Marvel Reports Q3 and Nine Months EPS of $0.26 and $1.20

November 3, 2009 7:03 AM EST

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL), a global character-based entertainment and licensing company celebrating the 70th anniversary of its founding, today reported operating results for its third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Reflecting a lower level of feature film activity and related licensing compared to the year-ago period, Marvel reported Q3 2009 net sales of $105.7 million and net income of $20.4 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, compared to net sales of $182.5 million and net income of $50.6 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, in Q3 2008. The anticipated year-over-year decline in net sales and net income principally reflects approximately $65 million in lower film revenues in Q3 2009 compared to the prior year period, as well as lower licensing segment net sales related to last year's Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk feature films as well as the Spider-Man merchandising joint venture.


Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

Segment Net Sales and Operating Income (Unaudited)

(in millions)

                                    Three Months          Nine Months

                                    Ended September 30,   Ended September 30,

                                    2009 2008             2009 2008

Licensing:        Net Sales         $ 48.9     $ 58.1     $ 181.5    $ 237.5

                  Operating Income    37.5       42.5       130.5      205.4

Publishing:       Net Sales           32.0       34.0       89.5       92.3

                  Operating Income    10.2       12.7       28.2       34.3

Film Production:  Net Sales           24.8       90.2       147.9      119.1

                  Operating (Loss)    (2.3  )    40.4       25.0       40.6
                  Income

All Other:        Net Sales           -          0.2        -          3.0

                  Operating (Loss)    (8.8  )    (7.4  )    (20.9 )    (19.4 )

TOTAL NET SALES                     $ 105.7    $ 182.5    $ 418.9    $ 451.9

TOTAL OPERATING INCOME              $ 36.6     $ 88.2     $ 162.8    $ 260.9



Marvel's Chairman, Morton Handel, commented, "Despite the absence of any Marvel Studios feature film releases in 2009, Marvel continued to deliver solid operating performance across all our operating segments. Anticipation for the high profile Iron Man 2 feature film continues to build, and we are focusing our efforts on the film's May 2010 release and the related licensing opportunities. At the same time, we are making solid progress on the development and pre-production of our Thor, The First Avenger: Captain America and The Avengers feature film projects.

"On August 31, 2009, The Walt Disney Company and Marvel agreed, subject to Marvel shareholder approval and other customary closing conditions, that Disney will acquire Marvel in a stock and cash transaction. Disney is the ideal home to nurture and further develop the distinctive Marvel brands because of its ability to extend the breadth, diversity and global reach of Marvel-branded entertainment and consumer products. We continue to expect this transaction will close by calendar year end."

Third Quarter Segment Review:

    --  As anticipated, Q3 2009 Licensing Segment net sales declined versus the
        year ago period, primarily due to the recognition in Q3 2008 of
        merchandise licensing revenue related to the Iron Man and The Incredible
        Hulk feature films, as well as a decrease in revenue from the Spider-Man
        merchandising joint venture. Q3 2009 licensing segment net sales reflect
        a total contribution of $6.3 million from Hasbro, ($3.8 million within
        domestic consumer products and $2.5 million within international
        consumer products) compared to a total contribution from Hasbro of $12.0
        million in the year ago period ($7.2 million in domestic consumer
        products and $4.8 million in international consumer products). Licensing
        Segment operating income also declined in Q3 2009 to $37.5 million (an
        operating margin of 77%) principally reflecting the lower sales level.


Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

Licensing Sales by Division (Unaudited)

(in millions)

                                 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended

                                 9/30/09  9/30/08    9/30/09  9/30/08

Domestic Consumer Products (1)   $ 25.6   $ 24.8     $ 95.9   $ 97.8

International Consumer Products    15.8     22.0       61.8     67.0

Spider-Man L.P. (Domestic and      2.4      8.1        10.3     50.9
International)

Studio Licensing                   5.1      3.2        13.5     21.8

Total Licensing Segment          $ 48.9   $ 58.1     $ 181.5  $ 237.5



(1) Domestic Consumer Products includes substantially all of Marvel 's global interactive licensing business.

