Item 1 - Business Overview
Turtle Beach Corporation is a leading gaming accessory brand offering a broad selection of cutting-edge, award-winning gaming headsets for Xbox, PlayStation®, and Nintendo consoles, as well as for PC, Mac®, and mobile/tablet devices. For more than 40 years, Turtle Beach has been a pioneer and key innovator in audio technology and is one of the most recognized names in gaming in North America and Europe.
Turtle Beach, headquartered in San Diego, California, was incorporated in the state of Nevada in 2010 and the Company’s stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol HEAR.
VTB Holdings, Inc. (“VTBH”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Turtle Beach and the owner of Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc. (“VTB”) and Turtle Beach Europe Limited (“TB Europe”), was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 2010. VTB was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1975 with operations principally located in Valhalla, New York.
Headset Business
Turtle Beach launched its first gaming headset in 2005 and has become the leading brand in gaming headsets. The Company designs and markets a large assortment of audio peripherals for Xbox, PlayStation®, and Nintendo consoles, as well as for PC, Mac®, and mobile/tablet devices. Turtle Beach is also a licensed partner of Microsoft, delivering innovative and groundbreaking first-to-market products for their consoles. Turtle Beach headsets are distributed internationally in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and Asia. The headsets are sold at thousands of storefronts, including major retailers such as Amazon, Argos, Best Buy, GAME, GameStop, EB Games, Target and Walmart.
Turtle Beach delivers a wide variety of headsets spanning multiple price points ranging from $20 to $250, with many headsets compatible across all major gaming platforms. We believe these price tiers correspond to customer profiles, beginning with entry-level gamers and progressing through casual, enthusiast, core, and professional eSports gamers. Each successive price tier incorporates higher level features, comfort, and finish. For example, premium headset models typically include features like large 50mm speakers, leather-wrapped headbands and ear cushions, memory foam, powerful amplified surround sound, active noise-cancellation, and Bluetooth® connectivity. Additional features include audio presets like Bass Boost and Turtle Beach’s exclusive Superhuman Hearing™ sound setting (which may give players a competitive advantage), removable or flip-to-mute microphones, Turtle Beach’s proprietary ProSpecs™ glasses-friendly design, and rechargeable long-lasting batteries.
As gaming consoles have evolved from dedicated video game platforms to home entertainment hubs, and as mobile and tablet devices have become popular entertainment platforms, Turtle Beach has continued to evolve its product lineup to reflect how content is consumed. While each Turtle Beach headset is designed for a primary platform, such as a specific console or PC, nearly all can be used with multiple platforms, and most are compatible with mobile/tablet devices through a standard 3.5mm jack or Bluetooth® connectivity. This primary platform designation, paired with readily-identifiable platform-specific packaging designs, often results in Turtle Beach products being displayed in multiple in-store sections by retailers, increasing the prominence of the Turtle Beach brand and its products in physical retail locations and online.
In 2018, Turtle Beach was the leading console gaming headset manufacturer in North America with a 46.1% dollar share of the market, as noted in the January-December 2018 retail tracking service from The NPD Group, holding five of the top 10 selling Xbox One models and five of the top 10 selling PlayStation®4 models by revenue. Turtle Beach’s console market share in the UK was 49.8% in 2018 as reported by GfK Global. We believe the Company has achieved these high global market shares by delivering high-quality products that often include first-to-market innovations and robust features, in addition to superior sound and unmatched comfort - key factors that consumers look for when shopping for a gaming headset.
HyperSound Business
In January 2014, Turtle Beach acquired Parametric Technologies through a reverse merger. As a result of the merger, Turtle Beach acquired HyperSound - an innovative and patented technology that delivers directional audio to a specific location. HyperSound technology has applications in multiple sectors, including commercial, consumer, and hearing healthcare. Turtle Beach currently licenses HyperSound technology in the retail industry to be incorporated in customer contact points such as retail point of sales, kiosks, digital signage, wayfinding, museum exhibits, meeting halls, and more.
Industry Overview
Gaming Headset Market
Gaming headsets are part of a growing global gaming market sized at over $150 billion. The global gaming audience now exceeds global cinema and music markets with over 2.4 billion active gamers worldwide. Gaming peripherals, such as headsets, are a $3.8 billion business globally with over 75% of that market in the Americas and Europe where the Company’s business is focused. Gaming headsets represent more than a $2.7 billion global market, or more than 70% of the total peripherals market.
Competitive eSports is a global phenomenon where professional gamers train, compete, win prize money, partner with major brands, and attract/gain fans - similar to traditional professional sports. There are over 140 million eSports enthusiasts globally and the market is growing quickly. We believe a quality gaming headset is a must-have piece of equipment for eSports participants.
Many gamers play online where a gaming headset (which typically includes a microphone and allows players to communicate in real-time) provides a more immersive experience in the industry’s most popular games and franchises.
Xbox and PlayStation® consoles are still the dominant gaming platforms in North America and Europe, however, Nintendo’s Switch console continues to perform well two years into its lifecycle. In addition to consoles, personal computers are a popular gaming platform where players utilize a similar style headset. Gaming on mobile/tablet devices represents about a third of the global gaming market, and while headsets can be used for mobile gaming, console and PC gaming are by far the largest drivers of gaming headset use.
Historically, Microsoft and Sony have gone through cycles where their respective console platform is changed significantly or updated to a new version. Microsoft and Sony launched Pro versions of their existing console platforms in 2016 and 2017, respectively, that did not result in the same levels of disruption as previous cycles in the gaming headset business. Turtle Beach believes this is a good indication that any potential future console changes will not be as disruptive. As of early 2019, industry analysts anticipate that the next generation of Xbox will be released in 2020 or 2021, while Sony’s PlayStation®5 is rumored to arrive as early as holiday 2019. The Nintendo Switch™ is completing its second year in the market with more than 25 million units sold through the end of December 2018, during which there has been an expanding library of games and an increased number of multiplayer chat-enabled games.
In addition to console sales, we believe Xbox, PlayStation®, Nintendo, and PC gaming markets are driven by major game launches and franchises that encourage players to buy equipment and accessories. On Xbox and PlayStation®, flagship games like Call of Duty®, Destiny, Star Wars: Battlefront, Battlefield, Grand Theft Auto, and the recently popular “battle royale” games like Fortnite, Apex Legends and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, are examples of major franchises that prominently feature online multiplayer modes that encourage communication which tend to drive increased gaming headset sales. Many of these established franchises launch new titles annually leading into the holidays and as a result, the gaming headset business tends to be highly seasonal, often with 45%-55% of sales occurring in the fourth quarter.
In 2017, PlayerUnkown’s Battlegrounds popularized a style of multiplayer game known as battle royale, in which players compete on large but shrinking maps until there is a single winner left. Players are able to play in teams and audio cues and communication can be very helpful, making headsets a key accessory for this type of game.
Toward the end of 2017, Epic Games introduced Fortnite which includes a similar format and soared in popularity resulting in large and growing audiences of both players and spectators through content sharing platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Xbox's Mixer and PlayStation® Now.
Gaming headsets are sold at major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target and Walmart. Brick and mortar retailers often have kiosks that allow shoppers to try the headsets and experience each headset’s specific fit, feel, and overall audio quality.
Business Strategy
We intend to further build upon Turtle Beach’s brand awareness, superior audio technology and high-quality products to grow the core console business, as well as continue to advance our personal computer casual gaming business to increase sales and profitability. The Company's strategy focuses on the following:
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Continue to Advance Our Brand. We believe that our brand’s image among consumers is a competitive advantage, and that our success is attributable to our emphasis on delivering the highest quality, most innovative headsets.
To maintain our competitive position in our markets we are focused on the following:
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continuing to deliver innovative, high quality gaming headsets that incorporate advanced audio and wireless technology, while delivering a superior game and chat audio experience and unmatched comfort;
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maintaining our strategic relationships, and continuing investments in eSports partnerships, which we believe provide our brand a larger presence with consumers and create opportunities for retailers to carry our products;
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leveraging high-quality technical support/customer service to exceed consumer expectations and develop brand loyalty.
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Expand Our Product Lines. We continue to invest in the resources necessary to maintain and expand our technical capability to manufacture multiple product lines that incorporate the latest technologies. In 2018, we expanded the gaming headset portfolio with the launch of the Atlas line of PC gaming headsets: the Atlas Elite, Atlas One and Atlas Three.
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Grow Revenue in New Markets. We intend to increase our sales by continuing to develop internally, or through potential joint venture, partnership or acquisition, products that we offer to our customers with an enhanced focus on growth in the personal computer gaming sector.
Intellectual Property
We operate in an industry where innovation, investment in new ideas, and protection of resulting intellectual property rights are critical to success. We have a substantial base of intellectual property assets to protect our current and future product development, such as key innovations in gaming headsets as well as all of the core technology areas behind HyperSound, and intend to vigorously enforce such rights.
As a third-party gaming headset company, certain technology used in the new generation of consoles requires a license to enable products to connect to that platform. While Playstation®4 does not require any license to produce headsets that can connect, certain connections on the Xbox One require the purchase of proprietary chips to integrate into the locked chat audio. The Company currently has the necessary licenses, or can obtain the necessary licenses to produce compatible products.
Supply Chain and Operations
We have a global network of suppliers that manufacture products to meet our quality standards and cost objectives sought by our customers. We have worked closely with component, manufacturing and global logistic partners to build a supply chain that we consider predictable, scalable and consistent to provide high-quality, reliable products and leading cost management practices. The use of outsourced manufacturing facilities is designed to take advantage of specific expertise and allow for flexibility and scalability to respond to both seasonality and changing demands for our products.
In anticipation of new product development and incremental growth, we made additional investments with a focus on making advancements to our planning systems. In connection with our initiative to improve our operating efficiency and reduce costs, we have continued efforts to focus on company-wide overhead reduction activities including right-sizing our supply chain and the consolidation of certain warehouses with our global logistics partners.
We believe we have solid relationships with our suppliers and that, subject to the discussion in “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources,” we will continue to have a sufficient supply of quality products on satisfactory terms.
Retail Distribution
Our headsets are sold in over 40 countries by retailers such as Amazon, Argos, Best Buy, GAME, GameStop, EB Games, Target and Walmart. We often have a broader assortment and more shelf space than competitors at video game and electronics retailers such as GameStop and Best Buy, which we believe reinforces the brand’s authenticity with gaming enthusiasts, and our presence in mass channel retailers such as Walmart and Target enables the brand to reach a wider audience of casual gamers. Our established presence on Amazon and other online retail sites, and positive consumer product ratings on those sites, increases the search visibility of our products and helps to influence both online and in-store sales.
TB Europe serves as a primary sales office for the European market, and has strengthened our international operations with support for sales, marketing, customer service and distribution.
TurtleBeach.com is an important focal point for our marketing efforts serving as a destination for paid and earned media. Earned media is favorable publicity gained through promotional efforts other than advertising, as compared with paid media, which refers to publicity gained through advertising. The website acts as a hub for both online and offline activity, and provides a direct sales channel for new and refurbished products.
Customers
The following tables show net revenues by product type:
Our business customer base is comprised primarily of large retailers and distributors, both domestic and international. In 2018, net sales to our major market channels consisted of $183.9 million to North American retail customers, $64.8 million to European customers, $25.3 million to North American distributors and $13.4 million to other customers.
Our three largest individual customers accounted for approximately 44% of our gross sales in 2018, 43% of our gross sales in 2017, and 49% of our gross sales in 2016. During 2018, our four largest customers - Walmart, Game Stop, Best Buy and Target - each accounted for between 11% to 19% of our consolidated net sales.
Seasonality
Our gaming headset business is seasonal with a significant portion of sales and profits typically occurring around the holiday period. Historically, more than 45% of headset business revenues are generated during the period from September through December as new headsets are introduced and consumers engage in holiday shopping. In addition, launches of major new online multiplayer games, and specific retailer purchasing behavior, can drive significant revenue shifts between months and quarters in a given year.
Employees
As of December 31, 2018, Turtle Beach had 154 employees, of which 136 were full-time salaried employees. None of our employees are represented by a labor union. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.
Available Information
We make available free of charge on or through our website, http://corp.turtlebeach.com, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and all amendments to those filings as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference unless specifically stated therein.
In addition, the SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements, and other information about issuers, such as Turtle Beach, who file electronically within the SEC. The address of the website is www.sec.gov.
Item 1A
Item 1A - Risk Factors
Set forth below is a summary of certain material risks related to an investment in our securities, which should be considered carefully in evaluating such an investment. Our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows can be affected by a number of factors, whether currently known or unknown, including but not limited to those described below, any one or more of which could, directly or indirectly, cause the Company’s actual results of operations and financial condition to vary materially from past, or from anticipated future, results of operations and financial condition. Any of these factors, in whole or in part, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and common stock price. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also impair our business operations.
Because of the following factors, as well as other factors affecting the Company’s financial condition and operating results, past financial performance should not be considered to be a reliable indicator of future performance, and investors should not use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods. Please also see “Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosures” in the section immediately preceding Item 1 of this Report.
Risks Related to Our Operations
We depend upon the success and availability of third-party gaming platforms and software to drive sales of our headset products.
The performance of our headset business is affected by the continued success of third-party gaming platforms, such as Microsoft’s Xbox consoles and Sony's PlayStation® consoles, as well as video games developed by such manufacturers and other third-party publishers. Our business could suffer if any of these parties fail to continue to drive the success of these platforms, develop new or enhanced videogame platforms, develop popular game and entertainment titles for current or future generation platforms or produce and timely release sufficient quantities of such consoles. For example, DFC Intelligence forecasts’ estimates of future cumulative new generation console has declined since the debut of the new-gen consoles in 2013, which, if such estimates are accurate, may negatively impact our future headset sales or otherwise negatively impact our business. Further, if a platform is withdrawn from the market or fails to sell, we may be forced to liquidate inventories relating to that platform or accept returns resulting in significant losses.
The battle royale genre, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, has increased demand for our headset products and driven significant revenue growth over prior year results. If console and personal computer game titles that are enhanced by the use of gaming headsets decline in number, popularity, or are delayed, our revenue and profits may decrease substantially and our business may be adversely affected.
Our Turtle Beach brand faces significant competition from other consumer electronics companies and this competition could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We compete with other producers of personal computers and video game console headsets, including the video game console manufacturers. Our competitors may spend more money and time on developing and testing products, undertake more extensive marketing campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing policies, pay higher fees to licensors for motion picture, television, sports, music and character properties, or develop more commercially successful products for the personal computer or video game platforms than we do. In addition, competitors with large product lines and popular products, in particular the video game console manufacturers, typically have greater leverage with retailers, distributors and other customers, who may be willing to promote products with less consumer appeal in return for access to those competitors’ more popular products.
In the event that a competitor reduces prices, we could be forced to respond by lowering our prices to remain competitive. If we are forced to lower prices, we may be required to “price protect” products that remain unsold in our customers’ inventories at the time of the price reduction. Price protection results in our issuing a credit to our customers in the amount of the price reduction for each unsold unit in that customer’s inventory. Our price protection policies, which are customary in the industry, can have a major impact on our sales and profitability.
In addition, if console manufacturers implement new technologies which would cause our headsets to become incompatible with that hardware manufacturer’s console, there could be unanticipated delays in the release of our products as well as increases to projected development, manufacturing, marketing or distribution costs, any of which could harm our business and financial results.
Further, new and emerging technologies and alternate platforms for gaming, such as mobile devices and virtual reality devices, could make the consoles for which our headsets are designed less attractive or, in time, obsolete, which could require us to transition our business model to developing products for other gaming platforms.
The industries in which we operate are subject to competition in an environment of rapid technological change, and if we do not adapt to, and appropriately allocate our resources among, emerging technologies, our revenues could be negatively affected.
