The report presents the financial statements of the company for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The company reported net income of $X million, a significant increase from the same period last year. Revenue grew by Y% to $Z million, driven by strong sales in both product and service segments. Gross profit margin expanded to X% due to improved product mix and cost control. Operating expenses increased by W% to $X million, primarily due to higher research and development expenses. The company’s cash and cash equivalents stood at $X million as of June 30, 2024, with a current ratio of X:1. The report also highlights the company’s financial position as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, including the changes in stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income.
Overview of Strong Global Entertainment
Strong Global Entertainment is a leading provider of mission-critical products and services to the entertainment industry, primarily serving cinema exhibitors, theme parks, and educational institutions. The company manufactures and distributes premium large format projection screens, including its proprietary Eclipse curvilinear screens, and provides comprehensive managed services, technical support, and related products.
The company plans to grow its market share, organic revenue, and operating results with the goal of expanding the business’s valuation. Strong Global Entertainment may also pursue acquisitions, both within and outside of its existing markets.
In May 2024, the company entered an agreement to be acquired by FG Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). Additionally, in May 2024, Strong Global Entertainment announced a definitive agreement to combine with Fundamental Global in an all-stock transaction. Upon completion of the arrangement, Strong Global Entertainment’s shareholders will receive 1.5 common shares of Fundamental Global for each share of Strong Global Entertainment.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on consumer behaviors and the company’s customers, particularly their ability and willingness to purchase Strong Global Entertainment’s products and services. The company believes consumer reticence to engage in out-of-home activities has abated, and its customers have resumed more typical, pre-COVID-19 purchasing behaviors.
However, the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on inflation, supply chains, and the broader economic recovery will depend on several key factors, including the availability of new film content, box office performance, the duration of exclusive theatrical release windows, and evolving consumer behavior. There is no assurance that there will not be additional public health crises, including further COVID-19 resurgences or variants, which could negatively impact the company’s results.
Results of Operations
The following tables summarize Strong Global Entertainment’s financial performance for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same periods in 2023:
Three Months Ended June 30:
Metric | 2024 | 2023 | $ Change | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Net revenues | $8,121,000 | $6,843,000 | $1,278,000 | 18.7% |
Cost of revenues | $6,597,000 | $5,882,000 | $715,000 | 12.2% |
Gross profit | $1,524,000 | $961,000 | $563,000 | 58.6% |
Gross profit percentage | 18.8% | 14.0% | - | - |
Selling and administrative expenses | $2,235,000 | $2,533,000 | $(298,000) | (11.8%) |
Loss from operations | $(711,000) | $(1,572,000) | $861,000 | (54.8%) |
Net loss from continuing operations | $(742,000) | $(1,309,000) | $567,000 | (43.3%) |
Six Months Ended June 30:
Metric | 2024 | 2023 | $ Change | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Net revenues | $15,804,000 | $13,360,000 | $2,444,000 | 18.3% |
Cost of revenues | $12,973,000 | $11,380,000 | $1,593,000 | 14.0% |
Gross profit | $2,831,000 | $1,980,000 | $851,000 | 43.0% |
Gross profit percentage | 17.9% | 14.8% | - | - |
Selling and administrative expenses | $4,243,000 | $3,609,000 | $634,000 | 17.6% |
Loss from operations | $(1,412,000) | $(1,629,000) | $217,000 | (13.3%) |
Loss from continuing operations | $(1,450,000) | $(1,734,000) | $284,000 | (16.4%) |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 Compared to 2023
Revenues increased 18.7% to $8.1 million, driven by $1.0 million higher product sales and a $0.3 million increase in service revenue. The product sales increase was primarily due to $1.7 million in revenue from the acquisition of Innovative Cinema Solutions (ICS) in late 2023, partially offset by lower digital equipment sales. The service revenue increase was due to higher installation and warehouse services.
Gross profit increased to $1.5 million or 18.8% of revenues, up from $1.0 million or 14.0% in the prior year. Gross profit from product sales improved to 16.9% of revenues, up from 6.6%, primarily due to higher margins on digital equipment from the ICS acquisition. Gross profit from services decreased to 21.4% of revenues, down from 23.3%, due to changes in the sales mix.
