Quarterhill Announces First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

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May 10, 2018, 06:30 ET

OTTAWA, May 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Quarterhill Inc. ("Quarterhill" or the "Company") (TSX: QTRH) (NASDAQ: QTRH), announces its financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018. All financial information in this press release is reported in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

First quarter 2018 Highlights

Revenue of $12.0 million
Recurring revenues of $4.2 million, representing 35% of total revenue
Adjusted EBITDA* of ($7.3) million
Net loss of $12.0 million, or $0.10 per common share
Hired Russ Stuebing as SVP, Corporate Development, and Neil Urquhart as SVP, Human Resources, to enhance acquisition capabilities

"Financial results in Q1 reflect the variability inherent with WiLAN, our patent license business, and point to the rationale for launching our diversification strategy in 2017," said Doug Parker, President and CEO of Quarterhill. "While we know the variability can also help this business, as it did in Q3 of last year, as we've stated in the past, WiLAN's performance is best judged over a longer period of time as opposed to quarter-to-quarter, and this was true once again in Q1. WiLAN has an active pipeline of license opportunities with a significant number of ongoing litigations, including multiple at the trial stage, but we will continue to be patient in our negotiations and will only settle when we believe we are being offered fair value for our patents."

"With IRD and VIZIYA, the first quarter of the calendar year is typically a seasonally slower period for both businesses and this was reflected in our Q1 results. In each case, we had a number of new wins in the quarter, saw continued expansion in both of their respective sales pipelines and we expect improvement as the year progresses with the results from both companies."

"Our broader vision for Quarterhill is to create substantial value by acquiring, integrating and building companies in the tech sector where we believe we can capitalize on permanent consolidation and convergence trends. We believe there is an established playbook for the type of software-focused M&A strategy we are pursuing that if well executed has been shown to deliver attractive returns to shareholders. Our priorities for 2018 include enhancing performance from our existing portfolio of companies as well as deploying capital on acquisitions. With a growing M&A pipeline and the recent addition of senior resources to our deal team, we expect to invest capital in 2018 but will remain patient and disciplined in our approach and focus only on those acquisition opportunities that meet our strict criteria."

Approval of Eligible Dividend
The Board of Directors has declared an eligible quarterly dividend of CDN $0.0125 per common share payable on July 6, 2018, to shareholders of record on June 15, 2018.

Business Strategy and Segments
Our acquisition strategy focuses primarily on financial metrics while remaining cognizant of broader technology and market trends as we build a portfolio of businesses that are characterized as having recurring revenue, free cash flow and profitable growth potential. Driven by the execution of a proven and disciplined acquisition strategy, we seek to enable shareholders to benefit from consolidation and convergence trends in today's technology industry. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had investments in three segments: Technology (WiLAN); Mobility (IRD); and Factory (VIZIYA).

Q1 Fiscal 2018 Consolidated Financial Review
Quarterhill's consolidated financial results for Q1 fiscal 2018 include a full contribution from Wi‑LAN Inc. ("WiLAN"), International Road Dynamics Inc. ("IRD") and VIZIYA Corp ("VIZIYA"). The 2017 comparative period information presented represents solely WiLAN's results for the specified period. Certain comparative information has been restated to conform to the new basis of presentation.

Consolidated revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were $12.0 million, compared to $7.6 million, representing growth of 58% over the same period last year. The year-over-year increase was due to the Company's diversification strategy and the inclusion of the operations of IRD and VIZIYA, which were acquired in Q2 2017.

Gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $0.3 million, or 2.5%, compared to $0.2 million, or 2.6%, in the same period last year. In Q1 2018, positive gross margin from IRD and VIZIYA was mostly offset by negative gross margin at WiLAN.

Operating expenses include selling, general and administrative costs, research and development costs, depreciation and amortization of intangible assets. Operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were $15.1 million, compared to $7.8 million in the same period last year. Operating expenses increased quarter-over-quarter due to the addition of the IRD and VIZIYA operations.

Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was ($7.3) million compared to ($2.2) million in the same period last year. The year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA loss is primarily due to lower revenue from WiLAN and an Adjusted EBITDA loss in the operations of IRD resulting from lower project specific revenues. The operations of IRD are seasonal and the first quarter is generally the weakest quarter within a year. VIZIYA generated positive Adjusted EB ITDA of $0.7 million in the quarter representing a margin of 25%.

Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was ($12.0) million, or ($0.10) per basic and diluted Common Share, compared to net loss of ($7.2) million, or ($0.06) per basic and diluted Common Share, in the same period last year. Net loss in Q1 2018 increased compared to the same period last year primarily due to lower quarter-over-quarter revenue from WiLAN and a net loss from IRD.

Cash generated from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was ($6.5) million, compared to $8.4 million in the same period last year. The difference in cash from operations was primarily impacted by the timing of collections for certain receivables in Q1 2017, which led to a significant change in non-cash working capital balances quarter-over-quarter. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments amounted to $75.1 million at March 31, 2018, compared to $86.6 million at December 31, 2017.

The table below highlights financial performance for the Company's Technology, Mobility and Factory segments. For detailed results and discussion related to these segments, please refer to the Management's Discussion and Analysis document, which will be filed on SEDAR and at www.quarterhill.com in the investor section.

	For the three months ended March 31, 2018
	Technology		Mobility		Factory		Corporate		Total
Revenues	$	1,767	$	7,412	$	2,830	$	-	$	12,009
Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization)		5,905		5,498		331		-		11,734
		(4,138)		1,914		2,499		-		275
Selling, general and administrative		631		2,573		1,569		2,280		7,053
Research and development		-		549		390		-		939
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		75		290		29		1		395
Amortization of intangibles		5,002		992		757		-		6,751
Results from operations		(9,846)		(2,490)		(246)		(2,281)		(14,863)
Finance income		-		(1)		-		(190)		(191)
Finance expense		-		36		3		-		39
Foreign exchange loss (gain)		300		(148)		(9)		(273)		(130)
Other expense (income)		-		(250)		(77)		-		(327)
Income (loss) before taxes		(10,146)		(2,127)		(163)		(1,818)		(14,254)
Current income tax expense (recovery)		104		9		(434)		-		(321)
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)		(1,403)		(568)		(238)		321		(1,888)
Income tax expense (recovery)		(1,299)		(559)		(672)		321		(2,209)
Net income (loss)	$	(8,847)	$	(1,568)	$	509	$	(2,139)	$	(12,045)

Adjusted EBITDA		(4,763)		(1,037)		667		(2,204)		(7,337)

Other reconciling items:
Effect of deleted deferred revenue		-		97		127		-		224
Stock-based compensation		6		74		-		76		156

	For the three months ended March 31, 2017
	Technology
Revenues	$	7,578
Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization)		7,394
		184
Selling, general and administrative		2,402
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		91
Amortization of intangibles		5,303
Results from operations		(7,612)
Finance income		(218)
Foreign exchange loss (gain)		(285)
Income (loss) before taxes		(7,109)
Current income tax expense (recovery)		743
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)		(623)
Income tax expense (recovery)		120
Net loss	$	(7,229)

Adjusted EBITDA		(2,187)

Other reconciling items:
Stock-based compensation		31

Conference Call and Webcast
Quarterhill will host a conference call to discuss its financial results today at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

Webcast Information
The live audio webcast will be available at: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/1665412/0B32B4E32C27AB7B8AD1FA1DE90AED24.

Dial-in Information

To access the call from Canada and U.S., dial 1.888.231.8191 (Toll Free)
To access the call from other locations, dial 1.647.427.7450 (International)

Replay Information
Webcast replay will be available for 90 days at: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/1665412/0B32B4E32C27AB7B8AD1FA1DE90AED24.

Telephone replay will be available from 1:00 PM ET on May 10, 2018 until 11:59 PM ET on May 17, 2018 at: 1.855.859.2056 (Toll Free) or 1.416.849.0833 (International). The telephone replay requires the passcode 3857547.

