1-800-Flowers.com (FLWS) – Is The Glass Half Empty?

Friday, January 28, 2022

1-800-Flowers.com (FLWS)
Is The Glass Half Empty?

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is the leading provider of gourmet and floral gifts for all occasions. For nearly 40 years, 1-800-FLOWERS® has been helping deliver smiles for customers with gifts for every occasion, including fresh flowers, premium, gift-quality fruits, and other gourmet items from Harry & David®, popcorn and specialty treats from The Popcorn Factory®; cookies and baked gifts from Cheryl’s®; premium chocolates and confections from Fannie May®; gift baskets and towers from 1-800-Baskets.com®; premium English muffins and other breakfast treats from Wolferman’s; carved fresh fruit arrangements from FruitBouquets.com; and top quality steaks and chops from Stock Yards®. The Company’s BloomNet® international floral wire service provides a broad range of quality products and value-added services designed to help professional florists grow their businesses profitably.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Patrick McCann, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

    A surprise miss. Fiscal Q2 total revenues were $943 million, up a solid 7.5% from the year earlier quarter, but missed expectations. Adj. EBITDA was $133 million, down 17%, missing our estimate of $179 million. The miss was due to cancelled orders, higher than expected costs for ocean freight, inbound and outbound shipping costs and labor.

    Gross margins take a hit.  Gross profit margin declined 530 basis points from 45.4% in the prior year quarter to 40.1% due to increased inbound and outbound shipping costs as well as the rising cost of labor. All three operating segments took a hit to margins on a year-over-year basis: gross margins for Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets declined 660 basis points, Consumer Floral and Gifts declined 270 …



This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary.  Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – 1-800-FLOWERS.COM Inc. Reports 7.5 Percent Revenue Growth for Its Fiscal 2022 Second Quarter



1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Reports 7.5 Percent Revenue Growth for Its Fiscal 2022 Second Quarter

Research, News, and Market Data on 1-800-FLOWERS.COM

 

Jan 27, 2022

  • Total net revenues increased 7.5 percent, or $65.8 million, to $943.0 million, compared with $877.3 million in the prior year period. This revenue growth was on top of the 44.8 percent revenue growth reported in the Company’s 2021 fiscal second quarter.
  • Net income for the quarter was $88.5 million, or $1.34 per diluted share compared with net income of $113.7 million, or $1.71 per diluted share, in the prior year period, primarily reflecting significant year-over-year cost increases for inbound and outbound shipping, labor, and digital marketing. Adjusted net income1 for the quarter was $88.6 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, compared with adjusted net income1 of $114.2 million, or $1.72 per diluted share, in the prior year period.
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 for the quarter was $133.1 million, down 19.0 percent compared with adjusted EBITDA1 of $164.3 million in the prior year period.
  • Company provides revised full-year guidance including revenue growth of 7.0 percent-to-9.0 percent, adjusted EBITDA in a range of $140.0 million-to-$150.0 million and EPS in a range of $0.90 -to- $1.00 per diluted share.

(1 Refer to “Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the tables attached at the end of this press release for reconciliation of non-GAAP results to applicable GAAP results.)

JERICHO, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLWS), a leading e-commerce provider of products and services designed to inspire more human expression, connection, and celebration, today reported results for its fiscal 2022 second quarter ended December 26, 2021.

Chris McCann, CEO of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., said, “Our revenue growth of 7.5 percent in the quarter – on top of the 45 percent growth in last year’s fiscal second quarter – reflected continued growth across our three business segments, highlighted by growth of approximately ten percent in our Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets segment, led by our Harry & David® brand.” McCann noted that, in addition to representing a very challenging year-over-year comparison, the holiday period was characterized by several significant headwinds including limited availability and increased costs for seasonal labor, ongoing supply-chain disruptions that caused shortages of key components for some holiday products and the resurgence of COVID pandemic cases across the country. “The widely reported cost increases associated with these macro headwinds significantly exceeded our expectations during the quarter, impacting our margins and bottom-line results,” he said.

McCann said the Company will continue to invest in its operating platform, including initiatives to bring imported inventory in early and optimize outbound shipping methods as well as automating of its warehouse and distribution facilities to help mitigate the continuing cost headwinds. “Over the longer term, we anticipate these initiatives will enable us to improve our gross margins and drive enhanced bottom-line performance.”

McCann noted that during the second quarter the Company saw continued strong, year-over-year growth in its customer file and in its Celebrations Passport® loyalty program, which helps drive increased purchase frequency, retention, and cross-category/cross-brand purchases. “We also saw double-digit growth in our best performing customer cohort – customers that buy from multiple product categories and multiple brands within a given year. We believe these positive trends will provide increased marketing leverage over the longer term, particularly as we continue to see a larger percentage of our total revenues coming from existing customers.”

Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Total consolidated revenues increased 7.5 percent, or 
$65.8 million, to 
$943.0 million, compared with 
$877.3 million in the prior year period. This revenue growth was on top of the 44.8 percent revenue growth reported in the Company’s 2021 fiscal second quarter. The Company achieved revenue growth across its three business segments, including growth of 9.8 percent in its Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets segment, led by growth of more than 10.0 percent in its Harry & David brand.

Gross profit margin for the quarter was 40.1 percent, a decline of 530 basis points compared with 45.4 percent in the prior year period, primarily reflecting increased costs for inbound and outbound shipping and labor. Operating expenses as a percent of total revenues, improved 70 basis points to 27.9 percent of total sales, compared with 28.6 percent of total sales in the prior year period.

The combination of these factors resulted in net income for the quarter of 
$88.5 million, or 
$1.34 per diluted share compared with net income of 
$113.7 million, or 
$1.71 per diluted share, in the prior year period, primarily reflecting significant year-over-year cost increases in labor, inbound and outbound shipping, and digital marketing. Adjusted net income1 for the quarter was 
$88.6 million, or 
$1.34 per share, compared with adjusted net income of 
$114.2 million, or 
$1.72 per share, in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA1 for the quarter was 
$133.1 million, down 19.0 percent compared with adjusted EBITDA1 of 
$164.3 million in the prior year period.

Segment Results:
The Company provides selected financial results for its Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets, Consumer Floral and Gifts, and BloomNet® segments in the tables attached to this release and as follows:

  • Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets: Revenues for the quarter increased 9.8 percent to 
    $590.9 million, compared with 
    $538.3 million in the prior year period. The strong growth was primarily driven by growth of more than 10.0 percent in the Company’s Harry & David business. Gross profit margin was 39.3 percent, a decline of 660 basis points compared with 45.9 percent in the prior year period, primarily reflecting increased costs for inbound and outbound shipping as well as limited availability and higher costs for labor. Segment contribution margin was 
    $110.5 million, down 18.5 percent compared with 
    $135.6 million in the prior year period, reflecting the reduced gross margin as well as higher year-over-year digital marketing costs.
  • Consumer Floral and Gifts: Total revenues in this segment increased 3.2 percent to 
    $315.1 million, compared with 
    $305.5 million in the prior year period. Gross profit margin was 41.3 percent, down 270 basis points compared with 44.0 percent in the prior year period, primarily reflecting increased costs for inbound and outbound shipping and labor. Segment contribution margin was 
    $38.2 million, down 16.4 percent compared with 
    $45.7 million in the prior year period, primarily reflecting the reduced gross margin as well as higher year-over-year digital marketing costs.
  • BloomNet: Revenues for the quarter increased 11.4 percent to 
    $37.9 million, compared with 
    $34.1 million in the prior year period. Gross profit margin was 42.2 percent, down 720 basis points, compared with 49.4 percent in the prior year period, primarily reflecting higher inbound shipping costs and product mix. Segment contribution margin was 
    $11.9 million, down 2.1 percent compared with 
    $12.1 million in the prior year period primarily reflecting increased in-bound and outbound shipping costs which reduced gross margin.

Company Guidance
The Company is updating its guidance for the fiscal 2022 year reflecting reported results for the first half of the year as well as its outlook for the remainder of the year. The updated guidance includes:

  • Total revenue growth of 7.0 percent-to-9.0 percent compared with the prior year;
  • Adjusted EBITDA in a range of 
    $140.0 million-to-
    $150.0 million;
  • EPS in a range of 
    $0.90 -to- 
    $1.00 per diluted share, and;
  • The Company anticipates that Free Cash Flow for the year will be down significantly compared with the prior year based on its updated guidance and its plans to use its strong balance sheet to continue to invest in inventory to support its growth plans and address the headwinds it sees in the macro economy.

The Company’s guidance for the year is based on several factors, including:

  • the continuing headwinds associated with the ongoing pandemic, increased costs for labor, inbound and outbound shipping, and marketing as well as consumer concerns regarding rising price inflation somewhat offset by;
  • the Company’s ability to continue to attract new customers and add new members to its Celebrations Passport® loyalty program, which is helping drive increased frequency, retention, and cross-category/cross-brand purchases.

Definitions of non-GAAP Financial Measures:
We sometimes use financial measures derived from consolidated financial information, but not presented in our financial statements prepared in accordance with 
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles(“GAAP”). Certain of these are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under the 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules. Non-GAAP financial measures referred to in this document are either labeled as “non-GAAP” or designated as such with a “1”. See below for definitions and the reasons why we use these non-GAAP financial measures. Where applicable, see the Selected Financial Information below for reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:
We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA adjusted for the impact of stock-based compensation, Non-Qualified Plan Investment appreciation/depreciation, and for certain items affecting period-to-period comparability. See Selected Financial Information for details on how EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA were calculated for each period presented. The Company presents EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA because it considers such information meaningful supplemental measures of its performance and believes such information is frequently used by the investment community in the evaluation of similarly situated companies. The Company uses EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA as factors to determine the total amount of incentive compensation available to be awarded to executive officers and other employees. The Company’s credit agreement uses EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA to determine its interest rate and to measure compliance with certain covenants. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are also used by the Company to evaluate and price potential acquisition candidates. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. Some of the limitations are: (a) EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, the Company’s working capital needs; (b) EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on the Company’s debts; and (c) although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future and EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such capital expenditures. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should only be used on a supplemental basis combined with GAAP results when evaluating the Company’s performance.

Segment Contribution Margin and Adjusted Segment Contribution Margin:
We define segment contribution margin as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, before the allocation of corporate overhead expenses. Adjusted contribution margin is defined as contribution margin adjusted for certain items affecting period-to-period comparability. See Selected Financial Information for details on how segment contribution margin and adjusted segment contribution margin was calculated for each period presented. When viewed together with our GAAP results, we believe segment contribution margin and adjusted segment contribution margin provide management and users of the financial statements meaningful information about the performance of our business segments. Segment contribution margin and adjusted segment contribution margin are used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP and should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures. The material limitation associated with the use of the segment contribution margin and adjusted segment contribution margin is that they are an incomplete measure of profitability as they do not include all operating expenses or non-operating income and expenses. Management compensates for these limitations when using this measure by looking at other GAAP measures, such as operating income and net income.

Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted or Comparable Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share:
We define adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted or comparable net income (loss) per common share as net income (loss) and net income (loss) per common share adjusted for certain items affecting period to period comparability. See Selected Financial Information below for details on how adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted or comparable net income (loss) per common share were calculated for each period presented. We believe that adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted or comparable EPS are meaningful measures because they increase the comparability of period-to-period results. Since these are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, they should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, GAAP net income (loss) and net income (loss) per common share, as indicators of operating performance and they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.

Free Cash Flow:
We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. The Company considers free cash flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by the business after the purchases of fixed assets, which can then be used to, among other things, invest in the Company’s business, make strategic acquisitions, strengthen the balance sheet, and repurchase stock or retire debt. Free cash flow is a liquidity measure that is frequently used by the investment community in the evaluation of similarly situated companies. Since free cash flow is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. A limitation of the utility of free cash flow as a measure of financial performance is that it does not represent the total increase or decrease in the company’s cash balance for the period.

About 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.
1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is a leading provider of gifts designed to help customers express, connect and celebrate. The Company’s e-commerce business platform features an all-star family of brands, including: 1-800-Flowers.com®, 1-800-Baskets.com®, Cheryl’s Cookies®, Harry & David®, PersonalizationMall.com®, Shari’s Berries®, FruitBouquets.com®, Moose Munch®, The Popcorn Factory®, Wolferman’s Bakery®, Vital Choice®, Stock Yards® and Simply Chocolate®. Through the Celebrations Passport® loyalty program, which provides members with free standard shipping and no service charge across our portfolio of brands, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. strives to deepen relationships with customers. The Company also operates BloomNet®, an international floral and gift industry service provider offering a broad range of products and services designed to help members grow their businesses profitably Napco?, a resource for floral gifts and seasonal décor; DesignPac Gifts, LLC, a manufacturer of gift baskets and towers; and Alice’s Table®, a lifestyle business offering fully digital livestreaming floral, culinary and other experiences to guests across the country. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. was recognized among the top 5 on the National Retail Federation’s 2021 Hot 25 Retailers list, which ranks the nation’s fastest-growing retail companies. Shares in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, ticker symbol: FLWS. For more information, visit 1800flowersinc.com or follow @1800FLOWERSInc on Twitter.

FLWS-COMP
FLWS-FN

Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent the Company’s current expectations or beliefs concerning future events and can generally be identified using statements that include words such as “estimate,” “expects,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “forecast,” “likely,” “will,” “target” or similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s ability to achieve its guidance for fiscal-year 2022; the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company; its ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and assets; its ability to successfully execute its strategic initiatives; its ability to cost-effectively acquire and retain customers; the outcome of contingencies, including legal proceedings in the normal course of business; its ability to compete against existing and new competitors; its ability to manage expenses associated with sales and marketing and necessary general and administrative and technology investments; its ability to reduce promotional activities and achieve more efficient marketing programs; and general consumer sentiment and industry and economic conditions that may affect levels of discretionary customer purchases of the Company’s products. Reconciliations for forward looking figures would require unreasonable efforts at this time because of the uncertainty and variability of the nature and amount of certain components of various necessary GAAP components, including for example those related to compensation, tax items, amortization or others that may arise during the year, and the Company’s management believes such reconciliations would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors. The lack of such reconciling information should be considered when assessing the impact of such disclosures. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any of the forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, made in this release or in any of its SEC filings. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks and uncertainties. For a more detailed description of these and other risk factors, refer to the Company’s SEC filings, including the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Conference Call:
The Company will conduct a conference call to discuss the above details and attached financial results today, Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. (ET). The conference call will be webcast live from the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.1800flowersinc.com. A recording of the call will be posted on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s web site within two hours of the call’s completion. A replay of the call can be accessed beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET on the day of the call through February 3, 2022, at: (US) 1-877-344-7529; (
Canada) 855-669-9658; (International) 1-412-317-0088; enter conference ID #:5113256.