Loss from operations improved to $0.7 million, compared to $1.6 million in the prior year, due to the increase in gross profit and a reduction in administrative expenses, partially offset by higher selling expenses. The decrease in administrative expenses was largely due to one-time IPO costs in the prior year that did not repeat. The increase in selling expenses was driven by additional headcount, higher commissions, and increased sales and marketing activities, including the ICS acquisition.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 Compared to 2023
Revenues increased 18.3% to $15.8 million, with $1.9 million higher product sales and a $0.6 million increase in service revenue. The product sales increase was primarily due to $3.3 million in revenue from the ICS acquisition, partially offset by lower digital equipment sales. The service revenue increase was driven by higher installation and warehouse services.
Gross profit increased to $2.8 million or 17.9% of revenues, up from $2.0 million or 14.8% in the prior year. Gross profit from product sales improved to 16.4% of revenues, up from 9.1%, primarily due to higher margins on digital equipment from the ICS acquisition. Gross profit from services decreased to 20.2% of revenues, down from 22.3%, due to changes in the sales mix.
Loss from operations improved to $1.4 million, compared to $1.6 million in the prior year, as the increase in gross profit was partially offset by higher selling and administrative expenses. Administrative expenses increased due to legal and professional fees related to the pending sale of Strong/MDI and merger with Fundamental Global, as well as higher general and administrative costs from operating as an independent public company. Selling expenses increased due to additional headcount, higher commissions, and increased sales and marketing activities, including the ICS acquisition.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of June 30, 2024, the company had $3.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $4.8 million as of December 31, 2023. Strong Global Entertainment believes its existing sources of liquidity, including cash, operating cash flow, credit facilities, and other assets, will be sufficient to meet its projected capital needs for at least the next 12 months.
The company has a new demand credit agreement with CIBC that includes a revolving credit facility, with $2.9 million outstanding as of June 30, 2024. This balance will be transferred as part of the sale of Strong/MDI.
Cash used in operating activities from continuing operations was $1.0 million in the first half of 2024, compared to cash provided of $1.6 million in the prior year period, as improvements in operating results were offset by changes in working capital.
Cash used in investing activities from continuing operations was $20,000 and $0.1 million in the first half of 2024 and 2023, respectively, consisting of capital expenditures. Cash used in financing activities from continuing operations was $0.3 million in the first half of 2024, primarily for debt and lease payments.
Use of Non-GAAP Measures
Strong Global Entertainment presents Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, in addition to its GAAP results. Adjusted EBITDA excludes the impact of income taxes, interest, depreciation and amortization, as well as other non-cash and non-recurring items. The company believes Adjusted EBITDA provides additional insight into its operating performance for investors, lenders, and other stakeholders.
The reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA shows that Adjusted EBITDA was $(157,000) and $(281,000) for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $(677,000) and $(783,000) for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Hedging and Trading Activities, Seasonality, and Critical Accounting Policies
Strong Global Entertainment’s primary foreign currency exposure relates to its Canadian subsidiary. The company may enter into foreign exchange contracts to manage a portion of this risk, but does not engage in trading activities with non-exchange traded contracts.
The company’s revenue and earnings generally fluctuate moderately from quarter to quarter, and the results for the first half of 2024 may not be indicative of the full fiscal year.
Critical accounting policies and estimates for the company include revenue recognition, cost allocations, and the use of non-GAAP financial measures like Adjusted EBITDA.
Outlook and Analysis
Strong Global Entertainment has demonstrated improved financial performance in the first half of 2024 compared to the prior year, with increases in revenue, gross profit, and a reduction in operating losses. The company’s acquisition of Innovative Cinema Solutions has contributed to these positive results by expanding its product offerings and increasing margins.
However, the company continues to face headwinds from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty. While the company believes consumer behaviors have largely normalized, a resurgence of the virus or other macroeconomic factors could negatively impact its customers and financial results.
The pending sale of Strong/MDI and merger with Fundamental Global introduce additional uncertainty, as the company navigates the transition to new ownership. The combined entity may provide opportunities for synergies and growth, but also carries integration risks that could disrupt operations in the short term.
Overall, Strong Global Entertainment appears to be making progress in its strategy to grow market share, improve profitability, and position the business for long-term success. However, the company continues to operate in a challenging environment, and investors should monitor the company’s ability to execute on its plans and manage the various risks it faces.