Non-GAAP Disclosure*
Quarterhill follows U.S. GAAP in preparing its interim and annual financial statements. We use the term "Adjusted EBITDA" to mean net income from continuing operations before: (i) income taxes; (ii) finance expense or income; (iii) amortization and impairment of intangibles; (iv) special charges and other one-time items; (v) depreciation of property, plant and equipment; (vi) effects of deleted deferred revenue; (vii) the effects of fair value step up in inventory acquired; (viii) stock based compensation; (ix) foreign exchange (gain) loss; and * equity in earnings and dividends from joint ventures. Adjusted EBITDA is used by Quarterhill management to assess our normalized cash generated on a consolidated basis and in our operating segments. Adjusted EBITDA is also a performance measure that may be used by investors to analyze the cash generated by Quarterhill and our operating segments. ADJUSTED EBITDA IS NOT A MEASURE OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE UNDER U.S. GAAP. IT DOES NOT HAVE ANY STANDARDIZED MEANING PRESCRIBED BY U.S. GAAP AND IS THEREFORE UNLIKELY TO BE COMPARABLE TO SIMILARLY TITLED MEASURES USED BY OTHER COMPANIES. ADJUSTED EBITDA SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO NET EARNINGS AND CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS AS DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH U.S. GAAP OR AS A MEASURE OF LIQUIDITY.

About Quarterhill
Quarterhill is focused on the disciplined acquisition, management and growth of companies in dedicated technology areas including, vertical market software and solutions, intelligent industrial systems, and innovation and licensing. Quarterhill's emphasis is on seeking out acquisition opportunities at reasonable valuations that provide a foundation for recurring revenues, predictable cash flows and margins, profitable growth, intimate customer relationships and dedicated management teams. Quarterhill is listed on the TSX and NASDAQ under the symbol QTRH. For more information: www.quarterhill.com.

Forward-looking Information
This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other United States and Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are based on estimates and assumptions made by Quarterhill in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and the expected effects of new business strategies, as well as other factors that Quarterhill believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause Quarterhill's actual performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Such factors include, without limitation, the risks described in Quarterhill's March 1, 2018 annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the "AIF"). Copies of the AIF may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov. Quarterhill recommends that readers review and consider all of these risk factors and notes that readers should not place undue reliance on any of Quarterhill's forward-looking statements. Quarterhill has no intention, and undertakes no obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

All trademarks and brands mentioned in this release are the property of their respective owners.

Quarterhill Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts)

		For the three months ended,
		March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Revenues		$	12,009	$	7,578
Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization)			11,734		7,394
			275		184
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative			7,053		2,402
Research and development			939		-
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment			395		91
Amortization of intangibles			6,751		5,303
			15,138		7,796
Results from operations			(14,863)		(7,612)

Finance income			(191)		(218)
Finance expense			39		-
Foreign exchange loss			(130)		(285)
Other income			(327)		-
Loss before taxes			(14,254)		(7,109)

Current income tax expense (recovery)			(321)		743
Deferred income tax recovery			(1,888)		(623)
Income tax expense (recovery)			(2,209)		120
Net loss		$	(12,045)	$	(7,229)

Net loss per share
	Basic and fully diluted	$	(0.10)	$	(0.06)

Weighted average number of common shares
	Basic		118,658,249		118,572,181
	Fully diluted		118,658,249		118,572,181

Quarterhill Inc.
Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Operations Information
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of United States dollars)

		For the three months ended,
		March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Revenues
	License	$	2,493	$	6,991
	Systems		4,693		-
	Services		653		-
	Recurring		4,170		587
Total revenues		$	12,009	$	7,578

Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization)
	License	$	5,931	$	7,394
	Systems		3,466		-
	Services		305		-
	Recurring		2,032		-
Total cost of revenues		$	11,734	$	7,394

Quarterhill Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of United States dollars)
		For the three months ended,
		March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Net loss		$	(12,045)	$	(7,229)

Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(790)		-
Comprehensive loss		$	(12,835)	$	(7,229)

Quarterhill Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Interim Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of United States dollars)

As at		March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	70,419	$	81,818
	Short-term investments		1,202		1,236
	Restricted Short-term investments		3,500		3,500
	Accounts receivable		15,305		19,298
	Other current assets		12		13
	Unbilled revenue		7,154		3,045
	Income taxes receivable		150		144
	Inventories		5,265		5,083
	Prepaid expenses and deposits		3,683		4,129
			106,690		118,266
Non-current assets
	Property, plant and equipment		3,467		3,801
	Intangible assets		107,705		114,944
	Investment in joint venture		3,902		3,383
	Deferred income tax assets		23,611		20,195
	Goodwill		42,133		42,587
TOTAL ASSETS		$	287,508	$	303,176

