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8-K - FORM 8-K DATED NOVEMBER 3, 2011 - THESTREET, INC.form8-k.htm
 
 
 
 
TST LOGO
 
TheStreet Reports Third Quarter 2011 Results

Revenue Flat Year-Over-Year
 Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow Grow Year-Over-Year

 
NEW YORK (November 2, 2011) – TheStreet (NASDAQ: TST), a leading digital financial media company, today reported financial results for the third quarter of 2011.  The Company reported revenue of $14.3 million, a net loss of $(1.5) million and Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $0.5 million for the quarter.
 
"We made solid progress on our key strategic initiatives during the third quarter. Notable proof points include robust audience growth, continued subscription bookings growth under suboptimal market conditions, important new product launches and improved subscription churn statistics.  While performance in the marketing services business reflected sentiments in the financial markets, the overall results benefited from our diversified revenue streams, the stability of subscription revenue and careful cost and cash flow management," said Daryl Otte, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.
 
Financial Highlights of Third Quarter 2011

The Company’s revenue of $14.3 million in the third quarter of 2011 was flat compared to the third quarter of 2010.
 
 
· Premium Services revenue was $10.0 million in the third quarter of 2011, an increase of 4% compared to the prior year period.
 
· Premium Services bookings increased 5% in the third quarter of 2011 as compared to the prior year period.  As the overwhelming majority of the Company’s Premium Services products are sold on an annual subscription basis, Premium Services bookings over the trailing twelve months are a key determinate of revenue in a given period.
 
· The average number of paid subscriptions reached 91,539 in the third quarter of 2011, compared to an average of 90,685 in the third quarter of 2010, an increase of 1%.
 
· Average monthly churn(2) declined to 2.7% in the third quarter of 2011, an improvement of 110 basis points as compared to 3.8% in the third quarter of 2010.
 
· Marketing Services revenue was $4.3 million in the third quarter of 2011, a decrease of 7% compared to the prior year period.
 
· Average monthly unique visitors to the Company’s network of sites for the third quarter of 2011, as measured internally, increased more than 40% as compared to the prior year period.
 
 
Operating expenses in the third quarter of 2011 were $16.0 million, a decrease of 3% as compared to the prior year period.  The decrease in operating expenses is primarily a result of a decrease in general and administrative expenses and cost of sales, partially offset by investments in sales and marketing and an increase in depreciation and amortization.
 
The Company’s net loss improved $0.3 million to $(1.5) million in the third quarter of 2011 as compared to a net loss of $(1.8) million in the prior year period.  The Company reported basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders of $(0.05) and $(0.05), respectively, in the third quarter of 2011, as compared to $(0.06) and $(0.06), respectively, in the prior year period.
 
Adjusted EBITDA improved $0.8 million to $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2011, as compared to $(0.3) million in the prior year period.
 
The Company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities of $76.8 million, a decrease of $0.6 million as compared to June 30, 2011.  The Company achieved free cash flow (1) for the quarter of $0.8 million and for the year to date of $1.8 million.
 
The Company paid a dividend of 2.5 cents per share during the quarter.
 
Operating Highlights of Third Quarter 2011
 
 
· Two of the Company’s most popular premium services, RealMoney and RealMoney Pro (formerly known as RealMoney Silver) were re-launched during the quarter on the Company’s new publishing platform, with a modern user interface and with additional content offerings. Engagement statistics and renewal rates for the services reflect good acceptance by users.
 
· TheStreet’s sites collectively ranked among the top 10 in its competitive set in September 2011 according to both the comScore and Nielsen third party audience measurement services. TheStreet users continue to show among the highest levels of engagement, measured as time spent per visit, compared to the other nine top ranked competitors, as measured by comScore.
 
· TheStreet announced a number of new content distribution agreements, significantly expanding the reach of its TheStreet Business Desk product.  When these new agreements are fully implemented by early 2012, the total number of instances of the service will exceed 300, including local communities in key markets across 26 states.
 