Note: The attached tables are an integral part of this press release without which the information presented in this press release should be considered incomplete.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)

 

December 26, 2021

June 27, 2021

 

(unaudited)

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

271,068

$

173,573

Trade receivables, net

 

77,797

 

20,831

Inventories, net

 

191,050

 

153,863

Prepaid and other

 

32,956

 

51,792

Total current assets

 

572,871

 

400,059

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

226,660

 

215,287

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

134,932

 

86,230

Goodwill

 

212,533

 

208,150

Other intangibles, net

 

147,178

 

139,048

Other assets

 

27,164

 

27,905

Total assets

$

1,321,338

$

1,076,679

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

109,257

$

57,434

Accrued expenses

 

279,345

 

178,512

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

20,000

 

20,000

Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities

 

12,344

 

9,992

Total current liabilities

 

420,946

 

265,938

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net

 

151,844

 

161,512

Long-term operating lease liabilities

 

128,620

 

79,375

Deferred tax liabilities

 

32,856

 

34,162

Other liabilities

 

22,112

 

26,622

Total liabilities

756,378

 

567,609

Total stockholders’ equity

 

564,960

 

509,070

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

1,321,338

$

1,076,679

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except for per share data)
(unaudited)
 

 

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

 

December 26,
2021

December 27,
2020

December 26,
2021

December 27,
2020

Net revenues:

 

 

 

 

E-Commerce

$

827,522

 

$

777,810

 

$

1,090,893

 

$

1,016,673

 

Other

 

115,522

 

 

99,446

 

 

161,524

 

 

144,355

 

Total net revenues

 

943,044

 

 

877,256

 

 

1,252,417

 

 

1,161,028

 

Cost of revenues

 

564,594

 

 

479,010

 

 

748,453

 

 

647,302

 

Gross profit

 

378,450

 

 

398,246

 

 

503,964

 

 

513,726

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

Marketing and sales

 

207,771

 

 

194,696

 

 

302,150

 

 

274,981

 

Technology and development

 

13,490

 

 

14,053

 

 

26,913

 

 

25,656

 

General and administrative

 

28,872

 

 

30,835

 

 

55,938

 

 

59,048

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

12,588

 

 

11,060

 

 

23,558

 

 

19,900

 

Total operating expenses

 

262,721

 

 

250,644

 

 

408,559

 

 

379,585

 

Operating income

 

115,729

 

 

147,602

 

 

95,405

 

 

134,141

 

Interest expense, net

 

1,723

 

 

1,927

 

 

3,251

 

 

2,967

 

Other income, net

 

(2,457

)

 

(2,257

)

 

(3,053

)

 

(3,256

)

Income before income taxes

 

116,463

 

 

147,932

 

 

95,207

 

 

134,430

 

Income tax expense

 

27,995

 

 

34,255

 

 

19,938

 

 

30,515

 

Net income

$

88,468

 

$

113,677

 

$

75,269

 

$

103,915

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per common share

$

1.36

 

$

1.76

 

$

1.16

 

$

1.61

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income per common share

$

1.34

 

$

1.71

 

$

1.14

 

$

1.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares used in the calculation of net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

65,261

 

 

64,728

 

 

65,161

 

 

64,524

 

Diluted

 

65,969

 

 

66,543

 

 

65,954

 

 

66,593

 

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 

 

Six months ended

 

December 26, 2021

December 27, 2020

 

 

 

Operating activities:

 

 

Net income

$

75,269

 

$

103,915

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

23,558

 

 

19,900

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

616

 

 

545

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(1,306

)

 

(1,388

)

Bad debt expense

 

(1,285

)

 

341

 

Stock-based compensation

 

5,296

 

 

5,358

 

Other non-cash items

 

(448

)

 

(321

)

Changes in operating items:

 

 

Trade receivables

 

(55,074

)

 

(56,372

)

Inventories

 

(28,534

)

 

25,369

 

Prepaid and other

 

8,172

 

 

(1,937

)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

160,459

 

 

212,340

 

Other assets and liabilities

 

(875

)

 

8,897

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

185,848

 

 

316,647

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(20,786

)

 

(250,943

)

Capital expenditures, net of non-cash expenditures

 

(32,608

)

 

(15,708

)

Purchase of equity investments

 

 

 

(1,285

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(53,394

)

 

(267,936

)

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

Acquisition of treasury stock

 

(25,521

)

 

(12,470

)

Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options

 

846

 

 

1,032

 

Proceeds from bank borrowings

 

125,000

 

 

265,000

 

Repayment of bank borrowings

 

(135,000

)

 

(170,000

)

Debt issuance cost

 

(284

)

 

(2,193

)

Net cash used in (provided by) financing activities

 

(34,959

)

 

81,369

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

97,495

 

 

130,080

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

Beginning of period

 

173,573

 

 

240,506

 

End of period

$

271,068

 

$

370,586

 

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information – Category Information
(dollars in thousands) (unaudited)
 

Three Months Ended

December 26,
2021

Vital Choice and
Alices’s Table
Transaction
Costs

As Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
December 26, 2021

December 27,
2020

PersonalizationMall
Litigation
& Transaction Costs

Harry & David
Store Closure
Costs

As Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
December 27,
2020

%
Change

Net revenues:

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

315,083

 

$

$

315,083

 

$

305,357

 

$

$

 

$

305,357

 

3.2

%

BloomNet

 

37,930

 

 

37,930

 

 

34,051

 

 

34,051

 

11.4

%

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

590,946

 

 

590,946

 

 

538,265

 

 

538,265

 

9.8

%

Corporate

 

69

 

 

69

 

 

135

 

 

135

 

-48.9

%

Intercompany eliminations

 

(984

)

 

 

(984

)

 

(552

)

 

 

 

(552

)

-78.3

%

Total net revenues

$

943,044

 

$

$

943,044

 

$

877,256

 

$

$

 

$

877,256

 

7.5

%

 

Gross profit:

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

130,025

 

$

130,025

 

$

134,474

 

$

134,474

 

-3.3

%

 

41.3

%

 

41.3

%

 

44.0

%

 

44.0

%

 

BloomNet

 

16,021

 

 

16,021

 

 

16,820

 

 

16,820

 

-4.8

%

 

42.2

%

 

42.2

%

 

49.4

%

 

49.4

%

 

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

232,239

 

 

232,239

 

 

246,890

 

 

246,890

 

-5.9

%

 

39.3

%

 

39.3

%

 

45.9

%

 

45.9

%

 

Corporate

 

165

 

 

165

 

 

62

 

 

62

 

166.1

%

 

239.1

%

 

239.1

%

 

45.9

%

 

45.9

%

 

Total gross profit

$

378,450

 

$

$

378,450

 

$

398,246

 

$

$

 

$

398,246

 

-5.0

%

 

40.1

%

 

 

40.1

%

 

45.4

%

 

 

 

 

45.4

%

 

EBITDA (non-GAAP):

Segment Contribution Margin (non-GAAP) (a):

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

38,156

 

$

$

38,156

 

$

45,657

 

$

$

 

$

45,657

 

-16.4

%

BloomNet

 

11,887

 

 

11,887

 

 

12,141

 

 

12,141

 

-2.1

%

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

110,502

 

 

 

110,502

 

 

135,621

 

 

 

(78

)

 

135,543

 

-18.5

%

Segment Contribution Margin Subtotal

 

160,545

 

 

 

160,545

 

 

193,419

 

 

 

(78

)

 

193,341

 

-17.0

%

Corporate (b)

 

(32,228

)

 

59

 

(32,169

)

 

(34,757

)

 

513

 

 

(34,244

)

6.1

%

EBITDA (non-GAAP)

 

128,317

 

 

59

 

128,376

 

 

158,662

 

 

513

 

(78

)

 

159,097

 

-19.3

%

Add: Stock-based compensation

 

2,291

 

 

2,291

 

 

2,965

 

 

2,965

 

-22.7

%

Add: Compensation charge related to NQ Plan Investment Appreciation

 

2,425

 

 

 

2,425

 

 

2,227

 

 

 

 

2,227

 

8.9

%

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)

$

133,033

 

$

59

$

133,092

 

$

163,854

 

$

513

$

(78

)

$

164,289

 

-19.0

%

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information – Category Information
(dollars in thousands) (unaudited)
 

Six Months Ended

December 26,
2021

Vital Choice and
Alice’s Table
Transaction Costs

As Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
December 26,
2021

December 27,
2020

PersonalizationMall
Litigation
& Transaction Costs

Harry & David
Store Closure
Costs

As Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
December 27,
2020

%
Change

Net revenues:

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

496,312

 

$

$

496,312

 

$

466,903

 

$

$

 

$

466,903

 

6.3

%

BloomNet

 

68,764

 

 

68,764

 

 

66,789

 

 

66,789

 

3.0

%

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

688,428

 

 

688,428

 

 

628,194

 

 

628,194

 

9.6

%

Corporate

 

114

 

 

114

 

 

241

 

 

241

 

-52.7

%

Intercompany eliminations

 

(1,201

)

 

 

(1,201

)

 

(1,099

)

 

 

 

(1,099

)

-9.3

%

Total net revenues

$

1,252,417

 

$

$

1,252,417

 

$

1,161,028

 

$

$

 

$

1,161,028

 

7.9

%

 

Gross profit:

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

206,028

 

$

$

206,028

 

$

200,060

 

$

$

 

$

200,060

 

3.0

%

 

41.5

%

 

41.5

%

 

42.8

%

 

42.8

%

 

BloomNet

 

31,430

 

 

31,430

 

 

31,658

 

 

31,658

 

-0.7

%

 

45.7

%

 

45.7

%

 

47.4

%

 

47.4

%

 

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

266,402

 

 

266,402

 

 

281,897

 

 

281,897

 

-5.5

%

 

38.7

%

 

38.7

%

 

44.9

%

 

44.9

%

 

Corporate

 

104

 

 

104

 

 

111

 

 

111

 

-6.3

%

 

91.2

%

 

91.2

%

 

46.1

%

 

46.1

%

 

Total gross profit

$

503,964

 

$

$

503,964

 

$

513,726

 

$

$

 

$

513,726

 

-1.9

%

 

40.2

%

 

 

40.2

%

 

44.2

%

 

 

 

 

44.2

%

 

EBITDA (non-GAAP):

Segment Contribution Margin (non-GAAP) (a):

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

57,346

 

$

$

57,346

 

$

64,893

 

$

$

 

$

64,893

 

-11.6

%

BloomNet

 

22,747

 

 

22,747

 

 

22,562

 

 

22,562

 

0.8

%

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

102,829

 

 

 

102,829

 

 

133,040

 

 

 

(483

)

 

132,557

 

22.4

%

Segment Contribution Margin Subtotal

 

182,922

 

 

 

182,922

 

 

220,495

 

 

 

(483

)

 

220,012

 

-16.9

%

Corporate (b)

 

(63,959

)

 

515

 

(63,444

)

 

(66,454

)

 

5,403

 

 

(61,051

)

-3.9

%

EBITDA (non-GAAP)

 

118,963

 

 

515

 

119,478

 

 

154,041

 

 

5,403

 

(483

)

 

158,961

 

-24.8

%

Add: Stock-based compensation

 

5,296

 

 

5,296

 

 

5,358

 

 

5,358

 

-1.2

%

Add: Compensation charge related to NQ Plan Investment Appreciation

 

2,992

 

 

2,992

 

 

3,207

 

 

3,207

 

-6.7

%

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)

$

127,251

 

$

515

$

127,766

 

$

162,605

 

$

5,403

$

(483

)

$

167,526

 

-23.7

%

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information
(in thousands) (unaudited)
 

Reconciliation of net income to adjusted net income (non-GAAP):

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

December 26, 2021

December 27, 2020

December 26, 2021

December 27, 2020

 

Net income

 

$

88,468

$

113,677

 

$

75,269

 

$

103,915

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to adjusted net income (non-GAAP)

 

Add: Transaction costs

 

 

59

 

513

 

 

515

 

 

5,403

 

Deduct: Harry & David store closure cost adjustment

 

 

 

(78

)

 

 

 

(483

)

Deduct: Income tax effect on adjustments

 

 

65

 

125

 

 

(108

)

 

(1,117

)

Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)

 

$

88,592

$

114,237

 

$

75,676

 

$

107,718

 

 

Basic and diluted net income per common share

 

Basic

 

$

1.36

$

1.76

 

$

1.16

 

$

1.61

 

Diluted

 

$

1.34

$

1.71

 

$

1.14

 

$

1.56

 

 

 

Basic and diluted adjusted net income per common share (non-GAAP)

 

Basic

 

$

1.36

$

1.76

 

$

1.16

 

$

1.67

 

Diluted

 

$

1.34

$

1.72

 

$

1.15

 

$

1.62

 

 

Weighted average shares used in the calculation of net income and adjusted net income per common share

 

Basic

 

 

65,261

 

64,728

 

 

65,161

 

 

64,524

 

Diluted

 

 

65,969

 

66,543

 

 

65,954

 

 

66,593

 

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information
(in thousands) (unaudited)
 

Reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP):

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

December 26, 2021

December 27, 2020

December 26, 2021

December 27, 2020

 

Net income

$

88,468

 

$

113,677

 

$

75,269

$

103,915

 

Add: Interest (income) expense, net

 

(734

)

 

(330

)

 

198

 

(289

)

Add: Depreciation and amortization

 

12,588

 

 

11,060

 

 

23,558

 

19,900

 

Add: Income tax expense

 

27,995

 

 

34,255

 

 

19,938

 

30,515

 

EBITDA

 

128,317

 

 

158,662

 

 

118,963

 

154,041

 

Add: Stock-based compensation

 

2,291

 

 

2,965

 

 

5,296

 

5,358

 

Add: Compensation charge related to NQ plan investment

appreciation

 

2,425

 

 

2,227

 

 

2,992

 

3,207

 

Add: Transaction costs

 

59

 

 

513

 

 

515

 

5,403

 

Deduct: Harry & David store closure cost adjustment

 

 

 

(78

)

 

 

(483

)

Adjusted EBITDA

$

133,092

 

$

164,289

 

$

127,766

$

167,526

 

(a) Segment performance is measured based on segment contribution margin or segment Adjusted EBITDA, reflecting only the direct controllable revenue and operating expenses of the segments, both of which are non-GAAP measurements. As such, management’s measure of profitability for these segments does not include the effect of corporate overhead, described above, depreciation and amortization, other income (net), and other items that we do not consider indicative of our core operating performance.

(b) Corporate expenses consist of the Company’s enterprise shared service cost centers, and include, among other items, Information Technology, Human Resources, Accounting and Finance, Legal, Executive and Customer Service Center functions, as well as Stock-Based Compensation. In order to leverage the Company’s infrastructure, these functions are operated under a centralized management platform, providing support services throughout the organization. The costs of these functions, other than those of the Customer Service Center, which are allocated directly to the above categories based upon usage, are included within corporate expenses as they are not directly allocable to a specific segment.

Investor Contact:

Joseph D. Pititto

(516) 237-6131

invest@1800flowers.com

Media Contact:

Kathleen Waugh

(516) 237-6028

kwaugh@1800flowers.com

Source: 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Reports 7.5 Percent Revenue Growth for Its Fiscal 2022 Second Quarter



1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Reports 7.5 Percent Revenue Growth for Its Fiscal 2022 Second Quarter

Research, News, and Market Data on 1-800-FLOWERS.COM

 

Jan 27, 2022

  • Total net revenues increased 7.5 percent, or $65.8 million, to $943.0 million, compared with $877.3 million in the prior year period. This revenue growth was on top of the 44.8 percent revenue growth reported in the Company’s 2021 fiscal second quarter.
  • Net income for the quarter was $88.5 million, or $1.34 per diluted share compared with net income of $113.7 million, or $1.71 per diluted share, in the prior year period, primarily reflecting significant year-over-year cost increases for inbound and outbound shipping, labor, and digital marketing. Adjusted net income1 for the quarter was $88.6 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, compared with adjusted net income1 of $114.2 million, or $1.72 per diluted share, in the prior year period.
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 for the quarter was $133.1 million, down 19.0 percent compared with adjusted EBITDA1 of $164.3 million in the prior year period.
  • Company provides revised full-year guidance including revenue growth of 7.0 percent-to-9.0 percent, adjusted EBITDA in a range of $140.0 million-to-$150.0 million and EPS in a range of $0.90 -to- $1.00 per diluted share.

