IDW Media Holdings

Publishing Overcomes COVID-19 Challenges to Deliver Solid Operational and Financial Results

First Half of Wynonna Earp’s Season 4 Airs on SYFY – Drives Year Over Year Revenue Increase

NEWARK, NJ and LOS ANGELES, CA / September 14, 2020 / IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: IDWM), an integrated media company, today reported a third quarter net loss per share of $(0.47) on revenue of $8.5 million for the three months ended July 31, 2020.

Operational Highlights

• SYFY has aired the first half of season four of IDW’s live-action series Wynonna Earp. The balance of production – episodes 7-12 – resumed after a COVID-19 driven delay.
• IDW and its Top Shelf imprint were again honored with multiple Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards in 2020. ‘They Called Us Enemy’ by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott, and Harmony Becker was named the “Best Reality-Based Work.” Stan Sakai was named “Best Letterer” for his work on the monthly full-color Usagi Yojimbo comic book series published by IDW. Sakai’s ‘Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter Artist Select,’ a hardcover collection edited by IDW’s Scott Dunbier, was named “Best Archival Collection/Project — Comic Books.”
• IDW and Top Shelf were nominated for three Ignatz Awards, which recognizes exceptional works that challenge popular notions of what comics can achieve.
• IDW’s publishing operations welcomed the resumption of direct market distribution early in the third quarter. Subsequent sales have gradually strengthened, augmented by robust sales through the library, digital comic, and book markets as well as web store and foreign sales.
• The sale of CTM, IDW’s tourism-focused brochure distribution and marketing company, is pending lender and SBA approval related to its PPP loans.

Comments of Ezra Rosensaft, Chief Executive Officer
“First and foremost, a big thank you to my IDW colleagues across the Company for their extraordinary work and dedication. Thanks to them, IDW overcame the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to put together a solid quarter with minimal disruption to our customers and partners.

“In the third quarter, IDW’s publishing operations continued to be impacted by the closure of many comic shops and our direct market distributor, Diamond, in the spring. On May 20th, Diamond resumed operations on a limited basis. However, direct market volumes have not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels.

“Our publishing team, to its great credit, pivoted quickly… aggressively and successfully pursuing sales through the indirect market and direct-to-consumer channels. Sales of popular backlisted titles – including the late Congressman John Lewis’ ‘March’ trilogy, Alan Roberts’ ‘Beauty of Horror’ coloring books, ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ titles and Joe Hill’s and Gabriel Rodriquez’s ‘Locke & Key’ titles – were particularly strong. The latter have benefitted enormously from the success of season one of the eponymous Netflix series.

“We expect further improvement in the coming quarters as we secure better economics from our licensing deals while building our IP library to align with our entertainment division’s development priorities. And I am very excited about the management team we have put in place to execute on those priorities.

“At IDW Entertainment, the first six episodes of Wynonna Earp season 4 have now aired on SYFY. Production of the second half of the season – delayed by COVID-19 – has resumed. The start of production of Locke & Key’s season 2, which was ordered by Netflix this spring following the success of season one, is planned for later this month.

“At the corporate level, we continue to move forward toward re-registration with the SEC and will then seek a national exchange listing to increase IDW’s visibility and liquidity in the capital markets.

Wrapping up, I want to thank Howard Jonas and IDW’s Board of Directors for entrusting me with the CEO position. It’s a great honor to lead our talented team and I look forward to working with them to fulfill IDW’s promise and potential.”

Consolidated P&L Highlights

(Numbers may not foot due to rounding)

(in millions, except net loss per share, unaudited)		3Q20		2Q20		3Q19
Revenue		$8.5		$9.3		$5.4
Direct cost of revenue		$8.1		$3.3		$3.3
SG&A including non-cash compensation		$3.7		$4.6		$4.0
Non-cash compensation		$0.5		$0.2		$0.6
Depreciation & amortization		$0.1		$0.1		$0.1
(Loss) income from continuing operations		$(3.4)		$1.3		$(2.0)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations		$(1.1)		$(1.6)		$0.5
Net loss		$(4.5)		$(0.4)		$(1.5)
Net loss per share		$(0.47)		$(0.04)		$(0.20)

Segment P&L Highlights

(Does not include corporate overhead.)