· The Marketing Services business launched a number of new advertising offerings designed to increase further advertising effectiveness and user engagement, including early adoption of the Interactive Advertising Bureau’s new “Rising Star” ad units, an enhanced mobile advertising platform and unique sponsorship opportunities.
 
· Early into the fourth quarter of 2011, TheStreet launched a new daily digest of its content through the iTunes newsstand, the first to do so among its competitive set.
 
 
Conference Call Information

TheStreet will discuss its financial results for the third quarter today at 4:30 p.m. ET.
 
To participate in the call, please dial 800-649-5127 (domestic) or 914-495-8549 (international).  The passcode for the call is 18554770.  This call is being webcast and can be accessed on the Investor Relations section of TheStreet website at www.t.st.
 
An audio replay of the conference call also will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call.  The audio replay will remain available until Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. ET and can be accessed by dialing 855-859-2056 (domestic) or 404-537-3406 (international) and entering the replay passcode 18554770.
 
 
 

 
About TheStreet
 
TheStreet, Inc. is a leading digital financial media company that distributes its content through online, social media, tablet and mobile channels. The Company's network of brands include: TheStreet, RealMoney Pro, Stockpickr, Action Alerts PLUS, ChatOnTheStreet, Options Profits, ETF Profits, MainStreet and Rate-Watch. For more information on TheStreet's business, visit http://www.t.st. For financial and business news, actionable trading ideas, stock quotes and more, visit TheStreet.com via your web browser, follow TheStreet on Facebook and Twitter, visit TheStreet.mobi from your mobile device and access TheStreet through all major tablet platforms.
 
(1) To supplement the Company's financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), the Company uses non-GAAP measures of certain components of financial performance, including "EBITDA," "Adjusted EBITDA" and "free cash flow." EBITDA is adjusted from results based on GAAP to exclude interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. This non-GAAP measure is provided to enhance investors' overall understanding of the Company's current financial performance and its prospects for the future. Specifically, the Company believes that the non-GAAP EBITDA results are an important indicator of the operational strength of the Company's business and provide an indication of the Company's ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. EBITDA eliminates the uneven effect of considerable amounts of noncash depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of certain intangible assets that were recognized in business combinations. Adjusted EBITDA further eliminates the impact of noncash stock compensation and impairment expenses, and other non-standard one-time charges. A limitation of these measures, however, is that they do not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues in the Company's businesses. Management evaluates the investments in such tangible and intangible assets through other financial measures, such as capital expenditure budgets and investment spending levels. "Free cash flow" means net loss plus non-cash expenses net of gains/losses on dispositions of assets, less changes in operating assets and liabilities and capital expenditures. The Company believes that this non-GAAP financial measure is an important indicator of the Company's financial results because it gives investors a view of the Company's ability to generate cash.
 
 (2) Average monthly churn rate is defined as subscriber terminations/expirations in the quarter divided by the sum of the beginning subscribers and gross subscriber additions for the quarter, then divided by three. Subscriptions that are on a free-trial basis are not regarded as added or terminated unless the subscription is active at the end of the free-trial period.
 
All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical facts are deemed forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results or occurrences. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
 
Contacts:
Thomas Etergino
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
TheStreet, Inc.
212-321-5234
ir@thestreet.com

Erica Mannion
Investor Relations
Sapphire Investor Relations, LLC
212-766-1800 Ext. 203
ir@thestreet.com

 
 

 

 
THESTREET, INC.
           