(1 Refer to “Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the tables attached at the end of this press release for reconciliation of non-GAAP results to applicable GAAP results.)

JERICHO, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLWS), a leading e-commerce provider of products and services designed to inspire more human expression, connection, and celebration, today reported results for its fiscal 2022 second quarter ended December 26, 2021.

Chris McCann, CEO of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., said, “Our revenue growth of 7.5 percent in the quarter – on top of the 45 percent growth in last year’s fiscal second quarter – reflected continued growth across our three business segments, highlighted by growth of approximately ten percent in our Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets segment, led by our Harry & David® brand.” McCann noted that, in addition to representing a very challenging year-over-year comparison, the holiday period was characterized by several significant headwinds including limited availability and increased costs for seasonal labor, ongoing supply-chain disruptions that caused shortages of key components for some holiday products and the resurgence of COVID pandemic cases across the country. “The widely reported cost increases associated with these macro headwinds significantly exceeded our expectations during the quarter, impacting our margins and bottom-line results,” he said.

McCann said the Company will continue to invest in its operating platform, including initiatives to bring imported inventory in early and optimize outbound shipping methods as well as automating of its warehouse and distribution facilities to help mitigate the continuing cost headwinds. “Over the longer term, we anticipate these initiatives will enable us to improve our gross margins and drive enhanced bottom-line performance.”

McCann noted that during the second quarter the Company saw continued strong, year-over-year growth in its customer file and in its Celebrations Passport® loyalty program, which helps drive increased purchase frequency, retention, and cross-category/cross-brand purchases. “We also saw double-digit growth in our best performing customer cohort – customers that buy from multiple product categories and multiple brands within a given year. We believe these positive trends will provide increased marketing leverage over the longer term, particularly as we continue to see a larger percentage of our total revenues coming from existing customers.”

Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Total consolidated revenues increased 7.5 percent, or 
$65.8 million, to 
$943.0 million, compared with 
$877.3 million in the prior year period. This revenue growth was on top of the 44.8 percent revenue growth reported in the Company’s 2021 fiscal second quarter. The Company achieved revenue growth across its three business segments, including growth of 9.8 percent in its Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets segment, led by growth of more than 10.0 percent in its Harry & David brand.

Gross profit margin for the quarter was 40.1 percent, a decline of 530 basis points compared with 45.4 percent in the prior year period, primarily reflecting increased costs for inbound and outbound shipping and labor. Operating expenses as a percent of total revenues, improved 70 basis points to 27.9 percent of total sales, compared with 28.6 percent of total sales in the prior year period.

The combination of these factors resulted in net income for the quarter of 
$88.5 million, or 
$1.34 per diluted share compared with net income of 
$113.7 million, or 
$1.71 per diluted share, in the prior year period, primarily reflecting significant year-over-year cost increases in labor, inbound and outbound shipping, and digital marketing. Adjusted net income1 for the quarter was 
$88.6 million, or 
$1.34 per share, compared with adjusted net income of 
$114.2 million, or 
$1.72 per share, in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA1 for the quarter was 
$133.1 million, down 19.0 percent compared with adjusted EBITDA1 of 
$164.3 million in the prior year period.

Segment Results:
The Company provides selected financial results for its Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets, Consumer Floral and Gifts, and BloomNet® segments in the tables attached to this release and as follows:

  • Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets: Revenues for the quarter increased 9.8 percent to 
    $590.9 million, compared with 
    $538.3 million in the prior year period. The strong growth was primarily driven by growth of more than 10.0 percent in the Company’s Harry & David business. Gross profit margin was 39.3 percent, a decline of 660 basis points compared with 45.9 percent in the prior year period, primarily reflecting increased costs for inbound and outbound shipping as well as limited availability and higher costs for labor. Segment contribution margin was 
    $110.5 million, down 18.5 percent compared with 
    $135.6 million in the prior year period, reflecting the reduced gross margin as well as higher year-over-year digital marketing costs.
  • Consumer Floral and Gifts: Total revenues in this segment increased 3.2 percent to 
    $315.1 million, compared with 
    $305.5 million in the prior year period. Gross profit margin was 41.3 percent, down 270 basis points compared with 44.0 percent in the prior year period, primarily reflecting increased costs for inbound and outbound shipping and labor. Segment contribution margin was 
    $38.2 million, down 16.4 percent compared with 
    $45.7 million in the prior year period, primarily reflecting the reduced gross margin as well as higher year-over-year digital marketing costs.
  • BloomNet: Revenues for the quarter increased 11.4 percent to 
    $37.9 million, compared with 
    $34.1 million in the prior year period. Gross profit margin was 42.2 percent, down 720 basis points, compared with 49.4 percent in the prior year period, primarily reflecting higher inbound shipping costs and product mix. Segment contribution margin was 
    $11.9 million, down 2.1 percent compared with 
    $12.1 million in the prior year period primarily reflecting increased in-bound and outbound shipping costs which reduced gross margin.

Company Guidance
The Company is updating its guidance for the fiscal 2022 year reflecting reported results for the first half of the year as well as its outlook for the remainder of the year. The updated guidance includes:

  • Total revenue growth of 7.0 percent-to-9.0 percent compared with the prior year;
  • Adjusted EBITDA in a range of 
    $140.0 million-to-
    $150.0 million;
  • EPS in a range of 
    $0.90 -to- 
    $1.00 per diluted share, and;
  • The Company anticipates that Free Cash Flow for the year will be down significantly compared with the prior year based on its updated guidance and its plans to use its strong balance sheet to continue to invest in inventory to support its growth plans and address the headwinds it sees in the macro economy.

The Company’s guidance for the year is based on several factors, including:

  • the continuing headwinds associated with the ongoing pandemic, increased costs for labor, inbound and outbound shipping, and marketing as well as consumer concerns regarding rising price inflation somewhat offset by;
  • the Company’s ability to continue to attract new customers and add new members to its Celebrations Passport® loyalty program, which is helping drive increased frequency, retention, and cross-category/cross-brand purchases.

Definitions of non-GAAP Financial Measures:
We sometimes use financial measures derived from consolidated financial information, but not presented in our financial statements prepared in accordance with 
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles(“GAAP”). Certain of these are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under the 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules. Non-GAAP financial measures referred to in this document are either labeled as “non-GAAP” or designated as such with a “1”. See below for definitions and the reasons why we use these non-GAAP financial measures. Where applicable, see the Selected Financial Information below for reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:
We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA adjusted for the impact of stock-based compensation, Non-Qualified Plan Investment appreciation/depreciation, and for certain items affecting period-to-period comparability. See Selected Financial Information for details on how EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA were calculated for each period presented. The Company presents EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA because it considers such information meaningful supplemental measures of its performance and believes such information is frequently used by the investment community in the evaluation of similarly situated companies. The Company uses EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA as factors to determine the total amount of incentive compensation available to be awarded to executive officers and other employees. The Company’s credit agreement uses EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA to determine its interest rate and to measure compliance with certain covenants. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are also used by the Company to evaluate and price potential acquisition candidates. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. Some of the limitations are: (a) EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, the Company’s working capital needs; (b) EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on the Company’s debts; and (c) although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future and EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such capital expenditures. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should only be used on a supplemental basis combined with GAAP results when evaluating the Company’s performance.

Segment Contribution Margin and Adjusted Segment Contribution Margin:
We define segment contribution margin as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, before the allocation of corporate overhead expenses. Adjusted contribution margin is defined as contribution margin adjusted for certain items affecting period-to-period comparability. See Selected Financial Information for details on how segment contribution margin and adjusted segment contribution margin was calculated for each period presented. When viewed together with our GAAP results, we believe segment contribution margin and adjusted segment contribution margin provide management and users of the financial statements meaningful information about the performance of our business segments. Segment contribution margin and adjusted segment contribution margin are used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP and should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures. The material limitation associated with the use of the segment contribution margin and adjusted segment contribution margin is that they are an incomplete measure of profitability as they do not include all operating expenses or non-operating income and expenses. Management compensates for these limitations when using this measure by looking at other GAAP measures, such as operating income and net income.

Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted or Comparable Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share:
We define adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted or comparable net income (loss) per common share as net income (loss) and net income (loss) per common share adjusted for certain items affecting period to period comparability. See Selected Financial Information below for details on how adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted or comparable net income (loss) per common share were calculated for each period presented. We believe that adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted or comparable EPS are meaningful measures because they increase the comparability of period-to-period results. Since these are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, they should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, GAAP net income (loss) and net income (loss) per common share, as indicators of operating performance and they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.

Free Cash Flow:
We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. The Company considers free cash flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by the business after the purchases of fixed assets, which can then be used to, among other things, invest in the Company’s business, make strategic acquisitions, strengthen the balance sheet, and repurchase stock or retire debt. Free cash flow is a liquidity measure that is frequently used by the investment community in the evaluation of similarly situated companies. Since free cash flow is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. A limitation of the utility of free cash flow as a measure of financial performance is that it does not represent the total increase or decrease in the company’s cash balance for the period.

About 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.
1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is a leading provider of gifts designed to help customers express, connect and celebrate. The Company’s e-commerce business platform features an all-star family of brands, including: 1-800-Flowers.com®, 1-800-Baskets.com®, Cheryl’s Cookies®, Harry & David®, PersonalizationMall.com®, Shari’s Berries®, FruitBouquets.com®, Moose Munch®, The Popcorn Factory®, Wolferman’s Bakery®, Vital Choice®, Stock Yards® and Simply Chocolate®. Through the Celebrations Passport® loyalty program, which provides members with free standard shipping and no service charge across our portfolio of brands, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. strives to deepen relationships with customers. The Company also operates BloomNet®, an international floral and gift industry service provider offering a broad range of products and services designed to help members grow their businesses profitably Napco?, a resource for floral gifts and seasonal décor; DesignPac Gifts, LLC, a manufacturer of gift baskets and towers; and Alice’s Table®, a lifestyle business offering fully digital livestreaming floral, culinary and other experiences to guests across the country. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. was recognized among the top 5 on the National Retail Federation’s 2021 Hot 25 Retailers list, which ranks the nation’s fastest-growing retail companies. Shares in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, ticker symbol: FLWS. For more information, visit 1800flowersinc.com or follow @1800FLOWERSInc on Twitter.

FLWS-COMP
FLWS-FN

Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent the Company’s current expectations or beliefs concerning future events and can generally be identified using statements that include words such as “estimate,” “expects,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “forecast,” “likely,” “will,” “target” or similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s ability to achieve its guidance for fiscal-year 2022; the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company; its ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and assets; its ability to successfully execute its strategic initiatives; its ability to cost-effectively acquire and retain customers; the outcome of contingencies, including legal proceedings in the normal course of business; its ability to compete against existing and new competitors; its ability to manage expenses associated with sales and marketing and necessary general and administrative and technology investments; its ability to reduce promotional activities and achieve more efficient marketing programs; and general consumer sentiment and industry and economic conditions that may affect levels of discretionary customer purchases of the Company’s products. Reconciliations for forward looking figures would require unreasonable efforts at this time because of the uncertainty and variability of the nature and amount of certain components of various necessary GAAP components, including for example those related to compensation, tax items, amortization or others that may arise during the year, and the Company’s management believes such reconciliations would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors. The lack of such reconciling information should be considered when assessing the impact of such disclosures. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any of the forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, made in this release or in any of its SEC filings. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks and uncertainties. For a more detailed description of these and other risk factors, refer to the Company’s SEC filings, including the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Conference Call:
The Company will conduct a conference call to discuss the above details and attached financial results today, Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. (ET). The conference call will be webcast live from the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.1800flowersinc.com. A recording of the call will be posted on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s web site within two hours of the call’s completion. A replay of the call can be accessed beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET on the day of the call through February 3, 2022, at: (US) 1-877-344-7529; (
Canada) 855-669-9658; (International) 1-412-317-0088; enter conference ID #:5113256.

Note: The attached tables are an integral part of this press release without which the information presented in this press release should be considered incomplete.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)

 

December 26, 2021

June 27, 2021

 

(unaudited)

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

271,068

$

173,573

Trade receivables, net

 

77,797

 

20,831

Inventories, net

 

191,050

 

153,863

Prepaid and other

 

32,956

 

51,792

Total current assets

 

572,871

 

400,059

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

226,660

 

215,287

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

134,932

 

86,230

Goodwill

 

212,533

 

208,150

Other intangibles, net

 

147,178

 

139,048

Other assets

 

27,164

 

27,905

Total assets

$

1,321,338

$

1,076,679

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

109,257

$

57,434

Accrued expenses

 

279,345

 

178,512

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

20,000

 

20,000

Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities

 

12,344

 

9,992

Total current liabilities

 

420,946

 

265,938

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net

 

151,844

 

161,512

Long-term operating lease liabilities

 

128,620

 

79,375

Deferred tax liabilities

 

32,856

 

34,162

Other liabilities

 

22,112

 

26,622

Total liabilities

756,378

 

567,609

Total stockholders’ equity

 

564,960

 

509,070

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

1,321,338

$

1,076,679

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except for per share data)
(unaudited)
 

 

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

 

December 26,
2021

December 27,
2020

December 26,
2021

December 27,
2020

Net revenues:

 

 

 

 

E-Commerce

$

827,522

 

$

777,810

 

$

1,090,893

 

$

1,016,673

 

Other

 

115,522

 

 

99,446

 

 

161,524

 

 

144,355

 

Total net revenues

 

943,044

 

 

877,256

 

 

1,252,417

 

 

1,161,028

 

Cost of revenues

 

564,594

 

 

479,010

 

 

748,453

 

 

647,302

 

Gross profit

 

378,450

 

 

398,246

 

 

503,964

 

 

513,726

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

Marketing and sales

 

207,771

 

 

194,696

 

 

302,150

 

 

274,981

 

Technology and development

 

13,490

 

 

14,053

 

 

26,913

 

 

25,656

 

General and administrative

 

28,872

 

 

30,835

 

 

55,938

 

 

59,048

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

12,588

 

 

11,060

 

 

23,558

 

 

19,900

 

Total operating expenses

 

262,721

 

 

250,644

 

 

408,559

 

 

379,585

 

Operating income

 

115,729

 

 

147,602

 

 

95,405

 

 

134,141

 

Interest expense, net

 

1,723

 

 

1,927

 

 

3,251

 

 

2,967

 

Other income, net

 

(2,457

)

 

(2,257

)

 

(3,053

)

 

(3,256

)

Income before income taxes

 

116,463

 

 

147,932

 

 

95,207

 

