ORLANDO, Fla., May 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ:VOXX), a leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive and consumer technologies for the global markets, today announced its financial results for its Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter and year-ended February 29, 2024. Commenting on the Company's results and market outlook, Pat Lavelle, Chief Executive Officer stated, "After two strong years of growth and profits on an Adjusted EBITDA basis, we have experienced losses and as such, are taking steps to realign, both to improve margins and lower expenses. Fiscal 2024 was a tough year and we expect market conditions to remain challenged given inflation and global concerns. With that said, we have a number of new products both in and coming to market and new automotive programs starting in the second half of the year, which will help combat market softness. We have implemented new plans to improve margins and lower expenses to ensure VOXX's profitability. Concurrently, we are focused on improving capital returns, cash flow and our balance sheet." Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023 Fourth Quarter ComparisonsNet sales in the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter ended February 29, 2024, were $108.1 million as compared to $136.5 million in the Fiscal 2023 fourth quarter ended February 28, 2023, a decrease of $28.4 million or 20.8%. Automotive Electronics segment net sales in the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter were $32.6 million as compared to $49.5 million in the comparable year-ago period, a decrease of $16.9 million or 34.1%. For the same comparable periods, OEM product sales were $11.7 million as compared to $21.9 million and aftermarket product sales were $20.9 million as compared to $27.6 million. The decline in OEM product sales was primarily related to lower sales of rear-seat entertainment products, partially offset by higher sales of remote start systems attributed to a new OEM program with Ford that launched in the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter. The decline in aftermarket product sales was across categories given the current state of the domestic retail and automotive markets compared to the prior year. Consumer Electronics segment net sales in the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter were $75.2 million as compared to $86.7 million in the comparable year-ago period, a decrease of $11.4 million or 13.2%. For the same comparable periods, premium audio product sales were $57.2 million as compared to $61.9 million and other consumer electronics ("CE") product sales were $18.0 million as compared to $24.8 million. Sales of premium audio products increased domestically but declined internationally, particularly in Europe and Asia. Other CE product sales declined across various categories primarily due to retail softness and global economic challenges, partially offset by higher sales of the Company's RCA hearing aid products and remote product line. Biometrics segment net sales in the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter were $0.1 million as compared to $0.4 million in the comparable year-ago period. The gross margin in the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter was 19.9% as compared to 25.4% in the Fiscal 2023 fourth quarter, a decrease of 550 basis points, with the decline primarily related to higher inventory provisions in the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter versus the comparable Fiscal 2023 period. When comparing the Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023 fourth quarters, the Company reported: Automotive Electronics segment gross margin of 12.4% as compared to 25.4%. The year-over-year decline was primarily related to higher inventory provisions recorded in the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter, as well as higher warehouse and assembly expenses, and product mix, which offset savings from the relocation of certain OEM manufacturing operations to Mexico and other cost savings initiatives. Consumer Electronics segment gross margin of 23.6% as compared to 25.3%. The year-over-year decline was primarily driven by product mix and increased competition in select categories which impacted pricing, predominantly in the receiver category, as well as higher warehouse expenses. Biometrics segment gross margin of 2.3% as compared to 39.9% in the comparable year-ago period. Total operating expenses in the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter were $47.9 million as compared to $47.6 million in the comparable Fiscal 2023 period, an increase of $0.3 million or 0.6%. The year-over-year increase was driven primarily by higher non-cash impairment charges related to intangible assets in Fiscal 2024 and goodwill in Fiscal 2023, which more than offset the positive impact from cost-savings initiatives. When comparing the Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023 fourth quarters, the Company reported: Selling expenses of $10.9 million as compared to $11.4 million. The year-over-year improvement of $0.5 million was primarily driven by lower website, trade show and advertising expenses, as well as lower commissions and payroll benefits, partially offset by higher salaries. General