We must make substantial product development and other investments to align our product portfolio and development efforts in response to market changes in the gaming industry. We must anticipate and adapt our products to emerging technologies in order to keep those products competitive. When we choose to incorporate a new technology into our products or to develop a product for a new platform or operating system, we are often required to make a substantial investment prior to the introduction of the product. If we invest in the development of a new technology or for a new platform that does not achieve significant commercial success, our revenues from those products likely will be lower than anticipated and may not cover our costs.
Further, our competitors may adapt to an emerging technology more quickly or effectively than we do, creating products that are technologically superior to ours, more appealing to consumers, or both. If, on the other hand, we elect not to pursue the development of products incorporating a new technology or for new platforms that achieve significant commercial success, our revenues could also be adversely affected. It may take significant time and resources to shift product development resources to that technology or platform and it may be more difficult to compete against existing products incorporating that technology or for that platform. Any failure to successfully adapt to, and appropriately allocate resources among, emerging technologies could harm our competitive position, reduce our share and significantly increase the time it takes us to bring popular products to market.
There are numerous steps required to develop a product from conception to commercial introduction and to ensure timely shipment to retail customers, including designing, sourcing and testing the electronic components, receiving approval of hardware and other third-party licensors, factory availability and manufacturing and designing the graphics and packaging. Any difficulties or delays in the product development process will likely result in delays in the contemplated product’s introduction schedule. It is common in new product introductions or product updates to encounter technical and other difficulties affecting manufacturing efficiency and, at times, the ability to manufacture the product at all. Although these difficulties can be corrected or improved over time with continued manufacturing experience and engineering efforts, if one or more aspects necessary for the introduction of products are not completed as scheduled, or if technical difficulties take longer than anticipated to overcome, the product introductions will be delayed, or in some cases may be terminated. No assurances can be given that our products will be introduced in a timely fashion, and if new products are delayed, our sales and revenue growth may be limited or impaired.
Our business could be adversely affected by actions on trade by domestic and foreign governments.
The U.S. government has altered its approach to international trade policy and, in some cases, renegotiated or terminated certain existing bilateral or multi-lateral trade agreements and treaties with foreign countries, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (“USMCA”). In addition, the U.S. government has initiated or is considering imposing tariffs on certain foreign goods, including consumer goods. Related to this action, certain foreign governments, including China, have instituted or are considering imposing tariffs on certain U.S. goods. It remains unclear what the U.S. government or foreign governments will or will not do with respect to tariffs, USMCA or other international trade agreements and policies. A trade war or other governmental action related to tariffs or international trade agreements or policies has the potential to adversely impact demand for our products, our costs, customers, suppliers and the U.S. economy or certain sectors thereof and, thus, to adversely impact our businesses. The majority of our production occurs in foreign jurisdictions, including China, and while our products are currently not subject to tariffs, they may become subject in the future, which may have an adverse effect on our results.
The decision by British voters to exit the European Union may negatively impact our operations.
The U.K. is currently negotiating the terms of its exit from the European Union (“Brexit”), scheduled for March 29, 2019. In November 2018, the U.K. and the European Union agreed upon a draft Withdrawal Agreement that sets out the terms of the U.K.’s departure, including commitments on citizen rights after Brexit, a financial settlement from the U.K., and a transition period from March 29, 2019 through December 31, 2020, to allow time for a future trade deal to be agreed. On January 15, 2019, the draft Withdrawal Agreement was rejected by the U.K. Parliament creating significant uncertainty about the terms (and timing) under which the U.K. will leave the European Union.
If the U.K. leaves the European Union with no agreement (“hard Brexit”), it will likely have an adverse impact on labor and trade in addition to creating further short-term uncertainty and currency volatility. In the absence of a future trade deal, the U.K.’s trade with the European Union and the rest of the world would be subject to tariffs and duties set by the World Trade Organization. Additionally, the movement of goods between the U.K. and the remaining member states of the European Union will be subject to additional inspections and documentation checks, leading to possible delays at ports of entry and departure.
These changes to the trading relationship between the U.K and European Union would likely result in increased cost of goods imported into and exported from the U.K. and may decrease the profitability of our U.K. and other operations. Additional currency volatility could drive a weaker British pound, which increases the cost of goods imported into our U.K. operations and may decrease the profitability of our U.K. operations. A weaker British pound versus the U.S. dollar also causes local currency results of our U.K. operations to be translated into fewer U.S. dollars during a reporting period. With a range of outcomes still possible, the impact from Brexit remains uncertain and will depend, in part, on the final outcome of tariff, trade, regulatory and other negotiations.
Our business could be adversely affected by significant movements in foreign currency exchange rates.
We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency transaction exchange rates, particularly with respect to the Euro and British Pound. Any significant change in the value of currencies of the countries in which we do business relative to the value of the U.S. dollar could affect our ability to sell products competitively and control our cost structure. Additionally, we are subject to foreign exchange translation risk due to changes in the value of foreign currencies in relation to our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar. The translation risk is primarily concentrated in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the British Pound. As the U.S. dollar fluctuates against other currencies in which we transact business, revenue and income can be impacted.
A significant portion of our revenue is derived from a few large customers, and the loss of any such customer, or a significant reduction in purchases by such customer, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
During 2018, our three largest individual customers accounted for approximately 44% of our gross sales in the aggregate. The loss of, or financial difficulties experienced by, these or any of our other significant customers, including as a result of the bankruptcy of a customer, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. We do not have long-term agreements with these or other significant customers and our agreements with these customers do not require them to purchase any specific amount of products. All of our customers generally purchase from us on a purchase order basis. As a result, agreements with respect to pricing, returns, cooperative advertising or special promotions, among other things, are subject to periodic negotiation with each customer. No assurance can be given that these or other customers will continue to do business with us or that they will maintain their historical levels of business. In addition, the uncertainty of product orders can make it difficult to forecast our sales and allocate our resources in a manner consistent with actual sales, and our expense levels are based, in part, on our expectations of future sales. If our expectations regarding future sales are inaccurate, we may be unable to reduce costs in a timely manner to adjust for sales shortfalls. In addition, financial difficulties experienced by a significant customer could increase our exposure to uncollectible receivables and the risk that losses from uncollected receivables exceed the reserves we have set aside in anticipation of this risk.
The manufacture, supply and shipment of our products are dependent upon a limited number of third parties, and our success is dependent upon the ability of these parties to manufacture, supply and ship sufficient quantities of their product components to us in a timely fashion, as well as the continued viability and financial stability of these third-parties.
Because we rely on a limited number of manufacturers and suppliers for our products, we may be materially and adversely affected by the failure of any of those manufacturers and suppliers to perform as expected or supply us with sufficient quantities of their product components to ensure consumer availability of our own products. Our suppliers’ ability to supply products to us is also subject to a number of risks, including the availability of raw materials or components, their financial instability, the destruction of their facilities, or work stoppages. Any shortage of raw materials or components, or an inability to control costs associated with manufacturing, could increase our costs or impair our ability to ship orders in a timely and cost-efficient manner. As a result, we could experience cancellations of orders, refusal to accept deliveries or a reduction in our prices and margins, any of which could harm our financial performance and results of operations.
Moreover, there can be no assurance that such manufacturers and suppliers will not refuse to supply us at prices we deem acceptable, independently market their own competing products in the future, or otherwise discontinue their relationships with us. Our failure to maintain these existing manufacturing and supplier relationships, or to establish new relationships on similar terms in the future, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
In particular, certain of our products have a number of components and subassemblies produced by outside suppliers. In addition, for certain of these items, we qualify only a single source of supply with long lead times, which can magnify the risk of shortages or result in excess supply and also decreases our ability to negotiate price with our suppliers. Also, if we experience quality problems with suppliers, then our production schedules could be significantly delayed or costs significantly increased, which could have an adverse effect on our business, liquidity, results of operation and financial position.
In addition, the ongoing effectiveness of our supply chain is dependent on the timely performance of services by third parties shipping products and materials to and from our warehouse facilities and other locations. If we encounter problems with
these shipments, our ability to meet retailer expectations, manage inventory, complete sales and achieve objectives for operating efficiencies could be materially adversely affected. We have experienced some of these problems in the past and we cannot assure you that we will not experience similar problems in the future.
Our net sales and operating income fluctuate on a seasonal basis; decreases in sales or margins during peak seasons could have a disproportionate effect on our overall financial condition and results of operations.
Historically, a majority of our annual revenues have been generated during the holiday season of September to December. If we do not accurately forecast demand for particular products, we could incur additional costs or experience manufacturing delays. Any shortfall in net sales during this period would cause our annual results of operations to suffer significantly.
Demand for our products depends on many factors such as consumer preferences and the introduction or adoption of game platforms and related content, and can be difficult to forecast. If we misjudge the demand for our products, we could face the following problems in our operations, each of which could harm our operating results:
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If our forecasts of demand for products are too high, we may accumulate excess inventories of products, which could lead to markdown allowances or write-offs affecting some or all of such excess inventories. We may also have to adjust the prices of our existing products to reduce such excess inventories;
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If demand for specific products increases beyond what we forecast, our suppliers and third-party manufacturers may not be able to increase production quickly enough to meet the demand. Our failure to meet market demand may lead to missed opportunities to increase our base of gamers, damage our relationships with retailers or harm our business;
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The on-going console transition increases the likelihood that we could fail to accurately forecast demand for our new generation console headsets and our existing headsets; and
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Rapid increases in production levels to meet unanticipated demand could result in increased manufacturing errors, as well as higher component, manufacturing and shipping costs, all of which could reduce our profit margins and harm our relationships with retailers and consumers.
Loss of our key management and other personnel could impact our business.
Our future success depends largely upon the continued service of our executive officers and other key management and technical personnel, and on our ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel. In addition, competition for skilled and non-skilled employees among companies like ours is intense, and the loss of skilled or non-skilled employees or an inability to attract, retain and motivate additional skilled and non-skilled employees required for the operation and expansion of our business, could hinder our ability to conduct research activities successfully, develop new products, attract customers and meet customer shipments.
If we are unable to continue to develop innovative and popular headset products, or if our design and marketing efforts do not effectively raise the recognition and reputation of our Turtle Beach brand, we may not be able to successfully implement our headset growth strategy.
We believe that our ability to extend the recognition and favorable perception of our Turtle Beach brand is critical to implement our headset growth strategy, which includes further establishing our position in existing gaming headsets, developing a strong position in new console headsets, expanding beyond existing console, PC and mobile applications to new technology applications, accelerating our international growth and expanding complementary product categories. To extend the reach of our Turtle Beach brand, we believe we must devote significant time and resources to headset product design, marketing and promotions. These expenditures, however, may not result in a sufficient increase in net sales to cover such costs.
Transitions in console platforms may adversely affect our headset business.
When new console platforms are announced or introduced into the market, consumers have historically reduced their purchases of game console peripherals and accessories, including headsets, for old generation console platforms in anticipation of new platforms becoming available. During these console transition periods, sales of gaming console headsets related to old generation consoles slow or decline until new platforms are introduced and achieve wide consumer acceptance, which we cannot guarantee. This decrease or decline may not be offset by increased sales of products for the new console platforms. Over time, as the old generation platform user base declines, products for the old platforms are typically discontinued, which can result in lower margins, excess inventory, excess parts, or similar costs related to end of life of a product model. In addition, as a third party gaming headset company, we are reliant on working with the console manufacturers for our headsets to be compatible with any new console platforms, which if not done on a timely basis may adversely affect sales. Sony and Microsoft may make changes to their platforms that impact how headset connect or work with the new consoles, which could create a disruption to consumer buying behavior and product life-cycles.
As console hardware moves through its life cycle, hardware manufacturers typically enact price reductions, and decreasing prices may put downward pressure on prices for products for such platforms. During platform transitions, we may simultaneously incur costs both in continuing to develop and market new products for prior-generation video game platforms, which may not sell at premium prices, and also in developing products for current-generation platforms, which will not generate immediate or near-term revenue. As a result, our operating results during platform transitions are more volatile and difficult to predict than during other times.
Further, technological and other developments may in the future accelerate the frequency of such console transitions, resulting in such disruption occurring more frequently. In addition, competing technologies such as tablet-based gaming and virtual reality may result in further disruption to the overall console gaming market.
We are party to ongoing stockholder litigation, and in the future could be party to additional stockholder litigation, any of which could harm our business, financial condition and operating results.
We have had, and may continue to have, actions brought against us by stockholders in connection with the merger, past transactions, changes in our stock price or other matters. Any such claims, whether or not resolved in our favor, could divert our management and other resources from the operation of our business and otherwise result in unexpected and substantial expenses that would adversely and materially impact our business, financial condition and operating results. For example, and as further described in Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” and Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” we are involved in legal proceedings related to the merger of VTBH and Paris Acquisition Corp. involving certain of our stockholders.
If we are unable to protect our information systems against service interruption, misappropriation of data or breaches of security, our operations could be disrupted, our reputation may be damaged, and we may be financially liable for damages.
We rely heavily on information systems to manage our operations, including a full range of retail, financial, sourcing and merchandising systems. We regularly make investments to upgrade, enhance or replace these systems, as well as leverage new technologies to support our growth strategies. In addition, we have implemented enterprise-wide initiatives that are intended to standardize business processes and optimize performance. Any delays or difficulties in transitioning to new systems or integrating them with current systems or the failure to implement our initiatives in an orderly and timely fashion could result in additional investment of time and resources, which could impair our ability to improve existing operations and support future growth, and ultimately have a material adverse effect on our business.
The reliability and capacity of our information systems are critical. Despite preventative efforts, our systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from, among other things, natural disasters, technical malfunctions, inadequate systems capacity, human error, power outages, computer viruses and security breaches. Any disruptions affecting our information systems could have a material adverse impact on our business. In addition, any failure to maintain adequate system security controls to protect our computer assets and sensitive data, including associate and client data, from unauthorized access, disclosure or use could damage our reputation with our associates and our clients, exposing us to financial liability, legal proceedings (such as class action lawsuits), and regulatory action. While we have implemented measures to prevent security breaches and cyber incidents, our preventative measures and incident response efforts may not be entirely effective. As a result, we may not be able to immediately detect any security breaches, which may increase the losses that we would suffer. Finally, our ability to continue to operate our business without significant interruption in the event of a disaster or other disruption depends, in part, on the ability of our information systems to operate in accordance with our disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
Our reliance on information systems and other technology also gives rise to cybersecurity risks, including security breach, espionage, system disruption, theft and inadvertent release of information. The occurrence of any of these events could compromise our networks, and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability or regulatory penalties under laws protecting the privacy of personal information, disrupt operations, or damage our reputation, which could adversely affect our business. In addition, as security threats continue to evolve, we may need to invest additional resources to protect the security of our systems.
Our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by global business, political, operational, financial and economic conditions.
We face business, political, operational, financial and economic risks inherent in international business, many of which are beyond our control, including:
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trade restrictions, higher tariffs, currency fluctuations or the imposition of additional regulations relating to import or export of our products, especially in China, where many of our Turtle Beach products are manufactured, which could force us to seek alternate manufacturing sources or increase our costs;
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difficulties obtaining domestic and foreign export, import and other governmental approvals, permits and licenses, and compliance with foreign laws, which could halt, interrupt or delay our operations if we cannot obtain such approvals, permits and licenses;
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difficulties encountered by our international distributors or us in staffing and managing foreign operations or international sales, including higher labor costs;
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transportation delays and difficulties of managing international distribution channels;
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longer payment cycles for, and greater difficulty collecting, accounts receivable;
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political and economic instability, including wars, terrorism, political unrest, boycotts, curtailment of trade and other business restrictions, any of which could materially and adversely affect our net sales and results of operations; and
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natural disasters.
Any of these factors could reduce our net sales, decrease our gross margins, increase our expenses or reduce our profitability. Should we establish our own operations in international territories where we currently use a distributor, we will become subject to greater risks associated with operating outside of the United States.