 

134,430

 

Income tax expense

 

27,995

 

 

34,255

 

 

19,938

 

 

30,515

 

Net income

$

88,468

 

$

113,677

 

$

75,269

 

$

103,915

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per common share

$

1.36

 

$

1.76

 

$

1.16

 

$

1.61

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income per common share

$

1.34

 

$

1.71

 

$

1.14

 

$

1.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares used in the calculation of net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

65,261

 

 

64,728

 

 

65,161

 

 

64,524

 

Diluted

 

65,969

 

 

66,543

 

 

65,954

 

 

66,593

 

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 

 

Six months ended

 

December 26, 2021

December 27, 2020

 

 

 

Operating activities:

 

 

Net income

$

75,269

 

$

103,915

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

23,558

 

 

19,900

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

616

 

 

545

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(1,306

)

 

(1,388

)

Bad debt expense

 

(1,285

)

 

341

 

Stock-based compensation

 

5,296

 

 

5,358

 

Other non-cash items

 

(448

)

 

(321

)

Changes in operating items:

 

 

Trade receivables

 

(55,074

)

 

(56,372

)

Inventories

 

(28,534

)

 

25,369

 

Prepaid and other

 

8,172

 

 

(1,937

)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

160,459

 

 

212,340

 

Other assets and liabilities

 

(875

)

 

8,897

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

185,848

 

 

316,647

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(20,786

)

 

(250,943

)

Capital expenditures, net of non-cash expenditures

 

(32,608

)

 

(15,708

)

Purchase of equity investments

 

 

 

(1,285

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(53,394

)

 

(267,936

)

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

Acquisition of treasury stock

 

(25,521

)

 

(12,470

)

Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options

 

846

 

 

1,032

 

Proceeds from bank borrowings

 

125,000

 

 

265,000

 

Repayment of bank borrowings

 

(135,000

)

 

(170,000

)

Debt issuance cost

 

(284

)

 

(2,193

)

Net cash used in (provided by) financing activities

 

(34,959

)

 

81,369

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

97,495

 

 

130,080

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

Beginning of period

 

173,573

 

 

240,506

 

End of period

$

271,068

 

$

370,586

 

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information – Category Information
(dollars in thousands) (unaudited)
 

Three Months Ended

December 26,
2021

Vital Choice and
Alices’s Table
Transaction
Costs

As Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
December 26, 2021

December 27,
2020

PersonalizationMall
Litigation
& Transaction Costs

Harry & David
Store Closure
Costs

As Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
December 27,
2020

%
Change

Net revenues:

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

315,083

 

$

$

315,083

 

$

305,357

 

$

$

 

$

305,357

 

3.2

%

BloomNet

 

37,930

 

 

37,930

 

 

34,051

 

 

34,051

 

11.4

%

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

590,946

 

 

590,946

 

 

538,265

 

 

538,265

 

9.8

%

Corporate

 

69

 

 

69

 

 

135

 

 

135

 

-48.9

%

Intercompany eliminations

 

(984

)

 

 

(984

)

 

(552

)

 

 

 

(552

)

-78.3

%

Total net revenues

$

943,044

 

$

$

943,044

 

$

877,256

 

$

$

 

$

877,256

 

7.5

%

 

Gross profit:

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

130,025

 

$

130,025

 

$

134,474

 

$

134,474

 

-3.3

%

 

41.3

%

 

41.3

%

 

44.0

%

 

44.0

%

 

BloomNet

 

16,021

 

 

16,021

 

 

16,820

 

 

16,820

 

-4.8

%

 

42.2

%

 

42.2

%

 

49.4

%

 

49.4

%

 

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

232,239

 

 

232,239

 

 

246,890

 

 

246,890

 

-5.9

%

 

39.3

%

 

39.3

%

 

45.9

%

 

45.9

%

 

Corporate

 

165

 

 

165

 

 

62

 

 

62

 

166.1

%

 

239.1

%

 

239.1

%

 

45.9

%

 

45.9

%

 

Total gross profit

$

378,450

 

$

$

378,450

 

$

398,246

 

$

$

 

$

398,246

 

-5.0

%

 

40.1

%

 

 

40.1

%

 

45.4

%

 

 

 

 

45.4

%

 

EBITDA (non-GAAP):

Segment Contribution Margin (non-GAAP) (a):

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

38,156

 

$

$

38,156

 

$

45,657

 

$

$

 

$

45,657

 

-16.4

%

BloomNet

 

11,887

 

 

11,887

 

 

12,141

 

 

12,141

 

-2.1

%

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

110,502

 

 

 

110,502

 

 

135,621

 

 

 

(78

)

 

135,543

 

-18.5

%

Segment Contribution Margin Subtotal

 

160,545

 

 

 

160,545

 

 

193,419

 

 

 

(78

)

 

193,341

 

-17.0

%

Corporate (b)

 

(32,228

)

 

59

 

(32,169

)

 

(34,757

)

 

513

 

 

(34,244

)

6.1

%

EBITDA (non-GAAP)

 

128,317

 

 

59

 

128,376

 

 

158,662

 

 

513

 

(78

)

 

159,097

 

-19.3

%

Add: Stock-based compensation

 

2,291

 

 

2,291

 

 

2,965

 

 

2,965

 

-22.7

%

Add: Compensation charge related to NQ Plan Investment Appreciation

 

2,425

 

 

 

2,425

 

 

2,227

 

 

 

 

2,227

 

8.9

%

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)

$

133,033

 

$

59

$

133,092

 

$

163,854

 

$

513

$

(78

)

$

164,289

 

-19.0

%

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information – Category Information
(dollars in thousands) (unaudited)
 

Six Months Ended

December 26,
2021

Vital Choice and
Alice’s Table
Transaction Costs

As Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
December 26,
2021

December 27,
2020

PersonalizationMall
Litigation
& Transaction Costs

Harry & David
Store Closure
Costs

As Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
December 27,
2020

%
Change

Net revenues:

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

496,312

 

$

$

496,312

 

$

466,903

 

$

$

 

$

466,903

 

6.3

%

BloomNet

 

68,764

 

 

68,764

 

 

66,789

 

 

66,789

 

3.0

%

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

688,428

 

 

688,428

 

 

628,194

 

 

628,194

 

9.6

%

Corporate

 

114

 

 

114

 

 

241

 

 

241

 

-52.7

%

Intercompany eliminations

 

(1,201

)

 

 

(1,201

)

 

(1,099

)

 

 

 

(1,099

)

-9.3

%

Total net revenues

$

1,252,417

 

$

$

1,252,417

 

$

1,161,028

 

$

$

 

$

1,161,028

 

7.9

%

 

Gross profit:

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

206,028

 

$

$

206,028

 

$

200,060

 

$

$

 

$

200,060

 

3.0

%

 

41.5

%

 

41.5

%

 

42.8

%

 

42.8

%

 

BloomNet

 

31,430

 

 

31,430

 

 

31,658

 

 

31,658

 

-0.7

%

 

45.7

%

 

45.7

%

 

47.4

%

 

47.4

%

 

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

266,402

 

 

266,402

 

 

281,897

 

 

281,897

 

-5.5

%

 

38.7

%

 

38.7

%

 

44.9

%

 

44.9

%

 

Corporate

 

104

 

 

104

 

 

111

 

 

111

 

-6.3

%

 

91.2

%

 

91.2

%

 

46.1

%

 

46.1

%

 

Total gross profit

$

503,964

 

$

$

503,964

 

$

513,726

 

$

$

 

$

513,726

 

-1.9

%

 

40.2

%

 

 

40.2

%

 

44.2

%

 

 

 

 

44.2

%

 

EBITDA (non-GAAP):

Segment Contribution Margin (non-GAAP) (a):

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

57,346

 

$

$

57,346

 

$

64,893

 

$

$

 

$

64,893

 

-11.6

%

BloomNet

 

22,747

 

 

22,747

 

 

22,562

 

 

22,562

 

0.8

%

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

102,829

 

 

 

102,829

 

 

133,040

 

 

 

(483

)

 

132,557

 

22.4

%

Segment Contribution Margin Subtotal

 

182,922

 

 

 

182,922

 

 

220,495

 

 

 

(483

)

 

220,012

 

-16.9

%

Corporate (b)

 

(63,959

)

 

515

 

(63,444

)

 

(66,454

)

 

5,403

 

 

(61,051

)

-3.9

%

EBITDA (non-GAAP)

 

118,963

 

 

515

 

119,478

 

 

154,041

 

 

5,403

 

(483

)

 

158,961

 

-24.8

%

Add: Stock-based compensation

 

5,296

 

 

5,296

 

 

5,358

 

 

5,358

 

-1.2

%

Add: Compensation charge related to NQ Plan Investment Appreciation

 

2,992

 

 

2,992

 

 

3,207

 

 

3,207

 

-6.7

%

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)

$

127,251

 

$

515

$

127,766

 

$

162,605

 

$

5,403

$

(483

)

$

167,526

 

-23.7

%

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information
(in thousands) (unaudited)
 

Reconciliation of net income to adjusted net income (non-GAAP):

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

December 26, 2021

December 27, 2020

December 26, 2021

December 27, 2020

 

Net income

 

$

88,468

$

113,677

 

$

75,269

 

$

103,915

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to adjusted net income (non-GAAP)

 

Add: Transaction costs

 

 

59

 

513

 

 

515

 

 

5,403

 

Deduct: Harry & David store closure cost adjustment

 

 

 

(78

)

 

 

 

(483

)

Deduct: Income tax effect on adjustments

 

 

65

 

125

 

 

(108

)

 

(1,117

)

Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)

 

$

88,592

$

114,237

 

$

75,676

 

$

107,718

 

 

Basic and diluted net income per common share

 

Basic

 

$

1.36

$

1.76

 

$

1.16

 

$

1.61

 

Diluted

 

$

1.34

$

1.71

 

$

1.14

 

$

1.56

 

 

 

Basic and diluted adjusted net income per common share (non-GAAP)

 

Basic

 

$

1.36

$

1.76

 

$

1.16

 

$

1.67

 

Diluted

 

$

1.34

$

1.72

 

$

1.15

 

$

1.62

 

 

Weighted average shares used in the calculation of net income and adjusted net income per common share

 

Basic

 

 

65,261

 

64,728

 

 

65,161

 

 

64,524

 

Diluted

 

 

65,969

 

66,543

 

 

65,954

 

 

66,593

 

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information
(in thousands) (unaudited)
 

Reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP):

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

December 26, 2021

December 27, 2020

December 26, 2021

December 27, 2020

 

Net income

$

88,468

 

$

113,677

 

$

75,269

$

103,915

 

Add: Interest (income) expense, net

 

(734

)

 

(330

)

 

198

 

(289

)

Add: Depreciation and amortization

 

12,588

 

 

11,060

 

 

23,558

 

19,900

 

Add: Income tax expense

 

27,995

 

 

34,255

 

 

19,938

 

30,515

 

EBITDA

 

128,317

 

 

158,662

 

 

118,963

 

154,041

 

Add: Stock-based compensation

 

2,291

 

 

2,965

 

 

5,296

 

5,358

 

Add: Compensation charge related to NQ plan investment

appreciation

 

2,425

 

 

2,227

 

 

2,992

 

3,207

 

Add: Transaction costs

 

59

 

 

513

 

 

515

 

5,403

 

Deduct: Harry & David store closure cost adjustment

 

 

 

(78

)

 

 

(483

)

Adjusted EBITDA

$

133,092

 

$

164,289

 

$

127,766

$

167,526

 

(a) Segment performance is measured based on segment contribution margin or segment Adjusted EBITDA, reflecting only the direct controllable revenue and operating expenses of the segments, both of which are non-GAAP measurements. As such, management’s measure of profitability for these segments does not include the effect of corporate overhead, described above, depreciation and amortization, other income (net), and other items that we do not consider indicative of our core operating performance.

(b) Corporate expenses consist of the Company’s enterprise shared service cost centers, and include, among other items, Information Technology, Human Resources, Accounting and Finance, Legal, Executive and Customer Service Center functions, as well as Stock-Based Compensation. In order to leverage the Company’s infrastructure, these functions are operated under a centralized management platform, providing support services throughout the organization. The costs of these functions, other than those of the Customer Service Center, which are allocated directly to the above categories based upon usage, are included within corporate expenses as they are not directly allocable to a specific segment.

Investor Contact:

Joseph D. Pititto

(516) 237-6131

invest@1800flowers.com

Media Contact:

Kathleen Waugh

(516) 237-6028

kwaugh@1800flowers.com

Source: 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.

Release – Schwazze Closes Acquisition Of Drift



Schwazze Closes Acquisition Of Drift

Research, News, and Market Data on Schwazze

 

Expanding Retail Footprint in Boulder County, Colorado

OTCQX: SHWZ

DENVER, Jan. 26, 2022 /CNW/ – Schwazze, (OTCQX:SHWZ) (“Schwazze” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce that it has closed the transaction to acquire the assets of BG3 Investments, LLC dba Drift which consists of two cannabis dispensaries located in Boulder, Colorado. This purchase continues Schwazze’s expansion plan in Colorado, adding to the Company’s current dispensary footprint, and bringing the total number of dispensaries to twenty. As part of the purchase, Schwazze will also acquire the assets of Black Box Licensing, LLC, which contains certain intellectual property.

“We look forward to adding these dispensaries to our portfolio. The Company remains focused on bringing excellent shopping experiences to all areas of Colorado by providing a wide assortment of quality products along with great service that our customers have come to expect from our brands.  We are excited to bring that experience to our customers in Boulder,” said Nirup Krishnamurthy, Schwazze’s COO.

The consideration for the acquisition was $3.5 million and was paid as $1.9 million in cash, and $1.6 million in common stock.

Corporate Update
Since April 2020, Schwazze has announced and/or acquired a total of 32 cannabis dispensaries, including the ten R. Greenleaf New Mexico dispensaries.  The Company has also announced and/or acquired in 2021 a total of seven cultivation facilities, three in Colorado – SCG Holding LLC, Brow 2 LLC and Star Buds – and four licensed by Medzen and RGO in New Mexico.  The R. Greenleaf acquisition will add a New Mexico manufacturing asset, Elemental Kitchen & Laboratories, LLC, to the Company’s manufacturing plant, Purplebee’s in Colorado.

In May 2021, Schwazze announced its BioSciences division and in August 2021 it commenced home delivery services in Colorado.

About Schwazze 
Schwazze (OTCQX: SHWZ) is building a premier vertically integrated regional cannabis company with assets in  Colorado and New Mexico and will continue to take its operating system to other states where it can develop a differentiated regional leadership position.  Schwazze is the parent company of a portfolio of leading cannabis businesses and brands spanning seed to sale.  The Company is committed to unlocking the full potential of the cannabis plant to improve the human condition.  Schwazze is anchored by a high-performance culture that combines customer-centric thinking and data science to test, measure, and drive decisions and outcomes.  The Company’s leadership team has deep expertise in retailing, wholesaling, and building consumer brands at Fortune 500 companies as well as in the cannabis sector.  Schwazze is passionate about making a difference in our communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and doing our part to incorporate climate-conscious best practices.  Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. was Schwazze’s former operating trade name.  The corporate entity continues to be named Medicine Man Technologies, Inc.