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
           
             
ASSETS
 
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 33,709,574     $ 20,089,660  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
               
   accounts of $250,929 at September 30, 2011 and $238,228 at
               
   December 31, 2010
    4,919,191       6,623,261  
Marketable securities
    28,488,741       26,502,945  
Other receivables
    703,198       663,968  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    1,945,098       1,785,007  
      Total current assets
    69,765,802       55,664,841  
                 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
               
   and amortization of $14,715,316 at September 30, 2011
               
   and $12,845,359 at December 31, 2010
    8,957,283       10,887,732  
Marketable securities
    12,910,722       30,302,428  
Other assets
    211,732       243,611  
Goodwill
    24,057,616       24,057,616  
Other intangibles, net
    5,665,916       6,725,462  
Restricted cash
    1,660,370       1,660,370  
      Total assets
  $ 123,229,441     $ 129,542,060  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 2,035,623     $ 2,455,894  
Accrued expenses
    6,925,336       8,239,064  
Deferred revenue
    18,760,302       17,431,381  
Other current liabilities
    512,859       184,328  
Liabilities of discontinued operations
    -       1,871  
      Total current liabilities
    28,234,120       28,312,538  
Deferred tax liability
    288,000       288,000  
Other liabilities
    4,232,200       2,948,181  
      Total liabilities
    32,754,320       31,548,719  
                 
Stockholders' Equity:
               
Preferred stock; $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares
               
   authorized; 5,500 shares issued and 5,500 shares
               
   outstanding at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010;
               
   the aggregate liquidation preference totals $55,000,000 as of
               
   September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010
    55       55  
Common stock; $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares
               
   authorized; 38,244,018 shares issued and 32,013,743
               
   shares outstanding at September 30, 2011, and 37,775,381
               
   shares issued and 31,667,600 shares outstanding at
               
   December 31, 2010
    382,440       377,754  
Additional paid-in capital
    269,921,217       270,644,658  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    (325,142 )     331,311  
Treasury stock at cost; 6,230,275 shares at September 30, 2011
               
   and 6,107,781 shares at December 31, 2010
    (10,830,154 )     (10,478,838 )
Accumulated deficit
    (168,673,295 )     (162,881,599 )
      Total stockholders' equity
    90,475,121       97,993,341  
                 
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 123,229,441     $ 129,542,060  

 
 

 
 
THESTREET, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                         
   
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net revenue:
                       
Premium services
  $ 9,994,184     $ 9,645,939     $ 29,678,616     $ 29,165,672  
Marketing services
    4,346,907       4,691,007       13,812,144       13,335,308  
   Total net revenue
    14,341,091       14,336,946       43,490,760       42,500,980  
                                 
Operating expense:
                               
Cost of services
    6,274,741       6,466,484       20,036,270       18,972,725  
Sales and marketing
    4,640,908       4,202,380       13,122,182       11,289,600  
General and administrative
    3,750,475       4,648,992       12,159,579       14,003,161  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,326,484       1,087,009       4,492,525       3,225,968  
Asset impairments
    -       -       -       555,000  
Gain on disposition of assets
    -       -       -       (1,318,607 )
     Total operating expense
    15,992,608       16,404,865       49,810,556       46,727,847  
     Operating loss
    (1,651,517 )     (2,067,919 )     (6,319,796 )     (4,226,867 )
Net interest income
    155,123       240,078       529,898       642,483  
Other income
    -       -       -       20,374  
  Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
    (1,496,394 )     (1,827,841 )     (5,789,898 )     (3,564,010 )
Provision for income taxes
    -       -       -       -  
  Loss from continuing operations
    (1,496,394 )     (1,827,841 )     (5,789,898 )     (3,564,010 )
Discontinued operations:
                               
  Loss from discontinued operations
    (46 )     (2,257 )     (1,798 )     (23,430 )
Net loss
    (1,496,440 )     (1,830,098 )     (5,791,696 )     (3,587,440 )
Preferred stock cash dividends
    96,424       96,424       289,272       289,272  
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
  $ (1,592,864 )   $ (1,926,522 )   $ (6,080,968 )   $ (3,876,712 )
                                 
Basic and diluted net loss per share:
                               
  Loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.05 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.11 )
  Loss from discontinued operations
    (0.00 )     (0.00 )     (0.00 )     (0.00 )
  Net loss
    (0.05 )     (0.06 )     (0.18 )     (0.11 )
  Preferred stock dividends
    (0.00 )     (0.00 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )
     Net loss attributable to common stockholders
  $ (0.05 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.19 )   $ (0.12 )
                                 
Weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding
    31,994,227       31,653,337       31,933,296       31,570,624  

 
 

 
 
 
THESTREET, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
             
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
           
Net loss
  $ (5,791,696 )   $ (3,587,440 )
Loss from discontinued operations
    1,798       23,430  
Loss from continuing operations
    (5,789,898 )     (3,564,010 )
Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations
         
   to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Stock-based compensation expense
    2,166,161       1,807,083  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    133,089       59,649  
Depreciation and amortization
    4,492,525       3,225,968  
Impairment charges
    -       555,000  
Deferred rent
    742,447       1,367,463  
Gain on disposal of equipment
    -       (20,600 )
Gain on disposition of assets
    -       (1,318,607 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
    Accounts receivable
    1,538,860       (566,634 )
    Other receivables
    (272,110 )     22,394  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (160,091 )     (747,176 )
    Other assets
    5,119       (42,549 )
    Accounts payable
    (420,271 )     (91,210 )
    Accrued expenses
    (1,074,228 )     (362,585 )
    Deferred revenue
    1,948,915       189,204  
    Other current liabilities
    10,609       118,386  
    Other liabilities
    -       15,167  
          Net cash provided by continuing operations
    3,321,127       646,943  
          Net cash used in discontinued operations
    (3,669 )     (22,002 )
          Net cash provided by operating activities
    3,317,458       624,941  
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Purchase of marketable securities
    (24,854,469 )     (121,814,456 )
Sale of marketable securities
    39,603,926       82,952,627  
Capital expenditures
    (1,475,768 )     (3,804,467 )
Sale of Promotions.com
    265,000       1,746,876  
Sale of certain assets of TheStreet Ratings
    -       1,348,902  
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets
    -       43,300  
          Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    13,538,689       (39,527,218 )
                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
Cash dividends paid on common stock
    (2,595,645 )     (2,511,000 )
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock
    (289,272 )     (289,272 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (351,316 )     (66,886 )
          Net cash used in financing activities
    (3,236,233 )     (2,867,158 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    13,619,914       (41,769,435 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    20,089,660       60,542,494  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 33,709,574     $ 18,773,059  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
                 
Cash payments made for interest
  $ -     $ 1,720  
Cash payments made for income taxes
  $ -     $ -  
                 
                 
Net loss
  $ (5,791,696 )   $ (3,587,440 )
Noncash expenditures
    7,534,222       5,675,956  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
    1,574,932       (1,463,575 )
Capital expenditures
    (1,475,768 )     (3,804,467 )
Free cash flow
  $ 1,841,690     $ (3,179,526 )

 
 

 
 
THESTREET, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                                     
   
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
   
For theThree Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
   
As Reported
   
Pro Forma Adjustments
   
Pro Forma Results
   
2010
   
Pro Forma Adjustments
   
Pro Forma Results
 
Net revenue:
                                   
Premium services
  $ 9,994,184     $ -     $ 9,994,184     $ 9,645,939     $ 18,667     $ 9,627,272  
Marketing services
    4,346,907       -       4,346,907       4,691,007       -       4,691,007  
   Total net revenue
    14,341,091       -       14,341,091       14,336,946       18,667       14,318,279  
                                                 
Operating expense:
                                               
Cost of services
    6,274,741       -       6,274,741       6,466,484       -       6,466,484  
Sales and marketing
    4,640,908       -       4,640,908       4,202,380       -       4,202,380  
General and administrative
    3,750,475       -       3,750,475       4,648,992       -       4,648,992  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,326,484       -       1,326,484       1,087,009       -       1,087,009  
     Total operating expense
    15,992,608       -       15,992,608       16,404,865       -       16,404,865  
     Operating loss
  $ (1,651,517 )   $ -     $ (1,651,517 )   $ (2,067,919 )   $ 18,667     $ (2,086,586 )
                                                 
