EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE Press Release

Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

LEAPFROG ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER 2009 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Cash Flow Improves Despite Decrease in Net Sales

EMERYVILLE, California—November 2, 2009—LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:LF) today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009.

Net sales for the quarter were $111.9 million, down 42.5% compared to $194.6 million in the same quarter a year ago. Net sales were impacted by high retail inventory levels remaining from 2008 which have now reached levels substantially lower than a year ago.

Despite the decline in net sales, cash and cash equivalents were $29.5 million at September 30, 2009, an improvement of $5.9 million compared to $23.6 million a year ago. Gross margin for the quarter was 42.7%, compared to a gross margin of 43.8% a year ago. Operating expenses for the quarter were $38.7 million, down 30.8% compared to $55.9 million a year ago. Net income per share for the quarter was $0.11 per share, compared to net income per share of $0.38 a year ago.

Retail point-of-sale, or POS, dollars continue to be higher year over year and were up 2% for the 39-weeks ended October 3, 2009 compared to the 39-weeks ended October 4, 2008. (Please see Description of Retail Point-of-Sale Dollars below for an explanation of this operating metric.)

“Over the past nine months, our net sales declined substantially as we worked with our retail partners to bring down unusually high inventory levels from last year. We are pleased that current retail inventory levels are now over 30% lower than a year ago,” said Jeffrey Katz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “But in this tough environment, we have also grown retail point-of-sales dollars year over year, we have increased our market share, we have our lowest operating expenses since we went public in 2002, and we expect to see sales growth in the fourth quarter.”

“We are also pleased to be starting to see early benefits from our Learning Path strategy which builds direct ‘one-to-one’ relationships with customers. For example, POS and tie ratios of software for Tag, our first connected product, are well beyond what we experienced with the highly successful LeapPad at the same point in its lifecycle. We have over one million connected customers today, and we have the capability to market to them directly in a personalized manner based on consumer information we have through the Learning Path. At the end of the holiday season, we expect to have substantially more connected consumers and to see earnings benefits grow further as a result,” continued Mr. Katz.


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Third Quarter 2009 Financial Results

Net Sales

Net sales for the quarter were $111.9 million, down 42.5% compared to $194.6 million for the same quarter a year ago. Excluding the impact of currency fluctuations, the decline in net sales would have been 41.5%. Net sales were down year over year primarily as a result of fewer new platform launches, lower product shipments to retailers due to high retailer inventory levels at the end of 2008, and more conservative sales expectations for the holidays compared to the prior year.

Segment Results

Net sales from the United States segment for the quarter were $89.9 million, down 42.5% compared to $156.4 million a year ago. Net sales from the international segment were $22.0 million, down 42.3% compared to $38.2 million a year ago. Excluding the impact of currency fluctuations, the decline in international sales would have been 38.0%.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

Gross profit for the quarter was $47.8 million, down 44.0% compared to $85.3 million a year ago as a result of lower sales in the quarter. Gross margin for the third quarter 2009 was 42.7% compared to 43.8% in the third quarter 2008. Gross margin declined year over year as a result of increased sales promotions and lower sales relative to a fixed cost base partially offset by lower warehousing and logistics costs and a higher margin product mix primarily due to a higher mix of reading product sales.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the quarter were $38.7 million, down 30.8% compared to $55.9 million a year ago, an improvement of $17.2 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $21.7 million, down 20.1% from $27.2 million a year ago reflecting the impact of lower headcount. Research and development expenses were $7.4 million, down 36.8% from $11.7 million a year ago as a result of lower headcount and development costs. Advertising expenses were $7.1 million, down 51.3% from $14.6 million a year ago primarily due to less television advertising as LeapFrog shifted its strategy this year towards more retail trade promotions. Advertising expenses were 6.4% of net sales in the third quarter of 2009, compared to 7.5% in the third quarter of 2008.

Income from Operations

Income from operations for the quarter was $9.1 million, compared to $29.4 million a year ago.