Schwazze derives its name from the pruning technique of a cannabis plant to enhance plant structure and promote healthy growth.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” Such statements may be preceded by the words “may,” “estimates”, “predicts,” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions, and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control and cannot be predicted or quantified. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) our inability to manufacture our products and product candidates on a commercial scale on our own or in collaboration with third parties; (ii) difficulties in obtaining financing on commercially reasonable terms; (iii) changes in the size and nature of our competition; (iv) loss of one or more key executives or scientists; (v) difficulties in securing regulatory approval to market our products and product candidates; (vi) our ability to successfully execute our growth strategy in Colorado and outside the state, (vii) our ability to identify and consummate future acquisitions that meet our criteria, (viii) our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize synergies therefrom, (ix) the actual revenues derived from the Company’s Star Buds assets, * the Company’s actual revenue and adjusted EBITDA for 2021, (xi) the Company’s ability to generate positive cash flow for the rest of 2021 (xii) the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, (xiii) the timing and extent of governmental stimulus programs, and (xiv) the uncertainty in the application of federal, state and local laws to our business, and any changes in such laws. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by law.

SOURCE Schwazze

Release – Motorsport Games Announces Official KartKraft Launch



Motorsport Games Announces Official KartKraft Launch

Research, News, and Market Data on Motorsport Games

 

PREVIOUSLY IN ‘EARLY ACCESS,’ THE FULL GAME WILL COME COMPLETE WITH ONLINE MULTIPLAYER, OFFICIAL TRACKS AND FULL CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS

MIAMI, Jan. 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Motorsport Games Inc. (NASDAQ: MSGM) (“Motorsport Games”), a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, announces today the official launch of KartKraft, available to play on PC through the Steam store. Previously in ‘Early Access’ mode since November of 2018, this marks the full release of the leading kart racing simulator, bringing a bevy of new features for fans to enjoy. The trailer can be viewed here.

KartKraft is developed and published by Motorsport Games, having acquired the game IP, assets and code from original developer Black Delta in March of 2021. Key members from Black Delta, including Founder Zach Griffin, joined Motorsport Games to form its new Australia-based studio, which has continued to work on KartKraft. Since last year’s acquisition, Motorsport Games Australia has carried on developing the game to get it ready for its full launch.

“The Motorsport Games team is excited to finally launch KartKraft in full, bringing more top-tier features than ever to the most highly-acclaimed karting simulator on the market,” said Dmitry Kozko, CEO of Motorsport Games. “Acquiring KartKraft last year signaled our aggressive plans for growth and expansion as a leading developer of racing games, and our amazing team in Australia has delivered a stunning title for fans across the world. We look forward to hearing from our players about KartKraft and will continue to build upon this release as we’ll keep evolving the game in future.”

The full release of KartKraft for PC introduces a number of fresh additions to improve the overall gaming experience. Players can now participate in scheduled multiplayer sessions with a bespoke matchmaking system, something previously unavailable in the Early Access version. Additionally, the full version of KartKraft allows players to customize their own karts with 8 officially licensed manufacturers and 5 different classes. Players can also race on 7 officially licensed, laser-scanned circuits , including the newly added Whilton Mill circuit. Additionally, KartKraft supports virtual reality and triple screen play, as well as full motion support.

“Since joining the Motorsport Games team last year, we’ve been provided with more resources and tools than ever before to make KartKraft the remarkable game that it is today,” said Zach Griffin, Director of Technology at Motorsport Games. “With our full launch out of Early Access, we couldn’t be more pleased to finally bring a list of features that have been asked for by our community for some time, including online multiplayer, user interface updates and more tracks. More importantly, this does not signal the end of KartKraft’s development, but the start of the next chapter. I’m confident that players will love this game just as much as we have enjoyed making it.”

KartKraft is available to play today on Steam for PC. It can be purchased for $39.99. The game developers will continue to work on and improve KartKraft after initial release continuously iterating upon the foundation in place.

To keep up with the latest Motorsport Game news, please visit www.motorsportgames.com and follow on TwitterInstagramFacebook and LinkedIn.

About Motorsport Games:
Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, combines innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers around the globe. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. For more information about Motorsport Games, visit www.motorsportgames.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are provided pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: (i) the Company’s expectation to pursue aggressive plans for growth and expansion as a leading developer of racing games; and (iii) the expected future impact of new or planned products, features, offerings or events, and the timing of launching such products, features, offerings or events, including, without limitation, the Company’s belief that with the release of KartKraft, its amazing team in Australia has delivered a stunning title and a remarkable game for fans across the world, the Company’s plans to continue to build upon this release and to keep evolving the game in future and that players will love this game. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) difficulties, delays or less than expected results in achieving the Company’s growth plans, objectives and expectations, such as due to a slower than anticipated economic recovery and/or the Company’s inability, in whole or in part, to continue to execute its business strategies and plans, such as due to unforeseen difficulties in maintaining existing licenses, and securing additional licenses with various racing series and/or difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified employees and key personnel; and/or (ii) Motorsport Games experiencing difficulties and/or delays in enhancing the quality of its product offerings that could negatively impact its future development plans, such as due to difficulties or delays in launching new products, higher than anticipated costs incurred in developing, launching and continuining to enhance and improve such products and/or less than anticipated consumer acceptance of the Company’s product offerings and/or difficulties, delays in or unanticipated events that may impact the timing and scope of new product launches, such as due to delays and higher than anticipated expenses related to the ongoing and prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and related economic lockdowns and government mandates; unanticipated operating costs, transaction costs and actual or contingent liabilities; adverse effects of increased competition; and unanticipated changes in consumer behavior, including as a result of general economic factors, such as increased inflation. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in Motorsport Games’ filings with the SEC, which may be found at www.sec.gov and at ir.motorsportgames.com, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC during 2021, as well as in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Motorsport Games anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Motorsport Games assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Motorsport Games’ plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. Additionally, the business and financial materials and any other statement or disclosure on, or made available through, Motorsport Games’ website or other websites referenced or linked to this press release shall not be incorporated by reference into this press release.

Website and Social Media Disclosure:
Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor relations website (ir.motorsportgames.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media and blogs, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company and our products. It is possible that the information we post on our websites, social media and blogs could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in our company to review the information we post on these websites, social media channels and blogs, including the following (which list we will update from time to time on our investor relations website):

Websites Social Media
motorsportgames.com Twitter: @msportgames & @traxiongg
traxion.gg Instagram: msportgames & traxiongg
motorsport.com Facebook: Motorsport Games & traxiongg
  LinkedIn: Motorsport Games
  Twitch: traxiongg
  Reddit: traxiongg






The contents of these websites and social media channels are not part of, nor will they be incorporated by reference into, this press release.

Investors:
Ashley DeSimone
Ashley.Desimone@icrinc.com

Press:
ASTRSK PR
motorsportgames@astrskpr.com

Motorsport Games Announces Official KartKraft Launch



Motorsport Games Announces Official KartKraft Launch

Research, News, and Market Data on Motorsport Games

 

PREVIOUSLY IN ‘EARLY ACCESS,’ THE FULL GAME WILL COME COMPLETE WITH ONLINE MULTIPLAYER, OFFICIAL TRACKS AND FULL CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS

MIAMI, Jan. 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Motorsport Games Inc. (NASDAQ: MSGM) (“Motorsport Games”), a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, announces today the official launch of KartKraft, available to play on PC through the Steam store. Previously in ‘Early Access’ mode since November of 2018, this marks the full release of the leading kart racing simulator, bringing a bevy of new features for fans to enjoy. The trailer can be viewed here.

KartKraft is developed and published by Motorsport Games, having acquired the game IP, assets and code from original developer Black Delta in March of 2021. Key members from Black Delta, including Founder Zach Griffin, joined Motorsport Games to form its new Australia-based studio, which has continued to work on KartKraft. Since last year’s acquisition, Motorsport Games Australia has carried on developing the game to get it ready for its full launch.

“The Motorsport Games team is excited to finally launch KartKraft in full, bringing more top-tier features than ever to the most highly-acclaimed karting simulator on the market,” said Dmitry Kozko, CEO of Motorsport Games. “Acquiring KartKraft last year signaled our aggressive plans for growth and expansion as a leading developer of racing games, and our amazing team in Australia has delivered a stunning title for fans across the world. We look forward to hearing from our players about KartKraft and will continue to build upon this release as we’ll keep evolving the game in future.”

The full release of KartKraft for PC introduces a number of fresh additions to improve the overall gaming experience. Players can now participate in scheduled multiplayer sessions with a bespoke matchmaking system, something previously unavailable in the Early Access version. Additionally, the full version of KartKraft allows players to customize their own karts with 8 officially licensed manufacturers and 5 different classes. Players can also race on 7 officially licensed, laser-scanned circuits , including the newly added Whilton Mill circuit. Additionally, KartKraft supports virtual reality and triple screen play, as well as full motion support.

“Since joining the Motorsport Games team last year, we’ve been provided with more resources and tools than ever before to make KartKraft the remarkable game that it is today,” said Zach Griffin, Director of Technology at Motorsport Games. “With our full launch out of Early Access, we couldn’t be more pleased to finally bring a list of features that have been asked for by our community for some time, including online multiplayer, user interface updates and more tracks. More importantly, this does not signal the end of KartKraft’s development, but the start of the next chapter. I’m confident that players will love this game just as much as we have enjoyed making it.”

KartKraft is available to play today on Steam for PC. It can be purchased for $39.99. The game developers will continue to work on and improve KartKraft after initial release continuously iterating upon the foundation in place.

To keep up with the latest Motorsport Game news, please visit www.motorsportgames.com and follow on TwitterInstagramFacebook and LinkedIn.

About Motorsport Games:
Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, combines innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers around the globe. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. For more information about Motorsport Games, visit www.motorsportgames.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are provided pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: (i) the Company’s expectation to pursue aggressive plans for growth and expansion as a leading developer of racing games; and (iii) the expected future impact of new or planned products, features, offerings or events, and the timing of launching such products, features, offerings or events, including, without limitation, the Company’s belief that with the release of KartKraft, its amazing team in Australia has delivered a stunning title and a remarkable game for fans across the world, the Company’s plans to continue to build upon this release and to keep evolving the game in future and that players will love this game. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) difficulties, delays or less than expected results in achieving the Company’s growth plans, objectives and expectations, such as due to a slower than anticipated economic recovery and/or the Company’s inability, in whole or in part, to continue to execute its business strategies and plans, such as due to unforeseen difficulties in maintaining existing licenses, and securing additional licenses with various racing series and/or difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified employees and key personnel; and/or (ii) Motorsport Games experiencing difficulties and/or delays in enhancing the quality of its product offerings that could negatively impact its future development plans, such as due to difficulties or delays in launching new products, higher than anticipated costs incurred in developing, launching and continuining to enhance and improve such products and/or less than anticipated consumer acceptance of the Company’s product offerings and/or difficulties, delays in or unanticipated events that may impact the timing and scope of new product launches, such as due to delays and higher than anticipated expenses related to the ongoing and prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and related economic lockdowns and government mandates; unanticipated operating costs, transaction costs and actual or contingent liabilities; adverse effects of increased competition; and unanticipated changes in consumer behavior, including as a result of general economic factors, such as increased inflation. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in Motorsport Games’ filings with the SEC, which may be found at www.sec.gov and at ir.motorsportgames.com, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC during 2021, as well as in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Motorsport Games anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Motorsport Games assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Motorsport Games’ plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. Additionally, the business and financial materials and any other statement or disclosure on, or made available through, Motorsport Games’ website or other websites referenced or linked to this press release shall not be incorporated by reference into this press release.

Website and Social Media Disclosure:
Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor relations website (ir.motorsportgames.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media and blogs, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company and our products. It is possible that the information we post on our websites, social media and blogs could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in our company to review the information we post on these websites, social media channels and blogs, including the following (which list we will update from time to time on our investor relations website):

Websites Social Media
motorsportgames.com Twitter: @msportgames & @traxiongg
traxion.gg Instagram: msportgames & traxiongg
motorsport.com Facebook: Motorsport Games & traxiongg
  LinkedIn: Motorsport Games
  Twitch: traxiongg
  Reddit: traxiongg






The contents of these websites and social media channels are not part of, nor will they be incorporated by reference into, this press release.

Investors:
Ashley DeSimone
Ashley.Desimone@icrinc.com

Press:
ASTRSK PR
motorsportgames@astrskpr.com

Schwazze Closes Acquisition Of Drift



Schwazze Closes Acquisition Of Drift

Research, News, and Market Data on Schwazze

 

Expanding Retail Footprint in Boulder County, Colorado

OTCQX: SHWZ

DENVER, Jan. 26, 2022 /CNW/ – Schwazze, (OTCQX:SHWZ) (“Schwazze” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce that it has closed the transaction to acquire the assets of BG3 Investments, LLC dba Drift which consists of two cannabis dispensaries located in Boulder, Colorado. This purchase continues Schwazze’s expansion plan in Colorado, adding to the Company’s current dispensary footprint, and bringing the total number of dispensaries to twenty. As part of the purchase, Schwazze will also acquire the assets of Black Box Licensing, LLC, which contains certain intellectual property.

“We look forward to adding these dispensaries to our portfolio. The Company remains focused on bringing excellent shopping experiences to all areas of Colorado by providing a wide assortment of quality products along with great service that our customers have come to expect from our brands.  We are excited to bring that experience to our customers in Boulder,” said Nirup Krishnamurthy, Schwazze’s COO.

The consideration for the acquisition was $3.5 million and was paid as $1.9 million in cash, and $1.6 million in common stock.

Corporate Update
Since April 2020, Schwazze has announced and/or acquired a total of 32 cannabis dispensaries, including the ten R. Greenleaf New Mexico dispensaries.  The Company has also announced and/or acquired in 2021 a total of seven cultivation facilities, three in Colorado – SCG Holding LLC, Brow 2 LLC and Star Buds – and four licensed by Medzen and RGO in New Mexico.  The R. Greenleaf acquisition will add a New Mexico manufacturing asset, Elemental Kitchen & Laboratories, LLC, to the Company’s manufacturing plant, Purplebee’s in Colorado.

In May 2021, Schwazze announced its BioSciences division and in August 2021 it commenced home delivery services in Colorado.

About Schwazze 
Schwazze (OTCQX: SHWZ) is building a premier vertically integrated regional cannabis company with assets in  Colorado and New Mexico and will continue to take its operating system to other states where it can develop a differentiated regional leadership position.  Schwazze is the parent company of a portfolio of leading cannabis businesses and brands spanning seed to sale.  The Company is committed to unlocking the full potential of the cannabis plant to improve the human condition.  Schwazze is anchored by a high-performance culture that combines customer-centric thinking and data science to test, measure, and drive decisions and outcomes.  The Company’s leadership team has deep expertise in retailing, wholesaling, and building consumer brands at Fortune 500 companies as well as in the cannabis sector.  Schwazze is passionate about making a difference in our communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and doing our part to incorporate climate-conscious best practices.  Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. was Schwazze’s former operating trade name.  The corporate entity continues to be named Medicine Man Technologies, Inc.

