8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 9, 2016

 

 

QUINSTREET, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-34628   77-0512121

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

950 Tower Lane, 6th Floor

Foster City, CA 94404

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (650) 578-7700

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On November 9, 2016, QuinStreet, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release (the “Press Release”) announcing its financial results for its first quarter ended September 30, 2016. A copy of this press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.05. Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.

On November 9, 2016, the Company announced a corporate restructuring and other steps to accelerate margin expansion, grow cash flow, and increase shareholder value. The restructuring will reduce fixed costs by approximately $17 million annually and includes a reduction in personnel costs of approximately 25%. The Company also expects to incur a one-time restructuring charge in the range of $ 2.5 million to $3.5 million in the December quarter.

The restructuring includes a reorganization that streamlines operations and increases focus on key growth products and client verticals. As part of the reorganization, the leadership of the Company’s Education and Business-to-Business technology verticals has been changed, and all Financial Services verticals have been consolidated under the successful Insurance leadership team.

The Company currently expects the restructuring to be substantially completed by the end of the three months ended December 31, 2016.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Current Report on Form 8-K contains statements that are forward-looking statements as defined within the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements regarding the expected timing to complete the corporate restructuring, percentage of employees included in the corporate restructuring, and associated restructuring costs of the corporate restructuring. These forward-looking statements are inherently subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including the Company’s ability to accurately estimate the restructuring charges associated with and the time required to implement and complete the corporate restructuring; potential changes to accounting standards and interpretations; and changes in laws and regulations. More information about potential factors that could affect these forward-looking statements are contained in the Company’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not intend and undertakes no duty to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibit

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

99.1   Press release dated November 9, 2016 titled “QuinStreet Reports Q1 Financial Results and Corporate Restructuring”

The information contained in Items 2.02 and 9.01 (including the exhibit furnished in this report) shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

    QUINSTREET, INC.
Dated: November 9, 2016     By:   /s/ Martin J. Collins
      Martin J. Collins
     

General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and

Senior Vice President


INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

99.1   Press release dated November 9, 2016 titled “QuinStreet Reports Q1 Financial Results and Corporate Restructuring”

The information contained in Items 2.02 and 9.01 (including the exhibit furnished in this report) shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

QuinStreet Reports Q1 Financial Results and Corporate Restructuring

Company Announces Stock Repurchase Program

FOSTER CITY, CA – November 9, 2016 — QuinStreet, Inc. (Nasdaq: QNST), the leader in performance marketing products and technologies, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended September 30, 2016. The Company also announced a corporate restructuring and other steps to accelerate margin expansion, grow cash flow, and increase shareholder value.

The corporate restructuring will reduce fixed costs by approximately $17 million annually, including a reduction in personnel costs of approximately 25%. Benefits from the restructuring will begin to take effect in the December quarter. The Company also expects to incur a one-time restructuring charge in the range of $2.5 million to $3.5 million in the December quarter.

The restructuring includes a reorganization that streamlines operations and increases focus on key growth products and client verticals. As part of the reorganization, the leadership of the Company’s Education and Business-to-Business technology verticals has been changed, and all Financial Services verticals have been consolidated under the successful Insurance leadership team.

In addition, the Company announced the authorization of a stock buyback program, initially limited to offsetting annual dilution due to equity compensation. Dilution from equity compensation has averaged approximately 1.4% of outstanding shares annually over the past five years. The Board will assess the buyback program on an ongoing basis as circumstances change.

The Company also announced that it will undertake a strategic review of its business portfolio to further evaluate resource allocations and investments, and to analyze and explore possible divestitures and strategic partnerships. The objective of the review will be to identify opportunities to further increase shareholder value, and to enable greater focus on and investment in the Company’s most successful products and businesses, particularly its Financial Services client vertical.

For the first quarter, the Company reported total revenue of $73.4 million and GAAP net loss of $3.6 million, or ($0.08) per share. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $1.0 million and adjusted net income was $631,000, or $0.01 per share. The Company generated $1.2 million in operating cash flow and closed the quarter with $53.6 million in cash and $38.6 million in net cash.

“Today, we announced measures to ensure that we meet our commitment to expand adjusted EBITDA margin and to take whatever steps are necessary to maximize long-term shareholder value,” commented Doug Valenti, QuinStreet CEO. “We continued to see strong momentum in the Financial Services client vertical, our largest business, which grew nearly 40% year-over-year in the first quarter and now represents over 60% of Company revenue. The Education client vertical continues to be challenging and difficult to project. With that in mind, we currently forecast that revenue in fiscal year 2017 will be flat to up low single digits year-over-year. We expect to generate in excess of $15 million in adjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2017, inclusive of partial-year effects from the restructuring. We expect full-year effects from the restructuring in fiscal 2018.”