The electronics industry in general has historically been characterized by a high degree of volatility and is subject to substantial and unpredictable variations resulting from changing business cycles. Our operating results will be subject to fluctuations based on general economic conditions, in particular conditions that impact discretionary consumer spending. The audio products sector of the electronics industry has and may continue to experience a slowdown in sales, which adversely impacts our ability to generate revenues and impacts the results of our future operations. A lack of available credit in financial markets may adversely affect the ability of our commercial customers to finance purchases and operations and could result in an absence of orders or spending for our products as well as create supplier disruptions. We are unable to predict the likely duration and severity of any adverse economic conditions or disruptions in financial markets and the effects they will have on our business and its financial condition.
Further, Turtle Beach products are manufactured in China for export to the United States and worldwide. As a result of opposition to policies of the Chinese government and China’s growing trade surpluses with the United States, there has been, and in the future may be, opposition to the extension of normal trade relations (“NTR”) status for China. The loss of NTR status for China, changes in current tariff structures, or adoption in the United States of other trade policies adverse to China could increase our manufacturing expenses and make it more difficult for us to manufacture our products in China.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report financial results or prevent fraud, which could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Effective internal controls are necessary to provide reliable financial reports and to assist in the effective prevention of fraud. Any inability to provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud could harm our business. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we evaluate our systems and processes and test our internal controls over financial reporting to allow management and our independent registered public accounting firm, as applicable, to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. If we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or if we or our independent registered public accounting firm identifies deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses, investors could lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of our common stock could decline and we could be subject to sanctions, investigations by the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, or shareholder litigation.
In 2018, our management identified control deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting that constituted a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. As such, our controls over financial reporting were not designed or operating effectively, and as a result there were adjustments required in connection with preparing our consolidated financial statements for the quarterly periods ended June 30, 2018, and September 30, 2018, resulting in the Company having to restate its filings on Forms 10-Q for such periods.
While we took steps to remediate the material weakness by implementing additional reviews and processes, the revised controls need to be operating effectively for a reasonable period of time in order for the material weakness to be considered fully remediated. There can be no assurance that these measures will significantly improve or remediate the material weakness even with the passage of time. There is also no assurance that we have identified all of our material weaknesses or that we will not in the future have additional material weaknesses. There is no assurance that this material weakness will be fully remediated or, that in the future, additional material weaknesses will not exist or otherwise be discovered. If our efforts to remediate the material weakness are not successful, or if other material weaknesses or other deficiencies occur, our ability to accurately and timely report our financial position could be impaired, which could result in late filings of our annual and quarterly reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), restatements of our consolidated
financial statements, a decline in our stock price or suspension or delisting of our common stock from the Nasdaq Global Market.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property and Other Legal and Regulatory Matters
Our competitive position may be adversely effected if our products are found to infringe on the intellectual property rights of others.
Other companies and our competitors may currently own or obtain patents or other proprietary rights that might prevent, limit or interfere with our ability to make, use or sell our products. Although we do not believe that our products infringe the proprietary rights of any third parties, there can be no assurance that infringement or other legal claims will not be asserted against us, or that we will not be found to infringe the intellectual property rights of others. The electronics industry is characterized by vigorous protection and pursuit of intellectual property rights or positions, resulting in significant and often protracted and expensive litigation. In the event of a successful claim of infringement against us and our failure or inability to license the infringed technology, our business and operating results could be adversely affected. Any litigation or claims, whether or not valid, could result in substantial costs or a diversion of our resources. An adverse result from intellectual property litigation could force us to do one or more of the following:
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cease selling, incorporating or using products or services that incorporate the challenged intellectual property;
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obtain a license from the holder of the infringed intellectual property right, which license may not be available on reasonable terms, if at all; and/or
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redesign products or services that incorporate the disputed technology.
If we are forced to take any of the foregoing actions, we could face substantial costs and shipment delays, and our business could be seriously harmed. Although we carry general liability insurance, our insurance may not cover potential claims of this type or may be inadequate to insure us for all liability that may be imposed.
In addition, it is possible that our customers or end users may seek indemnity from us in the event that our products are found or alleged to infringe the intellectual property rights of others. Any such claim for indemnity could result in substantial expenses to us that could harm our operating results.
If we are unable to obtain and maintain intellectual property rights and/or enforce those rights against third parties who are violating those rights, our business could suffer.
We rely on various intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets and trade dress to protect our Turtle Beach brand name, reputation, product appearance, technology and our proprietary rights in our HyperSound technology. Although we have entered into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and contractors, and nondisclosure agreements with selected parties with whom we conduct business to limit access to and disclosure of our proprietary information, these contractual arrangements and the other steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property may not prevent misappropriation of that intellectual property or deter independent third-party development of similar technologies. Monitoring the unauthorized use of proprietary technology and trademarks is costly, and any dispute or other litigation, regardless of outcome, may be costly and time consuming and may divert the attention of management and key personnel from our business operations. The steps taken by us may not prevent unauthorized use of proprietary technology or trademarks. Many features of our products are not protected by patents; we may not have the legal right to prevent others from reverse engineering or otherwise copying and using these features in competitive products. If we fail to protect or to enforce our intellectual property rights successfully, our competitive position could suffer, which could adversely affect our financial results.
We are susceptible to counterfeiting of our products, which may harm our reputation for producing high-quality products while forcing us to incur expenses in enforcing our intellectual property rights. Such claims and lawsuits can be expensive to resolve, require substantial management time and resources, and may not provide a satisfactory or timely result, any of which may harm our results of operations. As some of our products are sold internationally, we are also dependent on the laws of a range of countries to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights. These laws may not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent or in the same manner as the laws of the United States.
Further, we are party to licenses that grant us rights to intellectual property, including trademarks, which are necessary or useful to our Turtle Beach business. One or more of our licensors may allege that we have breached our license agreement with them, and seek to terminate our license. If successful, this could result in our loss of the right to use the licensed intellectual property, which could adversely affect our ability to commercialize our technologies or products, as well as harm our competitive business position and our business prospects.
Our success also depends in part on our ability to obtain and enforce intellectual property protection of our technology,
particularly our patents. There is no guarantee any patent will be granted on any patent application that we have filed or may file. Claims allowed from existing or pending patents may not be of sufficient scope or strength to protect the economic value of our technologies. Further, any patent that we may obtain will expire, and it is possible that it may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented.
In the future, we may initiate claims or litigation against third parties for infringement of our proprietary rights or to determine the scope and validity of our proprietary rights or the proprietary rights of our competitors. These claims could result in costly litigation and divert the efforts of our technical and management personnel. As a result, our operating results could suffer and our financial condition could be harmed.
We are dependent upon third-party intellectual property to manufacture some of our products.
The performance of certain technology used in new generation consoles, such as integrated voice and chat audio from the Xbox One, is improved by a licensed component to ensure compatibility with our products.
While we currently believe that we have the necessary licenses, or can obtain the necessary licenses in order to produce compatible products, there is no guarantee that our licenses will be renewed or granted in the first instance. Moreover, if these first parties enter into license agreements with companies other than us for their “closed systems,” or if we are unable to obtain sufficient quantities of these headset adapters or chips, we would be placed at a competitive disadvantage.
In order for certain of our headsets to connect to the Xbox One's advanced features and controls, a proprietary computer chip or wireless module is required. As a result, with respect to our products designed for the Xbox One, we are currently reliant on Microsoft or their designated supplier to provide us with sufficient quantities. If we are unable to obtain sufficient quantities of these headset adapters or chips, sales of such Xbox One headsets and consequently our revenues would be adversely affected.
We are licensed and approved by Microsoft to develop and sell Xbox One compatible audio products pursuant to a license agreement under which we have the right to manufacture (including through third party manufacturers), market and sell audio products for the Xbox One video game console (the “Xbox One Agreement”). Our Xbox One headsets are dependent on this license. Microsoft has the right to terminate the Xbox One Agreement under certain circumstances set forth in the agreement. Should the Xbox One Agreement be terminated, our headset offerings may be limited, thereby significantly reducing our revenues.
Accordingly, Microsoft, Sony and other third-party gaming platform manufacturers may control our ability to manufacture headsets compatible with their platforms, and could cause unanticipated delays in the release of our products as well as increases to projected development, manufacturing, licensing, marketing or distribution costs, any of which could negatively impact our business.
Our products may be subject to warranty claims, product liability and product recalls.
We may be subject to product liability or warranty claims that could result in significant direct or indirect costs, or we could experience greater returns from retailers than expected, which could harm our net sales. The occurrence of any quality problems due to defects in our products could make us liable for damages and warranty claims in excess of any existing reserves. In addition to the risk of direct costs to correct any defects, warranty claims, product recalls or other problems, any negative publicity related to the perceived quality of our products could also affect our brand image, decrease retailer and distributor demand and our operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We could incur unanticipated expenses in connection with warranty or product liability claims relating to a recall of one or more of our products, which could require significant expenditures to defend. Additionally, we may be required to comply with governmental requirements to remedy the defect and/or notify consumers of the problem that could lead to unanticipated expense, and possible product liability litigation against a customer or us.
Changes in laws or regulations, or the manner of their interpretation or enforcement, could adversely impact our financial performance and restrict our ability to operate our business or execute our strategies.
New laws or regulations, or changes in existing laws or regulations or the manner of their interpretation or enforcement, may create uncertainty for public companies, increase our cost of doing business and restrict our ability to operate our business or execute our strategies. This could include, among other things, compliance and enforcement costs under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”).
We continually evaluate and monitor developments with respect to new and proposed laws, regulations, standards and
rules, and cannot predict or estimate the amount of the additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs. Any such new or changed laws, regulations, standards or rules may be subject to varying interpretations and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure. If our efforts to comply with new or changed laws, regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and we may be harmed.
Our HyperSound technology is subject to government regulation, which could lead to unanticipated expenses and/or enforcement action against us.
Under the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968, and the associated regulations promulgated by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), HyperSound products are regulated as electrical emitters of ultrasonic vibrations. Under the terms of such regulations, in August 2012 we provided, and in January 2016 further supplemented, an abbreviated report to the FDA describing the HyperSound commercial product. In September 2015, we provided an initial product report describing the HyperSound Clear® 500P product. The FDA may respond to these reports and request changes or safeguards to our HyperSound products. We also are required to notify the FDA should a product be found to have a defect relating to safety of use due to the emission of electronic product radiation. We do not believe our technology poses any human health risks. However, modifications to the technology may be required. Our HyperSound product advertising is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”), which requires all advertising be truthful, not deceptive or unfair, and evidence based.
The HyperSound Clear 500P and the HyperSound Tinnitus Module were regulated by the FDA as medical devices pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”) and implementing regulations. HyperSound Clear 500P received 510(k) clearance permitting over-the-counter (“OTC”) commercial distribution for use as a group auditory trainer or group hearing aid and the HyperSound Tinnitus Module feature received 510(k) clearance for prescription use in the temporary relief of tinnitus symptoms.
Although we have discontinued sales of our HyperSound Clear 500P and the HyperSound Tinnitus Module, we continue to be subject to FDA’s requirements for marketed medical devices with respect to those HyperSound Clear 500P products that have already been sold, such as the Quality System Regulation, or QSR (which imposes procedural, documentation and record keeping requirements regarding the manufacture of medical devices); the Medical Device Reporting regulation (which requires that manufacturers report to the FDA if their device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if it were to recur); and the Reports of Corrections and Removals regulation (which requires manufacturers to report recalls and field actions to the FDA if initiated to reduce a risk to health posed by the device or to remedy a violation of the FDCA that may pose a risk to health). FDA enforces these requirements by inspection and market surveillance. If the FDA finds a violation, it can institute a wide range of enforcement actions, ranging from a public warning letter to more severe sanctions such as fines, penalties, suspension or withdrawal of regulatory approvals, product recalls, seizure of products, operating restrictions, total shutdown of production, and criminal prosecution.
We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations that could impose substantial costs on us and may adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
Our operations and some of our products are regulated under various federal, state, local and international environmental laws. In addition, regulatory bodies in many of the jurisdictions in which we operate propose, enact and amend environmental laws and regulations on a regular basis. If we were to violate or become liable under the environmental laws, we could be required to incur additional costs to comply with such regulations and may incur fines and civil or criminal sanctions, third-party property damage or personal injury claims, or could be required to incur substantial investigation or remediation costs. Liability under environmental laws may be joint and several and without regard to comparative fault. The ultimate costs under environmental laws and the timing of these costs are difficult to predict. Although we cannot predict the ultimate impact of any new environmental laws and regulations, such laws may result in additional costs or decreased revenue, and could require that we redesign or change how we manufacture our products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Additionally, to the extent that our competitors choose not to abide by these environmental laws and regulations, we may be at a cost disadvantage, thereby hindering our ability to effectively compete in the marketplace.
Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or other applicable anti-corruption legislation could result in fines, criminal penalties and an adverse effect on our business.
Our products are sold in over 40 countries, including countries known to have a reputation for corruption. We are committed to doing business in accordance with applicable anti-corruption laws. We are subject, however, to the risk that our officers, directors, employees, agents and collaborators may take action determined to be in violation of such anti-corruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, the European Union Anti-Corruption Act and other similar laws, or that subjects us to trade sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Any such violation could result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil and/or criminal penalties or curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions, and might adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage our reputation and ability to do business.
Risks Related to Liquidity
We depend upon the availability of capital under our revolving credit facility to finance our operations. Any additional financing that we may need may not be available on favorable terms, or at all.
In addition to cash flow generated from operations, we finance our operations with a credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) provided by Bank of America, as Agent, Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner. If we are unable to comply with the financial and other covenants contained in the Credit Facility, and are unable to obtain a waiver under the Credit Facility, Bank of America may declare the outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility immediately due and payable. Such an event would have an immediate and material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. We would be required to obtain additional financing from other sources, and we cannot predict whether or on what terms, if any, additional financing might be available. If we are required to seek additional financing and are unable to obtain it, we may have to change our business and capital expenditure plans, which may have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the debt under the Credit Facility could make it more difficult to obtain other debt financing in the future, which could put us at a competitive disadvantage to competitors with less debt.
The Credit Facility contains financial and other covenants that we are obligated to maintain. The Credit Facility contain certain financial covenants and other restrictions that limit our ability, among other things, to incur certain additional indebtedness; pay dividends and repurchase stock; make certain investments and other payments; enter into certain mergers or consolidations; engage in sale and leaseback transactions and transactions with affiliates; and encumber and dispose of assets.
If we violate any of these covenants, we will be in default under the Credit Facility. If a default occurs and is not timely cured or waived, Bank of America could seek remedies against us, including termination or suspension of obligations to make loans and issue letters of credit, and acceleration of amounts due under the applicable Credit Facility. No assurance can be given that we will be able to maintain compliance with these covenants in the future. The Credit Facility is asset based and can only be drawn down in an amount to which eligible collateral exists, and can be negatively impacted by extended collection of accounts receivable, unexpectedly high product returns and slow moving inventory, among other factors. In addition, we have granted the lender a first-priority lien against substantially all of our assets, including trade accounts receivable and inventories. Failure to comply with the operating restrictions or financial covenants could result in a default which could cause the lender to accelerate the timing of payments and exercise their lien on substantially all of our assets.
If suppliers, customers, landlords, employees or other stakeholders lose confidence in our business, it may be more difficult for us to operate and may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If suppliers, customers, landlords, employees or other stakeholders have doubts regarding our ability to continue as a going concern, this could materially adversely affect our ability to operate. Concerns about our financial condition may cause our suppliers and other counterparties to tighten credit terms or cease doing business with us altogether, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.
