Enthusiast Gaming Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2023 Results

LOS ANGELES, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. (“Enthusiast Gaming” or the “Company”) (TSX: EGLX), a leading gaming media and entertainment company, today announced financial results for the three (“Q4 2023”) and 12 months ended December 31, 2023 (“FY 2023”).

“We are moving swiftly to simplify and streamline our business in order to improve financial performance,” commented Adrian Montgomery, Board Chair and interim CEO of Enthusiast Gaming. “The actions we have taken in Q1 2024 to focus on our core communities, content and experiences, position Enthusiast Gaming to quickly enhance our profitability and position us for growth as we move forward.”

Added Montgomery, “Enthusiast Gaming embarks on this important year of transformation with many strengths: a large and highly engaged audience of gamers and esports fans, world-class marketing brands that want to reach them, and an enviable set of strategic partners such as the NFL.”

Financial Highlights for Q4 2023

  • Revenue decreased by 13% to $47.1 million, with the majority of the decline related to a decrease in lower margin revenue on the video platform
  • Gross profit increased by 5% to $18.9 million, with margins expanding 670 basis points to 40.2%
  • Adjusted EBITDA loss improved to $3.0 million compared to a loss of $5.2 million in Q4 2022
  • Net loss of $39.5 million includes non-cash impairment charges of $38 million

Full Year 2023 Business Highlights

  • Direct sales (included in revenue) for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $41.7 million as compared to approximately $37.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022
  • Paid subscribers were 268,000 at December 31, 2023, a 2% increase from 262,000 at December 31, 2022
  • Unique Visitors of 52 million, a 4% increase year-over-year, extending position as the #1 Gaming Property in the U.S., based on the latest digital media ratings from Comscore (December 2023)

“2024 is an important year of transformation for Enthusiast Gaming, including a $10 million cost reduction program implemented in March, to help us achieve profitability and deliver value for our shareholders,” said Felicia DellaFortuna, CFO of Enthusiast Gaming. “Some of these actions will result in lower revenue as we deprioritize low margin activities such as programmatic advertising through the network, but will also drive improved overall profitability in the form of higher gross margins and the foundation for positive Adjusted EBITDA.”

Fourth Quarter 2023 Results Comparison

Revenue was $47.1 million in Q4 2023, a 13% decrease compared to $54.0 million in Q4 2022. Media and Content revenue decreased 13% to $42.6 million and Subscription revenue decreased 13% to $3.3 million, partially offset by a 9% increase in Esports and Entertainment revenue to $1.2 million. During the quarter, the Company experienced lower views on its web and video platforms in part due to the strategic decision to de-prioritize lower margin businesses. Direct Sales (included in revenue) increased by 3% to $13.2 million in Q4 2023 compared to $12.8 million in Q4 2022.

Gross profit increased 5% to $18.9 million in Q4 2023 compared to $18.1 million in Q4 2022, with gross margins expanding to 40.2% from 33.5% in Q4 2022.

Adjusted EBITDA loss was $3.0 million in Q4 2023 compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $5.2 million in Q4 2022. Adjusted EBITDA in Q4 2023 excludes $2.6 million in severance and $0.4 million nonrecurring public costs such as annual Nasdaq listing fees.

Net loss was $39.5 million, or $(0.26) per share, in Q4 2023, compared to $11.8 million, or $(0.08) per share in Q4 2022. Net loss in Q4 2023 includes $38 million of non-cash impairment charges primarily related to goodwill and intangible assets.

Full-Year 2023 Results Comparison

Revenue was $178.2 million in 2023, a 12% decrease compared to $202.8 million in 2022. Media and Content revenue decreased 14% to $154.8 million, partially offset by a 10% increase in Esports and Entertainment revenue to $8.3 million and a 3% increase in Subscriptions revenue to $15.0 million. Direct Sales (included in revenue) increased by 11% to $41.7 million in 2023 compared to $37.4 million in 2022.

Gross profit increased 6% to $67.4 million in 2023 compared to $63.5 million in 2022, with gross margins expanding to 37.8% from 31.3% in 2022.