Liabilities
Current liabilities
	Bank indebtedness	$	1,511	$	3,568
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		14,683		20,487
	Income taxes payable		12		599
	Patent finance obligation		2,742		4,090
	Current portion of deferred revenue		7,549		6,733
	Current portion of long-term debt		120		115
			26,617		35,592
Non-current liabilities
	Contingent consideration		4,474		4,474
	Deferred revenue		851		884
	Long-term debt		381		401
	Deferred income tax liabilities		7,280		7,291
TOTAL LIABILITIES			39,603		48,642
Shareholders' equity
	Capital stock		418,873		418,873
	Additional paid-in capital		22,645		22,489
	Accumulated other comprehensive income		19,321		20,111
	Deficit		(212,934)		(206,939)
			247,905		254,534
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY		$	287,508	$	303,176

Quarterhill Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of United States dollars)

			For the three months ended,
			March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Cash generated from (used in):
Operations
Net loss			$	(12,045)	$	(7,229)
	Non-cash items
		Stock-based compensation		156		31
		Depreciation and amortization		7,146		5,394
		Foreign exchange loss (gain)		78		(47)
		Equity in earnings from joint venture		(250)		-
		Loss (gain) on disposal of assets		1		-
		Deferred income tax expense (recovery)		(1,888)		(623)
		Accrued investment income		-		(76)
		Embedded derivatives		2		-
	Changes in non-cash working capital balances			261		10,929
Cash generated from (used in) operations				(6,539)		8,379
Financing
	Dividends paid			(1,171)		(1,129)
	Bank indebtedness			(2,057)		-
	Repayment of long-term debt			(15)		-
Cash used in financing				(3,243)		(1,129)
Investing
	Purchase of restricted short-term investments			-		(3,500)
	Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			11		-
	Purchase of property and equipment			(123)		(7)
	Repayment of patent finance obligations			(1,390)		(1,389)
	Purchase of intangibles			(40)		-
Cash used in investing				(1,542)		(4,896)
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash held in foreign currency				(75)		36
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents				(11,399)		2,390
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period				81,818		106,553
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period			$	70,419	$	108,943

Quarterhill Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of United States dollars)
		Capital Stock		Additional paid in Capital		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Deficit		Total Equity
Balance - January 1, 2017		$	419,485	$	21,036	$	16,225	$	(212,602)	$	244,144

Comprehensive loss:
	Net loss		-		-		-		(7,229)		(7,229)
Shares and options issued:
	Stock-based compensation expense		-		31		-		-		31
Dividends declared			-		-		-		(1,138)		(1,138)
Balance - March 31, 2017		$	419,485	$	21,067	$	16,225	$	(220,969)	$	235,808

Balance - January 1, 2018		$	418,873	$	22,489	$	20,111	$	(206,939)	$	254,534
Adoption of ASU 2014-09			-		-		-		4,272		4,272
Adoption of ASU 2016-16			-		-		-		2,949		2,949
Balance January 1, 2018, revised			418,873		22,489		20,111		(199,718)		261,755

Comprehensive loss:
	Net loss		-		-		-		(12,045)		(12,045)
	Other comprehensive loss		-		-		(790)		-		(790)
Shares and options issued:
	Stock-based compensation expense		-		156		-		-		156
Dividends declared			-		-		-		(1,171)		(1,171)
Balance - March 31, 2018		$	418,873	$	22,645	$	19,321	$	(212,934)	$	247,905

Quarterhill Inc.
Reconciliations of GAAP Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts)

		For the three months ended,
Adjusted EBITDA		March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Net loss		$	(12,045)	$	(7,229)

Adjusted for:
	Income tax expense (recovery)		(2,209)		120
	Foreign exchange gain		(130)		(285)
	Finance expense		39		-
	Finance income		(191)		(218)
	Amortization of intangibles		6,751		5,303
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		395		91
	Effect of deleted deferred revenue		224		-
	Stock-based compensation		156		31
	Other income		(327)		-
Adjusted EBITDA		$	(7,337)	$	(2,187)

Adjusted EBITDA per share
Net loss		$	(0.10)	$	(0.06)

Adjusted for:
	Income tax expense (recovery)		(0.02)		-
	Foreign exchange gain		-		-
	Finance expense		-		-
	Finance income		-		-
	Amortization of intangibles		0.06		0.04
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		-		-
	Effect of deleted deferred revenue		-		-
	Stock-based compensation		-		-
	Other income		-		-
Adjusted EBITDA per share		$	(0.06)	$	(0.02)

Weighted average number of Common Shares
	Basic		118,658,249		118,572,181