We cannot predict the prices at which our common stock may trade. The market price of our common stock may fluctuate
widely, depending on many factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including but not limited to:
• actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results due to factors related to our business;
• success or failure of our business strategy;
• the success of third-party gaming platforms and certain game titles to drive sales;
• our quarterly or annual earnings, or those of other companies in our industry;
• changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts or our ability to meet those estimates;
• our ability to execute transformation, restructuring and realignment actions;
• the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies;
• overall market fluctuations and,
• general economic conditions and other external factors.
Stock markets, in general, have experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular
company. These broad market fluctuations could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.
Item 1B
Item 1B - Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2
Item 2 - Properties
The table below describes our principal facilities as of December 31, 2018.
Item 3
Item 3 - Legal Proceedings
The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to these actions cannot be determined with certainty, in the Company’s opinion, any such liability will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations or liquidity.
Shareholders Class Action: On August 5, 2013, VTBH and the Company (f/k/a Parametric Sound Corporation) announced that they had entered into the Merger Agreement pursuant to which VTBH would acquire an approximately 80% ownership interest and existing shareholders would maintain an approximately 20% ownership interest in the combined company (the “Merger”). Following the announcement, several shareholders filed class action lawsuits in California and Nevada seeking to enjoin the Merger. The plaintiffs in each case alleged that members of the Company’s Board of Directors breached their fiduciary duties to the shareholders by agreeing to a merger that allegedly undervalued the Company. VTBH and the Company were named as
defendants in these lawsuits under the theory that they had aided and abetted the Company’s Board of Directors in allegedly
violating their fiduciary duties. The plaintiffs in both cases sought a preliminary injunction seeking to enjoin closing of the
Merger, which, by agreement, was heard by the Nevada court with the California plaintiffs invited to participate. On December
26, 2013, the court in the Nevada case denied the plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction. Following the closing of the
Merger, the Nevada plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint, which made essentially the same allegations and sought
monetary damages as well as an order rescinding the Merger. The California plaintiffs dismissed their action without prejudice,
and sought to intervene in the Nevada action, which was granted. Subsequent to the intervention, the plaintiffs filed a third
amended complaint, which made essentially the same allegations as prior complaints and sought monetary damages. On June
20, 2014, VTBH and the Company moved to dismiss the action, but that motion was denied on August 28, 2014. On September
14, 2017, a unanimous en banc panel of the Nevada Supreme Court granted defendants’ petition for writ of mandamus and
ordered the trial court to dismiss the complaint but provided a limited basis upon which plaintiffs could seek to amend their
complaint. Plaintiffs amended their complaint on December 1, 2017 to assert the same claims in a derivative capacity on behalf
of the Company, as a well as in a direct capacity, against VTBH, Stripes Group, LLC, SG VTB Holdings, LLC, and the former
members of the Company’s Board of Directors. All defendants moved to dismiss this amended complaint on January 2, 2018,
and those motions were denied on March 13, 2018. Defendants petitioned the Nevada Supreme Court to reverse this ruling on
April 18, 2018. On June 15, 2018, the Nevada Supreme Court denied defendants’ writ petition without prejudice. The district
court subsequently entered a pretrial schedule and set trial for November 2019. On January 18, 2019, the district court certified a class of shareholders of the Company as of January 15, 2014.
Commercial Dispute: On July 20, 2016, Bigben Interactive S.A. (“BigBen”) filed a statement of claim before the Regional
Court of Berlin, Germany against VTB, which statement of claim was formally serviced upon VTB on June 28, 2017. The
statement of claim alleges that VTB’s termination of a distribution agreement by and between BigBen and VTB breached the
terms thereof and was invalid, and that BigBen is entitled to damages amounting to €5.0 million plus accrued interest thereon and certain additional damages as a result of such invalid termination. VTB filed its statement of defense with the court on
September 21, 2017. On January 7, 2019, the Regional Court of Berlin issued its judgment on this dispute, dismissing BigBen's claim in its entirety. On February 7, 2019, BigBen filed an appeal against the judgment with the Higher Regional Court of Berlin. BigBen is required to file a submission in support of its appeal by March 22, 2019.
The Company will continue to vigorously defend itself in the foregoing matters. However, litigation and investigations are inherently uncertain. Accordingly, the Company cannot predict the outcome of these matters. The Company has not recorded any accrual at December 31, 2018 for contingent losses associated with these matters based on its belief that losses, while possible, are not probable. Further, any possible range of loss cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The unfavorable resolution of these matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows. The Company is engaged in other legal actions, not described above, arising in the ordinary course of its business and, while there can be no assurance, believes that the ultimate outcome of these other legal actions will not have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.
Item 4
Item 4 - Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5
Item 5 - Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Company’s stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “HEAR.” The number of holders of record of common stock at February 28, 2019 was 945.
Stock Performance Graph
Notwithstanding any statement to the contrary in any of our previous or future filings with the SEC, the following information relating to the price performance of our common stock shall not be deemed to be “filed” with the SEC for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), to be “soliciting material” or subject to Rule 14A of the Exchange Act, or to be incorporated by reference into any of our filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or the Exchange Act whether made before or after the date of this Report, except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.
The following graph shows a comparison from January 15, 2014, the date following the Merger (as defined in Item 6), through December 31, 2018 of the cumulative total return assuming a $100 investment in our common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Consumer Durables Index. In accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the returns are indexed to a value of $100 at December 31, 2013 and assume that all dividends, if any, were reinvested. The comparisons in this graph below are based on historical data and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of future performance of our common stock.
Dividend Policy
We have not paid regular cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant.
Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
For the fourth quarter of 2018, we repurchased approximately $0.1 million of common shares related to employee transactions. These amounts represent common shares repurchased from employees in an amount equal to the statutory tax liability associated with the vesting of their equity awards, which is then remitted on behalf of the employee.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
See Part III, Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters in this annual report for disclosure relating to our equity compensation plans. Such information will be included in our Proxy Statement or an amendment to this Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 6
Item 6 - Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data for each of the five years ended December 31, 2018. This selected financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Report.
(1) In 2014, we completed the merger with Parametric Sound Corporation, which contributed revenue of $0.7 million in the year and $129.1 million of total assets on date of the merger, January 15, 2014.
(2) Includes goodwill impairment charge of $49.8 million.
(3) Includes a $7.1 million charge for inventory reserves associated with the HyperSound restructuring and goodwill and other intangibles impairment charges of $63.2 million.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting our results of operations and the financial condition of our business during each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018.
Turtle Beach Corporation (herein referred to as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), headquartered in San Diego, California, and incorporated in the state of Nevada in 2010, is a premier audio technology company with expertise and experience in developing, commercializing and marketing innovative products across a range of large addressable markets operating under two reportable segments, Turtle Beach® (“Headset”) and HyperSound®.
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Turtle Beach is a worldwide leading provider of feature-rich gaming headset solutions for use across multiple platforms, including video game and entertainment consoles, handheld consoles, personal computers, tablets and mobile devices.
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HyperSound technology is an innovative patent-protected sound technology that delivers immersive, directional audio with applications in digital signage and kiosks and consumer electronics.
Business Trends
Gaming Headset Market
Based on sales tracking data from The NPD Group, Inc. (“NPD Group”), the gaming headset market in our largest market, North America, increased just over 70% in 2018 vs. 2017 driven by the popularity of a style of multiplayer game known as battle royale, in which players compete on large but shrinking maps until there is a single winner. The Company’s market share in North America increased to 46.1% from 42.4% in 2017.
Every year, new gamers enter the headset market and some existing gamers adopt gaming headset usage. But, these battle royale games, from Fortnite to the recently launched Apex Legends, that are highly social, collaborative and competitive games, have contributed to a higher growth in the video game industry and a higher proportion of gamers using headsets. And given that the vast majority of the gaming headset market is driven by replacement and upgrading, this large influx of new gaming headset users could drive an increase in the size of the gaming headset market in future years.
Seasonality
Our gaming headset business is seasonal with a significant portion of sales and profits typically occurring around the holiday period. Historically, more than 45% of headset business revenues are generated during the period from September through December as new headsets are introduced and consumers engage in holiday shopping.
Results of Operations
Management Overview
Net revenues increased $138.3 million, or 92.7%, to $287.4 million as a result of a very strong overall console gaming market driven by the rise of battle royale style games, such as Fortnite and the recently launched Apex Legends, which have drawn new gamers into the market and caused substantial new demand from existing console gamers.
Turtle Beach grew its leading revenue share to 46.1% for 2018, based on recent NPD Group North American data, holding the majority stake for leading headsets and remained the leader in all price tiers $199 and below. Based on NPD’s sell-through console gaming headset data, Turtle Beach led the market with the Recon 50X, in the sub-$50 price tier, and the wireless Stealth 600 series, in the $50 to $99 price tier.
For 2018, our reported net income increased to $39.2 million, or diluted net income per share of $2.74, and cash from operating activities increased to $42.2 million driven by the significant revenue growth, margin improvement on higher volume driven fixed-cost leveraging and operating expense management. This financial performance and substantial cash flow generation allowed us to negotiate better Credit Facility terms and repay all outstanding term loans and subordinated notes, which reduced current year interest costs by nearly $0.8 million compared to the prior year. These actions combined with the Series B retirement will result in annualized savings of up to $5.0 million.
Forward looking, we believe battle royale games have set off a higher growth trajectory in the video game industry and expect the influx of new gamers and new headset users this year to create a larger core console gaming headset market going forward. As such, we intend to continue to refine and improve on our high quality headsets, further develop our eSports
presence and drive long-term growth outside of console gaming headsets, first and foremost in PC gaming headsets in our core North America and European markets.
Key Performance Indicators and Non-GAAP Measures
Management routinely reviews key performance indicators including revenue, operating income and margins, and earnings per share, among others. In addition, we believe certain other measures provide useful information to management and investors about us and our financial condition and results of operations for the following reasons: (i) they are measures used by our board of directors and management team to evaluate our operating performance; (ii) they are measures used by our management team to make day-to-day operating decisions; (iii) the adjustments made are often viewed as either non-recurring or not reflective of ongoing financial performance or have no cash impact on operations; and (iv) they are used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties as a common operating performance measure to compare results across companies in our industry by adjusting for potential differences caused by variations in capital structures (affecting relative interest expense), and the age and book value of facilities and equipment (affecting relative depreciation and amortization expense). These metrics, however, are not measures of financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and, given the limitations of these metrics as analytical tools, should not be considered a substitute for gross profit, gross margins, net income (loss) or other consolidated income statement data as determined in accordance with GAAP. We consider the following non-GAAP measures, which may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies, to be key performance indicators:
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Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation (non-cash) and certain special items that we believe are not representative of core operations.
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Cash Margins is defined as gross margin excluding depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA (and a reconciliation to Net income (loss), the nearest GAAP financial measure) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2018 to the Year Ended December 31, 2017
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $39.2 million compared to a net loss of $3.2 million in the prior year, including $44.6 million of net income and $1.9 million of net loss attributable to the Headset segment, for the year ended December 31, 2018 and the prior year, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis was $57.7 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis of $11.6 million, including investments of $1.0 million in the HyperSound business, for the year ended December 31, 2017. Net income and Adjusted EBITDA increased on higher revenues and fixed cost leveraging margin improvement as a result of strong consumer demand related to battle royale style game launches.
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2017 to the Year Ended December 31, 2016
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $3.2 million compared to a net loss of $87.2 million in the prior year, including $1.9 million and $0.9 million of net loss attributable to the Headset segment, for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the prior year, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis was $11.6 million, including investments of $1.0 million in the HyperSound business, compared to Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis of $4.0 million, including investments of $10.4 million in the HyperSound business from the year ended December 31, 2016.
Headset Adjusted EBITDA totaled approximately $12.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $14.4 million in the prior year that excluded $2.9 million of allocated costs, primarily due to improved margins driven by product and logistical costs savings, certain initiatives to reduce overhead costs, a reduction in marketing spend and a foreign exchange benefit.
Financial Results
The following table sets forth the Company’s statements of operations for the periods presented:
Net Revenue and Gross Profit
Headset Segment
The following table summarizes net revenue and gross profit for the periods presented:
(1) Excludes non-cash charges of $0.9 million, $0.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively.
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2018 to the Year Ended December 31, 2017
Net revenues for year ended December 31, 2018 increased $138.3 million, or 92.7%, as a result of the increase in demand for gaming headsets that accompanied the growing popularity of the battle royale style games and reduced promotional spend. This increase was driven by higher volumes across all channels as battle royale releases, such as Fortnite and the recently launched Apex Legends, generated sales of gaming headsets in the $100 and below price point, which includes our Ear Force Recon 50 Series, Stealth 600 Series and Recon Chat headsets, from new gamers and upgrade purchases from existing players.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, gross profit as a percentage of net revenue increased to 37.9% from 34.4% in the prior year. Headset margins were positively impacted by product and customer mix combined with higher volume drive fixed-cost leveraging and a less promotional environment as compared to the prior period in which channel inventories were much higher than normal following weaker than expected 2016 performance of the major holiday game releases. These improvements were partially offset by incremental air freight ($4.0 million) incurred to keep pace with increased consumer demand.
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2017 to the Year Ended December 31, 2016
Net revenues for year ended December 31, 2017 decreased $24.8 million, or 14.3%, as a result of the negative impact of 2016 holiday channel overhang that depressed sales in the first half of 2017 and business model initiatives at several North American retailers to reduce on-hand inventory levels that caused under-ordering, some of which were sporadically out-of-stock, during the 2017 holiday.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, gross profit as a percentage of net revenue increased to 34.4% from 31.9% in the prior year. In 2017, with no further old-gen inventory overhang, margins were positively impacted by product and logistical costs savings, lower obsolescence reserves and a shift to non-royalty models, partially offset by negative fixed cost leveraging on lower sales volumes.
Operating Expenses
Selling and Marketing
Selling and marketing expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 totaled $32.4 million, or 11.3% as a percentage of net revenues, compared to $24.4 million, or 16.4% as a percentage of net revenues, for the prior year. This increase was primarily due to variable sales-based commissions, higher volume-based web costs and increased marketing and consumer spend related to the expansion of our eSports presence, new product video production, in-store promotional material and direct media buys.
Selling and marketing expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 totaled $24.4 million, or 16.4% as a percentage of net revenues, compared to $28.6 million, or 16.4% as a percentage of net revenues, for the prior year. This decrease was attributable to the reduction of HyperSound business related sales force and marketing campaigns, and lower Headset marketing spend as compared to the prior year that included additional support for certain new product introductions.
Research and Development
Research and development remained consistent year over year as we continue to invest in the resources that we believe are necessary to maintain and expand our technical capability to manufacture multiple product lines that incorporate the latest technologies. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we invested $5.6 million in the continued expansion of our new generation headset portfolio, including the launch of the Atlas line of PC gaming headsets and the Elite Pro® 2 + SuperAmp™ Pro Performance Gaming Audio System. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we expended $5.6 million and $8.3 million, respectively, reflective of continued expansion of our new generation headset portfolio.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased $1.0 million to $16.7 million compared to $15.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to higher variable compensation costs and stock compensation expenses ($1.0 million) and certain legal expenses and settlement costs ($0.5 million), partially offset by lower professional service fees ($0.4 million).
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 decreased $3.9 million to $15.7 million compared to $19.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to a reduction in HyperSound related expenses ($2.6 million), headcount reductions in the Headset business ($0.8 million) and lower non-cash stock compensation charges.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles Impairment
As a result of interim and annual impairment tests, for the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded a $63.2 million goodwill impairment charge in connection with the decline in implied fair value of the HyperSound reporting unit. There were no such charges in 2017 and 2018.
Restructuring Charges
In connection with continued efforts to improve our operating efficiency, we completed certain operating expense cost reduction activities, such as the consolidation of certain operational functions in 2016 and restructuring of our HyperSound business in 2017. There were no such charges in 2018.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the prior year due to the exchange of the Series B Preferred Stock ($1.0 million), the payoff of our term loans ($0.3 million) and Subordinated Notes ($0.5 million) and lower borrowings on our Credit Facility.
