Category: High Tech

Planar Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2014 Financial Results

Company Reports 53 Percent Year-Over-Year Growth in Quarterly Sales of Digital Signage Products

BEAVERTON, Ore.-- Planar Systems, Inc. (PLNR), a global leader in display and digital signage technology, recorded sales of $43.9 million and GAAP income per share of $0.03 in its third fiscal quarter ended June 27, 2014. On a non-GAAP basis (see reconciliation table below), income per share was $0.05 in the third quarter of fiscal 2014.

FISCAL Q3 2014 OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • Quarterly sales of digital signage products increased 53 percent to $21.4 million, compared to the third fiscal quarter of 2013.
  • Non-GAAP EBITDA totaled $1.6 million (see reconciliation table), resulting in $4.4 million in non-GAAP EBITDA fiscal year to-date.
  • Rolled out the Clarity™ Matrix Video Wall Calculator, a first-of-its-kind, free online tool that makes it easier, faster and more accurate to design and install video walls.
  • Advanced the adoption of Ultra HD with the introduction of four new 4K displays: Planar UltraRes 98", Planar EP-Series 58" and 65", and Planar IX-Series 28" UHD displays.
  • Honored with Most Innovative Video Display and Best of Show Awards at InfoComm 2014. Planar UltraRes Series and Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall System recognized by Systems Contractor News and Digital Signage Magazine.

FISCAL Q3 2014 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Sales of digital signage products totaled $21.4 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2014, a 53 percent increase over the same period a year ago. Total revenue increased 17 percent compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2013, as increases in sales of digital signage products more than offset the decline in sales of Commercial and Industrial (C&I) products. Sales of C&I products decreased 4 percent to $22.5 million compared with the same quarter a year ago. This decrease was primarily driven by lower sales of touch monitors and high-end home products, partially offset by higher sales of custom C&I displays and rear projection cubes.

The Company’s consolidated gross profit margin, as a percentage of sales (on a non-GAAP basis), was 24.4 percent in the third quarter of 2014, up from 21.7 percent in the third quarter of 2013 (see reconciliation table). The improvement in gross profit rate is the result of both an increase in sales of higher margin digital signage products relative to lower margin C&I products as well as higher gross profit rates on sales of digital signage products compared with the prior year.

Total operating expenses (on a non-GAAP basis) for the third quarter of 2014 were $9.6 million compared with $9.0 million in the same quarter last year (see reconciliation table), primarily driven by increases in sales and marketing expenditures.

The Company’s cash balance decreased $1.5 million sequentially to $11.5 million at the end of the third fiscal quarter of 2014 compared to the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2014. The primary drivers of working capital remained flat with the second fiscal quarter as reductions in inventory, which improved inventory turns to 5.1, and a small increase in accounts payable were roughly offset by an increase in accounts receivable. Cash declined in the quarter primarily as a result of payments made to a third party for certain components related to the EL business for which the buyer of the EL business, Beneq Products Oy, has agreed to repay the Company over time.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

“Our third quarter results came in above our expectations for both revenue and profits, bolstered by strong growth in sales of our strategic focus area of digital signage products,” said Gerry Perkel, Planar’s president and chief executive officer. “As a result of the strong performance in the third quarter, coupled with a favorable outlook for the fourth quarter, we are increasing our estimates for revenue and non-GAAP EPS for the full fiscal year.”

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

Looking forward, the Company currently expects to see continued strong revenue for digital signage and custom C&I products in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2014, and therefore anticipates revenue in the range of $48 million to $50 million and non-GAAP income per share of $0.08 to $0.10. As a result, the Company has raised its estimates for the full fiscal year 2014, and currently expects revenue in the range of $173.4 million to $175.4 million and non-GAAP income per share of $0.21 to $0.23.

CONFERENCE CALL

Management will discuss the results of operations and the business outlook in a conference call later today, July 31, 2014, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pacific time. The call can be heard via the Internet through a link on Planar’s website at www.planar.com and will be available for replay until August 31, 2014. The Company will post on its website management’s prepared remarks shortly after the call.

ABOUT PLANAR

Planar Systems, Inc. (PLNR) is a global leader in display and digital signage technology, providing premier solutions for the world's most demanding environments. Retailers, educational institutions, government agencies, businesses, utilities and energy firms, and home theater enthusiasts all depend on Planar to provide superior performance when image experience is of the highest importance. Planar video walls, large format LCD displays, interactive touch screen monitors and many other solutions are used by the world’s leading organizations in applications ranging from digital signage to simulation and from interactive kiosks to large-scale data visualization. Founded in 1983, Planar is headquartered in Oregon, USA, with offices, manufacturing partners and customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.planar.com.