and administrative ("G&A") expenses of $16.6 million as compared to $19.7 million. The year-over-year improvement of $3.1 million was driven by lower office salaries, office expenses, insurance costs, and professional fees, among other factors. Engineering and technical support expenses of $6.1 million as compared to $7.6 million. The year-over-year improvement of $1.5 million was primarily due to a decline in research and development expenses, lower labor expenses and a reduction in travel and entertainment expenses. Acquisition credit of $0.2 million associated with the acquisition of certain assets of Onkyo Home Entertainment Corporation were incurred in the Fiscal 2023 fourth quarter and there were no related costs incurred in the comparable Fiscal 2024 period. Goodwill impairment charge of $7.4 million associated with one of the Company's reporting units in the Company's Automotive Electronics segment was incurred in the Fiscal 2023 fourth quarter and there were no related charges incurred in the comparable Fiscal 2024 period. Intangible asset impairment charges of $14.2 million as compared to $1.3 million. In connection with its annual impairment test, in Fiscal 2024 the Company determined that four of its trademarks in the Consumer Electronics segment were impaired as a result of increased competition and reductions in projected profit margins and volumes from customers. Fiscal 2023 intangible asset impairment charges related to the Company's OEM business within the Automotive Electronics segment. The Company incurred approximately $0.3 million of restructuring charges in Fiscal 2023 related to the relocation of certain OEM production operations from Florida to Mexico and there were no charges recorded in the comparable Fiscal 2024 period. The Company reported an operating loss of $26.4 million in the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter as compared to an operating loss of $12.9 million in the Fiscal 2023 fourth quarter. Total other income, net, in the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter increased by $2.4 million over the comparable Fiscal 2023 fourth quarter. In the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter, the Company recorded income related to the final Seaguard settlement of $4.1 million representing an adjustment of the final arbitration award as compared to an expense of $1.0 million in the comparable year-ago period.  Interest and bank charges increased by $0.4 million and equity in income of equity investee declined by $0.6 million. Additionally, other, net was negatively impacted by $1.7 million, primarily as a result of losses in foreign currency. Net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation in the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter was $21.0 million as compared to a net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation of $18.1 million in the comparable Fiscal 2023 period. The Company reported a basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to VOXX International Corporation of $0.90 in the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter as compared to a basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to VOXX International Corporation of $0.75, in the comparable Fiscal 2023 period. The Company reported an Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA") loss in the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter of $18.1 million as compared to an EBITDA loss in the comparable Fiscal 2023 fourth quarter of $8.0 million. Adjusted EBITDA in the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter was a loss of $6.4 million as compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $4.1 million in the comparable Fiscal 2023 period. Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023 ComparisonsNet sales in the Fiscal 2024 twelve-month period ended February 29, 2024, were $468.9 million as compared to $534.0 million in the Fiscal 2023 period ended February 28, 2023, a decrease of $65.1 million or 12.2%. Automotive Electronics segment net sales in Fiscal 2024 were $142.3 million as compared to $174.8 million in Fiscal 2023, a decrease of $32.5 million or 18.6%. For the same comparable periods, OEM product sales were $58.3 million as compared to $73.0 million and aftermarket product sales were $84.1 million as compared to $101.8 million. The decline in OEM sales was primarily related to lower sales of OEM rear-seat entertainment ("RSE") products, partially offset by an increase in sales of OEM remote start products and safety products. The Company's OEM RSE business was impacted primarily by volume reductions within existing customer programs as well as the United Auto Workers strike. The decline in aftermarket sales was primarily related to lower sales of remote start and telematic products, partially offset by an increase in sales of satellite radio and collision avoidance products. Consumer Electronics segment net sales in Fiscal 2024 were $326.6 million as compared to $357.8 million in Fiscal 2023, a decrease of $31.1 million or 8.7%. For the same comparable periods, Premium Audio product sales were $237.9 million as compared to $274.5 million and other CE product sales were $88.7 million as compared to $83.2 million. The decline in Premium Audio product sales was primarily