Adjusted EBITDA loss was $13.0 million in 2023 compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $15.1 million in 2022. Adjusted EBITDA for the year excludes $4.0 million in severance and $2.3 million in annual Nasdaq listing fees and D&O insurance costs.

Net loss was $117.7 million in 2023, or $(0.77) per share, compared to $76.8 million in 2022, or $(0.54) per share. Net loss in 2023 includes $86.2 million of non-cash impairment charges primarily related to goodwill and intangible assets.

Organizational Updates

As previously announced by the Company, Mr. Thomas Hearne was appointed to the Board of the Company on March 20, 2024. Mr. Hearne has subsequently been appointed Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board. Additionally, the Company also announced that Ms. Tara Fournier is no longer with the Company. Ms. Fournier has served as the Company’s Chief People Officer since May 2023.

Investor Conference Call

Management will host a conference call and webcast on Monday, April 1, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET to review and discuss its Q4 2023 results. Conference call details:

A replay will be available on Enthusiast Gaming’s website at enthusiastgaming.com/investors.

Supplemental Information

Enthusiast Gaming’s financial statements and management discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) are available at www.sedarplus.ca and enthusiastgaming.com/investors. All amounts are in Canadian dollars.

About Enthusiast Gaming

Enthusiast Gaming is a leading gaming media and entertainment company, building the largest platform for video game enthusiasts and esports fans to connect and compete worldwide. Combining the elements of its five core pillars: creators, content, communities, games, and experiences, Enthusiast Gaming provides a unique opportunity for marketers to create integrated brand solutions to connect with coveted Gen Z and Millennial audiences. Through its proprietary mix of digital media, content and gaming assets, Enthusiast Gaming continues to grow its network of communities, reflecting the scale and diversity of gaming enthusiasts today.

Contacts

Enthusiast Gaming: Felicia DellaFortuna, Chief Financial Officer
Investors: FNK IR, Matt Chesler, CFA, [email protected]
Media: [email protected]

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

Forward-Looking Statements

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

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, including, but not limited to, expectations and assumptions concerning: interest and foreign exchange rates; capital efficiencies, cost saving and synergies; growth and growth rates; the success in the esports and gaming media industry; the Company’s growth plan, and judgment applied in the application of the Company’s accounting policies and in the preparation of financial statements in accordance with applicable financial reporting standards. While Enthusiast Gaming considers these assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; and future legislative, tax and regulatory developments. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially, please refer to the public filings of Enthusiast Gaming which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect our expectations as of the date hereof, and thus are subject to change thereafter. Enthusiast Gaming disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Non-GAAP Measures

This press release references certain non-GAAP measures, including Adjusted EBITDA, as described below. These non-GAAP measures are not recognized measures under GAAP and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those GAAP measures by providing further understanding of the Company’s results of operations from management’s perspective. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s financial information reported under GAAP.

The Company uses non-GAAP measures including:

“EBITDA”, which is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Enthusiast Gaming calculates EBITDA using gross margin less total operating expenses plus share-based compensation, amortization and depreciation and annual general meeting legal and advisory costs; and,

“Adjusted EBITDA”, which is defined as EBITDA plus severance and other non-recurring items. Non-recurring items include the annual Nasdaq listing fees and directors and officers (“D&O”) liability insurance relating to the Company’s former listing on Nasdaq. 

Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc.          
Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss          
For the three months and year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022         
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars)          
   For the three months ended For the year ended 
   December 31, 2023December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022 
   (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (audited) 
Revenue $47,141,121 $53,970,597 $178,178,127 $202,835,921  
Cost of sales  28,204,166  35,901,209  110,756,401  139,371,400  
Gross margin  18,936,955  18,069,388  67,421,726  63,464,521  
Operating expenses          
Professional fees  596,256  332,589  2,413,954  2,691,148  
Consulting fees  2,320,745  1,196,070  6,904,431  5,789,576  
Advertising and promotion  1,386,966  1,265,340  4,335,937  2,682,684  
Office and general  1,659,298  2,300,740  7,950,085  9,533,291  
Annual general meeting legal and advisory costs        3,386,596  
Salaries and wages  9,610,955  9,358,074  37,564,336  36,493,089  
Technology support, web development and content  8,787,448  8,549,067  24,902,819  21,858,408  
Esports player, team and game expenses  565,742  733,389  2,527,541  4,352,150  
Foreign exchange loss (gain)  80,043  659,105  174,399  (446,625) 
Share-based compensation  1,191,567  2,414,753  5,474,447  7,751,370  
Amortization and depreciation  1,646,055  3,450,031  10,432,382  16,707,844  
Total operating expenses  27,845,075  30,259,158  102,680,331  110,799,531  
           
Other expenses (income)          
Goodwill impairment  20,005,377    64,827,952  31,281,286  
Intangible asset impairment  14,602,083    21,440,143    
Investment in associates impairment  17,363    17,363    
Other long-term asset impairment  3,364,584    3,364,584    
Transaction costs        114,853  
Share of net income from investment in associates and joint ventures (383,893) (240,682) (456,062) (1,241,684) 
Interest and accretion  615,761  656,205  2,449,139  3,620,186  
Loss on settlement of deferred payment liability        3,302,824  
(Gain) loss on revaluation of deferred payment liability  (23,068) (82,225) 592,053  (621,780) 
Loss on modification of long-term debt  419,953    419,953    
Loss on derecognition of long-term debt        482,282  
Gain on sale of intangible assets        (4,836,075) 
Gain on player buyouts    (13,384)   (518,581) 
Interest income  (1,020) (28,274) (64,316) (36,252) 
Net loss before income taxes  (47,525,260) (12,481,410) (127,849,414) (78,882,069) 
           
Income taxes          
Current tax expense  (135,170) (258,476) 261,947  250,955  
Deferred tax recovery  (7,734,130) (399,505) (10,437,753) (2,302,219) 
Net loss for the period  (39,655,960) (11,823,429) (117,673,608) (76,830,805) 
           
Other comprehensive (loss) income          
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss          
Foreign currency translation adjustment  (1,107,935) (661,523) (1,427,872) 8,102,682  
Net loss and comprehensive loss for the period $(40,763,895)$(12,484,952)$(119,101,480)$(68,728,123) 
           
Net loss per share, basic and diluted $(0.26)$(0.08)$(0.77)$(0.54) 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic and diluted  154,393,280  151,264,623  153,191,778  143,535,305  
           
Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc.      
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position     
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022     
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars)      
   December 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
 
       
ASSETS      
Current      
Cash $6,851,966 $7,415,516  
Trade and other receivables  31,502,732  37,868,107  
Investments    125,000  
Loans receivable    50,935  
Income tax receivable  31,251  367,092  
Prepaid expenses  1,820,144  2,017,004  
Total current assets  40,206,093  47,843,654  
Non-current      
Property and equipment  124,640  180,621  
Right-of-use assets  1,441,149  2,099,996  
Investment in associates and joint ventures  2,888,730  2,450,031  
Long-term portion of prepaid expenses  182,108  279,814  
Intangible assets  85,421,227  116,967,438  
Goodwill  105,868,081  171,615,991  
Total assets $236,132,028 $341,437,545  
       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     
Current      
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $47,101,272 $32,823,320  
Contract liabilities  6,078,950  5,380,378  
Income tax payable  274,924  129,485  
Current portion of long-term debt  21,888,597  17,431,625  
Current portion of deferred payment liability 82,231  2,391,863  
Current portion of lease liabilities  740,212  872,429  
Current portion of other long-term debt  9,668  10,891  
Total current liabilities  76,175,854  59,039,991  
Non-current      
Long-term portion of deferred payment liability 2,083,262  1,451,939  
Long-term lease liabilities  938,845  1,478,438  
Other long-term debt  140,613  144,844  
Deferred tax liability  14,076,780  24,671,326  
Total liabilities $93,415,354 $86,786,538  
       