Schwazze derives its name from the pruning technique of a cannabis plant to enhance plant structure and promote healthy growth.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” Such statements may be preceded by the words “may,” “estimates”, “predicts,” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions, and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control and cannot be predicted or quantified. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) our inability to manufacture our products and product candidates on a commercial scale on our own or in collaboration with third parties; (ii) difficulties in obtaining financing on commercially reasonable terms; (iii) changes in the size and nature of our competition; (iv) loss of one or more key executives or scientists; (v) difficulties in securing regulatory approval to market our products and product candidates; (vi) our ability to successfully execute our growth strategy in Colorado and outside the state, (vii) our ability to identify and consummate future acquisitions that meet our criteria, (viii) our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize synergies therefrom, (ix) the actual revenues derived from the Company’s Star Buds assets, * the Company’s actual revenue and adjusted EBITDA for 2021, (xi) the Company’s ability to generate positive cash flow for the rest of 2021 (xii) the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, (xiii) the timing and extent of governmental stimulus programs, and (xiv) the uncertainty in the application of federal, state and local laws to our business, and any changes in such laws. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by law.

SOURCE Schwazze

Item 9 Labs (INLB) – Reports Full Year Fiscal 2021 Results

Friday, January 21, 2022

Item 9 Labs (INLB)
Reports Full Year Fiscal 2021 Results

Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) is a vertically integrated cannabis operator and dispensary franchisor delivering premium products from its large-scale cultivation and production facilities in the United States. The award-winning Item 9 Labs brand specializes in best-in-class products and user experience across several cannabis categories. The company also offers a unique dispensary franchise model through the national Unity Rd. retail brand. Easing barriers to entry, the franchise provides an opportunity for both new and existing dispensary owners to leverage the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to thrive in their state compliantly and successfully. Item 9 Labs brings the best industry practices to markets nationwide through distinctive retail experience, cultivation capabilities, and product innovation. The veteran management team combines a diverse skill set with deep experience in the cannabis sector, franchising, and the capital markets to lead a new generation of public cannabis companies that provide transparency, consistency, and well-being. Headquartered in Arizona, the company is currently expanding its operations space by 650,000+ square feet on its 50-acre site, one of the largest properties in Arizona zoned to grow and cultivate flower. For additional information, visit item9labscorp.com.

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

    FY21 Results. For the year ended September 30th, Item 9 reported revenue of $21.9 million, an increase of $13.8 million, or 170%, compared with $8.1 million in FY2020. Net loss was $10.9 million, or $0.14 per share. We had projected revenue of $23.3 million and a net loss of $1.5 million, or $0.02 per share.

    FY4Q21.  Although Item 9 did not disclose fourth quarter 2021 results, by our calculations net revenue was $6.1 million, up from $2.5 million in the year ago period but down from the $6.7 million in the fiscal third quarter. Higher expenses and the inclusion of $3.9 million of debt discount amortization resulted in a loss for the quarter of $9.0 million, or $0.10 per share …



This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary.  Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Kandi Technologies Group (KNDI) – High cash position allows expansion AND share repurchase

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Kandi Technologies Group (KNDI)
High cash position allows expansion AND share repurchase

Kandi Technologies Group, Inc. (KNDI), headquartered in Jinhua Economic Development Zone, Zhejiang Province, is engaged in the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of various vehicular products. Kandi conducts its primary business operations through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Zhejiang Kandi Technologies Group Co., Ltd. (“Zhejiang Kandi Technologies”), formerly, Zhejiang Kandi Vehicles Co., Ltd.) and its subsidiaries including Zhejiang Kandi Smart Battery Swap Technology Co., Ltd, and SC Autosports, LLC (d/b/a Kandi America), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Kandi in the United States, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Kandi America Investment, LLC. Zhejiang Kandi Technologies has established itself as one of China’s leading manufacturers of pure electric vehicle parts and off-road vehicles.

Michael Heim, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

    In recent weeks, Kandi announced that it is mass producing batteries and has an agreement to produce electric vehicles. The developments follow a recent share repurchase announcement. So is Kandi expanding or contracting? Maybe both. We believe the company’s large cash position will allow it to finance expanded operations and still consider repurchasing shares in response to recent stock price weakness.

    Kandi announces mass production of its lithium iron phosphate battery (12/28).  The batteries are being manufactured by Kandi’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Huiyi, which it acquired in the summer of 2021 for $7.7 million. The press release did not give production levels or identify customers, but spoke of the improved energy capacity of the new battery relative to past versions and industry averages …



This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary.  Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – Motorsport Games And Live Fast Motorsports Announce Increased Partnership For 2022 Nascar Season



Motorsport Games And Live Fast Motorsports Announce Increased Partnership For 2022 Nascar Season

Research, News, and Market Data on Motorsport Games

 

MOTORSPORT GAMES WILL GAIN UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS TO THE NASCAR TEAM ASSISTING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS GAMING FRANCHISE THROUGH A TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIP

MIAMI, Jan. 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Motorsport Games Inc. (NASDAQ: MSGM) (“Motorsport Games”), a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, announces today its increased technical partnership with Live Fast Motorsports, the single-car Ford Mustang team competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series under the No. 78 car. This deal will advance the partnership between Motorsport Games and Live Fast Motorsports, co-owned by driver BJ McLeod and Matt Tifft, that began last year.

The technical partnership will expand Motorsport Games’ access to the real-life NASCAR grid throughout the 2022 racing season, including tracks, nuances and feedback of professional stock car driving and key data at the team’s disposal. Motorsport Games already has strong access to NASCAR through its work with the series, but this partnership will serve to increase its ability to communicate with a team on a more intimate level. Throughout the agreement’s term, Motorsport Games will be present within the Live Fast Motorsports garage, opening up lines of communication previously unavailable between racing team personnel and Motorsport Games. Motorsport Games will additionally gain real-time experience and feedback that it plans to implement directly into its NASCAR video game franchise, including the ability to make real-time updates into its NASCAR 21: Ignition and future titles, and that overall is designed to provide racing enthusiasts with the most realistic and authentic driving experience on the market.

“Motorsport Games cannot have asked for a better strategic partner than Live Fast Motorsports and we look forward to continuing our collaboration into the next NASCAR season,” said George Holmquist, VP of Publishing and Marketing, Motorsport Games. ”BJ, Matt and the entire Live Fast Motorsports team have been fantastic partners and we cannot thank them enough for the unparalleled level of access they are giving our company. We will be taking our real-time on track findings directly from the team on the NASCAR grid into our game designs, further exemplifying our commitment to providing our players with the most dynamic and true to life gaming experience imaginable.”

“Throughout the past year, Motorsport Games has been an amazing partner to the No. 78 car and we’re excited to keep the momentum going by representing the company in seven of the biggest races next season,” said BJ McLeod, driver and co-owner, Live Fast Motorsports. ”I’ve always been a personal fan of video games, especially those involving my favorite sport. It’s exciting to have this opportunity to provide feedback throughout the season to help create the best NASCAR game possible. I can’t wait to get started this season with Motorsport Games at Daytona all the way through Martinsville.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Motorsport Games back as our partner for the second year. Last year, they became our founding partner and we had a terrific season together,” added Matt Tifft, co-owner of Live Fast Motorsports. “Motorsport Games has given us the ability to better connect with our younger fans on a more intimate level through its video games. This year, we look forward to keeping the engagement rolling with our expanded partnership. Our entire Live Fast Motorsports family welcomes back Motorsport Games, as they are truly one of our own.”

NASCAR 21: Ignition, the current iteration of Motorsport Games’ NASCAR franchise for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series, is available now on Sony PlayStation 4, Microsoft Xbox One and PC through the Steam store. NASCAR 21: Ignition is developed and published by Motorsport Games and is powered by Unreal Engine and Studio 397’s highly-acclaimed rFactor physics engine. The use of both Unreal Engine and rFactor physics gives users a more authentic driving experience, immersive gameplay, dynamic AI and stunning visuals.

To keep up with the latest Motorsport Game news, please visit www.motorsportgames.com and follow on TwitterInstagramFacebook and LinkedIn.

About Motorsport Games:
Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, combines innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers around the globe. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. For more information about Motorsport Games, visit www.motorsportgames.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are provided pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Company’s expected benefits from its partnership with Live Fast Motorsports, such as its plans to implement real-time experience and feedback directly into its NASCAR video game franchise, including making real-time updates into its NASCAR 21: Ignition and future titles, and will provide racing enthusiasts with the most realistic and authentic driving experience on the market. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to difficulties, delays or less than expected results in achieving the Company’s expected benefits from its partnership with Live Fast Motorsports, such as due to unforeseen technical difficulties, or higher than anticipated costs, in implementing the Live Fast Motorsports real-time data into its gaming franchises, such as its NASCAR 21: Ignition franchise. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in Motorsport Games’ filings with the SEC, which may be found at www.sec.gov and at ir.motorsportgames.com, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC during 2021, as well as in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Motorsport Games anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Motorsport Games assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Motorsport Games’ plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. Additionally, the business and financial materials and any other statement or disclosure on, or made available through, Motorsport Games’ website or other websites referenced or linked to this press release shall not be incorporated by reference into this press release.

Website and Social Media Disclosure:
Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor relations website (ir.motorsportgames.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media and blogs, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company and our products. It is possible that the information we post on our websites, social media and blogs could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in our company to review the information we post on these websites, social media channels and blogs, including the following (which list we will update from time to time on our investor relations website):

Websites Social Media
motorsportgames.com Twitter: @msportgames & @traxiongg
traxion.gg Instagram: msportgames & traxiongg
motorsport.com Facebook: Motorsport Games & traxiongg
  LinkedIn: Motorsport Games
  Twitch: traxiongg
  Reddit: traxiongg

The contents of these websites and social media channels are not part of, nor will they be incorporated by reference into, this press release.

Investors:
Ashley DeSimone
Ashley.Desimone@icrinc.com

Press:
ASTRSK PR
motorsportgames@astrskpr.com

Release – Item 9 Labs Corp. Reports Record FY 2021 Annual Financial Results



Item 9 Labs Corp. Reports Record FY 2021 Annual Financial Results with Revenue Growth of 170% to $21.9 Million Revenue

Research, News, and Market Data on Item 9 Labs

 

– Cultivation, Production and Processing Expansion Ongoing in Arizona and Nevada

– Unity Rd. Brand Accelerates Ramp by Signing Ten Agreements for National Cannabis Dispensary Franchise Expansion

– Management to Host Conference Call and Webcast to Discuss Key Operational and Financial Highlights Today at 2:00 p.m. ET

PHOENIXJan. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) (the “Company”)—a vertically integrated cannabis dispensary franchisor and operator that produces premium, award-winning products—today reported operating and financial results for the 12 months ended September 30, 2021, the Company’s fiscal year 2021 (“FY2021”). Item 9 Labs Corp. management will be hosting an earnings results call today, January 18, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time (11:00 a.m. Pacific time); details are provided below.

Key Financial Highlights for FY2021 (compared with FY2020)

  • Revenue increased 170% to $21.9 million
  • Gross profit increased 161% to $8.6 million
  • Gross margin remained flat at approximately 40%
  • Operating loss of $5.6 million compared with operating loss of $5.4 million
  • Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue declined to 65% from 107%
  • Net loss of $10.9 million compared with net loss of $12.3 million
  • Net loss included $5.3 million ($700,000 cash) of interest expense compared with $7.0 million ($450,000 cash)
  • Adjusted EBITDA loss of $1.7 million (compared with adjusted EBITDA loss of $2.5 million)

Key Business Highlights During and Subsequent to FY2021

  • Won Seven First Place Awards for Product Excellence in 2021: The Company’s premium cannabis product brand, Item Nine Labs, secured its first Cannabis Cup—the most prestigious milestone that cannabis brands strive for worldwide—taking home first place in the “vape pens” category with its Black and Blue Kush Broad Spectrum Cartridge and third place in the “pre-rolls” category with its Do-Si-Do strain. The elevated mainstream brand also earned two first-place awards, two second-place awards and one third-place award for its high-quality vape and concentrate products at the 710 Degree Cup and three first-place awards at the Errl Cup—Arizona’s largest and longest-running annual cannabis festivals and awards events. All told, the decorated brand has earned 23 awards in product competitions since its inception, including 14 first-place finishes.
  • Secured $19 Million Construction-Financing Loan from Pelorus Equity Group for Expansion of Cultivation & Lab Sites in Arizona & Nevada: The financing is funding master site expansion in Arizona, including acquisition of the 45 acres of adjacent land next to the Company’s existing 19,200 square foot facility. Capacity of the Company’s Arizona operations, once all expansion is complete, is expected to be enhanced by 31x. Pelorus Equity Group is a leading provider of value-add bridge commercial real estate loans to cannabis businesses and owners with cannabis-related real estate.
  • Executed Asset Purchase Agreement for a Colorado Dispensary Kickstarts National Growth Plan: Item 9 Labs Corp. plans to aggressively expand its dispensary franchise, Unity Rd., by acquiring and converting cannabis retail stores, training the local team and selling the business to new and existing Unity Rd. franchise partners. As the Company seeks to keep dispensary ownership local, this growth strategy offers turnkey investment opportunities for prospective cannabis entrepreneurs. In October, Item 9 Labs Corp. executed an Asset Purchase Agreement for an existing dispensary license and storefront in Adams County, Colorado. This will be the first corporate-owned shop under the Unity Rd. brand. Currently, the Company is awaiting regulatory approval by Colorado’s Marijuana Enforcement Division (the “MED”) and expects the shop to be operational in the first half of 2022. Item 9 Labs Corp. plans to operate the store for 6-18 months and utilize it for franchise partner and team training as well as tours with prospective franchise partners.
  • Expanded Footprint of Unity Rd. Dispensary Franchise into New England: Item 9 Labs Corp. signed agreements with entrepreneurial groups for development in New Jersey and Virginia and is currently assisting the New Jersey groups in submitting their dispensary license applications in March. The Company also signed a lease in Maine for the state’s first Unity Rd. shop and is awaiting license approval from the state.
  • Signed First Unity Rd. Agreement in South Dakota: Unity Rd. kicked off local expansion in South Dakota with the signing of an agreement that will bring the brand’s first shop to the Mount Rushmore State. The retailer has partnered with local serial entrepreneur BJ Olson and his business partner to develop at least one Unity Rd. shop and is currently guiding them through the state’s dispensary license process.
  • Joined the International Franchise Association (IFA), Solidifying Position as First Cannabis Dispensary Franchise to Become Members: Utilizing the franchise business model for national development, Unity Rd. continues to blaze trails by becoming the first brand of its kind to be named an IFA member. The organization’s membership base includes more than 1,000 franchise brands across 300 industries, and Unity Rd. is currently the sole franchise model to represent the plant-touching cannabis space.
  • Enhanced Board of Directors with Two Independent Appointments: Item 9 Labs Corp. recently named Eric C. Kutscher, Pharm. D., M.B.A., F.A.S.H.P., and Lawrence X. Taylor to its Board of Directors. Kutscher and Taylor bring a combined 55-plus years of experience across patient-centered healthcare, leadership, M&A and strategic planning. Their appointments demonstrate the Company’s focus on strengthening its corporate governance through more independent directors.
  • Bolstered Franchise and Marketing Teams with Key Hires to Support Company Growth: Throughout the second half of 2021, Item 9 Labs Corp. made several strategic management hires to support national franchise expansion of Unity Rd. and accelerate momentum across the franchise and Item Nine Labs products: Mike Keskey II as General Counsel, Kristen Mathis as Vice President of Marketing, Tracy Timko as Director of Franchise Support, Erica Tarnowski as Franchise Development Manager, and Emily Gritti as Senior Manager of Trade Marketing & Events.