“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to Planar’s business operations and prospects, including statements under the “Business Outlook” heading relating to the Company’s expected revenue growth, revenue range and non-GAAP income per share range for fiscal 2014, and the Company’s expected revenue growth, total revenue range and non-GAAP income per share range for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws. These and other forward-looking statements, which may be identified by the inclusion of words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “goal” and variations of such words and other similar expressions, are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections that are subject to change, and actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Many factors, including the following, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements: poor or weakened domestic and international business and economic conditions; changes or reductions in the demand for products in the various display markets served by the Company; any delay in the timing of customer orders or the Company’s ability to ship product upon receipt of a customer order; the extent and timing of any additional expenditures by the Company to address business growth opportunities; any inability to reduce costs or to do so quickly enough, in either case, in response to reductions in revenue; adverse impacts on the Company or its operations relating to or arising from any inability to fund desired expenditures, including due to difficulties in obtaining necessary financing; changes in the flat-panel monitor industry; changes in customer demand or ordering patterns; changes in the competitive environment including pricing pressures, increased commoditization or the ability to keep pace with technological changes; technological advances; shortages of manufacturing capacity from the Company’s third-party manufacturing partners or other interruptions in the supply of components the Company incorporates in its finished goods including as a result of natural disasters; future production variables resulting in excess inventory and other risk factors listed from time to time in the Company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

Note Regarding the Use of non-GAAP Financial Measures:

In addition to disclosing financial results calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the Company's earnings release contains non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain items set forth in the reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. The exclusions relate primarily to charges of a non-cash nature. Management uses the non-GAAP financial measures for internal managerial purposes, including as a means to compare period-to-period results on a consolidated basis and as a means to evaluate the Company’s results on a consolidated basis compared to those of other companies. In addition, management uses certain of these measures when publicly providing forward-looking statements on expectations regarding future consolidated basis financial results. The Company discloses this information to the public to enable investors to be able to more easily assess the Company’s performance on the same basis applied by management. The non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by the Company should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and the financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations to those financial statements should be carefully evaluated. The non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies. The Company has provided reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

Planar Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
                   
      Three months ended   Nine months ended
      Jun. 27, 2014   Jun. 28, 2013   Jun. 27, 2014   Jun. 28, 2013
                   
Sales   $ 43,853     $ 37,485     $ 125,385     $ 121,101  
Cost of Sales     33,188       29,359       95,325       93,954  
Gross Profit     10,665       8,126       30,060       27,147  
                   
Operating Expenses:                
  Research and development, net     1,560       1,620       4,273       5,475  
  Sales and marketing     5,187       4,819       14,914       14,923  
  General and administrative     3,158       2,833       9,614       9,159  
  Amortization of intangible assets     -       147       -       442  
  Restructuring     10       2,407       31       2,601  
  Loss on sale of assets     -       -       -       1,314  
  Total Operating Expenses     9,915       11,826       28,832       33,914  
                   
Income (Loss) from operations     750       (3,700 )     1,228       (6,767 )
                   
Non-operating income (expense):                
  Interest, net     99       39       234       104  
  Foreign exchange, net     (1 )     (1 )     (54 )     (14 )
  Other, net     (27 )     166       422       462  
  Net non-operating income     71       204       602       552  
                   
Income (loss) before taxes     821       (3,496 )     1,830       (6,215 )
Provision for income taxes     115       71      

266

      114  
Net Income (loss)   $ 706     $ (3,567 )   $ 1,564     $ (6,329 )
                   
Net Income (loss) per share - basic   $ 0.03       ($0.17 )   $ 0.07       ($0.31 )
Net Income (loss) per share - diluted   $ 0.03       ($0.17 )   $ 0.07       ($0.31 )
                   
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic     21,491       20,899       21,302       20,672  
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted     21,623       20,899       21,506       20,672  
                                 
Planar Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
(unaudited)
         
    Jun. 27, 2014   Sept. 27, 2013
ASSETS        
Cash   $ 11,517     $ 11,971  
Accounts receivable, net     25,175       22,821  
Inventories     26,247       30,003  
Other current assets     4,602       2,426  
Total current assets     67,541       67,221  
         
Property, plant and equipment, net     5,313       6,434  
Other assets     7,582       6,230  
    $ 80,436     $ 79,885  
         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Accounts payable   $ 16,156     $ 17,042  
Current portion of capital leases     443       759  
Deferred revenue     1,638       1,685  
Other current liabilities     13,455       12,848  
Total current liabilities     31,692       32,334  
         
Long-term portion of capital leases     -       394  
Other long-term liabilities     4,396       5,390  
Total liabilities     36,088       38,118  
         
Common stock     187,517       186,202  
Retained deficit     (140,612 )     (141,735 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (2,557 )     (2,700 )
Total shareholders' equity     44,348       41,767  
    $ 80,436     $ 79,885  
                 
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures          
(In thousands, unaudited)          
                 