Shareholders’ Equity      
Share capital  444,474,076  442,781,376  
Contributed surplus  35,877,189  30,402,742  
Accumulated other comprehensive income  7,201,976  8,629,848  
Deficit  (344,836,567) (227,162,959) 
Total shareholders’ equity  142,716,674  254,651,007  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $236,132,028 $341,437,545  
       
Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc.     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows     
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022     
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars)     
   December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
      
Cash flows from operating activities     
Net loss for the year $(117,673,608)$(76,830,805)
Items not affecting cash:     
Goodwill impairment  64,827,952  31,281,286 
Intangible asset impairment  21,440,143   
Investment in associates impairment  17,363   
Other long-term asset impairment  3,364,584   
Amortization and depreciation  10,432,382  16,707,844 
Share-based compensation  5,474,447  7,751,370 
Interest and accretion  191,722  2,334,783 
Deferred tax recovery  (10,437,753) (2,302,219)
Share of net income from investment in associates and joint ventures (456,062) (1,241,684)
Loss (gain) on revaluation of deferred payment liability  592,053  (621,780)
Loss on settlement of deferred payment liability    3,302,824 
Gain on sale of intangible assets    (4,876,659)
Foreign exchange loss (gain)  245,058  (775,004)
Gain on player buyouts    (518,581)
Gain on settlement of accounts payable    (587,769)
Loss on modification of long-term debt  419,953   
Loss on derecognition of long-term debt    482,282 
Shares for services    (179,374)
Provisions  105,512  479,007 
Changes in working capital:     
Changes in trade and other receivables  2,865,276  (3,328,743)
Changes in prepaid expenses  289,713  128,180 
Changes in loans receivable    125,995 
Changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities  14,277,952  944,457 
Changes in contract liabilities  698,572  1,142,087 
Changes in income tax  633,073  98,932 
Income tax paid  (151,793) (156,784)
Net cash used in operating activities  (2,843,461) (26,640,355)
      
Cash flows from investing activities     
Cash paid for mergers and acquisitions    (2,937,520)
Cash acquired from mergers and acquisitions    1,748,602 
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets    5,460,959 
Proceeds from player buyouts, net of transaction costs    518,581 
Proceeeds from redemption of investments  125,000  6,865 
Repayment of deferred payment liability  (844,350) (472,833)
Acquisition of intangible assets  (27,488)  
Acquisition of property and equipment  (20,430) (11,278)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities  (767,268) 4,313,376 
      
Cash flows from financing activities     
Proceeds from long-term debt, net of transaction costs  8,222,904  9,758,128 
Repayment of long-term debt  (4,129,561) (2,588,238)
Proceeds from exercise of options    289,034 
Repayment of other long-term debt  (12,569) (12,871)
Lease payments  (986,802) (948,040)
Net cash provided by financing activities  3,093,972  6,498,013 
      
Foreign exchange effect on cash  (46,793) 590,220 
Net change in cash  (563,550) (15,238,746)
Cash, beginning of year  7,415,516  22,654,262 
Cash, end of year $6,851,966 $7,415,516 
      
Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. 
EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA      
(Unaudited – Expressed in Canadian Dollars)       
 Three months ended December 31, Year ended December 31, 
  2023   2022   2023   2022  
         
Gross margin$18,936,955  $18,069,388  $67,421,726  $63,464,521  
Operating expenses (27,845,075)  (30,259,158)  (102,680,331)  (110,799,531) 
Share-based compensation 1,191,567   2,414,753   5,474,447   7,751,370  
Amortization and depreciation 1,646,055   3,450,031   10,432,382   16,707,844  
Annual general meeting legal and advisory costs          3,386,596  
EBITDA (6,070,498)  (6,324,986)  (19,351,776)  (19,489,200) 
Severance 2,617,134   257,989   4,049,127   664,419  
Annual Nasdaq listing fees and D&D insurance 429,797   876,490   2,270,949   3,747,171  
Adjusted EBITDA$(3,023,567) $(5,190,507) $(13,031,700) $(15,077,610)