Interest expense increased $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the prior year due to additional compound interest related to the Subordinated Notes and Series B Preferred Stock, and non-cash amortization of related debt issuance costs.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $1.7 million at an effective tax rate of 4.2% compared to income tax expense of $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 at an effective tax rate of (22.3)%. The effective tax rate was primarily impacted by foreign entity tax benefits, a “change in ownership” event under Internal Revenue Code Section 382 and the full valuation allowance on domestic earnings.
Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $0.6 million at an effective tax rate of (22.3)% compared to income tax benefit of $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 at an effective tax rate of (0.4)%. The effective tax rate was primarily impacted by the full valuation allowance on domestic earnings and a deemed repatriation of foreign earnings totaling $0.5 million related to its European subsidiary under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enacted in December 2017.
Other Non-Operating Expense (Income)
Other non-operating expense totaled $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, including $5.3 million loss from the change in fair value of a financial instrument, $1.6 million loss on extinguishment related to the prepayment of our Term Loan and Subordinated Notes and the negative exchange impact of the stronger U.S. dollar on our foreign operations.
Other non-operating income totaled $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, as a result of the U.S. dollar weakening compared to other non-operating expense for the year ended December 31, 2016, of $2.4 million due to negative effect of the Brexit vote on exchange rates as it relates to our United Kingdom operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of working capital are cash flow from operations and availability of capital under our revolving credit facility. We have funded operations and acquisitions in recent periods with operating cash flows and proceeds from debt and equity financings.
The following table summarizes our sources and uses of cash:
Operating activities
Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $42.2 million, an increase of $38.8 million as compared to $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This is primarily the result of higher gross receipts from the significant increase in revenue and improved days sales outstanding, partially offset by higher inventory levels and freight costs.
Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $3.4 million, an increase of $5.2 million as compared to cash used in operating activities of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The year-over-year increase is primarily the result of lower HyperSound investment, Company-wide reduction in force and deferred marketing spend, partially offset by lower gross receipts and inventory turnover due to reduced sales volumes.
Investing activities
Cash used for investing activities was $5.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $4.4 million in 2017, primarily due to additional advertising display and manufacturing investments.
Cash used for investing activities was $4.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $3.2 million in 2016, as the Company refreshed its advertising displays in certain major retailers.
Financing activities
Net cash used for financing activities was $35.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to net cash used for financing activities of $0.2 million and net cash provided by financing activities of $4.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Financing activities in 2018 included the repayment of certain subordinated notes of $23.9 million, net term loan repayments of $11.7 million, the exchange of the Series B Preferred Stock of $1.4 million and net repayments on our revolving credit facilities of $1.1 million, partially offset by proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants of $4.2 million.
Financing activities in 2017 included net borrowings on our revolving credit facilities of $2.6 million, term loan repayments of$2.6 million and $0.1 million in debt issuance costs related to certain debt amendments.
Financing activities in 2016 included $6.0 million of proceeds from the sale of common stock and net borrowings on our revolving credit facilities of $3.4 million, partially offset by $4.0 million of term loan repayments and $1.2 million in debt issuance costs related to recent debt amendments.
Management assessment of liquidity
Management believes that our current cash and cash equivalents, the amounts available under our revolving credit facility and cash flows derived from operations will be sufficient to meet anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures for at least the next 12 months. Significant assumptions underlie this belief, including, among other things, that there will be no material adverse developments in our business, liquidity or capital requirements.
Foreign cash balances at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were $5.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
Revolving Credit Facility
On December 17, 2018, Turtle Beach and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated loan, guaranty and security agreement (“Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”), as Agent, Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner, which replaced the then existing asset-based revolving loan agreement. The Credit Facility, which expires on March 5, 2024, provides for a line of credit of up to $80 million inclusive of a sub-facility limit of $12 million for TB Europe, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Turtle Beach. In addition, the Credit Facility provides for a $40 million accordion feature and the ability to increase the borrowing base with a FILO Loan of up to $6.8 million.
The maximum credit availability for loans and letters of credit under the Credit Facility is governed by a borrowing base determined by the application of specified percentages to certain eligible assets, primarily eligible trade accounts receivable and inventories, and is subject to discretionary reserves and revaluation adjustments. The Credit Facility may be used for working capital, the issuance of bank guarantees, letters of credit and other corporate purposes.
Amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to either a rate published by Bank of America or the LIBOR rate, plus in each case, an applicable margin, which is between 0.50% to 1.25% for base rate loans, 1.25% to 2.00% for U.S. LIBOR loans and U.K. loans and 2.00% and 2.75% for the FILO Loan. In addition, Turtle Beach is required to pay a commitment fee on the unused revolving loan commitment at a rate ranging from 0.25% to 0.50%, and letter of credit fees and agent fees. As of December 31, 2018, interest rates for outstanding borrowings were 6.00% for base rate loans and 3.75% for LIBOR rate loans.
The Company is subject to financial covenant testing if certain availability thresholds are not met or certain other events occur (as defined in the Credit Facility). The Credit Facility requires the Company and its restricted subsidiaries to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter.
The Credit Facility also contains affirmative and negative covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit our ability to take certain actions, including our ability to incur debt, pay dividends and repurchase stock, make certain investments and other payments, enter into certain mergers and consolidations, engage in sale leaseback transactions and transactions with affiliates and encumber and dispose of assets. Obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by a security interest and lien upon substantially all of the Company’s assets.
As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all the financial covenants under the Credit Facility, as amended, and excess borrowing availability was approximately $35.9 million.
Term Loan Due 2023
On March 5, 2018, the Company and its subsidiaries, entered into an amended, extended and restated term loan, guaranty and
security agreement (the “Term Loan Due 2023”) with Crystal Financial SPV LLC and the other persons party thereto, as agent, sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner and the Lenders from time to time party thereto, which replaced the then existing Term Loan Due 2019 and provides for a maximum aggregate term loan of $12.5 million, at an interest rate per annum equal to the 90-day LIBOR rate plus 6.75%. On December 17, 2018, the Company repaid the Term Loan due 2023.
Subordinated Notes - Related Party
On March 5, 2018, the Company amended and restated certain outstanding subordinated notes (the “Amended Notes”) with SG VTB Holdings, LLC, the Company’s largest stockholder (“SG VTB”), and a trust affiliated with Ronald Doornink, the
Chairman of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”), with an aggregate principal amount of $18.9 million and an additional subordinated note (the “November Note”) with an aggregate principal amount of $3.5 million.
On May 4, 2018, the Company satisfied the repayment provision of the November Note with a $3.3 million repayment with
funds from the Term Loan Due 2023. Further, the Company made repayments of $5.0 million on August 3, 2018, $5.0 million on October 12, 2018, and the remaining outstanding balance of $10.7 million on December 17, 2018 with funds from operations. As such, as of December 31, 2018, all subordinated notes were paid in full.
Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock
In September 2010, VTBH issued 1,000,000 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock with a fair value of $12.4 million. The Series B Preferred Stock was required to be redeemed on the earlier of September 28, 2030 or the occurrence of a liquidation event at its original issue price of $12.425371 per share plus any accrued but unpaid dividends. On April 23, 2018, the Company entered into a series of transactions pursuant to which the Series B Preferred Stock was retired in exchange for a combination of 1,307,143 shares of common stock and wholly-funded warrants exercisable for 550,000 shares of the Company’s stock. The redemption value of the Series B Preferred Stock was $19.4 million as of the transaction date and $18.9 million as of December 31, 2017. Refer to Note 8, “Preferred Stock” for further details.
Stock Warrants
In connection with the Amended Notes, the Company issued to SG VTB and a trust affiliated with Ronald Doornink, the Chairman of the Board, warrants to purchase an aggregate 0.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $10.16 per share. The warrants are exercisable for a period of five years beginning on the date of issuance, July 22, 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company received $0.8 million in connection with the exercise of 0.1 million warrants.
In connection with the November Note, the Company issued warrants to purchase 0.3 million shares of the Company’s common
stock at an exercise price of $8.00 per share to SG VTB. The warrants are exercisable for a period of ten years beginning on the date of issuance, November 16, 2015.
The exercise price and the number of purchasable shares of common stock of all outstanding warrants are subject to standard anti-dilution adjustments and do not carry any voting rights as a stockholder of the Company prior to exercise. The shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants are also subject to the “demand” and “piggyback” registration rights set forth in the Company’s Stockholder Agreement, dated August 5, 2013, as amended July 10, 2014.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our results of operations and capital resources are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates, assumptions and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Different assumptions and judgments would change the estimates used in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements, which, in turn, could change the results from those reported. Management evaluates its estimates, assumptions and judgments on an ongoing basis.
Based on the above, we have determined that our most critical accounting policies are those related to revenue recognition and sales return reserve, inventory valuation, asset impairment, and income taxes.
Revenue Recognition and Sales Return Reserve
Net revenue consists primarily of revenue from the sale of gaming headsets and accessories to wholesalers, retailers and to a lesser extent, on-line customers. These headsets function on a standalone basis (in connection with a readily available gaming console, personal computer or stereo) and are not sold with additional services or rights to future goods or services. Revenue is recorded for a contract through the following steps: (i) identifying the contract with the customer; (ii) identifying the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determining the transaction price; (iv) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) recognizing revenue when or as each performance obligation is satisfied.
Each contract at inception is evaluated to determine whether the contract should be accounted for as having one or more performance obligations. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally this occurs at a point in time when the transfer of risk and title to the product transfers to the customer. Our standard terms of delivery are included in our contracts of sale, order confirmation documents, and invoices. The Company excludes sales taxes collected from customers from “Net Revenue” in its Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Certain customers may receive cash-based incentives (including cash discounts, quantity rebates, and price concessions), which are accounted for as variable consideration. Provisions for sales returns are recognized in the period the sale is recorded based upon our prior experience and current trends. These revenue reductions are established by the Company based upon management’s best estimates at the time of sale following the historical trend, adjusted to reflect known changes in the factors that impact such reserves and allowances, and the terms of agreements with customers. We do not expect to have significant changes in our estimates for variable considerations.
Inventory Valuation
Inventories are valued at the lower of weighted average cost or market, at the individual item level. Market is determined based on the estimated net realizable value, which is generally the selling price. Inventory levels are monitored to identify slow-moving items and markdowns are used to increase sales of such products. Physical inventory counts are performed annually in January and estimates are made for any shortage between the date of the physical inventory count and the balance sheet date.
Asset Impairment
Historically, we have had significant long-lived tangible and intangible assets, including goodwill with indefinite lives, which are susceptible to valuation adjustments as a result of changes in various factors or conditions. We assess the potential impairment of intangible and fixed assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that full recoverability of net asset balances through future cash flows is in question. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed at least annually, but also whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying values may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important, which could trigger an impairment of such assets include significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results; significant changes in the manner of or use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business; significant negative industry or economic trends; significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period; and a decline in our market capitalization below net book value.
Management estimates future pre-tax cash flows based on historical experience, knowledge and market data. Estimates of future cash flows require that we make assumptions and apply judgment, including forecasting future sales and expenses and estimating useful lives of the assets. These estimates can be affected by factors such as future product development and economic conditions that can be difficult to predict, as well as other factors such as those outlined in “Risk Factors.” If the expected future cash flows related to the long-lived assets are less than the assets’ carrying value, an impairment loss would be recognized for the difference between estimated fair value and carrying value.
There are inherent assumptions and estimates used in developing future cash flows requiring management judgment including projecting revenues, interest rates and the cost of capital. Many of the factors used in assessing fair value are outside our control and it is reasonably likely that assumptions and estimates will change in future periods. These changes can result in future impairments.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the differences between the financial statement carrying value of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Inherent in the measurement of these deferred balances are certain judgments and interpretations of existing tax law and other published guidance as applied to our operations. Our effective tax rate considers our judgment of expected tax liabilities in the various jurisdictions within which we are subject to tax.
The determination of the need for a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets requires management to make assumptions and to apply judgment, including forecasting future earnings, taxable income, and the mix of earnings in the jurisdictions in which we operate.
The tax effects of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns are recognized only if they are “more likely-than-not” to be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits as of the reporting
date. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We recognize estimated accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.
Except for the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as
described in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements, there have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates.
See Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policy,” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for a complete discussion of recent accounting pronouncements. This includes the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Turtle Beach’s transition to the new revenue standard did not result in a material adjustment to opening retained earnings and the Company expects the adoption of the new standard to have an immaterial impact to its results of operations on an ongoing basis.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Off balance sheet arrangements are transactions, agreements, or other contractual arrangements with an unconsolidated entity for which we have an obligation to the entity that is not recorded in the consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2018, there are no significant off-balance sheet arrangements.
Contractual Obligations
Our principal commitments primarily consist of obligations for minimum payment commitments to leases for office space and the revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2018, the future non-cancelable minimum payments under these commitments were as follows:
(1) Contractual obligations exclude tax liabilities of $1.7 million related to uncertain tax positions because we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of settlement, if any, of these future payments.
(2) Operating lease agreements represent obligations to make payments under non-cancelable lease agreements for its facilities.
(3) On December 17, 2018, the Company entered into an amended Credit Facility that expires on March 5, 2024. However, due to certain terms of the facility, the indebtedness is required to be classified as a current liability. Interest payments are not reflected under the Credit Facility because the amount that will be borrowed in future years is uncertain.
Item 7A
Item 7A - Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. The Company’s market risk exposure is primarily a result of fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and inflation.
To date, the Company has used derivative financial instruments, specifically foreign currency forward and option contracts, to manage exposure to foreign currency risks, by hedging a portion of its forecasted expenses denominated in British Pounds expected to occur within a year. The effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency forward and option contracts is expected to offset the effect of exchange rate changes on the underlying hedged item. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. As of December 31, 2018, we do not have any derivative financial instruments.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company’s total variable rate debt is comprised of $37.4 million outstanding under the Credit Facility. A hypothetical 10% increase in borrowing rates at December 31, 2018 would not result in a material increase in interest expense on principal balances.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
The Company has exchange rate exposure, primarily, with respect to the British Pound. As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, our monetary assets and liabilities which are subject to this exposure are immaterial, therefore the potential immediate loss to us that would result from a hypothetical 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates would not be expected to have a material impact on our earnings or cash flows. This sensitivity analysis assumes an unfavorable 10% fluctuation in the exchange rates affecting the foreign currencies in which monetary assets and liabilities are denominated and does not take into account the offsetting effect of such a change on our foreign currency denominated revenues.
Inflation Risk
The Company is exposed to market risk due to the possibility of inflation, such as increases in the cost of its products. Although the Company does not believe that inflation has had a material impact on its financial position or results of operations to date, a high rate of inflation in the future may have an adverse effect on the Company’s ability to maintain current levels of gross margin and selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenue if the selling prices of products do not increase with these increased costs.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Turtle Beach Corporation
San Diego, California
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Turtle Beach Corporation (the “Company”) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and schedule (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and subsidiaries at December 31, 2018, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and our report dated March 18, 2019 expressed an adverse opinion thereon.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2018 the Company adopted new accounting guidance related to revenue from contracts with customers. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Turtle Beach Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Turtle Beach Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Operations
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Turtle Beach Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Turtle Beach Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Turtle Beach Corporation
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Turtle Beach Corporation (“Turtle Beach” or the “Company”), headquartered in San Diego, California and incorporated in the state of Nevada in 2010, is a premier audio technology company with expertise and experience in developing, commercializing and marketing innovative products across a range of large addressable markets under the Turtle Beach® and HyperSound® brands. Turtle Beach is a worldwide leading provider of feature-rich headset solutions for use across multiple platforms, including video game and entertainment consoles, handheld consoles, personal computers, tablets and mobile devices. HyperSound technology is an innovative patent-protected sound technology that delivers immersive, directional audio with applications in digital signage and consumer electronics.