    --  Q3 2009 Publishing Segment net sales declined 6%, or $2 million,
        compared to Q3 2008 and were in line with Q2 2009 net sales. The
        year-over-year decline principally reflects $3.2 million in lower custom
        publishing and advertising revenue compared to the prior year period,
        partially offset by a year-over-year increase of $1.6 million in revenue
        from the book market. Operating income declined by $2.5 million, or
        19.7%, on a year-over-year basis, to $10.2 million and operating margin
        decreased to 32% in Q3 2009 versus 37% in Q3 2008, principally due to an
        increase in talent costs and the decrease in custom publishing which
        carries a higher margin.
    --  Film Production Segment net sales declined to $24.8 million in Q3 2009
        from $90.2 million in Q3 2008. Net sales in Q3 2009 primarily reflect
        the recognition of revenues associated with the international pay TV
        window for Iron Man and the domestic pay TV window for The Incredible
        Hulk as well as contributions from DVD sales for both Iron Man and The
        Incredible Hulk. Against these revenues Marvel amortized capitalized
        film production costs of $20.5 million. Year-ago Q3 film production
        segment results reflected theatrical box office revenues from Iron Man
        and The Incredible Hulk and the opening of the home video window in
        certain international pre-sold territories for Iron Man.
    --  In the All Other category, Marvel recorded Q3 2009 and Q3 2008 operating
        losses of $8.8 million and $7.4 million, respectively, reflecting
        respective corporate overhead expense of $9.5 million and $7.6 million.
        Q3 2009 corporate overhead includes a provision of $2.9 million for
        transaction costs (principally legal fees) associated with Disney's
        proposed acquisition of Marvel.

Balance Sheet and Cash Use Update:

As of September 30, 2009, Marvel had cash and cash equivalents of $109.6 million, restricted cash of $79.0 million and no outstanding borrowings under its $100 million line of credit. Marvel's outstanding film-facility borrowings increased to $21.5 million at September 30, 2009 compared to no outstanding film borrowings at June 30, 2009. The quarterly sequential increase in film-facility borrowings reflects ongoing production funding for the Iron Man 2 feature film.


Marvel Studios Entertainment Pipeline

(scheduled release dates are subject to change)

Feature Films                           Scheduled release date

Iron Man 2                              May 7, 2010

Thor                                    May 20, 2011

The First Avenger: Captain America      July 22, 2011

The Avengers                            May 4, 2012

Animated TV Series                      Status

                                        52, 30-minute episodes airing on Cartoon
The Super Hero Squad                    Network in the U.S. and launching on
                                        International broadcast channels in Q4
                                        2009

The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes  52, 30-minute episodes in production;
                                        timing and network TBD

Marvel Licensed Entertainment Pipeline

(scheduled release dates are subject to change)

Feature Films                           Scheduled Release Date

Spider-Man 4                            May 6, 2011

Animated TV Series                      Status

Black Panther                           6, 30-minute episodes in production for
                                        BET; timing TBD

                                        26, 30-minute episodes airing on
Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes Nicktoons in the U.S., various networks
                                        internationally and on Marvel.com and
                                        Marvelkids.com

                                        52, 30-minute episodes. Episodes 1-26
Iron Man: Armored Adventures            are airing on Nicktoons in the U.S. and
                                        are on air internationally. Episodes
                                        27-52 are currently in development

                                        26, 30-minute episodes airing on Disney
Spectacular Spider-Man                  XD in the U.S. and on various networks
                                        internationally

                                        52, 30-minute episodes. Episodes 1-26
Wolverine and the X-Men                 are airing on Nicktoons in the U.S. and
                                        are on air internationally. Episodes
                                        27-52 are currently in development

                                        12, 30-minute episodes in production.
Marvel Anime: Iron Man                  Scheduled to launch on Animax in Japan
                                        in Q2 2010. Scheduled to launch in the
                                        U.S. in 2011

                                        12, 30-minute episodes in production.
Marvel Anime: Wolverine                 Scheduled to launch on Animax in Japan
                                        in Q3 2010. Scheduled to launch in the
                                        U.S. in 2011

Licensed Broadway Musical               Status

Spider-Man, Turn off the Dark, Julie
Taymor director; music & lyrics by U2's Opening Night TBD
Bono and The Edge

Animated Direct-to-DVD Projects         Status

Planet Hulk                             Production complete. Scheduled for
                                        February 2010 release

Thor: Tales of Asgard                   Production complete. Release date TBD




Marvel Licensed Video Game Pipeline

(scheduled release dates are subject to change)

Game / Publisher                        Status

The Punisher: No Mercy / Zen            Released July 2, 2009

Marvel vs. Capcom 2 / Capcom            Released July 29, 2009 for X-Box console
                                        and August 13, 2009 for PS3 console

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 / Activision Released September 15, 2009

Marvel Super Hero Squad / THQ           Released October 20, 2009

Iron Man 2 / Sega                       Scheduled for April 2010 release

Thor / Sega                             Scheduled for May 2011 release

Captain America / Sega                  Scheduled for July 2011 release



About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information visit www.marvel.com.