related to softness in the global economy and challenging retail, supply chain and consumer environments which led to lower sales of premium audio and receiving products when comparing the Fiscal year periods. Other CE product sales increased year-over-year, primarily driven by higher European accessory sales related to the Company's balcony solar power products that launched during the second half of the prior year. Domestically, general accessory product sales also increased when comparing the Fiscal year periods, aided by the launch of the Company's RCA hearing aid products. Biometrics segment net sales in Fiscal 2024 were $0.5 million as compared to $1.0 million in Fiscal 2023, with the decline primarily driven by sales made to certain customers during the prior year that did not repeat in the current Fiscal year. The gross margin in Fiscal 2024 was 24.3% as compared to 25.1% in Fiscal 2023, a decline of 80 basis points. For the same comparable periods, the Company reported: Automotive Electronics segment gross margin of 21.1% as compared to 24.3%. The 320-basis point decline in gross margin was primarily related to product mix, lower sales of higher margin products such as aftermarket security and aftermarket RSE products, and higher sales of satellite radio products, the latter of which carry lower gross margins. The Company also incurred an inventory write-down of $3.8 million in Fiscal 2024 related to inventory identified as either slow-moving or damaged in conjunction with the OEM manufacturing transition to Mexico, among other factors. Consumer Electronics segment gross margin of 25.6% as compared to 25.5%. The year-over-year improvement of 10 basis points was primarily driven by higher sales of new products, such as RCA Hearing Aids and balcony solar products in Europe, as well as higher margins on newer premium audio products introduced and fewer promotions compared to the prior Fiscal year. The net decline in sales of the Company's Onkyo and Pioneer products domestically negatively affected margins in Fiscal 2024, as did more aggressive market competition, among other factors. Biometrics segment gross margin of 20.5% as compared to 34.2% in the comparable year-ago period. Total operating expenses in the Fiscal 2024 twelve-month period were $158.1 million as compared to $161.6 million in the comparable Fiscal 2023 period, an improvement of $3.5 million or 2.2%. In Fiscal 2024, the Company incurred intangible asset impairment charges of $14.2 million and restructuring charges of $2.1 million. In Fiscal 2023, the Company incurred intangible asset impairment charges of $1.3 million and restructuring expenses of $0.9 million, as well as a goodwill impairment charge of $7.4 million. Excluding these charges and expenses, total operating expenses in Fiscal 2024 were $141.7 million as compared to $152.0 million in Fiscal 2023, an improvement of $10.3million, or 6.8%. For the same comparable periods: Selling expenses of $43.1 million as compared to $47.0 million. The year-over-year improvement of $3.9 million or 8.3%, was primarily driven by lower employee salaries and related benefits and payroll taxes, lower advertising and website expenses, and lower commission expenses, among other factors. General and administrative expenses of $69.2 million as compared to $73.6 million. The year-over-year improvement of $4.4 million or 6.0%, was primarily due to lower salary and related payroll taxes, depreciation and amortization, professional fees and outside consulting services, as well as Employee Retention Credits which have offset payroll tax expenses, among other factors. This was partially offset by an increase in bad debt expense due to releases in the prior year that did not repeat, as well as higher travel expenses. Engineering and technical support expenses of $29.4 million as compared to $31.5 million. The year-over-year improvement of $2.1 million or 6.6%, was primarily due to lower research and development expenses, lower salary and payroll taxes and Employee Retention Credits which have offset payroll tax expenses, among other factors, partially offset by higher travel expense. Intangible asset impairment charges of $14.2 million were incurred in Fiscal 2024. In connection with its annual impairment test, the Company determined that four of its trademarks in the Consumer Electronics segment were impaired as a result of increased competition and reductions in projected profit margins and volumes from customers. This compares to intangible asset impairment charges of $1.3 million and a goodwill impairment charge of $7.4 million related to the Company's Automotive business in Fiscal 2023. Restructuring expenses of $2.1 million increased by $1.3 million as the Company initiated actions to lower its headcount and other expenses, as well as actions taken to relocate certain OEM production operations to Mexico. The Company reported an operating loss in the Fiscal 2024 twelve-month period of $44.0 million as compared to an operating loss of $27.3 million in the comparable Fiscal 2023 period. Total other expense, net, in Fiscal 2024 was $3.3 million as compared to total other expense, net, of $3.7 million in Fiscal 2023. In Fiscal 2024, the Company recorded a net credit to other (expense) income of $0.8 million, representing charges for interest