Net Income

Net income for the quarter was $7.2 million, or $0.11 per share, compared to $24.1 million, or $0.38 per share, a year ago.


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Financial Position

Cash and equivalents were $29.5 million at September 30, 2009, an increase of $5.9 million compared with $23.6 million at September 30, 2008. Inventories were $71.6 million at September 30, 2009, compared with $95.7 million at September 30, 2008. The company has no debt outstanding on its asset-backed line of credit.

“Financial results for the quarter were as we expected. Sales and earnings were down substantially year over year due to high beginning-of-year retail inventory levels, the weaker retail environment, and the timing of product launches compared to last year. Despite the significant sales decline and the promotional environment, our gross margin held fairly steady due to strong sales of software content and reading products and cost reductions. Operating expenses were down 31% as a result of us taking significant long-term costs out of the business and, as a result, we reported an operating profit of $9.1 million in the quarter. Most important, our cash balance increased $5.9 million compared to last year,” said Bill Chiasson, Chief Financial Officer.

Guidance

For the fourth quarter of 2009, we expect:

 

   

Net sales to be between $155 million and $170 million, compared to $138 million in the fourth quarter of 2008

 

   

Gross margin to be between 40% and 45%

 

   

Operating expenses to be down approximately 40% compared to the fourth quarter of 2008

“Looking to the fourth quarter of 2009, we expect sales and earnings growth, as well as gross margin expansion and a significant reduction in operating expenses, relative to the fourth quarter of 2008. We will continue our efforts to reduce costs and improve margins. We are looking to be breakeven on cash flow as of year-end or in January depending on the timing of collection of the receivables. When we enter next year, we believe that lean retail inventory levels together with our lower cost structure, leading brand, strong product portfolio and Learning Path strategy will position LeapFrog for profitable growth,” said Bill Chiasson, Chief Financial Officer.

Conference Call and Webcast

LeapFrog will hold a conference call to discuss third quarter 2009 financial results today, November 2, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 p.m. Pacific Time).

The conference call will be webcast and can be accessed at LeapFrog’s investor web site at www.leapfroginvestor.com. To participate in the call, please dial (706) 634-0183 and request Conference ID 36222756. A replay of the call will be available for one month. To access the replay, please dial (706) 645-9291 and use conference ID 36222756.


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Description of Retail Point-of-Sale Dollars

Retail point-of-sale dollars is a non-audited operating metric that represents a measure of U.S. retailers’ sales of LeapFrog products to consumers. Retail point-of-sale dollars differs significantly from LeapFrog’s reported net sales, which reflect all products sold by LeapFrog to its retailer customers in all markets and also includes other sources of revenue. The point-of-sale data is provided to LeapFrog by retailers. LeapFrog believes this represents approximately 95% of our U.S. retailers’ dollar sales of LeapFrog products to consumers, based on historical shipments by us to such retailers. LeapFrog management uses point-of-sale data to evaluate the retail channel sales environment and develop net sales forecasts.

About LeapFrog

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. is a leading designer, developer, and marketer of innovative, technology-based learning products and related proprietary content, dedicated to making learning effective and engaging for all ages, at home and in schools, around the world. The company was founded in 1995 and is based in Emeryville, California. LeapFrog has developed a family of learning platforms that come to life with an extensive library of software titles covering important subjects such as phonics, reading, writing, math, music, geography, social studies, spelling, vocabulary and science. In addition, the company has created a broad line of stand-alone educational products for children. LeapFrog’s award-winning products are available in four languages at major retailers in more than 44 countries around the world and in more than 100,000 classrooms across the United States. NOTE: LEAPFROG, the LeapFrog logo, TAG, and LEAPPAD are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements

Cautionary Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding: anticipated financial results, including net sales, consumer sales, inventory levels, gross margin, operating expenses, accounts receivable, collections and operating results; the timing of changes in economic conditions; consumer buying patterns and reactions to our marketing and products and services, including the number of connected customers we expect to have at the end of the holiday season; and the effects of our current strategies, products and services. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including risks related to the recession and its effect on retail business, overall consumer sentiment and trends relating to children’s products and their effect on retailer buying behavior, the rates of acceptance by consumers of our web-based products and services, our ability to respond quickly to changes in demand for our products, and our ability to provide high-quality experiences to consumers with all of our products and services. These and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our SEC filings, including our 2008 annual report on Form 10-K filed on March 11, 2009, and our Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2009, could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this release. All forward-looking statements are based on information available to the company on the date hereof, and the company assumes no obligation to update such statements.


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Contact Information

 

Investors:

 

Karen Sansot

Investor Relations

(510) 420-4803

  

Media:

 

Mischa Dunton

Corporate Communications

(510) 596-5441


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LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  

Net sales

   $ 111,906      $ 194,626      $ 191,197      $ 321,240   

Cost of sales

     64,119        109,300        116,583        187,896   
                                

Gross profit

     47,787        85,326        74,614        133,344   

Operating expenses:

        

Selling, general and administrative

     21,738        27,172        62,135        83,945   

Research and development

     7,387        11,688        26,900        36,674   

Advertising

     7,107        14,590        13,608        26,915   

Depreciation and amortization

     2,485        2,484        8,023        7,201   
                                

Total operating expenses

     38,717        55,934        110,666        154,735   
                                

Income (Loss) from operations

     9,070        29,392        (36,052     (21,391

Other income (expense):

        

Interest income

     108        246        456        2,047   

Interest expense

     (4     (106     (30     (140

Other, net

     (864     (1,589     (1,632     (4,049
                                

Total other expense

     (760     (1,449     (1,206     (2,142
                                

Income (Loss) before income taxes

     8,310        27,943        (37,258     (23,533

Provision for (Benefit from) income taxes

     1,092        3,892        (5,138     421   
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ 7,218      $ 24,051      $ (32,120   $ (23,954
                                

Net income (loss) per share:

        

Class A and B – basic and diluted

   $ 0.11      $ 0.38      $ (0.50   $ (0.38

Weighted average shares outstanding:

        

Class A and B – basic

     64,106        63,683        63,873        63,589   

Class A and B – diluted

     64,262        63,923        63,873        63,589   


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LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  
Operating activities:         

Net income (loss)

   $ 7,218      $ 24,051      $ (32,120   $ (23,954

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

        

Depreciation and amortization

     4,652        6,358        14,820        15,614   

Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss

     (100     1,003        (1,668     1,826   

Deferred income taxes

     (6,362     406        (6,236     330   

Stock-based compensation expense

     2,982        2,903        8,554        8,015   

Impairment of investment in auction rate securities

     403        1,091        426        2,822   

Loss on disposal of long-term assets

     1,130        —          1,130        41   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     93        373        (1,356     942   

Other changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable, net

     (58,902     (111,583     35        (36,096

Inventories

     (8,254     (11,356     (13,812     (45,918

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     767        11,788        1,005        7,079   

Other assets

     (1,640     192        (1,434     502   

Accounts payable

     27,682        21,164        2,975        31,358   

Accrued liabilities

     5,007        13,834        (13,225     (13,123

Long-term liabilities

     5,365        1,870        (964     531   

Income taxes payable

     764        69        400        94   

Other

     (53     (1,764     1,648        (1,826
                                

Net cash used in operating activities

     (19,248     (39,601     (39,822     (51,763

Investing activities:

        

Purchases of property and equipment

     (1,373     (3,438     (4,095     (7,483

Capitalization of product costs

     (2,116     (1,231     (5,628     (9,777

Other long-term assets

     (235     —          (235     —     
                                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (3,724     (4,669     (9,958     (17,260

Financing activities:

        

Proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchase plans

     36        204        77        623   

Net cash paid for payroll taxes on restricted stock unit releases

     (184     (337     (263     (731
                                

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (148     (133     (186     (108