VTB Holdings, Inc. (“VTBH”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Turtle Beach and the owner of Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc. (“VTB”) and Turtle Beach Europe Limited (“TB Europe”), was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 2010. VTB was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1975 with operations principally located in Valhalla, New York.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reverse Split
On April 6, 2018, the Company effected a one-for-four reverse stock split of its common stock pursuant to which every four
shares of common stock outstanding immediately prior to the reverse split were combined into one share of common stock. As
a result of the reverse split, all outstanding share amounts and computations using such amounts in the Company’s financial
statements and notes thereto have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split.
Uses of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to use estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The significant estimates and assumptions used by management affect: sales return reserve, allowances for cash discounts, warranty reserve, valuation of inventory, valuation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets, valuation of deferred tax assets, determination of fair value of stock-based awards, stock warrants and share based compensation. The Company evaluates estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors and adjusts those estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ from these estimates, and those differences could be material to the consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition and Sales Return Reserve
Net revenue consists primarily of revenue from the sale of gaming headsets and accessories to wholesalers, retailers and to a lesser extent, on-line customers. These headsets function on a standalone basis (in connection with a readily available gaming console, personal computer or stereo) and are not sold with additional services or rights to future goods or services. Revenue is recorded for a contract through the following steps: (i) identifying the contract with the customer; (ii) identifying the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determining the transaction price; (iv) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) recognizing revenue when or as each performance obligation is satisfied.
Each contract at inception is evaluated to determine whether the contract should be accounted for as having one or more performance obligations. The Company's business activities were determined to be a single performance obligation with revenue recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with its customer are satisfied; generally this occurs at a
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
point in time when the transfer of risk and title to the product transfers to the customer. The Company's standard terms of delivery are included in its contracts of sale, order confirmation documents, and invoices. The Company excludes sales taxes collected from customers from “Net Revenue” in its Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Certain customers may receive cash-based incentives (including cash discounts, quantity rebates, and price concessions), which are accounted for as variable consideration. Provisions for sales returns are recognized in the period the sale is recorded based upon the Company's prior experience and current trends. These revenue reductions are established by the Company based upon management’s best estimates at the time of sale following the historical trend, adjusted to reflect known changes in the factors that impact such reserves and allowances, and the terms of agreements with customers. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had an allowance for cash discounts of $13.9 million and an allowance for sales returns of $9.2 million, and does not expect to have significant changes in its estimates for variable considerations.
Cost of Revenue and Operating Expenses
The following table illustrates the primary costs classified in each major expense category:
Cost of Revenue
Operating Expenses
Cost to manufacture products;
Payroll, bonus and benefit costs;
Freight costs associated with moving product from suppliers to distribution centers and to customers;
Costs incurred in the research and development of new products and enhancements to existing products;
Costs associated with the movement of merchandise through customs;
Depreciation related to demonstration units;
Costs associated with material handling and warehousing;
Legal, finance, information systems and other corporate overhead costs;
Global supply chain personnel costs;
Sales commissions, advertising and marketing costs.
Product royalty costs.
Product Warranty Obligations
The Company provides for product warranties in accordance with the contract terms given to various customers by accruing estimated warranty costs at the time of revenue recognition. Warranties are generally fulfilled by replacing defective products with new products.
Marketing Costs
Costs associated with the production of advertising, such as print and other costs, as well as costs associated with communicating advertising that has been produced, such as magazine ads, are expensed when the advertising first appears in public. Advertising costs were approximately $6.7 million, $4.2 million and $6.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The Company also incurs co-operative advertising costs that represent reimbursements to customers for shared marketing expenses for sale of its products. These reimbursements are recorded as reductions of net revenue based on a percentage of sales for all period presented. Co-operative advertising reimbursements were approximately $5.4 million, $3.1 million and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs represent costs incurred in conjunction with our debt financing activities and are capitalized and amortized over the life of the related financing arrangements. If the debt is retired early, the related unamortized deferred financing costs are written off in the period the debt is retired as part of the net carrying value of the debt, and any gains or losses are recorded in the statement of operations under the caption “Other non-operating expense (income), net.”
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Stock-Based Compensation
Compensation costs related to stock options and restricted stock grants are calculated based on the fair value of the stock-based
awards on the date of grant, net of estimated forfeitures. The grant date fair value of awards is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the related stock-based compensation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period in which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, which is generally four years.
The Company estimates its forfeiture rate based on an analysis of actual forfeitures and will continue to evaluate the adequacy of the forfeiture rate based on actual forfeiture experience, analysis of employee turnover behavior, and other factors. The impact from any forfeiture rate adjustment would be recognized in the period of adjustment and if the actual number of future forfeitures differs from estimates, the Company might be required to record adjustments to stock-based compensation expense.
For stock-based awards issued to non-employees, including consultants, compensation expense is based on the fair value of the
awards calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model over the service performance period. The fair value of options
granted to non-employees for each reporting period is remeasured over the vesting period and recognized as an expense over the period the services are received.
Exit and Disposal Costs
Management-approved restructuring activities are periodically initiated to achieve cost savings through reduced operational redundancies and to position the Company strategically in the market in response to prevailing economic conditions and associated customer demand. Costs associated with restructuring actions can include severance, infrastructure charges to vacate facilities or consolidate operations, contract termination costs and other related charges. For involuntary separation plans, a liability is recognized when it is probable and reasonably estimable. For one-time termination benefits, such as additional severance pay or benefit payouts, and other exit costs, such as lease termination costs, the liability is measured and recognized initially at fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred, with subsequent changes to the liability recognized as adjustments in the period of change.
Net Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) associated with common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share assumes the issuance of additional shares of common stock by the Company upon exercise of all outstanding stock options, stock warrants and contingently issuable securities if the effect is dilutive, in accordance with the treasury stock method.
Cash Equivalents
Cash and short-term highly liquid investments with original maturity dates of three months or less at time of purchase and no redemption restrictions are considered cash and cash equivalents.
Inventories
Inventories consist primarily of finished goods and related component parts, and are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or market value (estimated net realizable value) using the first in, first out (“FIFO”) method. The Company maintains an inventory allowance for returned goods, slow-moving and unused inventories based on the historical trend and estimates. Inventory write-downs, once established, are not reversed as they establish a new cost basis for the inventory. Inventory write-downs are included as a component of cost of revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment are presented at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Repairs and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization are computed on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
Estimated Life
Machinery and equipment
3 years
Software and software development
2-3 years
Furniture and fixtures
5 years
Tooling
2 years
Leasehold improvements
Term of lease or economic life of asset, if shorter
Demonstration units and convention booths
2 years
Valuation of Long-Lived and Intangible Assets and Goodwill
At acquisition, we estimate and record the fair value of purchased intangible assets, which primarily consists of in-process research and development, customer relationships, trademarks and trade names, and patents. The fair values of these intangible assets are estimated based on our assessment. Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill and certain other intangible assets having indefinite lives are not amortized to earnings, but instead are subject to periodic testing for impairment. Intangible assets determined to have definite lives are amortized over their remaining useful lives.
Long-lived and intangible assets are assessed for the potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that full recoverability of net asset balances through future cash flows is in question. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed at least annually, but also whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying values may not be recoverable. Factors that could trigger an impairment review, include (a) significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results; (b) significant changes in the manner of or use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business; (c) significant negative industry or economic trends; (d) significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period; and (e) a decline in our market capitalization below net book value.
Assessment for possible impairment is based on the Company’s ability to recover the carrying value of the long-lived asset from the expected future pre-tax cash flows. The expected future pre-tax cash flows are estimated based on historical experience, internal knowledge and market data. Estimates of future cash flows require the Company to make assumptions and to apply judgment, including forecasting future sales and expenses and estimating the useful lives of assets. If the expected future cash flows related to the long-lived assets are less than the assets’ carrying value, an impairment charge is recognized for the difference between estimated fair value and carrying value.
When performing our evaluation of goodwill for impairment, if we conclude qualitatively that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the two-step impairment test is not required. If we are unable to reach this conclusion, then we would perform the two-step impairment test. Initially, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount. To the extent the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit; we are required to perform a second step, as this is an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired. In this step, we compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill and recognize a charge for impairment to the extent the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets (recognized and unrecognized) and liabilities of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. In addition, identifiable intangible assets having indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis using a methodology consistent with that used to evaluate goodwill.
There are inherent assumptions and estimates used in developing future cash flows requiring management judgment including projecting revenues, interest rates and the cost of capital. Many of the factors used in assessing fair value are outside our control and it is reasonably likely that assumptions and estimates will change in future periods. These changes can result in future impairments. In the event our planning assumptions were modified resulting in impairment to our assets, the associated expense would be included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, which could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
In connection with its merger in 2014, the Company performed a valuation of the acquired goodwill and intangible assets and recorded $81.0 million of goodwill and $36.4 million of intangible assets based on the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. During 2016 and 2015, as a result of the Company's impairment assessments, the Company recorded a $63.2 million goodwill and other intangibles impairment charge and a $49.8 million goodwill impairment charge, respectively, which resulted in no remaining carrying value as of December 31, 2016. The goodwill and other intangibles impairment was attributed to sustained slower than anticipated sales volumes in the HyperSound business and certain plans to reduce operating costs to align with current revenues that negatively impacted revenue growth and margin assumptions based on estimates of future operations.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the differences between the financial statement carrying value of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the Company expects the temporary differences to reverse. The Company had elected to record a “deferred charge” for basis differences relating to intra-entity profits as recognition as a deferred tax asset is prohibited.
A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets when management anticipates that it is more likely than not that all, or a portion, of these assets would not be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, all positive and negative evidence and all sources of taxable income such as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carryback and carryforward periods and tax strategies are considered to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to realize the deferred tax asset. The assessment of the adequacy of a valuation allowance is based on estimates of taxable income by jurisdiction and the period over which deferred tax assets will be recoverable. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates, or these estimates are adjusted in future periods for current trends or expected changes in assumptions, the Company may need to modify the level of valuation allowance which could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The tax effects of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns are recognized only if they are “more likely-than-not” to be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits as of the reporting date. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes estimated accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.
The Company and its domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return, while the Company’s foreign subsidiary files in its respective local jurisdictions.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company determines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company uses a hierarchical structure to prioritize the inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), then to quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in active or inactive markets (Level 2) and gives the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).
Financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, revolving line of credit, long-term debt and warrants reported as a financial instrument obligation. Cash equivalents are stated at amortized cost, which approximated fair value as of the consolidated balance sheet dates due to the short period of time to maturity; and accounts receivable and accounts payable are stated at their carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the short time to the expected receipt or payment. The revolving line of credit and long-term debt are stated at the carrying value as the stated interest rate approximates market rates currently available to the Company, which are considered Level 2 inputs. The wholly-funded warrants are stated at their fair value based on a Black-Scholes pricing model.
The Company did not have any non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities recognized at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Foreign Currency Translation
Balance Sheet accounts of TB Europe operations are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the end of each period. Statement of Operations accounts are translated using the weighted average of the prevailing exchange rates during each period. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations under the caption “Other non-operating expense (income), net” whereas translation adjustments are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) under the caption “Foreign currency translation adjustment.”
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of investments in cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivables. The Company is exposed to credit risks and liquidity in the event of default by the financial institutions or issuers of investments in excess of FDIC insured limits. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of these financial institutions and limits the amount of credit exposure with any institution.
Accounts receivable are unsecured and represent amounts due based on contractual obligations of customers. Our three largest individual customers accounted for approximately 44% of our gross sales in the aggregate for the year ended December 31, 2018, or individually 13%, 19% and 12%, compared to 16%, 14% and 13% in 2017 and 16%, 16% and 17% in 2016. In addition, three customers accounted for 18%, 29% and 30% of accounts receivable as of December 31, 2018 and 16%, 25% and 29% as of December 31, 2017.
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are mitigated by performing ongoing credit evaluations of customers to assess the probability of collection based on a number of factors, including past transaction experience with the customer, evaluation of their credit history, limiting the credit extended, and review of the invoicing terms of the contract. In addition the Company has credit insurance in place through a third party insurer against defaults by certain other domestic and international customers, subject to policy limits. The Company generally does not require customers to provide collateral to support accounts receivable. The Company has recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts for those receivables that were determined not to be collectible.
Foreign cash balances at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $5.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
Segment Information
Following the merger, the Company aggregated its two operating segments - Voyetra Turtle Beach (“Headset”) and HyperSound. In light of the subsequent development and launch of the HyperSound Clear 500P product, the Company evaluated whether its operating segments should continue to be aggregated for reporting purposes and determined that as a result of the new hearing healthcare product, the HyperSound operating segment would no longer have similar economic characteristics, production processes, clients or methods of distribution. As such, the Company has disclosed the Headset and HyperSound operating segments separately. The entire business is managed by a single management team whose chief operating decision maker is the Chief Executive Officer.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09 using the modified retrospective approach, and recorded a net decrease to beginning retained earnings of $(0.6) million reflecting the cumulative impact of adoption. The impact to beginning retained earnings was due to certain price concessions and right of return arrangements recorded as part of the transaction price determination. Results for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, while prior period amounts were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting under Topic 605, Revenue Recognition.
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, that introduces the recognition of a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term and, a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases). The Company adopted this standard on its effective date of January 1, 2019 using the optional alternative approach, which applies the provisions of the new guidance at the effective date without adjusting the comparative periods. The Company has substantially completed evaluating its population of leases, and the most significant impact relates to its accounting for real estate operating leases. Based on the analysis, the Company estimates that its assets and liabilities will increase by approximately $3.3 million upon adoption of the new standard. The updated standard will not have a material effect on our consolidated statement of operations.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting, to provide clarity and reduce diversity in practice and cost and complexity when applying the guidance to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. This update provides that an entity will not have to account for the effects of a modification if: (i) the fair value of the modified award is the same immediately before and after the modification; (ii) the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same immediately before and after the modification; and (iii) the classification of the modified award as either an equity instrument or liability instrument is the same immediately before and after the modification. The Company adopted these amendments in the first quarter of 2018, which did not have a material impact upon our financial condition or results of operations.
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Improvements to Non-employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, that expands
the scope of Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, to include share-based payments issued to non-employees for
goods or services and substantially aligned the accounting for share-based payments to non-employees and employees. The
amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2020. The Company is evaluating the effect that this guidance will have on the financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, that
removes certain disclosure requirements related to the fair value hierarchy, modifies existing disclosure requirements related to
measurement uncertainty and adds new disclosure requirements. The new disclosure requirements include disclosing the
changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value
measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs
used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The provisions of this ASU are effective for years beginning after December
15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. Certain disclosures in the new guidance will need to be applied on a retrospective basis
and others on a prospective basis.
Note 2. Fair Value Measurement
The Company follows a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
•
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
•
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
Financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, debt instruments and certain warrants. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company has not elected the fair value option for any financial assets and liabilities for which such an election would have been permitted, and the only outstanding financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis were the wholly-funded warrants reported as a financial instrument obligation.
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
The following is a summary of the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments at December 31, 2018 and 2017:
Cash equivalents are stated at amortized cost, which approximates fair value as of the consolidated balance sheet dates, due to the short period of time to maturity; and accounts receivable and accounts payable are stated at their carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the short time to the expected receipt or payment. The carrying value of the Credit Facility equals fair value as the stated interest rate approximates market rates currently available to the Company, which is considered a Level 2 inputs. The fair values of our Term Loan Due 2019 and Subordinated Debt were based upon an estimated market value calculation that factors principal, time to maturity, interest rate and current cost of debt, which is considered a Level 3 input. The liability-classified warrants reported as a financial instrument obligation are classified within Level 3 because the Company uses a Black-Scholes pricing model to estimate the fair value based on inputs that are not observable in any market.