Management Commentary

Item 9 Labs Corp.’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Bowden, stated, “Our company has never been in a better position. With Arizona’s adult-use sales going live in January 2021, our products and brand have been gaining tremendous traction. We have grown to $2 million in revenue per month and solidified our spot in Arizona as one of the top brands in every dispensary we sell through, which is more than 50% of Arizona’s dispensaries. The state’s combined adult-use and medical markets have continuously grown each month and $1 billion in annual sales in November. With expansion underway at our Arizona site that will add 45,000 square feet, we will be in a position to meet this increased demand in the second half of 2022 with our additional cultivation, production, and processing space.”

Item 9 Labs Corp.’s Chief Strategy Officer, Jeffrey Rassas, commented, “Our cannabis dispensary franchise, Unity Rd., is already gaining strong traction and our team is executing a strategic initiative to expand the brand’s footprint from coast to coast. We have a national acquisition plan to accelerate expansion and began executing a couple months ago with our first deal in Adams County, Colorado. We have a robust pipeline of opportunities across a wide range of appealing states and expect to make further announcements over the next few months. There are a tremendous amount of synergies we gained from the acquisition of Unity Rd.’s parent company, OCG Inc., including expanded business offerings and expertise, operational efficiencies, cost savings and revenue upside.”

Item 9 Labs Corp.’s Chief Financial Officer, Bobby Mikkelsen, commented, “With our 170% annual growth in revenue to $21.9 million, we have demonstrated the scalability of our business throughout fiscal year 2021 and saw growth and profitability in the second and third quarters. In the fourth quarter and through the end of December 2021, we have made additional hires, continued development of our Nevada site and began construction on our site in Arizona, which has caused our expenses to rise. While we build out our capabilities and bolster our team for future growth, we are confident in the greater demand and believe we are strengthening our position for increased business in Arizona.”

Arizona Master Cultivation Site Expansion

In November, Item 9 Labs Corp. broke ground on the initial phase of the master expansion of its Coolidge, Arizona cultivation & lab site. $13.5 million of the proceeds from the Pelorus loan will go toward this initial buildout, which more than doubles current operations space. As part of the expansion, the Company recently acquired the neighboring 45 acres of the site. At 50 acres, the site is one of the largest properties in Arizona that is zoned to grow and cultivate flower. The initial development phase is estimated to be completed in Summer 2022 and includes the construction of three steel buildings and two greenhouses – adding 9,600 square feet for indoor cultivation, 9,600 square feet of lab and packaging and a 9,600 square foot head house to support the addition of the two 18,000 square foot greenhouses.

With this initial expansion phase, the Company expects to increase output of cannabis plant material by 250-300%, with a per unit cost reduction of at least 30%. Further, the additional greenhouses will reduce reliance on third-party sourced material for lab productions by 40-50%. Expansion of the existing lab allows for the addition of more state-of-the-art equipment for all extraction processes, which will support product diversification.

Nevada Cultivation Site Expansion

The remaining proceeds from the Pelorus loan are to complete the Company’s 20,000 square foot facility in Pahrump, Nevada that is currently approximately 85% finished. The expansion includes 4,450 square feet for flower, 990 square feet of vegetation space, 400 square feet for clones, 300 square feet for dry curing and 615 square feet of space for genetics. The facility also includes more than 2,500 square feet of post-processing and lab space, along with the opportunity for a joint venture with a 1,100 square foot commercial kitchen. The remainder of the building is ancillary rooms such as water rooms, offices, locker rooms and break rooms. Item 9 Labs Corp. anticipates the Nevada facility will be operational in Spring 2022.

Financial Results for FY2021 Ended September 30, 2021

  • Revenue: For the 12 months ended September 30, 2021, revenue was $21.9 million, an increase of $13.8 million, or 170%, compared with $8.1 million for the 12 months ended September 30, 2020. This growth was primarily driven by the Company investing in increased production capacity to better meet the market demand of Item Nine Labs products.
  • Gross Profit: For the 12 months ended September 30, 2021, gross profit was $8.6 million, an increase of $5.3 million, or 161%, compared with $3.3 million for the 12 months ended September 30, 2020. The resulting gross margin was 39%, compared with 41% for the 12 months ended September 30, 2020. The Company experienced lower gross profit margins in the fourth quarter of 2021 due to price reductions as competition rises in Arizona. Additionally, to deepen the market penetration of Item Nine Labs products, the Company sourced plant and extract materials from third parties, the effect of which is higher gross profit, but lower gross margin.
  • Total Operating Expenses: For the 12 months ended September 30, 2021, total operating expenses were $14.2 million, an increase of $5.5 million, or 63%, compared with $8.7 million for the 12 months ended September 30, 2020. The Company has invested heavily into FY2021 and 2022 to meet growing demand in Arizona as well as funding the build out of its cultivation and lab site in the Grand Canyon State. Management believes this will improve earnings and future cash position. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 65% from 107%, reflecting the Company’s focus on increasing revenue and scaling its platform more efficiently. Management believes this ratio will decrease going forward as it scales the business.

    Of note, $7.8 million of the Company’s operating expenses for the 12 months ended September 30, 2021 were non-cash expenses, including depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation.

    Of note, $3.9 million of interest expense in 2021 is non-cash amortization of the debt discount.

  • Operating Loss: For the 12 months ended September 30, 2021, operating loss was $5.6 million, in-line with an operating loss of $5.4 million for the 12 months ended September 30, 2020.
  • Adjusted EBITDA: After adding back non-cash operating expenses, depreciation and amortization, interest and stock-based compensation, Adjusted EBITDA for the 12 months ended September 30, 2021 was $1.7 million, as compared with an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $2.5 million for the 12 months ended September 30, 2020.
  • Net Loss: For the 12 months ended September 30, 2021, net loss attributable to the Company was $10.9 million, or net loss of ($0.14) per share, compared with a net loss of $12.3 million, or ($0.20) per share, for the 12 months ended September 30, 2020.
  • Cash: Cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.5 million as of September 30, 2021.

Conference Call and Webcast Information – Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT)

Item 9 Labs Corp.’s Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bowden and Chief Financial Officer Bobby Mikkelsen will host the Company’s FY2021 results call.

  • Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2022
  • Time: 2:00 p.m. Eastern time (11:00 a.m. Pacific time)
  • Access by Zoom: A live and archived webcast will be available via Sequire, click on this webcast link to register or access the replay.
  • Access by Phone: Please call the conference telephone number 10-15 minutes prior to the start time:
    • Dial-in number: 346-248-7799
    • Meeting ID: 94813716572
    • Passcode: 562012
  • Questions: Please submit questions to investors@item9labs.com before the presentation begins. The management team will do their best to answer all questions.

Years Ended September 30,

2021

2020

Net loss

$ (10,905,772)

$ (12,299,657)

Depreciation and amortization

1,220,847

907,556

Interest expense

5,295,349

6,959,705

Stock-based expense

2,404,671

1,729,910

Acquisition related expenses

273,432

243,755

Income tax benefit

(85,984)

Adjusted EBITDA

$ (1,711,473)

$ (2,544,715)

About Item 9 Labs Corp.
Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) is a vertically integrated cannabis operator and dispensary franchisor delivering premium products from its large-scale cultivation and production facilities in the United States. The award-winning Item 9 Labs brand specializes in best-in-class products and user experience across several cannabis categories. The company also offers a unique dispensary franchise model through the national Unity Rd. retail brand. Easing barriers to entry, the franchise provides an opportunity for both new and existing dispensary owners to leverage the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to thrive in their state compliantly and successfully. Item 9 Labs brings the best industry practices to markets nationwide through distinctive retail experience, cultivation capabilities, and product innovation. The veteran management team combines a diverse skill set with deep experience in the cannabis sector, franchising, and the capital markets to lead a new generation of public cannabis companies that provide transparency, consistency, and well-being. Headquartered in Arizona, the company is currently expanding its operations space up to 640,000+ square feet on its 50-acre site, one of the largest properties in Arizona zoned to grow and cultivate flower. For additional information, visit item9labscorp.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the Company’s financial statements presented on a GAAP basis, Item 9 Labs Corp. provides Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure of its performance. To provide investors with additional insight and allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the information used by management in its financial and decision-making surrounding pro forma operations, Item 9 Labs Corp. supplements its consolidated financial statements presented on a basis consistent with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, with Adjusted EBITDA as a non-GAAP financial measure of earnings. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA plus stock-based compensation and acquisition related expenses. Item 9 Labs Corp. management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a financial measure to evaluate the profitability and efficiency of the business model. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures to assess the strength of the underlying operations of the business. These adjustments, and the non-GAAP financial measures that are derived from them, provide supplemental information to analyze its operations between periods and over time. Item 9 Labs Corp. finds this especially useful when reviewing pro forma results of operations, which include large non-cash amortizations of intangible assets from acquisitions and stock-based compensation. Investors should consider its non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and not as a substitute for, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks and effects of legal and administrative proceedings and governmental regulation, especially in a foreign country, future financial and operational results, competition, general economic conditions, proposed transactions that are not legally binding obligations of the company and the ability to manage and continue growth. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include the introduction of new technology, market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents we file from time to time with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Media Contact:
Item 9 Labs Corp.
Jayne Levy, VP of Communications
Email: Jayne@item9labs.com

Investor Contact:
Item 9 Labs Corp.
800-403-1140
Email: investors@item9labs.com

SOURCE Item 9 Labs Corp.

Item 9 Labs Corp. Reports Record FY 2021 Annual Financial Results with Revenue Growth of 170% to $21.9 Million Revenue



Item 9 Labs Corp. Reports Record FY 2021 Annual Financial Results with Revenue Growth of 170% to $21.9 Million Revenue

Research, News, and Market Data on Item 9 Labs

 

– Cultivation, Production and Processing Expansion Ongoing in Arizona and Nevada

– Unity Rd. Brand Accelerates Ramp by Signing Ten Agreements for National Cannabis Dispensary Franchise Expansion

– Management to Host Conference Call and Webcast to Discuss Key Operational and Financial Highlights Today at 2:00 p.m. ET

PHOENIXJan. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) (the “Company”)—a vertically integrated cannabis dispensary franchisor and operator that produces premium, award-winning products—today reported operating and financial results for the 12 months ended September 30, 2021, the Company’s fiscal year 2021 (“FY2021”). Item 9 Labs Corp. management will be hosting an earnings results call today, January 18, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time (11:00 a.m. Pacific time); details are provided below.

Key Financial Highlights for FY2021 (compared with FY2020)

  • Revenue increased 170% to $21.9 million
  • Gross profit increased 161% to $8.6 million
  • Gross margin remained flat at approximately 40%
  • Operating loss of $5.6 million compared with operating loss of $5.4 million
  • Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue declined to 65% from 107%
  • Net loss of $10.9 million compared with net loss of $12.3 million
  • Net loss included $5.3 million ($700,000 cash) of interest expense compared with $7.0 million ($450,000 cash)
  • Adjusted EBITDA loss of $1.7 million (compared with adjusted EBITDA loss of $2.5 million)

Key Business Highlights During and Subsequent to FY2021

  • Won Seven First Place Awards for Product Excellence in 2021: The Company’s premium cannabis product brand, Item Nine Labs, secured its first Cannabis Cup—the most prestigious milestone that cannabis brands strive for worldwide—taking home first place in the “vape pens” category with its Black and Blue Kush Broad Spectrum Cartridge and third place in the “pre-rolls” category with its Do-Si-Do strain. The elevated mainstream brand also earned two first-place awards, two second-place awards and one third-place award for its high-quality vape and concentrate products at the 710 Degree Cup and three first-place awards at the Errl Cup—Arizona’s largest and longest-running annual cannabis festivals and awards events. All told, the decorated brand has earned 23 awards in product competitions since its inception, including 14 first-place finishes.
  • Secured $19 Million Construction-Financing Loan from Pelorus Equity Group for Expansion of Cultivation & Lab Sites in Arizona & Nevada: The financing is funding master site expansion in Arizona, including acquisition of the 45 acres of adjacent land next to the Company’s existing 19,200 square foot facility. Capacity of the Company’s Arizona operations, once all expansion is complete, is expected to be enhanced by 31x. Pelorus Equity Group is a leading provider of value-add bridge commercial real estate loans to cannabis businesses and owners with cannabis-related real estate.
  • Executed Asset Purchase Agreement for a Colorado Dispensary Kickstarts National Growth Plan: Item 9 Labs Corp. plans to aggressively expand its dispensary franchise, Unity Rd., by acquiring and converting cannabis retail stores, training the local team and selling the business to new and existing Unity Rd. franchise partners. As the Company seeks to keep dispensary ownership local, this growth strategy offers turnkey investment opportunities for prospective cannabis entrepreneurs. In October, Item 9 Labs Corp. executed an Asset Purchase Agreement for an existing dispensary license and storefront in Adams County, Colorado. This will be the first corporate-owned shop under the Unity Rd. brand. Currently, the Company is awaiting regulatory approval by Colorado’s Marijuana Enforcement Division (the “MED”) and expects the shop to be operational in the first half of 2022. Item 9 Labs Corp. plans to operate the store for 6-18 months and utilize it for franchise partner and team training as well as tours with prospective franchise partners.
  • Expanded Footprint of Unity Rd. Dispensary Franchise into New England: Item 9 Labs Corp. signed agreements with entrepreneurial groups for development in New Jersey and Virginia and is currently assisting the New Jersey groups in submitting their dispensary license applications in March. The Company also signed a lease in Maine for the state’s first Unity Rd. shop and is awaiting license approval from the state.
  • Signed First Unity Rd. Agreement in South Dakota: Unity Rd. kicked off local expansion in South Dakota with the signing of an agreement that will bring the brand’s first shop to the Mount Rushmore State. The retailer has partnered with local serial entrepreneur BJ Olson and his business partner to develop at least one Unity Rd. shop and is currently guiding them through the state’s dispensary license process.
  • Joined the International Franchise Association (IFA), Solidifying Position as First Cannabis Dispensary Franchise to Become Members: Utilizing the franchise business model for national development, Unity Rd. continues to blaze trails by becoming the first brand of its kind to be named an IFA member. The organization’s membership base includes more than 1,000 franchise brands across 300 industries, and Unity Rd. is currently the sole franchise model to represent the plant-touching cannabis space.
  • Enhanced Board of Directors with Two Independent Appointments: Item 9 Labs Corp. recently named Eric C. Kutscher, Pharm. D., M.B.A., F.A.S.H.P., and Lawrence X. Taylor to its Board of Directors. Kutscher and Taylor bring a combined 55-plus years of experience across patient-centered healthcare, leadership, M&A and strategic planning. Their appointments demonstrate the Company’s focus on strengthening its corporate governance through more independent directors.
  • Bolstered Franchise and Marketing Teams with Key Hires to Support Company Growth: Throughout the second half of 2021, Item 9 Labs Corp. made several strategic management hires to support national franchise expansion of Unity Rd. and accelerate momentum across the franchise and Item Nine Labs products: Mike Keskey II as General Counsel, Kristen Mathis as Vice President of Marketing, Tracy Timko as Director of Franchise Support, Erica Tarnowski as Franchise Development Manager, and Emily Gritti as Senior Manager of Trade Marketing & Events.

