QuinStreet Reports Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2017 Financial Results


FOSTER CITY, Calif., May 09, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QuinStreet, Inc. (Nasdaq:QNST), a leader in performance marketing products and technologies, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended March 31, 2017.

For the third quarter, the Company reported total revenue of $79.2 million and GAAP net income of $579,000, or $0.01 per share. Adjusted net income was $2.6 million, or $0.06 per share, and adjusted EBITDA was $5.2 million, or 7% of revenue.

The Company generated $6.2 million in operating cash flow in the third quarter, ending the period with $42 million in cash and equivalents, and no debt.

“Fiscal Q3 was in line with our expectations and outlook,” commented Doug Valenti, CEO of QuinStreet. “We saw strong double-digit sequential revenue growth in all of our client verticals: Financial Services grew 23%, Education grew 18%, and Other (Home Services, Business-to-Business Technology) grew 17%. We delivered on our commitment to rapidly expand adjusted EBITDA margin and operating cash flow in the quarter. We are pleased to have achieved adjusted EBITDA margin of 7% and operating cash flow of $6.2 million, resulting in a net cash position of $42 million.

“Looking at fiscal Q4, we expect revenue to grow in the low single digit percentages both year-over- year and sequentially. The expected sequential growth is considerably better than our typical historic pattern of a seasonal decline in Q4, indicating the continued positive momentum we are seeing in the business. We expect adjusted EBITDA margin to be at least 7% for the quarter,” concluded Valenti. 

Reconciliations of adjusted net income to GAAP net income and adjusted EBITDA to GAAP net income are included in the accompanying tables.

Conference Call Today at 2:00 p.m. PT

The Company will host a conference call and corresponding live webcast at 2:00 p.m. PT today. To access the conference call, dial +1 (800) 768.6544 or +1 (785) 830.7990 for international callers. The webcast will be available live on the investor relations section of the Company's website at http://investor.quinstreet.com and via replay beginning approximately two hours after the completion of the call by registering online at:  https://jsp.premiereglobal.com/webrsvp and using passcode 5654911 to obtain dial-in information for the replay. Dial-in information for the replay will be available beginning one day prior to the conference call and the conference call replay will be available through Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. PT.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This release and the accompanying tables include a discussion of adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share, all of which are non-GAAP financial measures that are provided as a complement to results provided in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The term "adjusted EBITDA" refers to a financial measure that we define as net income (loss) less benefit from (provision for) taxes, depreciation expense, amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense, interest and other income (expense), net, restructuring expense and legal settlement expense. The term "adjusted net income (loss)" refers to a financial measure that we define as net income (loss) adjusted for amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring expense and legal settlement expense, net of estimated taxes. The term "adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share" refers to a financial measure that we define as adjusted net income (loss) divided by weighted average diluted shares outstanding. These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. In addition, our definition of adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share may not be comparable to the definitions as reported by other companies.

We believe adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share are relevant and useful information because they provide us and investors with additional measurements to analyze the Company's operating performance.

Adjusted EBITDA is part of our internal management reporting and planning process and one of the primary measures used by our management to evaluate the operating performance of our business, as well as potential acquisitions. Adjusted EBITDA is useful to us and investors because it provides information related to the Company's ability to provide cash flow for acquisitions, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. Internally, adjusted EBITDA is used by management for planning purposes, including preparation of internal budgets; to allocate resources; to evaluate the effectiveness of operational strategies; and to evaluate the Company's capacity to fund acquisitions and capital expenditures as well as the capacity to service debt. Adjusted EBITDA is used as a key financial metric in senior management's annual incentive compensation program. The Company believes that analysts and investors use adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measurement to evaluate the overall operating performance of companies in its industry and use adjusted EBITDA multiples as a metric for analyzing company valuations. It is also an element of certain maintenance covenants under our debt agreement.

Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share are useful to us and investors because they present an additional measurement of our financial performance, taking into account depreciation, which we believe is an ongoing cost of doing business, but excluding the impact of certain non-cash expenses (stock-based compensation and amortization of intangible assets) and other non-recurring charges. The Company believes that analysts and investors use adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share as supplemental measures to evaluate the overall operating performance of companies in our industry.
              