(in millions, unaudited)		3Q20		2Q20		3Q19
Revenue
IDW Publishing		$5.2		$4.7		$5.3
IDW Entertainment		$3.3		$4.6		–
CTM*		NA		NA		NA
Income (loss) from operations*
IDW Publishing		–		$(0.6)		$(1.2)
IDW Entertainment		$(3.2)		$2.2		$(0.8)
CTM – ((Loss) income from discontinued operations)*		$(1.1)		$(1.6)		$0.5

*CTM’s results are reported as ‘Net (loss) income from discontinued operations’ in the third quarter fiscal 2020
and all prior periods presented.

Financial Take-Aways

• Revenue: The year over year increase in consolidated revenue reflected delivery of the first five episodes of Wynonna Earp’s season four (S4) and an increase in accruals for certain tax credits.
• Loss from Operations: IDW Publishing generated year over year improvement for the second consecutive quarter despite the challenges related to COVID-19. The year over year increase in IDW’s consolidated loss from operations resulted from production expenses realized upon delivery of the first five Wynonna Earp S4 episodes and reversal of certain accruals partially offset by the improved results from IDW Publishing.
• Balance Sheet Highlights: At July 31st, IDW’s cash balance decreased to $12.5 million from $14.7 million at April 30th. Working capital (current assets less current liabilities) decreased to $15.1 million from $18.7 million over the same period.
• CTM Media: Results from CTM Media were reported as a net loss from discontinued operations of $1.1 million in 3Q20 compared to net income from discontinued operations of $474 thousand in 3Q19.

Earnings Conference Call
IDW’s management will host an earnings conference call beginning at 5:00 PM Eastern today to present results, outlook and strategy followed by Q&A with investors.

To listen to the call and participate in the Q&A, dial 1-877-705-6003 (toll free – U.S.) or 1-201-493-6725 (toll – international) and request the ‘IDW Media call.’

A replay of the conference call can be accessed beginning approximately three hours after the call concludes through September 21, 2020 by dialing 1-844-512-2921 (toll free – U.S.) or 1-412-317-6671 (toll – international) and providing this replay PIN number: 13708399. A replay will also be available via streaming audio through the IDW investor relations website.

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About IDW
IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: IDWM) is an integrated media company. IDW’s businesses include IDW Publishing – a leading publisher of comic books and graphic novels, IDW Entertainment – a producer and distributor of franchise content through television and other media, and CTM Media Group – one of North America’s largest distributors of information for tourists and travelers.

Investor Contact

IDW Media Investor Relations
investor.relations@idwmh.com

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To view the results, please see IDW Media Holdings’ Financial Reports: IDW Reports Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2020 Results

LOS ANGELES, CA and SAN DIEGO, CA – July 23, 2020: IDW Media Holdings, Inc., (OTCPINK: IDWM), an integrated multi-media company, is putting the sizzle back in summer with the start of a new season of “Wynonna Earp” and bold new titles from IDW Publishing.

IDW’s Wynonna Earp to Premiere on SYFY

IDW Entertainment, SYFY, CTV-Sci-Fi, SEVEN24 Films and Cineflix Media have announced that “Wynonna Earp” Season Four (S4) will premiere this coming Sunday, July 26th, at 10 PM Eastern on SYFY.

The first six episodes of S4 are scheduled to air weekly through August 30th. The series, created by Emily Andras and starring Melanie Scrofano, is based on the IDW comics of Beau Smith and is a People’s Choice Award Winner for Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show.

‘In Season 4, the infamous Earp Curse is broken, and witty and wild demon hunter Wynonna Earp would love to be celebrating with cold whiskey and hot donuts. Too bad she has to rescue everyone she loves, save the town of Purgatory, and take on her most diabolical, Earp-hating enemy yet — all without her trustworthy gun, Peacemaker. And that’s just Monday…’(SYFY)

Catch the Wynonna Earp S4 trailer here.

On the eve of the premiere, Earpers will want to tune into the “Wynonna Earp” panel for Comic-Con@Home, the virtual program for this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. The WE panel is expected to include special appearances by creator/showrunner Andras and stars Scrofano, Tim Rozon, Dominique Provost-Chalkley, Katherine Barrell and Varun Saranga. The panel begins at 5 PM Pacific on Saturday, July 25th.

IDW Publishing Introduces….

