NTN Buzztime, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2007 Results

NTN Buzztime, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2007 Results

* Cash and equivalents increased $2.3 million during the first quarter of 2007 to $11.1 million

* The sale of the NTN Wireless business was completed for $2.0 million in net proceeds

* Gross margin as a percentage of revenue increased to 71% compared to 70% in prior year period due to operating efficiencies gained

CARLSBAD, Calif., May 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NTN Buzztime, Inc. (AMEX:NTN), a leader in interactive communications and entertainment products for the hospitality industry and for the home, today announced results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2007.

Having closed the sale of assets related to its Wireless business on March 30, 2007 the Company anticipates completing the divestiture of Software Solutions during the second quarter of 2007. The Company continues to classify these non-core businesses as "Discontinued Operations" while the Entertainment Division, consisting of the Buzztime iTV Network and Buzztime Distribution comprises "Continuing Operations".

Entertainment Division (Continuing Operations)

Revenue from continuing operations of the Entertainment Division decreased $0.6 million or 7% to $7.7 million for the first quarter of 2007, compared to revenues of $8.3 million for the first quarter of 2006. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $205,000 in advertising revenue, a decrease of $193,000 in subscription fees related to a reduction in average billable sites, a decrease in $102,000 in interactive events revenue in Canada due to the sale of this business during the first quarter of 2007, and a decrease of $41,000 in Buzztime Distribution revenues related to satellite and mobile.

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue for the Entertainment Division increased to 71% in the first quarter of 2007 from 70% in the first quarter of 2006 due to operational cost savings related to service fees, playmaker repairs, communication costs, direct depreciation and shipping costs. These savings are expected to continue throughout the remainder of the year.

The Entertainment Division net loss for the first quarter of 2007 was $0.8 million compared to net income of $0.2 million for the first quarter of 2006. During the first quarter of 2007, the Company's investment in marketing initiatives increased $235,000 compared to the first quarter of 2006, and had higher personnel and related expenses of approximately $319,000 related to new senior-level talent hired strengthening the organization in key areas such as sales, marketing, operations, finance and human resources. Additionally, the Entertainment Division incurred $452,000 of restructuring costs during the first quarter of 2007 related to the reduction in force and reduction in leased space in Canada. This restructuring is expected to decrease operating costs by approximately $300,000 annually beginning in 2008. These increases were partially offset by a $209,000 decrease in stock-based compensation expense as stock options became fully amortized or forfeited.

"Our financial performance in the first quarter of 2007 reflects the divestiture of discontinued operations and the roll-out of sales and marketing initiatives designed to improve the long-term performance of our core business," commented Dario Santana, Chief Executive Officer of NTN Buzztime. "It is clear that these recently implemented programs have added to a challenging operating environment in the first quarter, however, we are optimistic that the investments we are making in sales and marketing resources and programs will succeed in driving growth across our player community, increase new site and advertising sales and improve overall retention rates. We believe these strategic changes provide our business with the best opportunity to achieve long-term growth and profitability."

Hospitality Division (Discontinued Operations)

Hospitality Division revenues for the first quarter of 2007 were $2.6 million, largely unchanged from revenues of $2.8 million for the first quarter of 2006. The Hospitality Division net loss for the first quarter of 2007 was $4,000 compared to a $98,000 loss for the first quarter of 2006. Included in the first quarter results was approximately $400,000 gain related to the sale of the NTN Wireless assets. The Hospitality Division consists of two segments, Wireless (divested March 30, 2007) and Software Solutions (held for sale).

The Wireless segment, which was sold on March 30, 2007, had revenues of $1.7 million and net income of $0.5 million for the first quarter of 2007. This represents a $0.2 million increase to both revenue and net income compared to 2006. The Software Solutions segment had revenues of $0.9 million and a net loss of $0.5 million, representing a slight decrease in revenue and a $0.2 million increase in the net loss compared to the first quarter of 2006.

Strategic Growth Roadmap Update

"During the last earnings call, we announced a number of milestones related to our strategic growth roadmap designed to drive top line growth during 2007 and beyond," said Mr. Santana. "What follows are the highlights of our accomplishments since mid March:

-- Divested the Wireless Division and increased the Company's cash and
equivalents balance to $11.1 million

-- Hired a general manager, two sales professionals and a marketing
support person for the UK

-- Saw an increase in the number of 'saves' through product segmentation
contributing to a 10% reduction in terminations during the month of
April

-- Increased the number of promotions for avid and casual players in North
America and the UK leading to a 4% improvement in game play hours
relative to the prior quarter.

-- Launched Crazy Golf version 2.0 and sponsored in-bar promotions across
the US and Canada

-- Rolled-out Rookie Site retention program designed to reduce churn among
our newer locations

-- Initiated development of 'pay to play' initiatives aimed at the Web and
at the Mobile Phone space

"We continue to pursue every opportunity available to improve the value proposition of the NTN Buzztime offering," said Mr. Santana. "We are seeing encouraging signs in the uptake of our segmented products and in the sequential improvement in play hours. We believe that play hours are the strongest indicator of the value we are delivering to our paying hospitality customers and we are committed to continue driving game play through increased promotions and tournaments and by improving the entertainment value of our content. The strength of our balance sheet, with over $11 million in cash and no debt, affords us the opportunity to prudently and deliberately execute our strategic plans."

The company expects revenue growth with respect to continuing operations of between 4% and 6% in 2007 and EBITDA in the range of $2.5 million to $3.0 million. For 2008, the company anticipates double-digit top-line growth with a $2.0 million improvement to EBITDA compared to 2007.

Share Repurchase

On April 10th, the Company announced that its Board of Directors has approved the repurchase of up to $3.5 million of its Common Stock. This initiative followed the Company's announced sale of its Wireless Division on March 30, 2007, which increased Buzztime's overall cash position by $2.0 million.

"This repurchase plan highlights our commitment to enhancing shareholder value and highlights our confidence in the long-term growth prospects for our core business. We believe that this action represents a prudent use of a portion of our cash resources at the present time," concluded Santana.

Conference Call

Management will announce its first quarter 2007 financial results after market close on Wednesday, May 9, 2007. Management will then host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results with the investment community.

Anyone interested in participating should call 800-322-9079 if calling within the United States or 973-582-2717 if calling internationally. A re-play will be available until May 16, 2007, which can be accessed by dialing 877-519-4471 if calling within the United States or -- 973-341-3080 if calling internationally. Please use passcode 8740149 to access the replay.

The call will also be accompanied live by webcast over the Internet and accessible at NTN Buzztime's web site at www.buzztime.com.

About NTN Buzztime, Inc.

Based in Carlsbad, CA, NTN Buzztime, Inc. has been a leader in interactive television entertainment for more than 20 years and distributes its Play Along TV games and technology through numerous platforms including its own Buzztime(R) iTV Network, which is available on TVs in approximately 4,000 restaurants, sports bars and pubs throughout North America and the United Kingdom. Its innovative games are also distributed through cable TV, satellite TV, mobile phones, electronic games and books. For more information, please visit www.buzztime.com.

Forward-looking Statements;

This release contains forward-looking statements which reflect management's current views of future events and operations including but not limited to projected future financial results and business trend. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include the risk of changing economic conditions, failure of product demand or market acceptance of both existing and new products and services and the impact of competitive products and pricing. Please see NTN Buzztime, Inc.'s recent Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks that may affect the Company. All forward-looking statements included in this release are based on information available to us on the date hereof. These statements speak only as of the date hereof, and NTN Buzztime, Inc. does not undertake to publicly update or revise any of its forward-looking statements, even if experience or future changes show that the indicated results or events will not be realized.

CONTACT:
Kendra Berger
Chief Financial Officer
NTN Buzztime, Inc.
(760) 438-7400
Kendra.berger@ntnbuzztime.com

Or

Peter Seltzberg
Hayden Communications
(646) 415-8972
peter@haydenir.com

NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)

March 31, December 31,
2007 2006
ASSETS (Unaudited)
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $11,052 $8,774
Restricted cash 45 58
Accounts receivable, net 1,099 1,874
Investments available-for-sale 304 337
Deposits on broadcast equipment 514 381
Deferred costs 1,016 1,067
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 637 908
Assets held for sale 1,428 2,659
Total current assets 16,095 16,058

Broadcast equipment and fixed assets, net 5,123 5,919
Software development costs, net 810 806
Deferred costs 894 963
Goodwill 974 974
Intangible assets, net 1,441 1,561
Other assets 200 244
Total assets $25,537 $26,525

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 1,039 $ 1,139
Accrued expenses 1,096 1,282
Sales tax payable 950 763
Accrued salaries 189 475
Accrued vacation 430 401
Income taxes payable 38 53
Obligations under capital leases -
current portion 251 349
Deferred revenue 1,204 1,486
Deferred revenue-Buzztime 298 340
Liabilities of discontinued operations 1,937 1,441
Total current liabilities 7,432 7,729

Obligations under capital leases,
excluding current portion 11 20
Deferred revenue, excluding current portion 179 246
Total liabilities $7,622 $7,995

Shareholders' equity:
Series A 10% cumulative convertible
preferred stock 1 1
Common stock 273 272
Additional paid-in capital 111,815 111,617
Accumulated deficit (94,328) (93,561)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 154 201
Total shareholders' equity 17,915 18,530

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $25,537 $26,525

NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Three Months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share data)

2007 2006

Revenues $7,733 $8,269

Operating expenses:
Direct operating costs of services
(includes depreciation) 2,213 2,476
Selling, general and administrative 5,691 5,340
Depreciation and amortization (excluding
depreciation included in direct costs) 153 171
Research and development 36 66
Restructuring charge 452 --
Total operating expenses 8,545 8,053

Operating loss (812) 216

Other income (expense):
Interest, net 28 (15)
Other income 81 --
Total other income (expense) 109 (15)

Loss from continuing operations before income
taxes (703) 201

Provision for income taxes (60) (27)

Net income (loss) from continuing operations (763) 174
Net loss from discontinued operations,
net of tax (4) (98)
Net income (loss) $(767) $76

Net income (loss) per common share -
basic and diluted:
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (0.01) 0.00
Net loss from discontinued operations (0.00) 0.00
Net income (loss) $(0.01) $0.00

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 54,754 53,928
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 54,754 60,931

NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
For the Three Months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
2007 2006
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) from operations $(767) $76
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Net loss from discontinued operations,
net of tax 4 98
Depreciation and amortization 994 1,058
Provision for doubtful accounts 50 201
Non-cash share-based compensation 179 408
Loss from disposition of equipment 7 17
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash 13 --
Accounts receivable 725 85
Deferred costs 120 14
Prepaid expenses and other assets 316 (3)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (400) (597)
Income taxes payable (15) (133)
Deferred revenue (391) (41)

Net cash provided by operating activities 835 1,183

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (40) (424)
Software development expenditures (84) (132)
Deposits on broadcast equipment (105) (271)
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations 2,300 --
Net change in loans from discontinued
operations (573) (231)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities 1,498 (1,058)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on capital leases (107) (108)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
and warrants 65 79

Net cash used in financing activities (42) (29)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 2,291 96
Effect of exchange rate on cash (13) (46)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 8,774 5,982

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $11,052 $6,032

NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

EBITDA

The following tables reconcile our net loss per GAAP to EBITDA:

($000) Three Months Ended
March 31, 2007 (Unaudited)

Buzztime
iTV Buzztime Software NTN
EBITDA Calculation: Network Distribution Solutions Wireless Total

Net income (loss)
per GAAP $(587,000) $(176,000) $(462,000) $458,000 $(767,000)

Interest, net (28,000) -- -- -- (28,000)
Depreciation and
amortization 858,000 136,000 -- -- 994,000
Income taxes 60,000 -- -- 29,000 89,000
EBITDA $303,000 $(40,000) $(462,000) $487,000 $288,000

($000) Three Months Ended
March 31, 2006 (Unaudited)
Buzztime
iTV Buzztime Software NTN
EBITDA Calculation: Network Distribution Solutions Wireless Total

Net income (loss)
per GAAP $396,000 $(222,000) $(315,000) $217,000 $76,000

Interest, net 14,000 1,000 -- -- 15,000
Depreciation and
amortization 929,000 129,000 84,000 16,000 1,158,000
Income taxes 27,000 -- -- 5,000 32,000
EBITDA $1,366,000 $(92,000) $(231,000) $238,000 1,281,000

Consolidated Results (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Revenues by Segment: 2007 2006
Continuing Operations:
Buzztime iTV Network $7,594,000 $8,089,000
Buzztime Distribution 139,000 180,000
Total Entertainment Division 7,733,000 8,269,000
Discontinued Operations:
Wireless 1,674,000 1,529,000
Software Solutions 909,000 1,264,000
Total Hospitality Division 2,583,000 2,793,000
Consolidated Revenues $ 10,316,000 $ 11,062,000

Consolidated Results (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Income (Loss) by Segment: 2007 2006
Continuing Operations:
Buzztime iTV Network $(587,000) $396,000
Buzztime Distribution (176,000) (222,000)
Total Entertainment Division (763,000) 174,000
Discontinued Operations:
Wireless 458,000 217,000
Software Solutions (462,000) (315,000)

Total Hospitality Division (4,000) (98,000)
Consolidated Net Income (Loss) $ (767,000) $76,000

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: Teresa.Kosmas@ntn.com

Source: NTN Buzztime, Inc.

CONTACT: Kendra Berger, Chief Financial Officer of NTN Buzztime, Inc.,
+1-760-438-7400, Kendra.berger@ntnbuzztime.com; or Peter Seltzberg of Hayden
Communications, +1-646-415-8972, peter@haydenir.com, for NTN Buzztime, Inc.

Web site:

http://www.buzztime.com/

-------
Profile: intent