Reconciliations of adjusted net income to GAAP net loss and adjusted EBITDA to GAAP net loss 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) 344.6491 or +1 (785) 830.7988 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 7826936 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 Wednesday, November 16, 2016 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 and adjusted diluted net income 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 loss less benefit from (provision for) taxes, depreciation expense, amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense, interest and other expense, net and restructuring expense. The term “adjusted net income” refers to a financial measure that we define as net loss adjusted for amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense and restructuring expense, net of estimated taxes. The term “adjusted diluted net income per share” refers to a financial measure that we define as adjusted net income 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 and adjusted diluted net income per share may not be comparable to the definitions as reported by other companies.

We believe adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted net income 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 and adjusted diluted net income 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 and adjusted diluted net income 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 September 30, 2016, 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.

Investor Contact:

Erica Abrams

(415) 297-5864

eabrams@quinstreet.com


QUINSTREET, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     September 30,     June 30,  
     2016     2016  

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 53,566      $ 53,710   

Accounts receivable, net

     44,303        47,218   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     7,689        7,055   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     105,558        107,983   

Property and equipment, net

     7,273        7,678   

Goodwill

     56,118        56,118   

Other intangible assets, net

     8,333        10,081   

Other assets, noncurrent

     11,181        11,242   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 188,463      $ 193,102   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 20,569      $ 19,814   

Accrued liabilities

     23,840        27,705   

Deferred revenue

     1,037        1,200   

Debt

     15,000        15,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     60,446        63,719   

Other liabilities, noncurrent

     4,512        4,631   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     64,958        68,350   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock

     46        45   

Additional paid-in capital

     260,277        257,950   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (424     (418

Accumulated deficit

     (136,394     (132,825
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     123,505        124,752   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 188,463      $ 193,102   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


QUINSTREET, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2016     2015  

Net revenue

   $ 73,438      $ 72,389   

Cost of revenue (1)

     67,808        65,918   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     5,630        6,471   

Operating expenses: (1)

    

Product development

     3,954        4,444   

Sales and marketing

     2,590        3,622   

General and administrative

     4,031        4,220   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

     (4,945     (5,815

Interest income

     21        6   

Interest expense

     (156     (133

Other income (expense), net

     135        (57
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

     (4,945     (5,999

Benefit from (provision for) taxes

     1,376        (365
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (3,569   $ (6,364
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss per share:

    

Basic

   $ (0.08   $ (0.14
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ (0.08   $ (0.14
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares used in computing net loss per share:

    

Basic

     45,668        44,836   

Diluted

     45,668        44,836   

(1)       Cost of revenue and operating expenses include stock-based compensation expense as follows:

    

Cost of revenue

   $ 971      $ 927   

Product development

     536        658   

Sales and marketing

     357        472   

General and administrative

     743        732   


QUINSTREET, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2016     2015  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

    

Net loss

   $ (3,569   $ (6,364

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     3,373        3,944   

Provision for (recovery from) sales returns and doubtful accounts receivable

     95        (73

Stock-based compensation

     2,607        2,789   

Gain on sales of domain names

     (143     (65

Other adjustments, net

     (13     —     

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     2,820        453   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (574     5,500   

Deferred taxes

     —          (8

Accounts payable

     676        (1,100

Accrued liabilities

     (3,783     (1,673

Deferred revenue

     (163     (62

Other liabilities, noncurrent

     (119     (98
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     1,207        3,243   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

    

Capital expenditures

     (401     (489

Internal software development costs

     (695     (1,276

Proceeds from sales of domain names

     143        40   

Other investing activities

     (53     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,006     (1,725
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

    

Withholding taxes related to restricted stock net share settlement

     (347     (1,323
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (347     (1,323
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     2        (3

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (144     192   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     53,710        60,468   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 53,566      $ 60,660   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


QUINSTREET, INC.

RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS TO

ADJUSTED NET INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     September 30,  
     2016     2015  

Net loss

   $ (3,569   $ (6,364

Amortization of intangible assets

     1,948        2,409   

Stock-based compensation

     2,607        2,789   

Restructuring

     —          218   

Tax impact after non-GAAP items

     (355     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted net income (loss)

   $ 631      $ (948
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share

   $ 0.01      $ (0.02
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares used in computing adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share

     45,700        44,836   

QUINSTREET, INC.

RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS TO

ADJUSTED EBITDA

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     September 30,  
     2016     2015  

Net loss

   $ (3,569   $ (6,364

Interest and other expense, net

     —          184   

(Benefit from) provision for taxes

     (1,376     365   

Depreciation and amortization

     3,373        3,944   

Stock-based compensation

     2,607        2,789   

Restructuring

     —          218   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 1,035      $ 1,136