due on the final arbitration award when paid, offset by the reversal of previous charges accrued as a result of the Seaguard settlement, which was paid during the Fiscal 2024 fourth quarter. Additionally, for the comparable Fiscal year periods, interest and bank charges increased by $2.3 million, equity in income of equity investee declined by $2.1 million and other, net was essentially flat for both periods. Net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation in Fiscal 2024 was $40.9 million as compared to a net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation of $27.5 million in the comparable Fiscal 2023 period. The Company reported a basic and diluted loss per share attributable to VOXX International Corporation of $1.74 in Fiscal 2024 as compared to a basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to VOXX International Corporation of $1.13 in Fiscal 2023. The Company reported an EBITDA loss in Fiscal 2024 of $24.7 million as compared to an EBITDA loss in Fiscal 2023 of $11.2 million. The Company reported an Adjusted EBITDA loss in Fiscal 2024 of $3.4 million as compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $9.7 million in Fiscal 2023. Balance Sheet UpdateAs of February 29, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $11.0 million as compared to $6.1 million as of February 28, 2023. Total debt as of February 29, 2024 was $73.3 million as compared to $39.2 million as of February 28, 2023. The increase in total debt is primarily related to a $34.8 million increase in outstanding debt on the Company's Domestic Credit Facility ("Facility") due to higher borrowings during the current period. The remaining availability under the Facility was $55.3 million as of February 29, 2024. The increase in total debt was partially offset by a $0.5 million decrease associated with the Company's Florida mortgage and a $0.3 million decline in the shareholder loan payable to Sharp Corporation. Total long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs as of February 29, 2024 was $71.9 million as compared to $37.5 million as of February 28, 2023. Seaguard SettlementOn December 22, 2023, the Company and Seaguard entered into a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release, with an effective date of January 10, 2024, in which the Company agreed to pay Seaguard $42.0 million in full and final settlement of all judgments and claims that have been awarded or asserted or could have been asserted by Seaguard against the Company and its subsidiaries. An initial payment of $10 million was made on December 27, 2023 and the final payment of $32.0 million was made on January 10, 2024. Upon receipt of the final payment, Seaguard filed a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court and a Dismissal of the Arbitration with the American Arbitration Association. The Company filed a Dismissal of the Appeal after the filing of the Satisfaction of Judgment. The Company used its availability under its Facility to pay the settlement in full and believes it has sufficient working capital and availability to fund its business and meet all obligations. BioCenturion LLC FormationOn March 1, 2024, EyeLock LLC, a majority owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corporation, entered into a joint venture agreement with GalvanEyes Partners, LLC to form the entity BioCenturion LLC ("BioCenturion"). The joint venture will operate the collective biometrics business and Beat Kahli, Co-Vice Chairman of VOXX International Corporation's Board of Directors will serve as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of BioCenturion. Each of the members has agreed to contribute selected assets and liabilities to the joint venture, with GalvanEyes controlling the day-to-day operations. Further, GalvanEyes will be responsible for all working capital needs and the funding of the joint venture for the first two years. In conjunction with the formation of the joint venture, the distribution agreement between EyeLock and GalvanEyes was terminated, and a promissory note was signed by GalvanEyes for the repayment of the remaining quarterly installments due at February 29, 2024. The balance, with an interest rate of 8%, will be paid in eight quarterly installments beginning May 31, 2024 through February 28, 2026. Conference Call InformationThe Company will be hosting its conference call and webcast on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET. To attend the webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/upj4o2cn To access by phone: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIdf763076ee234beeb2692a8842b45885 Participants are requested to register a day in advance or at a minimum 15 minutes before the start of the call. Those wishing to ask questions following management's remarks should use the dial-in numbers provided. A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the call and archived under "Events and Presentations" in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at https://investors.voxxintl.com/events-and-presentations Non-GAAP MeasuresEBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not financial measures recognized by GAAP. EBITDA represents net loss, computed in accordance with GAAP, before interest expense and bank charges, taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA adjusted for stock-based compensation expense, foreign currency losses and gains, gains on the sale of certain assets, acquisition costs, certain non-recurring legal and professional fees, settlements and awards, non-recurring severance expense, restructuring expenses, and impairment charges. Depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, foreign currency losses (gains), and impairment charges are non-cash items. We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA in our Form 10-K because we consider them to be useful and appropriate supplemental measures of our performance. Adjusted EBITDA helps us to evaluate our performance without the effects of certain GAAP calculations that may not have a direct cash impact on our current operating performance. In addition, the exclusion of certain costs or gains relating to certain events that occurred during the periods presented allows for a more meaningful comparison of our results from period-to-period. These non-GAAP measures, as we define them, are not necessarily comparable to similarly entitled measures of other companies and may not be an appropriate measure for performance relative to other companies. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be assessed in isolation from, are not intended to represent, and should not be considered to be more meaningful measures than, or alternatives to, measures of operating performance as determined in accordance with GAAP. About VOXX International CorporationVOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX) has grown into a leader in Automotive Electronics and Consumer Electronics, with emerging Biometrics technology to capitalize on the increased need for advanced security. Over the past several decades, with a portfolio of approximately 35 trusted brands, VOXX has built market-leading positions in in-vehicle entertainment, automotive security, reception products, a number of premium audio market segments, and more. VOXX is a global company, with an extensive distribution network that includes power retailers, mass merchandisers, 12-volt specialists and many of the world's leading automotive manufacturers. For additional information, please visit our website at www.voxxintl.com Safe Harbor StatementExcept for historical information contained herein, statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements and thus may involve certain risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements made in this release are based on currently available information and the Company assumes no responsibility to update any such forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, may cause actual results to differ materially from the results suggested in the forward-looking statements. The factors include, but are not limited to the risk factors described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, and other filings made by the Company from time to time with the SEC, as such descriptions may be updated or amended in any future reports we file with the SEC. The factors described in such SEC filings include, without limitation: impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply shortages and logistics costs and delays; global economic trends; cybersecurity risks; risks that may result from changes in the Company's business operations; operational execution by our businesses; changes in law, regulation or policy that may affect our businesses; our ability to increase margins through implementation of operational improvements, restructuring and other cost reduction methods; our ability to keep pace with technological advances; significant competition in the automotive electronics, consumer electronics and biometrics businesses; our relationships with key suppliers and customers; quality and consumer acceptance of newly introduced products; market volatility; non-availability of product; excess inventory; price and product competition; new product introductions; foreign currency fluctuations; and restrictive debt covenants. Many of the foregoing risks and uncertainties are, and will be, exacerbated by the War in the Ukraine and any worsening of the global business and economic environment as a result.  Investor Relations Contact:Glenn Wiener, GW Communications (for VOXX)Email: Tables to Follow   VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023 (In thousands, except share and per share data) February 29,2024 February 28,2023 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,986 $ 6,134 Accounts receivable, net 71,066 82,753 Inventory, net 128,471 175,129 Receivables from vendors 1,192 112 Due from GalvanEyes LLC, current 1,238 — Prepaid expenses and other current assets 20,820 19,817 Income tax receivable 2,095 1,076 Total current assets 235,868 285,021 Investment securities 828 1,053 Equity investments 21,380 22,018 Property, plant and equipment, net 45,070 47,044 Operating lease, right of use assets 2,577 3,632 Goodwill 63,931 65,308 Intangible assets, net 68,766 90,437 Due from GalvanEyes LLC, less current portion 1,340 — Deferred income tax assets 1,452 1,218 Other assets 2,794 3,720 Total assets $ 444,006 $ 519,451 Liabilities, Redeemable Equity, Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest, and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: