GlobeNewswire Inc | May 3, 2021 07:00AM EDT

May 03, 2021

First quarter revenues of $32.6 million, 16% YoY growthRecord IoAT revenues of 20.8 million, 14% YoY growthRecord non-GAAP gross margins of 52.7%

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DSP Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: DSPG), a leading global provider of voice and wireless chipset solutions for converged communications, announced today its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021.

First Quarter Financial Highlights (and Comparisons to First Quarter of 2020): Revenue breakdown (USD in millions)

Q1 2021 Q1 2020 vs. Q1 2020IoAT Revenues: SmartVoice $6.00 $4.00 up 50%SmartHome $4.80 $4.00 up 22%Unified Communications $10.00 $10.20 down 3%Total IoAT Revenues $20.80 $18.20 up 14%Cordless Revenues $11.80 $10.00 up 18%Total Revenues $32.60 $28.20 up 16%

-- GAAP and non-GAAP gross margin of 52.0% and 52.7%, respectively, a 110 and 130 basis point increase, respectively. -- GAAP loss per share of $0.06 and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.05, compared to GAAP and non-GAAP diluted loss per share of $0.11 and $0.04 for the first quarter of 2020. -- GAAP operating loss of $1.8 million and non-GAAP operating income of $1.4 million, compared to GAAP operating loss of $3.4 million and non-GAAP operating loss of $1.5 million for the first quarter of 2020. -- GAAP net loss of $1.3 million and non-GAAP net income of $1.3 million, compared to GAAP net loss of $2.5 million and non-GAAP net loss of $1.0 million for the first quarter of 2020. -- Generated $0.8 million of cash from operations, compared to $0.9 million of cash generated from operations in the first quarter of 2020. -- Cash, deposits and marketable securities of approximately $129.1 million as of March 31, 2021.

Management Comments:

Commenting on the results, Ofer Elyakim, CEO of DSP Group, stated: We are excited about the solid demand for our products, as evidenced by first quarter revenues of $32.6 million, up 16% year-over-year and exceeding the mid-point of our guidance. We are particularly pleased by our IoAT businesses, which delivered a record quarter with revenues of $20.8 million. These results were driven by robust demand for voice-centric products, offset by certain supply chain constraints, a record quarter for our SmartHome business, solid momentum in our SmartVoice products, and a faster recovery of the Unified Communication segment. Our enhanced product mix contributed to another record high non-GAAP growth margin of 52.7%.

Mr. Elyakim continued, Looking ahead, we expect the solid momentum to continue in the second quarter and project strong revenue growth both sequentially and year-over-year. The digital transformation was markedly accelerated by the global response to the pandemic and has stimulated innovation to enable the creation of new models for work, education, and interaction, underscoring the strategic importance of our technology to our customers. These trends support the long-term growth potential of DSP Groups audio, voice, and connectivity technologies. Our recent achievements include the increasing adoption of voice user interfaces (VUIs) in a broad array of applications, the successful penetration of DECT/ULE into the security market and the launch of new unified communications end points and hybrid collaboration devices by leading brands. While industry-wide supply-chain constraints are curbing product deliveries, the solid demand, coupled with our pipeline of opportunities, position us well for revenue growth in 2021.

First Quarter Business Highlights:

-- We continued to grow and strengthen our SmartVoice franchise with design wins and product launches for VUIs with leading consumer electronics OEMs, thereby driving dynamic growth in a burgeoning market. The achievements this quarter include: Inauguration of a state-of-the-art audio AI innovation and testing lab in Straubing, Germany that is led by a world class team of audio and automotive sound experts.One of the worlds leading monitor and TV manufacturers chose our SmartVoice for its Smart Display offering.Lenovo and TCL launched new tablet models based on our SmartVoice solutions for voice control. -- We grew and diversified our SmartHome ecosystem with leading global vendors that recognize ULEs unmatched characteristics for wireless indoor IoT, including superior range, interference-free spectrum, and native support for two-way voice. Wins include: British Telecom launched an Alexa-enabled home phone for UK broadband users based on our DECT/ULE technology.A European security service provider launched a home security offering based on our DECT/ULE technology.VTech launched a door bell solution leveraging our DECT/ULE technology for two-way voice support. -- We solidified our leadership position and expanded our market share in the Unified Communications market, as demonstrated by the following wins: A Tier-1 UC brand upgraded its DECT headset with our proprietary bit protection for the most reliable narrowband and wideband audio communication in dense wireless deployments, such as offices and call centers.A tier 1 UC brand chose our DVF platform for its next generation IP phones.Lenovo and Foneric chose our SmartVoice voice communication engine for a hybrid collaboration endpoint.

First Quarter Non-GAAP Results:

Non-GAAP net income and diluted income per share for the first quarter of 2021 were $1.3 million and $0.05, respectively, as compared to non-GAAP net loss and loss per share of $1.0 million and $0.04, respectively, for the first quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP net income and diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2021 excluded the impact of amortization of acquired intangible assets in the amount of $0.4 million associated with previous acquisitions, equity-based compensation expenses of $2.5 million, amortization of employees retention expenses related to the acquisition of SoundChip S.A. of $0.25 million, non-cash income from exchange rate differences resulting from the lease accounting standard (ASC 842) in the amount of $0.4 million, and changes in deferred taxes in the amount of $0.1 million related to intangible assets acquired in previous acquisitions and equity-based compensation expenses. Non-GAAP net income and diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2020 excluded the impact of amortization of acquired intangible assets in the amount of $0.1 million associated with previous acquisitions, equity-based compensation expenses of $1.8 million, non-cash income from exchange rate differences resulting from ASC 842 in the amount of $0.4 million, and changes in deferred taxes in the amount of $0.1 million related to intangible assets acquired in previous acquisitions and equity-based compensation expenses

Earnings Conference Call Details

DSP Group will discuss its first quarter financial results, along with its outlook and guidance for the second quarter of 2021, on its conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET today, and invites you to listen via our conference call or a live broadcast over the Internet.

Investors may access the conference call by dialing + 1(877)8709135 (domestic US) or +44 (0) 2071 928338 (international) approximately 10 minutes prior to the starting time. The password is 4266177.

The broadcast via the Internet can be accessed by interested parties through the Investor Relations section of DSP Groups website at www.dspg.comor link to: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/979kfwz6

A replay of the conference call will be available for a week following the call. To listen to the session, please dial +1(917) 677 7532, domestically or +44 (0) 3333009785, internationally and enter the company access code: 4266177

Presentation of Non-GAAP Net Income and EPSThe Company believes that the non-GAAP presentation of net income (loss) and diluted earnings per share presented in this press release is useful to investors in comparing results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 because the exclusion of the above noted expenses may provide a more meaningful analysis of the Companys core operating results. Further, the Company believes it is useful to investors to understand how the expenses associated with equity-based compensation and retention expenses are reflected in its statements of income.

Forward Looking StatementsThis press release contains statements that qualify as forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including Mr. Elyakims statements about: (i) the expectation of DSP Groups solid momentum to continue and expectation for strong revenue growth both sequentially and year-over-year, (ii) the digital transformation trends supporting the long-term growth potential of DSP Groups audio, voice, and connectivity technologies, (iii) industry-wide supply-chain constraints curbing product deliveries, and (iv) DSP Groups strong demand, coupled with pipeline of opportunities, position the company well for revenue growth in 2021. The results from these statements may not actually arise as a result of various factors, including the continued duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on the demand for consumer electronics and the global economy; market penetration of DSP Groups unified communications, DECT/ULE, VUI, SmartVoice and SmartHome products; duration and impact of the industry-wide supply-chain constraints, unexpected delays in the commercial launch of new products; unexpected inventory adjustments, the speed of decline in the cordless market; DSP Groups ability to manage costs; DSP Groups ability to develop and produce new products at competitive costs and in a timely manner and the ability of such products to achieve broad market acceptance; and general market demand for products that incorporate DSP Groups technology in the market. These factors and other factors which may affect future operating results or DSP Groups stock price are discussed under RISK FACTORS in the Form 10-K for fiscal 2020, as well as other reports DSP Group has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and which are available on DSP Groups website (www.dspg.com) under Investor Relations. DSP Group assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak as of their respective dates.

About DSP Group DSP Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: DSPG) is a global leader in wireless chipsets for a wide range of smart-enabled devices. The company was founded in 1987 on the principles of experience, insight and continuous advancement which enable the company to consistently deliver next-generation solutions in the areas of voice, audio, video and data connectivity. DSP Group, an expert in voice processing, invests heavily in innovation for the smart future and designs leading-edge semiconductor technology that is enabling our customers to develop a new wave of products that bring enhanced user experiences through innovation. For more information, visit www.dspg.com.

Contact:Shiri Weiss, IR & Communications, Shiri.Weiss@dspg.com

An infographic PDF accompanying thisannouncement is available at http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/5027bf21-6fb9-46a9-a654-f4ed5e6a02ff

DSP GROUP, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended March 31 2021 2020 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 32,647 $ 28,239 Cost of revenues 15,666 13,858 Gross profit 16,981 14,381 Operating expenses: Research and development, net 10,480 10,354 Sales and marketing 5,202 5,011 General and administrative 2,653 2,348 Amortization of intangible assets 419 104 Total operating expenses 18,754 17,817 Operating loss (1,773 ) (3,436 ) Financial income, net 641 903 Loss before income tax expenses (benefit) (1,132 ) (2,533 )Income tax expenses (benefit) 211 (68 ) Net loss ($ 1,343 ) ($ 2,465 )Net loss per share: Basic and diluted $ (0.06 ) $ (0.11 ) Weighted average number of shares used in per share computations of loss per share:Basic and diluted 24,058 23,342

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Unaudited UnauditedGAAP net Loss ($ 1,343 ) ($ 2,465 )Equity-based compensation expense included in cost 161 120 of revenuesEquity-based compensation expense included in 1,142 751 research and development, netEquity-based compensation expense included in sales 626 555 and marketingEquity-based compensation expense included in 601 406 general and administrativeAmortization of intangible assets 419 104 Amortization of employee?s retention expensesrelated to the acquisition of SoundChip included in 67 - cost of revenuesAmortization of employee?s retention expensesrelated to the acquisition of SoundChip included in 149 - sales and marketingAmortization of employee?s retention expensesrelated to the acquisition of SoundChip included in 34 - research and development, netNon-cash Income from Exchange rates differencesresulting from the new lease accounting standard (448 ) (416 )(ASC 842)Changes of deferred taxes related to intangible (142 ) (66 )assets and equity-based compensation expenseNon-GAAP net income (loss) $ 1,266 $ (1,011 ) Weighted-average number of common stock used incomputation of GAAP diluted net loss per share (in 24,058 23,342 thousands) Weighted-average number of shares related tooutstanding options, stock appreciation rights and 1,433 - restricted share units (in thousands) Weighted-average number of common stock used incomputation of non-GAAP diluted net earnings (loss) 25,491 23,342 per share (in thousands) GAAP diluted net loss per share $ (0.06 ) $ (0.11 )Equity-based compensation expense 0.10 0.08 Amortization of intangible assets 0.02 0.01 Amortization of employee?s retention expenses 0.01 - related to the acquisition of SoundChipNon-cash income from Exchange rates differencesresulting from the new lease accounting standard (0.02 ) (0.02 )(ASC 842)Changes of deferred taxes related to intangible - - assets and equity-based compensation expenseNon-GAAP diluted net earnings (loss) per share $ 0.05 $ (0.04 )

DSP GROUP, INC.CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(In thousands) March 31, December 31, 2021 2020 (Unaudited) (Audited)Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,018 $ 16,936 Restricted deposits 565 548Marketable securities and short-term deposits 53,267 50,615 Trade receivables, net 11,226 11,003 Inventories 7,929 9,061 Other accounts receivable and prepaid expenses 3,674 3,460 Total current assets 96,679 91,623

Property and equipment, net 6,628 6,574 Long term marketable securities and deposits 55,201 60,454Severance pay fund 15,512 16,285 Operating leases? right of use assets 10,876 11,102 Deferred income taxes 6,572 6,893 Intangible assets, net 20,044 20,654 Long term prepaid expenses 2,687 2,888 Total long-term assets 110,892 118,276 Total assets $ 214,199 216,473 Liabilities and Stockholders? Equity Current liabilities: Trade payables $ 9,575 $ 10,708 Operating lease liability 2,883 2,974 Other current liabilities 13,465 15,724 Total current liabilities 25,923 29,406 Accrued severance pay 15,883 16,647 Operating lease liability 9,489 10,075 Accrued pensions 1,042 1,089 Deferred income taxes 1,011 1,073 Other long-term liabilities 1,945 1,945 Total long-term liabilities 29,370 30,829 Stockholders? equity: Common stock 24 24 Additional paid-in capital 398,916 396,335 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (886 ) (637 )Less ? Cost of treasury stock (103,300 ) (108,509 )Accumulated deficit (135,848 ) (130,975 )Total stockholders? equity 158,906 156,238 Total liabilities and stockholders? equity $ 214,199 216,473