Net loss
  $ (1,496,440 )   $ -     $ (1,496,440 )   $ (1,830,098 )   $ 18,667     $ (1,848,765 )
                                                 
                                                 
Net loss
  $ (1,496,440 )   $ -     $ (1,496,440 )   $ (1,830,098 )   $ 18,667     $ (1,848,765 )
Net interest income
    (155,123 )     -       (155,123 )     (240,078 )     -       (240,078 )
Depreciation and amortization
    1,326,484       -       1,326,484       1,087,009       -       1,087,009  
EBITDA
    (325,079 )     -       (325,079 )     (983,167 )     18,667       (1,001,834 )
Noncash compensation
    736,198       -       736,198       588,336       -       588,336  
Transaction related costs
    84,173       -       84,173       123,163       -       123,163  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 495,292     $ -     $ 495,292     $ (271,668 )   $ 18,667     $ (290,335 )
                                                 
Note: Pro forma adjustments for 2010 exclude TheStreet Ratings revenue from global research settlement.
         

 
 

 
THESTREET, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                                     
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
   
As Reported
   
Pro Forma Adjustments
   
Pro Forma Results
   
As Reported
   
Pro Forma Adjustments
   
Pro Forma Results
 
Net revenue:
                                   
Premium services
  $ 29,678,616     $ -     $ 29,678,616     $ 29,165,672     $ 463,008     $ 28,702,664  
Marketing services
    13,812,144       -       13,812,144       13,335,308       -       13,335,308  
   Total net revenue
    43,490,760       -       43,490,760       42,500,980       463,008       42,037,972  
                                                 
Operating expense:
                                               
Cost of services
    20,036,270       -       20,036,270       18,972,725       345,205       18,627,520  
Sales and marketing
    13,122,182       -       13,122,182       11,289,600       41,510       11,248,090  
General and administrative
    12,159,579       -       12,159,579       14,003,161       18,774       13,984,387  
Depreciation and amortization
    4,492,525       -       4,492,525       3,225,968       -       3,225,968  
Asset impairments
    -       -       -       555,000       -       555,000  
Gain on disposition of assets
    -       -       -       (1,318,607 )     -       (1,318,607 )
     Total operating expense
    49,810,556       -       49,810,556       46,727,847       405,489       46,322,358  
     Operating loss
  $ (6,319,796 )   $ -     $ (6,319,796 )   $ (4,226,867 )   $ 57,519     $ (4,284,386 )
                                                 
Net loss
  $ (5,791,696 )   $ -     $ (5,791,696 )   $ (3,587,440 )   $ 57,519     $ (3,644,959 )
                                                 
                                                 
Net loss
  $ (5,791,696 )   $ -     $ (5,791,696 )   $ (3,587,440 )   $ 57,519     $ (3,644,959 )
Net interest income
    (529,898 )     -       (529,898 )     (642,483 )     -       (642,483 )
Depreciation and amortization
    4,492,525       -       4,492,525       3,225,968       -       3,225,968  
EBITDA
    (1,829,069 )     -       (1,829,069 )     (1,003,955 )     57,519       (1,061,474 )
Noncash compensation
    2,166,161       -       2,166,161       1,807,083       -       1,807,083  
Asset impairments
    -       -       -       555,000       -       555,000  
Gain on disposition of assets
    -       -       -       (1,318,607 )     -       (1,318,607 )
Other income
    -       -       -       (20,374 )     -       (20,374 )
Transaction related costs
    419,568       -       419,568       1,206,242       -       1,206,242  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 756,660     $ -     $ 756,660     $ 1,225,389     $ 57,519     $ 1,167,870  
                                                 
Note: Pro forma adjustments for 2010 exclude the Company's May 2010 divestiture of our Banking and Insurance Ratings product line as well as TheStreet Ratings revenue from global research settlement.