,356,726)   (672,921)
           
Foreign exchange effect on cash   53,428    (306,151)
Net change in cash   (3,948,607)   (8,516,233)
Cash, beginning of period   7,415,516    22,654,262 
Cash, end of period  $3,466,909   $14,138,029