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (176     (261     402        (685
                                

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (23,296     (44,664     (49,564     (69,816

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     52,833        68,308        79,101        93,460   
                                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 29,537      $ 23,644      $ 29,537      $ 23,644   
                                


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LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     September 30,     December 31,  
     2009     2008     2008  
                 (Audited)  
Assets       

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 29,537      $ 23,644      $ 79,101   

Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $1,389, $588 and $3,872

     92,323        160,192        89,918   

Inventories

     71,570        95,732        56,937   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     9,948        13,121        10,822   

Deferred income taxes

     3,182        3,072        3,189   
                        

Total current assets

     206,560        295,761        239,967   

Long-term investments

     5,000        8,701        4,962   

Deferred income taxes

     511        216        497   

Property and equipment, net

     14,396        19,202        19,611   

Capitalized product costs, net

     15,083        17,133        16,227   

Goodwill

     19,549        19,549        19,549   

Other assets

     6,478        7,901        5,260   
                        

Total assets

   $ 267,577      $ 368,463      $ 306,073   
                        

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

      

Current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable

   $ 58,678      $ 76,001      $ 55,098   

Accrued liabilities

     31,128        43,839        44,596   

Income taxes payable

     629        187        229   
                        

Total current liabilities

     90,435        120,027        99,923   

Long-term deferred income taxes

     14,442        20,868        22,404   

Other long-term liabilities

     2,562        2,156        3,820   

Stockholders’ equity:

      

Class A Common Stock – par value $0.0001

      

Authorized: 139,500 shares;

      

Issued and Outstanding: 36,881, 36,141 and 36,627

     4        4        4   

Class B Common Stock – par value $0.0001

      

Authorized: 40,500 shares

      

Issued and Outstanding: 27,141, 27,614 and 27,141

     3        3        3   

Treasury stock

     (185     (185     (185

Additional paid-in capital

     375,205        361,763        364,657   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (271     2,023        (2,055

Accumulated deficit

     (214,618     (138,196     (182,498
                        

Total stockholders’ equity

     160,138        225,412        179,926   
                        

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 267,577      $ 368,463      $ 306,073   
                        


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LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

Supplemental Financial Information

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  

Net sales

   $ 111,906      $ 194,626      $ 191,197      $ 321,240   

Cost of sales (1)

     64,119        109,300        116,583        187,896   
                                

Gross profit

     47,787        85,326        74,614        133,344   

Operating expenses: (2) (3)

        

Selling, general and administrative

     21,738        27,172        62,135        83,945   

Research and development

     7,387        11,688        26,900        36,674   

Advertising

     7,107        14,590        13,608        26,915   

Depreciation and amortization

     2,485        2,484        8,023        7,201   
                                

Total operating expenses

     38,717        55,934        110,666        154,735   
                                

Income (Loss) from operations

     9,070        29,392        (36,052     (21,391

Other income (expense):

        

Interest income

     108        246        456        2,047   

Interest expense

     (4     (106     (30     (140

Other, net (4)

     (864     (1,589     (1,632     (4,049
                                

Total other expense

     (760     (1,449     (1,206     (2,142
                                

Income (Loss) before income taxes

     8,310        27,943        (37,258     (23,533

Provision for (Benefit from) income taxes

     1,092        3,892        (5,138     421   
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ 7,218      $ 24,051      $ (32,120   $ (23,954
                                

 

(1)     Includes depreciation and amortization

     2,167        3,874        6,797        8,413   

(2)     Includes stock-based compensation as follows:

        

Selling, general and administrative

     2,601        2,367        7,455        6,887   

Research and development

     381        536        1,100        1,128   

(3)     Includes severance costs as follows:

        

Selling, general and administrative

     (50     564        779        1,010   

Research and development

     22        116        539        130   

(4)     Includes impairment of auction rate securities

     403        1,091        426        2,823