            For the three months ended
            Jun. 27, 2014   Jun. 28, 2013
Gross Profit:          
  GAAP Gross Profit     10,665     8,126  
                 
      Share-based compensation     27     22  
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments     27     22  
                 
  NON-GAAP GROSS PROFIT     10,692     8,148  
                 
  NON-GAAP GROSS PROFIT PERCENTAGE     24.4 %   21.7 %
                 
Research and Development:          
  GAAP research and development expense     1,560     1,620  
                 
      Share-based compensation     (15 )   -  
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments     (15 )   -  
                 
  NON-GAAP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE     1,545     1,620  
                 
Sales and Marketing:          
  GAAP sales and marketing expense     5,187     4,819  
                 
      Share-based compensation     (55 )   (61 )
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments     (55 )   (61 )
                 
  NON-GAAP SALES AND MARKETING EXPENSE     5,132     4,758  
                 
General and Administrative:          
  GAAP General and Administrative Expense     3,158     2,833  
                 
      Share-based compensation     (259 )   (208 )
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments     (259 )   (208 )
                 
  NON-GAAP GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE     2,899     2,625  
                 
Operating Expenses:          
  GAAP Total Operating Expenses     9,915     11,826  
                 
      Share-based compensation     (329 )   (269 )
      Amortization of intangible assets     -     (147 )
      Restructuring charges     (10 )   (2,407 )
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments     (339 )   (2,823 )
                 
  NON-GAAP TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES     9,576     9,003  
                 
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures Continued        
(In thousands, unaudited)          
                 
            For the three months ended
            Jun. 27, 2014   Jun. 28, 2013
                 
Income (Loss) from Operations:          
  GAAP income (loss) from operations       750     (3,700 )
                 
      Share-based compensation       356     291  
      Amortization of intangible assets       -     147  
      Restructuring charges       10     2,407  
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments       366     2,845  
                 
  NON-GAAP INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS     1,116     (855 )
                 
Income (Loss) before taxes & EBITDA:          
  GAAP income (loss) before taxes       821     (3,496 )
                 
      Share-based compensation       356     291  
      Amortization of intangible assets       -     147  
      Restructuring charges       10     2,407  
      Foreign exchange, net       1     1  
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments       367     2,846  
                 
  NON-GAAP INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES     1,188     (650 )
      Depreciation       416     330  
  NON-GAAP EBITDA       1,604     (320 )
                 
Net Income (Loss):          
  GAAP Net Income (loss)       706     (3,567 )
      Share-based compensation       356     291  
      Amortization of intangible assets       -     147  
      Restructuring charges       10     2,407  
      Foreign exchange, net       1     1  
      Income tax effect of reconciling items     (5 )   315  
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments       362     3,161  
                 
  NON-GAAP NET INCOME (LOSS)       1,068     (406 )
                 
GAAP weighted average shares outstanding--basic     21,491     20,899  
GAAP weighted average shares outstanding--diluted     21,623     20,899  
                 
GAAP Net Income (Loss) per share - basic     $ 0.03     ($0.17 )
  Non-GAAP adjustments detailed above       0.02     0.15  
  NON-GAAP NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE (basic)   $ 0.05     ($0.02 )
                 
GAAP Net Income (Loss) per share - diluted   $ 0.03     ($0.17 )
  Non-GAAP adjustments detailed above       0.02     0.15  
  NON-GAAP NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE (diluted)   $ 0.05     ($0.02 )
           
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures    
(In thousands, unaudited)          
                 
            For the nine months ended
            Jun. 27, 2014   Jun. 28, 2013
Gross Profit:          
  GAAP Gross Profit       30,060     27,147  
                 
      Share-based compensation       73     75  
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments       73     75  
                 
  NON-GAAP GROSS PROFIT       30,133     27,222  
                 
  NON-GAAP GROSS PROFIT PERCENTAGE       24.0 %   22.5 %
                 
Research and Development:          
  GAAP research and development expense       4,273     5,475  
                 
      Share-based compensation       (34 )   (82 )
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments       (34 )   (82 )
                 
  NON-GAAP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE       4,239     5,393  
                 
Sales and Marketing:          
  GAAP sales and marketing expense       14,914     14,923  
                 
      Share-based compensation       (141 )   (212 )
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments       (141 )   (212 )
                 
  NON-GAAP SALES AND MARKETING EXPENSE       14,773     14,711  
                 
General and Administrative:          
  GAAP General and Administrative Expense       9,614     9,159  
                 
      Share-based compensation       (896 )   (791 )
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments       (896 )   (791 )
                 
  NON-GAAP GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE       8,718     8,368  
                 
Operating Expenses:          
  GAAP Total Operating Expenses       28,832     33,914  
                 