Except for any historical information that they contain, the statements in this news release regarding Marvel's plans are forward-looking statements, including statements relating to (i) the ability to further develop the Marvel brand as a result of the proposed merger with The Walt Disney Company, (ii) the closing of the Disney merger and the expected timing of that closing and (iii) Marvel's future movie, television, theatrical and game releases. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those related to Marvel's exposure to the current economic recession, exposure to tightening credit markets, financial difficulties of Marvel's licensees, a decrease in the level of media exposure or popularity of Marvel's characters, changing consumer preferences, delays and cancellations of movies and television productions based on Marvel characters, Marvel Studios' potential inability to attract and retain creative talent, key film talent's potentially becoming incapacitated or suffering reputational damage, the potential lack of popularity of Marvel's films, union activity or other events which could interrupt film production, including strikes by Hollywood writers, directors and actors, piracy of films and related products, Marvel Studios' dependence on a single distributor for each self-produced film, a possible default by the lending banks in our film facility and the risks relating to the proposed merger with The Walt Disney Company as outlined under the heading "Risk Factors" in Amendment No. 1 to the Form S-4 filed by The Walt Disney Company on October 27, 2009 (the "Disney S-4").

These and other risks and uncertainties are described under the headings "Risk Factors" and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Marvel's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Marvel's Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. As noted above, certain risks relating the Marvel's proposed merger with Disney are described in the Disney S-4. Marvel assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Important Merger Information and Additional Information:

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. In connection with the proposed transaction, Disney filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the SEC on September 22, 2009, as amended on October 27, 2009, that includes a preliminary proxy statement of Marvel that also constitutes a preliminary prospectus of Disney. These materials are not yet final and will be further amended. Marvel will mail the proxy statement/prospectus to its stockholders once it is final. Investors are urged to read the definitive proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction when it becomes available, because it will contain important information. You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this transaction, including the definitive proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available, free of charge at the SEC's website, www.sec.gov, or by directing a request when such a filing is made to The Walt Disney Company, 500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521-9722, Attention: Shareholder Services or by directing a request when such a filing is made to Marvel's proxy solicitor, MacKenzie Partners, Inc., 105 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016 or by calling Mackenzie Partners, Inc. at (800) 322-2885 (toll free) or (212) 929-5500 (call collect).

Disney, Marvel, their respective directors and certain of their executive officers may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Marvel is set forth in the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Amendment No. 1) filed by Disney on October 27, 2009. Information about the directors and executive officers of Disney is set forth in its definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on January 16, 2009.


MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)

                                   Three Months Ended        Nine Months Ended

                                   September 30,           September 30,

                                   2009       2008           2009     2008

                                   (in thousands, except per share amounts)

Net sales                          $ 105,663  $ 182,499    $ 418,893  $ 451,925

Costs and expenses:

Cost of revenues (excluding          35,844     60,351       153,454    108,175
depreciation expense)

Selling, general and                 33,633     35,596       105,777    104,175
administrative

Depreciation and amortization        401        401          1,057      1,164

Total costs and expenses             69,878     96,348       260,288    213,514

Other) income                        855        2,051        4,179      22,481

Operating income                     36,640     88,202       162,784    260,892

Interest expense                     2,736      5,656        9,103      14,228

Interest income                      155        870          481        2,812

(Loss) gain on repurchase of debt    -          (417    )    -          1,916

Income before income tax expense     34,059     82,999       154,162    251,392

Income tax expense                   13,139     30,239       57,978     94,423

Net income                           20,920     52,760       96,184     156,969

Noncontrolling interest in           504        2,134        2,265      14,441
consolidated Joint Venture

Net income attributable to Marvel  $ 20,416   $ 50,626     $ 93,919   $ 142,528
Entertainment, Inc.

Basic and diluted earnings per
share:

Net income attributable to Marvel  $ 20,416   $ 50,626     $ 93,919   $ 142,528
Entertainment, Inc.