Management Commentary

Item 9 Labs Corp.’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Bowden, stated, “Our company has never been in a better position. With Arizona’s adult-use sales going live in January 2021, our products and brand have been gaining tremendous traction. We have grown to $2 million in revenue per month and solidified our spot in Arizona as one of the top brands in every dispensary we sell through, which is more than 50% of Arizona’s dispensaries. The state’s combined adult-use and medical markets have continuously grown each month and $1 billion in annual sales in November. With expansion underway at our Arizona site that will add 45,000 square feet, we will be in a position to meet this increased demand in the second half of 2022 with our additional cultivation, production, and processing space.”

Item 9 Labs Corp.’s Chief Strategy Officer, Jeffrey Rassas, commented, “Our cannabis dispensary franchise, Unity Rd., is already gaining strong traction and our team is executing a strategic initiative to expand the brand’s footprint from coast to coast. We have a national acquisition plan to accelerate expansion and began executing a couple months ago with our first deal in Adams County, Colorado. We have a robust pipeline of opportunities across a wide range of appealing states and expect to make further announcements over the next few months. There are a tremendous amount of synergies we gained from the acquisition of Unity Rd.’s parent company, OCG Inc., including expanded business offerings and expertise, operational efficiencies, cost savings and revenue upside.”

Item 9 Labs Corp.’s Chief Financial Officer, Bobby Mikkelsen, commented, “With our 170% annual growth in revenue to $21.9 million, we have demonstrated the scalability of our business throughout fiscal year 2021 and saw growth and profitability in the second and third quarters. In the fourth quarter and through the end of December 2021, we have made additional hires, continued development of our Nevada site and began construction on our site in Arizona, which has caused our expenses to rise. While we build out our capabilities and bolster our team for future growth, we are confident in the greater demand and believe we are strengthening our position for increased business in Arizona.”

Arizona Master Cultivation Site Expansion

In November, Item 9 Labs Corp. broke ground on the initial phase of the master expansion of its Coolidge, Arizona cultivation & lab site. $13.5 million of the proceeds from the Pelorus loan will go toward this initial buildout, which more than doubles current operations space. As part of the expansion, the Company recently acquired the neighboring 45 acres of the site. At 50 acres, the site is one of the largest properties in Arizona that is zoned to grow and cultivate flower. The initial development phase is estimated to be completed in Summer 2022 and includes the construction of three steel buildings and two greenhouses – adding 9,600 square feet for indoor cultivation, 9,600 square feet of lab and packaging and a 9,600 square foot head house to support the addition of the two 18,000 square foot greenhouses.

With this initial expansion phase, the Company expects to increase output of cannabis plant material by 250-300%, with a per unit cost reduction of at least 30%. Further, the additional greenhouses will reduce reliance on third-party sourced material for lab productions by 40-50%. Expansion of the existing lab allows for the addition of more state-of-the-art equipment for all extraction processes, which will support product diversification.

Nevada Cultivation Site Expansion

The remaining proceeds from the Pelorus loan are to complete the Company’s 20,000 square foot facility in Pahrump, Nevada that is currently approximately 85% finished. The expansion includes 4,450 square feet for flower, 990 square feet of vegetation space, 400 square feet for clones, 300 square feet for dry curing and 615 square feet of space for genetics. The facility also includes more than 2,500 square feet of post-processing and lab space, along with the opportunity for a joint venture with a 1,100 square foot commercial kitchen. The remainder of the building is ancillary rooms such as water rooms, offices, locker rooms and break rooms. Item 9 Labs Corp. anticipates the Nevada facility will be operational in Spring 2022.

Financial Results for FY2021 Ended September 30, 2021

  • Revenue: For the 12 months ended September 30, 2021, revenue was $21.9 million, an increase of $13.8 million, or 170%, compared with $8.1 million for the 12 months ended September 30, 2020. This growth was primarily driven by the Company investing in increased production capacity to better meet the market demand of Item Nine Labs products.
  • Gross Profit: For the 12 months ended September 30, 2021, gross profit was $8.6 million, an increase of $5.3 million, or 161%, compared with $3.3 million for the 12 months ended September 30, 2020. The resulting gross margin was 39%, compared with 41% for the 12 months ended September 30, 2020. The Company experienced lower gross profit margins in the fourth quarter of 2021 due to price reductions as competition rises in Arizona. Additionally, to deepen the market penetration of Item Nine Labs products, the Company sourced plant and extract materials from third parties, the effect of which is higher gross profit, but lower gross margin.
  • Total Operating Expenses: For the 12 months ended September 30, 2021, total operating expenses were $14.2 million, an increase of $5.5 million, or 63%, compared with $8.7 million for the 12 months ended September 30, 2020. The Company has invested heavily into FY2021 and 2022 to meet growing demand in Arizona as well as funding the build out of its cultivation and lab site in the Grand Canyon State. Management believes this will improve earnings and future cash position. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 65% from 107%, reflecting the Company’s focus on increasing revenue and scaling its platform more efficiently. Management believes this ratio will decrease going forward as it scales the business.

    Of note, $7.8 million of the Company’s operating expenses for the 12 months ended September 30, 2021 were non-cash expenses, including depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation.

    Of note, $3.9 million of interest expense in 2021 is non-cash amortization of the debt discount.

  • Operating Loss: For the 12 months ended September 30, 2021, operating loss was $5.6 million, in-line with an operating loss of $5.4 million for the 12 months ended September 30, 2020.
  • Adjusted EBITDA: After adding back non-cash operating expenses, depreciation and amortization, interest and stock-based compensation, Adjusted EBITDA for the 12 months ended September 30, 2021 was $1.7 million, as compared with an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $2.5 million for the 12 months ended September 30, 2020.
  • Net Loss: For the 12 months ended September 30, 2021, net loss attributable to the Company was $10.9 million, or net loss of ($0.14) per share, compared with a net loss of $12.3 million, or ($0.20) per share, for the 12 months ended September 30, 2020.
  • Cash: Cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.5 million as of September 30, 2021.

Conference Call and Webcast Information – Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT)

Item 9 Labs Corp.’s Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bowden and Chief Financial Officer Bobby Mikkelsen will host the Company’s FY2021 results call.

  • Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2022
  • Time: 2:00 p.m. Eastern time (11:00 a.m. Pacific time)
  • Access by Zoom: A live and archived webcast will be available via Sequire, click on this webcast link to register or access the replay.
  • Access by Phone: Please call the conference telephone number 10-15 minutes prior to the start time:
    • Dial-in number: 346-248-7799
    • Meeting ID: 94813716572
    • Passcode: 562012
  • Questions: Please submit questions to investors@item9labs.com before the presentation begins. The management team will do their best to answer all questions.

Years Ended September 30,

2021

2020

Net loss

$ (10,905,772)

$ (12,299,657)

Depreciation and amortization

1,220,847

907,556

Interest expense

5,295,349

6,959,705

Stock-based expense

2,404,671

1,729,910

Acquisition related expenses

273,432

243,755

Income tax benefit

(85,984)

Adjusted EBITDA

$ (1,711,473)

$ (2,544,715)

About Item 9 Labs Corp.
Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) is a vertically integrated cannabis operator and dispensary franchisor delivering premium products from its large-scale cultivation and production facilities in the United States. The award-winning Item 9 Labs brand specializes in best-in-class products and user experience across several cannabis categories. The company also offers a unique dispensary franchise model through the national Unity Rd. retail brand. Easing barriers to entry, the franchise provides an opportunity for both new and existing dispensary owners to leverage the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to thrive in their state compliantly and successfully. Item 9 Labs brings the best industry practices to markets nationwide through distinctive retail experience, cultivation capabilities, and product innovation. The veteran management team combines a diverse skill set with deep experience in the cannabis sector, franchising, and the capital markets to lead a new generation of public cannabis companies that provide transparency, consistency, and well-being. Headquartered in Arizona, the company is currently expanding its operations space up to 640,000+ square feet on its 50-acre site, one of the largest properties in Arizona zoned to grow and cultivate flower. For additional information, visit item9labscorp.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the Company’s financial statements presented on a GAAP basis, Item 9 Labs Corp. provides Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure of its performance. To provide investors with additional insight and allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the information used by management in its financial and decision-making surrounding pro forma operations, Item 9 Labs Corp. supplements its consolidated financial statements presented on a basis consistent with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, with Adjusted EBITDA as a non-GAAP financial measure of earnings. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA plus stock-based compensation and acquisition related expenses. Item 9 Labs Corp. management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a financial measure to evaluate the profitability and efficiency of the business model. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures to assess the strength of the underlying operations of the business. These adjustments, and the non-GAAP financial measures that are derived from them, provide supplemental information to analyze its operations between periods and over time. Item 9 Labs Corp. finds this especially useful when reviewing pro forma results of operations, which include large non-cash amortizations of intangible assets from acquisitions and stock-based compensation. Investors should consider its non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and not as a substitute for, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks and effects of legal and administrative proceedings and governmental regulation, especially in a foreign country, future financial and operational results, competition, general economic conditions, proposed transactions that are not legally binding obligations of the company and the ability to manage and continue growth. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include the introduction of new technology, market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents we file from time to time with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Media Contact:
Item 9 Labs Corp.
Jayne Levy, VP of Communications
Email: Jayne@item9labs.com

Investor Contact:
Item 9 Labs Corp.
800-403-1140
Email: investors@item9labs.com

SOURCE Item 9 Labs Corp.

Motorsport Games And Live Fast Motorsports Announce Increased Partnership For 2022 Nascar Season



Motorsport Games And Live Fast Motorsports Announce Increased Partnership For 2022 Nascar Season

Research, News, and Market Data on Motorsport Games

 

MOTORSPORT GAMES WILL GAIN UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS TO THE NASCAR TEAM ASSISTING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS GAMING FRANCHISE THROUGH A TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIP

MIAMI, Jan. 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Motorsport Games Inc. (NASDAQ: MSGM) (“Motorsport Games”), a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, announces today its increased technical partnership with Live Fast Motorsports, the single-car Ford Mustang team competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series under the No. 78 car. This deal will advance the partnership between Motorsport Games and Live Fast Motorsports, co-owned by driver BJ McLeod and Matt Tifft, that began last year.

The technical partnership will expand Motorsport Games’ access to the real-life NASCAR grid throughout the 2022 racing season, including tracks, nuances and feedback of professional stock car driving and key data at the team’s disposal. Motorsport Games already has strong access to NASCAR through its work with the series, but this partnership will serve to increase its ability to communicate with a team on a more intimate level. Throughout the agreement’s term, Motorsport Games will be present within the Live Fast Motorsports garage, opening up lines of communication previously unavailable between racing team personnel and Motorsport Games. Motorsport Games will additionally gain real-time experience and feedback that it plans to implement directly into its NASCAR video game franchise, including the ability to make real-time updates into its NASCAR 21: Ignition and future titles, and that overall is designed to provide racing enthusiasts with the most realistic and authentic driving experience on the market.

“Motorsport Games cannot have asked for a better strategic partner than Live Fast Motorsports and we look forward to continuing our collaboration into the next NASCAR season,” said George Holmquist, VP of Publishing and Marketing, Motorsport Games. ”BJ, Matt and the entire Live Fast Motorsports team have been fantastic partners and we cannot thank them enough for the unparalleled level of access they are giving our company. We will be taking our real-time on track findings directly from the team on the NASCAR grid into our game designs, further exemplifying our commitment to providing our players with the most dynamic and true to life gaming experience imaginable.”

“Throughout the past year, Motorsport Games has been an amazing partner to the No. 78 car and we’re excited to keep the momentum going by representing the company in seven of the biggest races next season,” said BJ McLeod, driver and co-owner, Live Fast Motorsports. ”I’ve always been a personal fan of video games, especially those involving my favorite sport. It’s exciting to have this opportunity to provide feedback throughout the season to help create the best NASCAR game possible. I can’t wait to get started this season with Motorsport Games at Daytona all the way through Martinsville.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Motorsport Games back as our partner for the second year. Last year, they became our founding partner and we had a terrific season together,” added Matt Tifft, co-owner of Live Fast Motorsports. “Motorsport Games has given us the ability to better connect with our younger fans on a more intimate level through its video games. This year, we look forward to keeping the engagement rolling with our expanded partnership. Our entire Live Fast Motorsports family welcomes back Motorsport Games, as they are truly one of our own.”

NASCAR 21: Ignition, the current iteration of Motorsport Games’ NASCAR franchise for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series, is available now on Sony PlayStation 4, Microsoft Xbox One and PC through the Steam store. NASCAR 21: Ignition is developed and published by Motorsport Games and is powered by Unreal Engine and Studio 397’s highly-acclaimed rFactor physics engine. The use of both Unreal Engine and rFactor physics gives users a more authentic driving experience, immersive gameplay, dynamic AI and stunning visuals.

To keep up with the latest Motorsport Game news, please visit www.motorsportgames.com and follow on TwitterInstagramFacebook and LinkedIn.

About Motorsport Games:
Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, combines innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers around the globe. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. For more information about Motorsport Games, visit www.motorsportgames.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are provided pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Company’s expected benefits from its partnership with Live Fast Motorsports, such as its plans to implement real-time experience and feedback directly into its NASCAR video game franchise, including making real-time updates into its NASCAR 21: Ignition and future titles, and will provide racing enthusiasts with the most realistic and authentic driving experience on the market. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to difficulties, delays or less than expected results in achieving the Company’s expected benefits from its partnership with Live Fast Motorsports, such as due to unforeseen technical difficulties, or higher than anticipated costs, in implementing the Live Fast Motorsports real-time data into its gaming franchises, such as its NASCAR 21: Ignition franchise. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in Motorsport Games’ filings with the SEC, which may be found at www.sec.gov and at ir.motorsportgames.com, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC during 2021, as well as in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Motorsport Games anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Motorsport Games assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Motorsport Games’ plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. Additionally, the business and financial materials and any other statement or disclosure on, or made available through, Motorsport Games’ website or other websites referenced or linked to this press release shall not be incorporated by reference into this press release.

Website and Social Media Disclosure:
Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor relations website (ir.motorsportgames.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media and blogs, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company and our products. It is possible that the information we post on our websites, social media and blogs could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in our company to review the information we post on these websites, social media channels and blogs, including the following (which list we will update from time to time on our investor relations website):

Websites Social Media
motorsportgames.com Twitter: @msportgames & @traxiongg
traxion.gg Instagram: msportgames & traxiongg
motorsport.com Facebook: Motorsport Games & traxiongg
  LinkedIn: Motorsport Games
  Twitch: traxiongg
  Reddit: traxiongg

The contents of these websites and social media channels are not part of, nor will they be incorporated by reference into, this press release.

Investors:
Ashley DeSimone
Ashley.Desimone@icrinc.com

Press:
ASTRSK PR
motorsportgames@astrskpr.com