      Share-based compensation       (1,071 )   (1,085 )
      Amortization of intangible assets       -     (442 )
      Restructuring charges       (31 )   (2,601 )
      Loss on sale of assets       -     (1,314 )
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments       (1,102 )   (5,442 )
                 
  NON-GAAP TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES       27,730     28,472  
                 
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures Continued    
(In thousands, unaudited)          
                 
            For the nine months ended
            Jun. 27, 2014   Jun. 28, 2013
                 
Income (Loss) from Operations:          
  GAAP income (loss) from operations       1,228     (6,767 )
                 
      Share-based compensation       1,144     1,160  
      Amortization of intangible assets       -     442  
      Restructuring charges       31     2,601  
      Loss on sale of assets       -     1,314  
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments       1,175     5,517  
                 
  NON-GAAP INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS       2,403     (1,250 )
                 
Income (Loss) before taxes & EBITDA:          
  GAAP income (loss) before taxes       1,830     (6,215 )
                 
      Share-based compensation       1,144     1,160  
      Amortization of intangible assets       -     442  
      Restructuring charges       31     2,601  
      Loss on sale of assets       -     1,314  
      Foreign exchange, net       54     14  
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments       1,229     5,531  
                 
  NON-GAAP INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES       3,059     (684 )
      Depreciation       1,331     1,015  
  NON-GAAP EBITDA       4,390     331  
                 
Net Income (Loss):          
  GAAP Net Income (loss)       1,564     (6,329 )
                 
      Share-based compensation       1,144     1,160  
      Amortization of intangible assets       -     442  
      Restructuring charges       31     2,601  
      Loss on sale of assets       -     1,314  
      Foreign exchange, net       54     14  
      Income tax effect of reconciling items       (43 )   371  
  Total Non-GAAP adjustments       1,186     5,902  
                 
  NON-GAAP NET INCOME (LOSS)       2,750     (427 )
                 
GAAP weighted average shares outstanding--basic       21,302     20,672  
GAAP weighted average shares outstanding--diluted       21,506     20,672  
                 
GAAP Net Income (Loss) per share - basic     $ 0.07     ($0.31 )
  Non-GAAP adjustments detailed above       0.06     0.29  
  NON-GAAP NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE (basic)     $ 0.13     ($0.02 )
                 
GAAP Net Income (Loss) per share - diluted     $ 0.07     ($0.31 )
  Non-GAAP adjustments detailed above       0.06     0.29  
  NON-GAAP NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE (diluted)     $ 0.13     ($0.02 )
                   
Planar Systems, Inc.
Revenue by Product Line
(In millions)
(unaudited)
                       
    Three months ended     % Change
    Jun. 27, 2014   Jun. 28, 2013   Mar. 28, 2014  

 

vs. Prior Year   vs. Prior Quarter
                       
Digital Signage Sales   $ 21.4   $ 14.1   $ 19.0     53 %   13 %
                       
Commercial & Industrial Sales     22.5     23.4     22.1     -4 %   2 %
Desktop Monitors     9.3     9.2     7.7     1 %   21 %
Rear Projection Cubes     4.6     3.5     4.1     29 %   12 %
Touch Monitors     3.2     5.0     3.7     -37 %   -14 %
High-end Home     1.2     2.2     1.7     -44 %   -29 %
Custom Commercial & Industrial     4.2     3.3     4.7     27 %   -11 %
Other     -     0.2     0.2     -100 %   -100 %
                       
Total Sales   $ 43.9   $ 37.5   $ 41.1     17 %   7 %
                                 
Planar Systems, Inc.
Revenue by Product Line
(In millions)
(unaudited)
               
      Nine months ended  

% Change

      Jun. 27, 2014   Jun. 28, 2013   vs. Prior Year
               
Digital Signage Sales     $ 59.3   $ 44.4   34 %
               
Commercial & Industrial Sales       66.1     76.7   -14 %
Desktop Monitors       25.1     26.9   -7 %
Rear Projection Cubes       13.7     15.9   -14 %
Touch Monitors       10.1     15.2   -34 %
High-end Home       4.6     7.7   -41 %
Custom Commercial & Industrial       12.2     7.9   54 %
Electroluminescent(1)       -     2.3   -100 %
Other       0.4     0.8   -45 %
               
Total Sales     $ 125.4   $ 121.1   4 %
Electroluminescent(1)       -     2.3   -100 %
Total Sales without Electroluminescent     $ 125.4   $ 118.8   6 %

 

(1) In the first quarter of 2013, the Company sold the assets and liabilities related to the Electroluminescent product line, including custom glass, which was included in other commercial & industrial sales.

 

Contact:
Planar Systems, Inc.
Media:
Kim Brown, 503-748-6724
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or
Investors:
Ryan Gray, 503-748-8911
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