Weighted average shares
outstanding:

Weighted average shares for basic    78,018     78,403       78,090     77,946
earnings per share

Effect of dilutive stock options     619        514          446        652
and restricted stock

Weighted average shares for          78,637     78,917       78,536     78,598
diluted earnings per share

Earnings per share, attributable
to Marvel Entertainment, Inc.:

Basic                              $ 0.26     $ 0.65       $ 1.20     $ 1.83

Diluted                            $ 0.26     $ 0.64       $ 1.20     $ 1.81




MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

                                               September 30,  December 31,

                                               2009           2008

                                               (in thousands, except share data)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents                      $ 109,604      $ 105,335

Restricted cash                                  37,266         12,272

Short-term investments                           -              32,975

Accounts receivable, net                         28,853         144,487

Inventories, net                                 12,356         11,362

Income tax receivable                            -              2,029

Deferred income taxes, net                       27,959         34,072

Prepaid expenses and other current assets        8,442          5,135

Total current assets                             224,480        347,667

Fixed assets, net                                4,523          3,432

Film inventory, net                              217,416        181,564

Goodwill                                         346,152        346,152

Accounts receivable, non-current portion         5,157          1,321

Income tax receivable, non-current portion       6,264          5,906

Deferred income taxes, net - non-current         22,458         13,032
portion

Deferred financing costs, net                    2,075          5,810

Restricted cash, non-current portion             41,742         31,375

Other assets                                     5,801          455

Total assets                                   $ 876,068      $ 936,714

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable                               $ 1,609        $ 2,025

Accrued royalties                                84,355         76,580

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   40,183         40,635

Income tax payable                               4,926          -

Deferred revenue                                 73,159         81,335

Film facility                                    -              204,800

Total current liabilities                        204,232        405,375

Accrued royalties, non-current portion           556            10,499

Deferred revenue, non-current portion            87,438         48,939

Film facility, non-current portion               21,537         8,201

Income tax payable, non-current portion          71,597         59,267

Other liabilities                                13,811         8,612

Total liabilities                                399,171        540,893

Commitments and contingencies

Marvel Entertainment, Inc. stockholders'
equity:

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000                    -
shares authorized, none issued

Common stock, $.01 par value, 250,000,000
shares authorized, 134,704,780 issued and        1,347          1,344
78,021,369 outstanding in 2009 and 134,397,258
issued and 78,408,082 outstanding in 2008

Additional paid-in capital                       754,621        750,132

Retained earnings                                649,044        555,125

Accumulated other comprehensive loss             (4,457    )    (4,617    )

Total Marvel Entertainment, Inc. stockholders'   1,400,555      1,301,984
equity before treasury stock

Treasury stock, at cost, 56,683,411 shares in    (921,700  )    (905,293  )
2009 and 55,989,176 shares in 2008

Total Marvel Entertainment, Inc. stockholders'   478,855        396,691
equity

Noncontrolling interest in consolidated Joint    (1,958    )    (870      )
Venture

Total equity                                     476,897        395,821

Total liabilities and equity                   $ 876,068      $ 936,714




MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

                                                        Nine Months Ended

                                                      September 30,

                                                      2009          2008

                                                        (in thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income                                            $ 96,184      $ 156,969

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

Depreciation and amortization                           1,057         1,164

Amortization of film inventory                          110,422       65,599

Provision for doubtful accounts                         218           -

Gain on repurchase of debt                              -             (1,916   )

Amortization of deferred financing costs                3,735         3,736

Unrealized gain on interest rate cap and foreign        (635     )    (253     )
currency forward contracts

Non-cash charge for stock-based compensation            6,051         4,743

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation        (551     )    (9,013   )

Impairment of long-term assets                          3,906         1,663

Deferred income taxes                                   (3,325   )    (16,592  )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable                                     111,580       (4,915   )

Inventories                                             (994     )    (852     )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets               (3,307   )    (802     )

Film inventory                                          (150,081 )    (48,220  )

Other assets                                            (3,111   )    (3,346   )

Deferred revenue                                        30,323        (5,085   )

Income taxes payable                                    19,303        58,847

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current    (154     )    (14,954  )
liabilities

Net cash provided by operating activities               220,621       186,773

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of fixed assets                               (2,247   )    (441     )

Sales of short-term investments                         32,983        66,055

Purchases of short-term investments                     (8       )    (45,039  )

Acquisition of other intangibles                        (1,600   )    -

Change in restricted cash                               (35,361  )    1,270

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities     (6,233   )    21,845

Cash flows from financing activities:

Borrowings from film facilities                         33,037        75,600

Repayments of film facilities                           (224,501 )    (180,509 )

Distributions to the noncontrolling interest in         (3.309   )    (15,135  )
consolidated Joint Venture

Purchases of treasury stock                             (16,407  )    (9,945   )

Exercise of stock options                               483           8,285

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation        551           9,013

Net cash used in financing activities                   (210,146 )    (112,691 )

Effect of exchange rates on cash                        27            (275     )

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents               4,269         95,652

Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period       105,335       30,153

Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period           $ 109,604     $ 125,805




    Source: Marvel Entertainment, Inc.


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