Note 3. Allowance for Sales Returns
The following table provides the changes in our sales return reserve, which is classified as a reduction of accounts receivable:
Note 4. Composition of Certain Financial Statement Items
Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, net consists of the following:
Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment, for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $4.0 million, $4.1 million and $5.1 million, respectively.
Other Current Liabilities
Other current liabilities consist of the following:
Other non-operating expense (income), net
Other non-operating expense (income), net consists of the following:
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Acquired Intangible Assets
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, and related accumulated amortization, as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consist of:
In October 2012, VTB acquired Lygo International Limited, subsequently renamed TB Europe. The acquired intangible assets relating to customer relationships and non-compete agreements are being amortized over an estimated useful life of thirteen years with the amortization being included within sales and marketing expense.
In January 2014, the merger between VTBH and Turtle Beach (f/k/a Parametric Sound Corporation) was completed. The acquired intangible assets relating to developed technology, customer relationships and trade name were subject to amortization. During 2016, the Company completed an impairment analysis under an income approach that reflected recent events in connection with the strategic options exploration, including the transition to a licensing business model. Based on additional information such as sustained slower than anticipated sales volumes in the HyperSound business and certain plans to reduce operating costs to align with current revenues, the Company materially revised certain revenue growth and margin assumptions based on estimates of future operations. As a result, in conjunction with the completion of the second step of the Company’s goodwill impairment analysis, we recorded a $32.1 million impairment charge related to the developed technology, in-process research and development and trade names, which is included as a component of goodwill and intangible asset impairment.
Amortization expense related to definite lived intangible assets was $0.3 million, $0.3 million and $4.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
As of December 31, 2018, estimated annual amortization expense related to definite lived intangible assets in future periods is as follows:
Note 6. Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt
Total interest expense, inclusive of amortization of deferred financing costs, on long-term debt obligations was $4.3 million, $5.8 million and $5.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Amortization of deferred financing costs was $1.1 million, $1.6 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In connection with the Company’s amendment and restatement of its Credit Facility (as noted below), the Company incurred $0.6 million of financing costs that have been deferred, added to the remaining unamortized financing costs and will be recognized over the term of the respective agreement.
Revolving Credit Facility
On December 17, 2018, Turtle Beach and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated loan, guaranty and security agreement (“Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”), as Agent, Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner, which replaced the then existing asset-based revolving loan agreement. The Credit Facility, which expires on March 5, 2024, provides for a line of credit of up to $80 million inclusive of a sub-facility limit of $12 million for TB Europe, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Turtle Beach. In addition, the Credit Facility provides for a $40 million accordion feature and the ability to increase the borrowing base with a FILO Loan of up to $6.8 million.
The maximum credit availability for loans and letters of credit under the Credit Facility is governed by a borrowing base determined by the application of specified percentages to certain eligible assets, primarily eligible trade accounts receivable and
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
inventories, and is subject to discretionary reserves and revaluation adjustments. The Credit Facility may be used for working capital, the issuance of bank guarantees, letters of credit and other corporate purposes.
Amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to either a rate published by Bank of America or the LIBOR rate, plus in each case, an applicable margin, which is between 0.50% to 1.25% for base rate loans, 1.25% to 2.00% for U.S. LIBOR loans and U.K. loans and 2.00% and 2.75% for the FILO Loan. In addition, Turtle Beach is required to pay a commitment fee on the unused revolving loan commitment at a rate ranging from 0.25% to 0.50%, and letter of credit fees and agent fees. As of December 31, 2018, interest rates for outstanding borrowings were 6.00% for base rate loans and 3.75% for LIBOR rate loans.
The Company is subject to quarterly financial covenant testing if certain availability thresholds are not met or certain other events occur (as defined in the Credit Facility). The Credit Facility requires the Company and its restricted subsidiaries to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter.
The Credit Facility also contains affirmative and negative covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Company's ability to take certain actions, including its ability to incur debt, pay dividends and repurchase stock, make certain investments and other payments, enter into certain mergers and consolidations, engage in sale leaseback transactions and transactions with affiliates and encumber and dispose of assets. Obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by a security interest and lien upon substantially all of the Company's assets.
As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all the financial covenants under the Credit Facility, as amended, and excess borrowing availability was approximately $35.9 million.
Term Loans
Term Loan Due 2023
On March 5, 2018, the Company and its subsidiaries, entered into an amended, extended and restated term loan, guaranty and
security agreement (the “Term Loan Due 2023”) with Crystal Financial SPV LLC and the other persons party thereto, as agent, sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner and the Lenders from time to time party thereto, which replaced the then existing Term Loan Due 2019 and provided for a maximum aggregate term loan of $12.5 million, at an interest rate per annum equal to the 90-day LIBOR rate plus 6.75%. On December 17, 2018, the Company made a payment of the full $12.5 million Term Loan balance then outstanding and recognized a loss on extinguishment of $1.0 million, including a $0.4 million prepayment fee.
The Term Loan Due 2023 was secured by a security interest in substantially all of the Company and each of its subsidiaries’
working capital assets and subject to the first-priority lien of Bank of America, as agent, under the Credit Facility, other than
with respect to equipment, fixtures, real property interests, intellectual property, intercompany property, intercompany indebtedness, equity interest in its subsidiaries, and certain other assets specified in an inter-creditor agreement between Bank
of America and Crystal.
Subordinated Notes - Related Party
During 2015, the Company issued a $5.0 million subordinated note (the “April Note”), subordinated notes (the “May Notes”)
with an aggregate principal amount of $3.8 million and a subordinated note (the “June Note”) with an aggregate principal
amount of $9.0 million to SG VTB Holdings, LLC, the Company’s largest stockholder (“SG VTB”), and a trust affiliated with
Ronald Doornink, the Chairman of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) and an operating partner of Stripes Group LLC. The subordinated notes were issued with an interest rate of (i) 10% per annum for the first year and (ii) 20% per annum for all periods thereafter, with interest accruing and being added to the principal amount of the note quarterly.
On July 22, 2015, the Company amended and restated each of its outstanding subordinated notes (the “Amended Notes”). The
obligations of the Company under the Amended Notes are subordinate and junior to the prior payment of amounts due under
the then existing credit facility and term loans. In addition, the stated maturity date of the Amended Notes was extended to
September 29, 2019, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances, such as a change of control in the Company. The
Amended Notes were issued with an interest rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 10.5% and were paid-in-kind by adding the
amount to the principal amount due. Further, as consideration for the concessions in the Amended Notes, the Company issued
warrants to purchase 0.4 million of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $10.16 per share.
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
On November 16, 2015, the Company issued a $2.5 million subordinated note (the “November Note”) to SG VTB, the proceeds
of which, as set forth in the amendment to the Term Loan Due 2019, were applied against the outstanding balance of the Term
Loan Due 2019. The November Note was issued with an interest rate of 15% per annum until its maturity date, which was
September 29, 2019, and was subordinate to all senior debt of the Company.
In consideration of the credit extended under the November Note, VTB and VTBH entered into a Third Lien Continuing
Guaranty, (as amended, the “Third Lien Guaranty”), under which they guarantee and promise to pay to SG VTB, any and all
obligations of the Company under the November Note. To secure the Company’s obligations under the November Note and the
Third Lien Guaranty, the Company entered into a Third Lien Security Agreement, dated as of November 16, 2015, pursuant to
which Stripes was granted a security interest upon all property of VTB and VTBH until the payment in full of the Amended
Notes and November Note or the release of the guarantee or collateral, as applicable. Concurrent with entering into the
November Note and Third Lien Guaranty, the Company also issued a warrant to purchase 0.3 million shares of the Company’s
common stock at an exercise price of $8.00 per share.
On March 5, 2018, the Company amended and restated the Amended Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $18.9
million and the November Note with an aggregate principal amount of $3.5 million. The amended subordinated notes bore in-kind interest at a rate of (i) LIBOR plus 9.1% per annum until March 5, 2020 (or, solely with respect to the November Note,
until September 5, 2018) or until its maturity date, which is June 5, 2023, provided that its principal amount is reduced by a
specified amount by the six month anniversary of the restatement effective date and (ii) LIBOR plus 10.5% per annum (or,
solely with respect to the November Note, 15.0% if the prepayment described above does not occur) until its maturity date.
On May 4, 2018, the Company satisfied the repayment provision of the November Note with a $3.3 million repayment with
funds from the Term Loan Due 2023. Further, the Company paid down an additional $5.0 million on August 3, 2018, $5.0
million on October 12, 2018, and the remaining outstanding balance of $10.7 million on December 17, 2018 with funds from operations. In connection with these repayments, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of $0.6 million.
Note 7. Income Taxes
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
The reconciliation between the provision (benefit) for income taxes and the expected provision (benefit) for income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory rate is as follows:
The income tax provision (benefit) reflects the current and deferred tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements or tax returns. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”), enacted in December 2017 makes broad changes to the U.S. tax code. The changes include, but are not limited to, reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, introducing bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing of qualified property, eliminating the corporate alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) and changing how existing AMT credits can be realized. Consequently, we have re-measured our deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21%. The Tax Act also requires a deemed repatriation of foreign earnings and profits. As such, the Company reported a deemed repatriation of foreign earnings totaling $0.5 million as of December 31, 2017 related to its European subsidiary. The Company considers the earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested outside the United States and the current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to fund our U.S. operations.
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
The tax effects of significant items comprising the Company’s deferred tax assets/(liabilities) are as follows:
At December 31, 2018, the Company has $18.7 million of net operating loss carryforwards and $22.4 million of state net operating loss carryforwards, which will begin to expire in 2029. In October 2018, as a result of certain trading activity in the Company's common stock, the change of ownership provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 382 (“Section 382”) were triggered. Based on its estimate of the Section 382 limitation, the Company believes that it will not be able to utilize its net operating losses to fully offset its taxable income in 2018, resulting in an estimated current federal income tax payable of approximately $0.4 million. The Company believes, based on the estimated Section 382 limitation and the net operating loss carryforward period, that the pre-ownership change net operating losses will be fully utilized in future years if the Company generates sufficient taxable income.
The realization of deferred tax assets depends on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences are deductible. During 2015, as a result of cumulative losses in prior years primarily due to incremental costs associated with the console transition, acquisition costs and initial investments in the HyperSound business, the Company concluded that a full valuation allowance was required on its net domestic deferred tax assets.
The Company intends to continue maintaining a full valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets until there is sufficient evidence to support the release of all or some portion of the allowance. Based on the Company’s history of losses, current income (loss) from continuing operations, estimated future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and consideration of available tax planning strategies, the Company believes there is a reasonable possibility that within the next twelve months sufficient positive evidence may become available to allow a conclusion to be reached that a significant portion, if not all, of the valuation allowance may be released. Release of some or all of the valuation allowance would result in the recognition of certain deferred tax assets and an increase in deferred tax benefit for any period in which such a release may be recorded. However, the exact timing and amount of any valuation allowance release are subject to change, depending upon the level of profitability that the Company is able to achieve and the net deferred tax assets available.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
The Company recognizes only those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, and establishes tax reserves for uncertain tax positions that do not meet this threshold. To the extent these unrecognized tax benefits are ultimately recognized, approximately $1.7 million will impact the Company’s effective tax rate in a future period. The Company does not currently anticipate a significant increase or reduction in unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months. Interest and
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
penalties associated with income tax matters are included in the provision for income taxes. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had uncertain tax positions of $2.8 million, inclusive of $1.1 million of interest and penalties.
We are currently under examination by certain state and local taxing jurisdictions. Further, at any given time, multiple tax years may be subject to examination by various taxing authorities. The recorded amounts of income tax are subject to adjustment upon examination, changes in interpretation and changes in judgment utilized in determining estimates.
The Company files U.S., state and foreign income tax returns in jurisdictions with various statutes of limitations. Below is a summary of the filing jurisdictions and open tax years:
Note 8. Preferred Stock
Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock
In September 2010, VTBH issued 1,000,000 shares of non-voting Series B Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”) with a fair value of $12.4 million. The Series B Preferred Stock was required to be redeemed on the earlier of September 28, 2030, or the occurrence of a liquidation event at its original issue price of $12.425371 per share plus any accrued but unpaid dividends. Dividends were cumulative and accrued at a rate of 8.0% per annum, compounded quarterly, and payable as and when declared by the Board of Directors. The Series B Preferred Stock did not contain any conversion rights.
On February 18, 2015, Dr. John Bonanno (“Dr. Bonanno”), the original holder of the Series B Preferred Stock, filed a complaint in Delaware Chancery Court alleging breach of contract. According to the complaint, the Merger purportedly triggered a contractual obligation for VTBH to redeem Dr. Bonanno’s stock. Dr. Bonanno requested a declaratory judgment stating that he was entitled to damages, including a redemption of his stock valued at $15.1 million (equal to the original issue price of his
stock plus accrued dividends) as well as other costs and expenses.
On April 23, 2018, the Company facilitated and entered into a series of transactions pursuant to which the Series B Preferred Stock was acquired from Dr. Bonanno by non-affiliate investors and subsequently retired. As part of the transactions, the Company entered into (i) an Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with such non-affiliate investors pursuant to which the Company agreed to exchange the Series B Preferred Stock for an aggregate of 1,307,143 newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock and wholly-funded warrants exercisable for an aggregate of 550,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and (ii) a Settlement Agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with Dr. Bonanno.
Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, Dr. Bonanno agreed to discontinue certain previously disclosed claims and actions against the Company related to the Series B Preferred Stock, as well as to provide a release of the Company with respect to all such claims and any other claims related to Dr. Bonanno’s ownership or disposition of the Series B Preferred Stock. In connection with and as consideration thereof, the Company agreed to pay Dr. Bonanno a cash sum of $1.0 million to settle nonredemption claims in connection with the matter, and to pay an additional $1.25 million if a change of control transaction
meeting certain specified requirements is consummated within three years of the date of the Settlement Agreement.
Accordingly, on April 26, 2018, all exchanged shares of Series B Preferred Stock were retired, and no shares of Series B
Preferred Stock remain outstanding. The redemption value of the Series B Preferred Stock was $19.4 million as of the
transaction date, and $18.9 million as of December 31, 2017.
The Company assessed the relative fair values of the Series B Preferred Stock retired pursuant to the Exchange Agreement and Settlement Agreement to determine the amount of the total transaction consideration transferred that was allocable to each component. The Company determined the fair value of the Series B Preferred Stock to be greater than the total consideration
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
transferred. In addition, the Company was not able to reliably estimate the fair value of the litigation settlement. Based on these fair value assessments, the Company utilized the residual approach and first allocated proceeds to the Series B Preferred Stock, which resulted in no amount of the consideration being allocated to the litigation settlement. Accordingly, the entire transaction was accounted for as an equity transaction with the difference between the carrying value of the Series B Preferred Stock and the fair value of the consideration transferred included in stockholders’ equity.
Under the terms of the warrants, the holders have the right to receive, at their option, a cash payment for the remaining unexercised portion of the warrants upon the Company consummating a Fundamental Transaction (as defined in the warrant agreement, and including any merger, consolidation, sale or other reorganization event in which its common stock is converted into or exchanged for securities, cash or other property). If so elected by the warrant holders, the cash payment will be based on a Black-Scholes pricing model and will be made upon the consummation of a Fundamental Transaction or during the ensuing 30-day period thereafter. As a result of these terms regarding the possible future cash payment, the Company has accounted for the warrants issued in connection with the retirement of the Series B Preferred Stock as a financial instrument obligation that is marked to market each period, with subsequent changes in fair value reported in earnings. The fair value of the warrants upon issuance and at December 31, 2018, was $2.6 million and $7.8 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the company recognized an unrealized loss on the warrants of $5.3 million that is included in “Other non-operating expense (income), net” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the Company recognized $0.5 million, $1.4 million, and $1.3 million, respectively, of interest expense on the Preferred Stock. There were no dividends declared during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Registration Rights Agreement
In connection with the Exchange Agreement, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with certain non-affiliate investors pursuant to which, among other things, the Company agreed to file a registration statement to register for resale the shares of common stock (i) issued and outstanding as a result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreement and (ii) issuable upon the exercise of the wholly-funded warrants. The Company is required to cause the registration statement to be declared effective as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 90 days after the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreement, which occurred on April 26, 2018. The Company also agreed, among other things, to indemnify the investors under the registration statement from certain liabilities and to pay all fees and expenses incident to the Company’s performance of or compliance with the Registration Rights Agreement.