We intend to provide these non-GAAP financial measures as part of our future earnings discussions and, therefore, the inclusion of these non-GAAP financial measures will provide consistency in our financial reporting. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to GAAP is provided in the accompanying tables.

Legal Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release and its attachments contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that involve risks and uncertainties. Words such as "estimate", "will”, "believe", "intend", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include the statements in quotations from management in this press release, as well as any statements regarding the Company's anticipated financial results, growth, strategic and operational plans and results of analyses on impairment charges. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of changes in industry standards and government regulation including, but not limited to investigation or enforcement activities of the Department of Education, the Federal Trade Commission and other regulatory agencies; the Company’s ability to maintain and increase client marketing spend; the Company's ability to maintain and increase the number of visitors to its websites and to convert those visitors and those to its third-party publishers' websites into client prospects in a cost-effective manner; the impact of the current economic climate on the Company's business; the Company's ability to access and monetize Internet users on mobile devices; the Company's ability to attract and retain qualified executives and employees; the Company's ability to compete effectively against others in the online marketing and media industry both for client budget and access to third-party media; the Company's ability to identify and manage acquisitions; and the impact and costs of any alleged failure by the Company to comply with government regulations and industry standards. More information about potential factors that could affect the Company's business and financial results are contained in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Additional information will also be set forth in the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, which will be filed with the SEC. The Company does not intend and undertakes no duty to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein.

About QuinStreet

QuinStreet, Inc. (Nasdaq:QNST) is one of the largest Internet performance marketing and media companies in the world. QuinStreet is committed to providing consumers and businesses with the information they need to research, find and select the products, services and brands that meet their needs. For more information, please visit www.QuinStreet.com.

QUINSTREET, INC. 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
 (In thousands) 
 (Unaudited) 
        
  March 31, June 30, 
   2017   2016  
Assets     
Current assets:     
Cash and cash equivalents $41,744  $53,710  
Accounts receivable, net  43,107   47,218  
Prepaid expenses and other assets  7,130   7,055  
Total current assets  91,981   107,983  
Property and equipment, net  6,277   7,678  
Goodwill  56,118   56,118  
Other intangible assets, net  5,300   10,081  
Other assets, noncurrent  10,474   11,242  
Total assets $170,150  $193,102  
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity     
Current liabilities:     
Accounts payable $20,874  $19,814  
Accrued liabilities  26,185   27,705  
Deferred revenue  1,040   1,200  
Debt     15,000  
Total current liabilities  48,099   63,719  
Other liabilities, noncurrent  3,733   4,631  
Total liabilities  51,832   68,350  
Stockholders' equity:     
Common stock  45   45  
Additional paid-in capital  262,391   257,950  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (453)  (418) 
Accumulated deficit  (143,665)  (132,825) 
Total stockholders' equity  118,318   124,752  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity       $170,150  $193,102  


QUINSTREET, INC. 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
 (In thousands, except per share data) 
 (Unaudited) 
                
        Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 
        March 31, March 31,   
         2017   2016     2017   2016  
Net revenue  $79,205  $81,243  $218,253  $218,593  
Cost of revenue (1)   69,338   72,956   198,803   199,220  
Gross profit    9,867   8,287   19,450   19,373  
Operating expenses: (1)          
Product development   3,147   4,214   10,415   12,501  
Sales and marketing   2,243   2,898   7,001   9,502  
General and administrative   4,023   4,348   11,848   12,706  
Restructuring charges   38      2,441     
Operating income (loss)     416   (3,173)  (12,255)  (15,336) 
Interest income   42   23   99   39  
Interest expense   (31)  (155)  (322)  (433) 
Other income, net   142   112   252     120  
Income (loss) before income taxes   569   (3,193)    (12,226)    (15,610) 
Benefit from (provision for) taxes   10     (72)  1,386   (477) 
Net income (loss)  $579  $(3,265) $(10,840) $(16,087) 
                
Net income (loss) per share:          
Basic    $0.01  $(0.07) $(0.24) $(0.36) 
Diluted    $0.01  $(0.07) $(0.24) $(0.36) 
                
