Management Commentary
“Our 2022 is off to an exceptional start†said Stephen Berman, JAKKS Chairman and CEO. “For several years we have talked about maintaining a disciplined focus on growing evergreen toy categories and brands to deliver consistently improving, yet sustainable, results. In addition, this approach can also benefit from the excitement and enthusiasm new entertainment content can generate. As the year begins, we are starting to see strong results as more consumers discover and embrace films like Sonic the Hedgehog® 2 and Disney’s Encanto™, and want to deepen their relationships with the characters by engaging with a broad array of our toys, Halloween Costumes, day-to-day role play and many other related products.
“While that endorsement and enthusiasm is exciting and reaffirming for the teams who bring the product ranges to market, I am equally excited to share that in addition to the growth of these two theatrical releases, the balance of the Toy/Consumer Products business was up mid-single digit percentage in the quarter compared to prior year. We appreciate the continued support from all of our stakeholders in working together to overcome continuing pandemic-driven manufacturing and supply-chain challenges to deliver these results.
“As anticipated, higher inbound freight expenses continued to weigh down gross margins, as we expect to be the case for the balance of the year. Nonetheless, tight cost controls paired with our higher revenues still generated positive Q1 EBITDA for the first time since 2008. We have a lot of work to do as we continue to navigate the unpredictable nature of current events, but are excited by the opportunities we see ahead of us this year and thinking ahead to 2023.â€
First Quarter 2022 Results
Net sales for the first quarter 2022 were $120.9 million up 44% versus $83.8 million last year, led by strong growth in Action Play, Dolls/Dress-up and Costumes offset by slight weakness in our Outdoor/Seasonal business.
Gross profit in the first quarter of 2022 was $29.9 million or 24.7% of net sales, compared to $26.1 million or 31.1% of net sales in the prior year. Improved product margins and lower royalty expense were not enough to offset a significant year-over-year increase in ocean freight and related expenses. SG&A costs were $30.7 million, up from $28.8 million in the prior year. As a percent of net sales, SG&A costs were 25.4%, down from 34.4% in the prior year.
The net loss attributable to common stockholders was $4.2 million, or $0.43 per basic and diluted share, compared to a loss of $24.4 million, or $4.54 per basic and diluted share in the first quarter of 2021. Net loss in the first quarter of 2021 included several adjustments, including those related to changes in the fair value of convertible senior notes and preferred stock derivative liability, and other adjustments. Excluding such adjustments in both years, the adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders (a non-GAAP measure) was a loss of $2.6 million, or $0.28 per basic and diluted share in the first quarter of 2022 compared to a loss of $9.5 million or $1.77 per basic and diluted share in the first quarter of 2021. Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) was $1.9 million for the first quarter of 2022, compared to negative $2.4 million a year ago. For the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2022, adjusted EBITDA was $53.6 million, up 36% compared to $39.5 million for the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2021. (See note below on “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information.â€)
First Quarter 2022 Overview:
- Net sales were $120.9 million, up 44% compared to $83.8 million last year
- Highest Q1 net sales since 2008
- Costume business more than doubled vs. Q1 2021
- Net loss attributable to common stockholders of $4.2 million (or $0.43 per share) compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $24.4 million (or $4.54 per share) in Q1 2021
- Adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders (a non-GAAP measure) of $2.6 million (or $0.28 per share), compared to an adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders of $9.5 million (or $1.77 per share) in Q1 2021
- Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) was $1.9 million, compared to negative $2.4 million in the first quarter of 2021
- Trailing twelve month adjusted EBITDA of $53.6 million (8.1% of net sales) up 36% from $39.5 million (7.4% of net sales) in the trailing twelve months ended March 2021