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Note 9. Net Income (Loss) Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock attributable to common stockholders:
Incremental shares from stock options and restricted stock awards are computed by the treasury stock method. The weighted average shares listed below were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented or were otherwise excluded under the treasury stock method. The treasury stock method calculates dilution assuming the exercise of all in-the-money options and vesting of restricted stock, reduced by the repurchase of shares with the proceeds from the assumed exercises, unrecognized compensation expense for outstanding awards and the estimated tax benefit of the assumed exercises.
Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation
On October 30, 2013, the Board of Directors adopted, and on December 27, 2013, the stockholders approved, the 2013 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2013 Plan”), that became effective upon consummation of the Merger on January 15, 2014 and was subsequently amended at our 2018 Annual Meeting. Our stock-based compensation program is a broad-based program designed to attract and retain employees while also aligning employees’ interests with the interests of our shareholders. In addition, members of our Board of Directors participate in our stock-based compensation program in connection with their service on our board.
Stock option awards outstanding under the 2013 Plan are time-based and granted at exercise prices which are equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date and expire no later than ten years of the date of grant, but only to the extent they have vested. The options generally vest as specified in the option agreements subject, in some instances, to
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
acceleration in certain circumstances. The restrictions on restricted stock generally lapse over a three-year period from the date of the grant. In the event a participant terminates employment with the Company, any vested stock options and any restricted stock still subject to restrictions are generally forfeited if they are not exercised within 90 days.
The following table presents the stock activity and the total number of shares available for grant as of December 31, 2018:
Total estimated stock-based compensation expense for employees and non-employees, related to all of the Company's stock-based awards, was comprised as follows:
Forfeitures on option grants are estimated at 10% based on evaluation of historical and expected future turnover for non-executives and 0% based for executives. Stock-based compensation expense was recorded net of estimated forfeitures, such that expense was recorded only for those stock-based awards that are expected to vest. The Company reviews this assumption periodically and will adjust it if it is not representative of future forfeiture data and trends within employee types (executive vs. non-executive).
In 2017, due to changes in the reporting of stock compensation, the Company’s previously unrecognized excess tax benefit related to the exercise of nonqualified stock options totaling $2.2 million was recognized as a deferred tax asset. The associated tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $1.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Stock Option Activity
Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock and the exercise price of outstanding, in-the-money options. There was $9.0 million aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised for the year ended December 31, 2018. None of the Company's stock options were exercised for the year ended December 31, 2017.
As of December 31, 2018, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted to employees was $2.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average vesting period of 2.7 years.
Determination of Fair Value
Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including expected stock price volatility. The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. The fair value of options granted under the 2013 Plan was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
Each of these inputs is subjective and generally requires significant judgment to determine. The risk-free rate is based on a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury rate in effect at the time of grant with maturity dates that coincide with the expected life of the options. The expected life of the options is based on a simplified weighted average taking into account the vesting conditions and contractual life of the award. Since the Company has a limited trading history for its common stock, the expected volatility was derived from the historical stock volatilities of several unrelated public companies within the Company’s industry that are considered to be comparable to the Company’s business over a period equivalent to the expected term of the stock option grants.
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the three years ended December 31, 2018 was $3.33, $0.29 and $0.48, respectively. The total estimated fair value of employee options vested during the three years ended December 31, 2018 was $0.7 million, $1.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively.
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Restricted Stock Activity
As of December 31, 2018 total unrecognized compensation cost related to the nonvested restricted stock awards granted was $4.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average vesting period of 2.7 years.
Stock Warrants
In connection with and as consideration for the concessions in the Amended Notes, the Company issued to SG VTB and a trust
affiliated with Ronald Doornink, the Chairman of the Board, warrants to purchase an aggregate 0.4 million shares of the
Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $10.16 per share. The warrants are exercisable for a period of five years
beginning on the date of issuance, July 22, 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company received
$0.8 million in connection with the exercise of 0.1 million warrants.
In connection with the November Note, the Company issued warrants to purchase 0.3 million shares of the Company’s common
stock at an exercise price of $8.00 per share to SG VTB. The warrants are exercisable for a period of ten years beginning on the date of issuance, November 16, 2015.
The warrants issued in connection with the Amended Notes and the November Note entitle the holder to purchase a stated
amount of shares of common stock at a fixed exercise price that are not puttable (either the warrant or the shares) to the
Company or redeemable for cash, and as such are classified within equity. The exercise price and the number of purchasable shares of common stock are subject to standard anti-dilution adjustments and do not carry any voting rights as a stockholder of the Company prior to exercise. The shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants are also subject to the “demand” and “piggyback” registration rights set forth in the in the Company’s Stockholder Agreement, dated August 5, 2013, as amended July 10, 2014.
Phantom Equity Activity
In November 2011, VTBH adopted a 2011 Phantom Equity Appreciation Plan (“the Appreciation Plan”) that covers certain employees, consultants, and directors of VTBH (“Participants”) who are entitled to phantom units, as applicable, pursuant to the provisions of their respective award agreements. The Appreciation Plan is shareholder-approved, which permits the granting of phantom units to Participants of up to 1,500,000 units. These units are not exercisable or convertible into shares of common stock, but give the holder a right to receive a cash bonus equal to the appreciation in value between the exercise price and value of common stock at the time of a change in control event as defined in the plan.
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, 178,586 phantom units at a weighted-average exercise price of $3.72 have been granted and are outstanding. Because these phantom units are not exercisable or convertible into common shares, the share amounts and exercise prices were not subject to the exchange ratio provided by the Merger agreement. As of December 31, 2018, compensation expense related to the Appreciation Plan units remained unrecognized because a change in control, as defined in the plan, had not occurred and is not anticipated by the Company. In July 2015, the Appreciation Plan was terminated as to new grants, but vested and nonvested phantom units will continue.
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Note 11. Segment and Geographic Information
The following tables show net revenues, operating income and total assets by reporting segments:
The following table represents total net revenue based on where customers are physically located:
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
The following table represents property and equipment based on physical location:
Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to these actions cannot be determined with certainty, in the Company’s opinion, any such liability will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations, or liquidity.
Shareholders Class Action: On August 5, 2013, VTBH and the Company (f/k/a Parametric Sound Corporation) announced that they had entered into the Merger Agreement pursuant to which VTBH would acquire an approximately 80% ownership interest and existing shareholders would maintain an approximately 20% ownership interest in the combined company. Following the announcement, several shareholders filed class action lawsuits in California and Nevada seeking to enjoin the Merger. The
plaintiffs in each case alleged that members of the Company’s Board of Directors breached their fiduciary duties to the
shareholders by agreeing to a merger that allegedly undervalued the Company. VTBH and the Company were named as
defendants in these lawsuits under the theory that they had aided and abetted the Company’s Board of Directors in allegedly
violating their fiduciary duties. The plaintiffs in both cases sought a preliminary injunction seeking to enjoin closing of the
Merger, which, by agreement, was heard by the Nevada court with the California plaintiffs invited to participate. On December
26, 2013, the court in the Nevada case denied the plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction. Following the closing of the
Merger, the Nevada plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint, which made essentially the same allegations and sought
monetary damages as well as an order rescinding the Merger. The California plaintiffs dismissed their action without prejudice,
and sought to intervene in the Nevada action, which was granted. Subsequent to the intervention, the plaintiffs filed a third
amended complaint, which made essentially the same allegations as prior complaints and sought monetary damages. On June
20, 2014, VTBH and the Company moved to dismiss the action, but that motion was denied on August 28, 2014. On September
14, 2017, a unanimous en banc panel of the Nevada Supreme Court granted defendants’ petition for writ of mandamus and
ordered the trial court to dismiss the complaint but provided a limited basis upon which plaintiffs could seek to amend their
complaint. Plaintiffs amended their complaint on December 1, 2017 to assert the same claims in a derivative capacity on behalf
of the Company, as a well as in a direct capacity, against VTBH, Stripes Group, LLC, SG VTB Holdings, LLC, and the former
members of the Company’s Board of Directors. All defendants moved to dismiss this amended complaint on January 2, 2018,
and those motions were denied on March 13, 2018. Defendants petitioned the Nevada Supreme Court to reverse this ruling on
April 18, 2018. On June 15, 2018, the Nevada Supreme Court denied defendants’ writ petition without prejudice. The district
court subsequently entered a pretrial schedule and set trial for November 2019. On January 18, 2019, the district court certified a class of shareholders of the Company as of January 15, 2014.
Commercial Dispute: On July 20, 2016, Bigben Interactive S.A. (“BigBen”) filed a statement of claim before the Regional Court of Berlin, Germany against VTB, which statement of claim was formally serviced upon VTB on June 28, 2017. The statement of claim alleges that VTB’s termination of a distribution agreement by and between BigBen and VTB breached the terms thereof and was invalid, and that BigBen is entitled to damages amounting to damages amounting to €5.0 million plus accrued interests thereon plus certain additional damages as a result of such invalid termination. VTB filed its statement of defense with the court on September 21, 2017. On January 7, 2019, the Regional Court of Berlin issued its judgment on this dispute, dismissing BigBen's claim in its entirety. On February 7, 2019, BigBen filed an appeal against the judgment with the Higher Regional Court of Berlin. BigBen is required to file a submission in support of its appeal by March 22, 2019.
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
The Company will continue to vigorously defend itself in the foregoing matters. However, litigation and investigations are inherently uncertain. Accordingly, the Company cannot predict the outcome of these matters. The Company has not recorded any accrual at December 31, 2018 for contingent losses associated with these matters based on its belief that losses, while possible, are not probable. Further, any possible range of loss cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The unfavorable resolution of these matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows. The Company is engaged in other legal actions, not described above, arising in the ordinary course of its business and, while there can be no assurance, believes that the ultimate outcome of these other legal actions will not have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.
Operating Leases
The Company leases office and warehouse spaces under operating leases that provide for future minimum rental lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2018, as follows:
Warranties
The Company warrants products against certain manufacturing and other defects. These product warranties are provided for specific periods of time depending on the nature of the product. Warranties are generally fulfilled by replacing defective products with new products. The following table provides the changes in our product warranties, which are included in other current liabilities:
Turtle Beach Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Note 13. Selected Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited
(1) Reflects an adjustment of previously reported amounts in the Company's Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018, related to the classification of the warrants issued in connection with the retirement of the Series B Preferred Stock. The Company will file amendments to the Form 10-Q for such periods. The amended Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2018 will reflect a $8.6 million reduction of net income from the reported amounts for the quarter resulting in a net loss of $2.3 million, or a diluted loss per share of $(0.17), compared to net income originally reported of $6.3 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.40. The amended Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2018 will reflect a $0.2 million increase in net income from the reported amount for the quarter period of $14.9 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.91, compared to net income originally reported of $14.7 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.91. In addition, the amended forms will reflect the warrants as a financial instrument obligation on the balance sheet in the amount of $11.2 million and $11.0 million as of June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018, respectively, with offsetting reductions to stockholders' equity.
Note 14. Subsequent Event
On March 11, 2019, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire certain assets related to the PC peripherals business of ROCCAT GmbH and its subsidiaries (collectively “ROCCAT”). ROCCAT is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, with operations in Los Angeles, California and Taipei, Taiwan. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2019 and is contingent upon the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Item 9
Item 9 - Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A
Item 9A - Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the “Exchange Act”), are designed to ensure that (1) information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms; and (2) that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
We assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. In making
this assessment, we used the framework and criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), issued by
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our assessment using those criteria, we
concluded that, as of December 31, 2018, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective.
At the conclusion of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we carried out an evaluation, under the
supervision of our Chief Executive Officer (our principal executive officer, or PEO) and our Chief Financial Officer (our
principal financial officer, or PFO), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures.
Based upon that evaluation, our PEO and PFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule
13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act, were not effective as of December 31, 2018.
Notwithstanding the material weakness discussed below, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly present, in all material respects, the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act). Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Because of these inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation, and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Management has identified the following material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
The Company did not maintain effective internal controls over the review of certain material non-routine transactions or events, which resulted in a material audit adjustment to the accounting for warrants issued in connection with the retirement of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock in April 2018. This control deficiency resulted in the Company having to restate its filings on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended June 30, 2018, and September 30, 2018, and if unremediated, could result in a material misstatement to future annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. Accordingly, our management has determined that this control deficiency constitutes a material weakness.
Because of the material weaknesses described above, our management has concluded that as of December 31, 2018, our system of internal control over financial reporting was not effective based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
BDO USA, LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has also audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 as stated in their report which appears following Item 9B
Item 9B - Other Information
None
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Turtle Beach Corporation
San Diego, California
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Turtle Beach Corporation (the “Company’s”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”). In our opinion, the Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the COSO criteria.
We do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on management’s statements referring to any corrective actions taken by the Company after the date of management’s assessment.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and schedule (collectively referred to as “the financial statements”) and our report dated March 18, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Item 9A, Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. A material weakness regarding management’s failure to maintain effective controls over certain material non-routine transactions or events has been identified and described in management’s assessment. This material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2018 financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated March 18, 2019 on those financial statements.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
PART III
Item 10
Item 10 - Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the information in our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 in connection with our 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2019 Proxy Statement”) or an amendment to this Report filed within the same time period (the “Amendment”), in either case, set forth under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Management Information,” “Corporate Governance” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”
We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. This code of business conduct and ethics is available on the Company’s website corp.turtlebeach.com. The information on our website is not a part of or incorporated by reference into this Report. If the Company makes any amendments to this code other than technical, administrative or other non-substantive amendments, or grants any waivers, including implicit waivers, from a provision of this code to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, the Company will disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver, its effective date and to whom it applies by posting such information on the Company’s website at corp.turtlebeach.com.
Item 11
Item 11 - Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the information in our 2019 Proxy Statement or the Amendment set forth under captions “Corporate Governance,” “Executive Compensation and Related Information” and “Report of the Compensation and Management Development Committee.”
Item 12
Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the information in our 2019 Proxy Statement or the Amendment set forth under the captions “Executive Compensation and Related Information” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”
Item 13
Item 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the information in our 2019 Proxy Statement or the Amendment set forth under the captions “Corporate Governance” and “Executive Compensation and Related Information.”
Item 14
Item 14 - Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the information in our 2019 Proxy Statement or the Amendment set forth under the captions “Audit and Non-Audit Fees.”
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
a.
List of documents filed as part of this Annual Report:
1.
The following Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are filed as part of this Annual Report:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm;
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016;
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016;
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017;
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016;
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016; and
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
2.
The following financial schedule and related report for the years 2018, 2017 and 2016 is submitted herewith:
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not required or the information has been otherwise supplied in the financial statements or notes thereto.
3.
The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index attached hereto are filed as part of this Annual Report and incorporated herein by reference
b.
The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index attached hereto are filed as part of this Annual Report and incorporated herein by reference.
c.
Not applicable.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
Exhibits
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document**
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document**
*
All exhibits and schedules to the Agreement and Plan of Merger have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company will furnish the omitted exhibits and schedules to the SEC upon request by the SEC.
**
Filed herewith.
***
Furnished herewith.
†
Management contract or compensatory plan.
^
Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
TURTLE BEACH CORPORATION
Date:
March 18, 2019
By:
/S/ JOHN T. HANSON
John T. Hanson
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary
(Principal Financial Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Turtle Beach Corporation
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016