Weighted average shares used in computing net income (loss) per share:           
Basic     45,507   45,333   45,636   45,098  
Diluted     45,722   45,333   45,636   45,098  
                
                
(1) Cost of revenue and operating expenses include stock-based compensation expense as follows:     
Cost of revenue  $691  $969  $2,390  $2,826  
Product development   424   576   1,431   1,761  
Sales and marketing   291   501   868   1,482  
General and administrative   671   770   2,095   2,270  
Restructuring charges         42     


QUINSTREET, INC. 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
 (In thousands) 
 (Unaudited) 
           
   Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 
   March 31, March 31, 
    2017   2016   2017   2016  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities              
Net income (loss)$579  $(3,265) $(10,840) $(16,087) 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by
  operating activities:
        
Depreciation and amortization 2,660   3,721   8,983   11,437  
(Provision for) recovery from sales returns and doubtful
  accounts receivable
 (102)  209   109   843  
Stock-based compensation 2,077   2,816   6,826   8,339  
Gain on sales of domain names (11)  (44)  (154)  (160) 
Other adjustments, net (3)     (7)    
Changes in assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable (1,887)  (9,165)  4,002   (4,103) 
Prepaid expenses and other assets 23   (23)  583   (3,968) 
Deferred taxes (510)     (510)  (8) 
Accounts payable 482   5,066   1,109   2,121  
Accrued liabilities 3,225   6,890   (1,277)  3,007  
Deferred revenue (209)  (336)  (160)  (305) 
Other liabilities, noncurrent (138)  (117)  (388)  (327) 
Net cash provided by operating activities 6,186   5,752   8,276   789  
Cash Flows from Investing Activities        
Capital expenditures (374)  (546)  (978)  (1,689) 
Internal software development costs (552)  (758)  (1,734)  (2,689) 
Proceeds from sales of domain names 11   44   154   135  
Other investing activities (36)  (2)  (133)  (2) 
Net cash used in investing activities (951)  (1,262)  (2,691)  (4,245) 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities        
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options          26  
Withholding taxes related to restricted stock, net of share settlement         (229)  (391)  (765)  (2,139) 
Repurchases of common stock (723)     (1,766)    
Repayment of revolving loan facility       (15,000)    
Net cash used in financing activities (952)  (391)  (17,531)  (2,113) 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (35)  (47)  (20)  (97) 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 4,248   4,052   (11,966)  (5,666) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 37,496   50,750   53,710   60,468  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$41,744  $54,802  $41,744  $54,802  


QUINSTREET, INC. 
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO 
ADJUSTED NET INCOME (LOSS) 
 (In thousands, except per share data) 
 (Unaudited) 
               
       Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 
       March 31, March 31, 
        2017   2016   2017   2016  
Net income (loss)   $  579  $  (3,265) $  (10,840) $  (16,087) 
Amortization of intangible assets    1,380     2,183     5,019     6,839  
Stock-based compensation     2,077     2,816     6,784     8,339  
Restructuring      38     79     2,441     297  
Legal settlement      —     100     —     100  
Tax impact after non-GAAP items    (1,466)    (689)    (1,225)    —  
Adjusted net income (loss)  $  2,608  $  1,224  $  2,179  $  (512) 
               
Adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share $  0.06  $  0.03  $  0.05  $  (0.01) 
               
Weighted average shares used in computing
  adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share        
    45,722         45,343       45,729         45,098  
               
               
               
QUINSTREET, INC. 
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO 
ADJUSTED EBITDA 
 (In thousands) 
 (Unaudited) 
               
       Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 
       March 31, March 31, 
        2017   2016   2017   2016  
Net income (loss)   $  579  $  (3,265) $  (10,840) $  (16,087) 
Interest and other (income) expense, net    (153)    20     (29)    274  
(Benefit from) provision for taxes     (10)    72     (1,386)    477  
Depreciation and amortization      2,660     3,721     8,983     11,437  
Stock-based compensation     2,077     2,816     6,784     8,339  
Restructuring      38     79     2,441     297  
Legal settlement      —     100     —     100  
Adjusted EBITDA   $  5,191  $  3,543  $  5,953  $  4,837  

            

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