Tiananmen 1989

Continuing its long tradition of publishing ground-breaking works of historical graphic non-fiction, including the 2019 New York Times bestseller They Called Us Enemy, IDW Publishing presents the heart-rending story of China’s infamous Tiananmen Square Massacre in Tiananmen 1989: Our Shattered Hopes.

Lun Zhang was a young sociology teacher in April 1989, in charge of management and safety services for the protestors occupying Beijing’s iconic Tiananmen Square. Now, Zhang teams with French journalist and Asia specialist Adrien Gombeaud and artist Ameziane to provide a first-hand account of the protest, sympathetically depicting a world of discontented, idealistic, activist Chinese youth putting their lives on the line to demand reform and freedom.

Redbone

This fall, IDW Publishing plans to release another powerful, riveting non-fiction graphic novel, Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band. You may have heard the hit song “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone in the movie Guardians of the Galaxy, but the story of the band behind is one of cultural, political, and social importance. Brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas were talented Native American rock musicians that took the 1960s Sunset Strip by storm. They influenced The Doors and jammed with Jimi Hendrix. The brothers then formed Redbone, a band comprised of Native American musicians. But as the American Indian Movement gained momentum, the band took a stand, choosing pride in their ancestry over continued commercial rewards. The book was written by Christian Staebler and Sonia Paoloni with the cooperation of the Vegas family, and is beautifully illustrated by Thibault Balahy. IDW is proud to present a book that provides a voice to a people long neglected in American history.

Redbone has already garnered critical acclaim. It was called an “entertaining, enlightening history for music fans,” by Publishers Weekly and, “Compelling reading for fans of roots rock and Native American history,” by School Library Journal. As part of its new Spanish language publishing initiative, IDW will simultaneously release the book in English and Spanish (Redbone: la verdadera historia de una banda de rock nativa americana).

Snake Eyes

The highly-anticipated Snake Eyes: Deadgame comic book series written and illustrated by superstar creator Rob Liefeld (X-Force, Deadpool) hit retail shelves on July 15th. The first issue release is supported by an unprecedented 36 retailer and convention exclusive covers, including nine illustrated by Liefeld himself. Due to incredible demand, issue #1 will be going back to press for a second printing.

Fans eager for more information on this explosive series will want to tune into the “IDW Presents: G.I. Joe: Snake Eyes with Rob Liefeld” panel for Comic-Con@Home. The panel begins at 2:00 pm Pacific today, July 23rd.

 

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About IDW Media Holdings

IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCPINK: IDWM) is an integrated media company. IDW’s businesses include IDW Publishing – a leading American publisher of comic books and graphic novels, IDW Entertainment – a producer and distributor of franchise content through television and other media, and CTM Media Group – one of North America’s largest distributors of information for tourists and travelers.

Investor Contact
Ezra Rosensaft
IDW Media Holdings
ezra@idwmh.com

Transitions To Advisory Role At IDW Publishing

SAN DIEGO, CA (July 21, 2020) –IDW Publishing, a subsidiary of IDW Media Holdings Inc. (OTC PINK: IDWM), and Chris Ryall today jointly announced that Ryall is stepping down as President, Publisher and Chief Creative Officer to pursue new business opportunities.

“Change is often hard, and I will miss this extended family I have worked with for more than 15 years,” said Ryall. “In the past year alone, we brought on some amazing hires, expanded the scope of many of the departments, and re-focused the foundation of the business to best support the integrated multi-media company that IDW has become. Our collective success with the entertainment team on ‘Locke & Key’ has been a crowning moment for the entire company.  I’m so proud of this special place and the incredible people who work here. I know that I leave IDW perfectly poised for continued success.”

In partnership with Ashley Wood and many of the talented creators he has worked with at IDW, Ryall is launching a new storytelling venture focused on the disparate worlds and characters that he brought to life at IDW Publishing.

Although he is stepping aside from his current roles at IDW, he will continue as an Executive Producer on the Netflix series, “Locke & Key,” and remain the sole editor on any Locke & Key publishing ventures going forward.

“After the wonderful experience this past year serving as an Executive Producer on ‘Locke & Key’ and working with the amazingly creative team that brought the show to life, I look forward to bringing exciting new stories into the world through many different storytelling forms,” Ryall added. “I’m thrilled to be back working alongside Ashley Wood, as well as other creators to come, in developing interesting projects for our World of Syzygy venture.”

During Ryall’s tenure as President and Publisher, IDW Publishing signed a multi-year publishing initiative with the Smithsonian Institution, launched a major program to produce Spanish-language graphic novels for the North American market, transitioned its foreign book distribution business to Penguin Random House and led IDW Publishing to 15 prestigious Eisner Award nominations in 2020, the most of any publisher.

Ryall was one of the rare executives who not only produced comic books in his various capacities with the company, but also authored assorted projects, such as Zombies vs Robots, with artist Ashley Wood, in development at Sony Pictures. Perhaps the biggest mark he left on IDW was that of Chief Creative Officer, partnering across divisions to ensure that creators and stories were well cared for as they transitioned to entertainment.

Howard Jonas, IDW’s Chairman, said, “Chris has been instrumental in IDW Publishing’s success, and we thank him for the passion and commitment he brought to the company. We wish him all the best in his new ventures. With Chris’s departure, IDW will be restructuring and expanding its operations, and we will name a new management team very soon.”

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For information on how to acquire copies of IDW Publishing’s upcoming comic book and graphic novel releases, please contact your local comic shop or visit www.comicshoplocator.com to find a store near you.

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About IDW Publishing

IDW Publishing (IDWP), a subsidiary of IDW Media Holdings Inc. (OTC PINK: IDWM), is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels, art books, trade paperbacks, and tabletop games. IDWP is one of the top four publishers of comic books and graphic novels in the U.S. with a library of world-renowned licensed content and original series. IDWP’s critically-acclaimed imprints include Top Shelf Productions, Artist’s Editions, EuroComics, The Library of American Comics, Sunday Press, and Yoe! Books.

About IDW Media Holdings

IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCPINK: IDWM) is an integrated media company. IDW’s businesses include IDW Publishing – a leading American publisher of comic books and graphic novels, IDW Entertainment – a producer and distributor of franchise content through television and other media, and CTM Media Group – one of North America’s largest distributors of information for tourists and travelers.

Media Contact
Melisa Gotto
Scandal Co-Active
melisa@scandalcoactive.com

Investor Contact
Ezra Rosensaft, Chief Financial Officer
IDW Media Holdings
ezra@idwmh.com

‘Locke & Key’ Season 2 Ordered
IDW Entertainment and IDW Publishing Deliver Strong Financial Results Despite COVID-19

NEWARK, NJ and LOS ANGELES, CA / June 15, 2020 / IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: IDWM), an integrated media company, today reported a second quarter net loss per share of $(0.04) on revenue of $11.6 million for the three months ended April 30, 2020.

Operational Highlights

• Netflix ordered a second season of IDW Entertainment (IDWE)’s Locke & Key, a supernatural horror series that premiered on the service to popular and critical acclaim.
• IDW Publishing (IDWP)’s imprints were honored with an industry-leading 15 nominations for the prestigious Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. Eisner Award winners will be announced in July.
• IDWE’s live-action series Wynonna Earp has completed filming and production of episodes 1-6 of season 4. The balance of production — episodes 7-12 — is expected to resume as COVID-19 related restrictions are relaxed.
• IDWP was able to significantly offset the suspension of direct market comic distribution (see COVID-19 impacts below) by re-focusing on the library market, digital comic market, the book market, web store and foreign sales. Demand strengthened for backlisted titles such as Locke & Key and coloring books, licensed titles, and puzzles and board games. Direct market comic distribution and comic releases resumed in a reduced capacity in May. Since then, re-orders have been stronger than expected. Notable upcoming releases include Sleeping Beauties by Stephen and Owen King and the first titles in IDWP’s Spanish-language graphic novel program.

COVID-19: Overview of Impacts

• IDW Media: Through its subsidiaries, IDW received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $3.0 million in aggregate comprising $1.2 million related to core IDWE and IDWP operations, and $1.8 million for CTM. The latter was received shortly after the quarter close and is not reflected in second quarter financials. The company intends to utilize the substantial majority of proceeds to compensate furloughed personnel and in other expense categories eligible for forgiveness.
• IDWE: Industry-wide production suspensions halted filming and production of Wynonna Earp Season 4 after the completion of six of twelve episodes. IDWE continued developing, packaging and pitching from its pipeline on a remote basis.
• IDWP: Halted most new product releases through the direct comic market in late March when Diamond, the comic industry’s sole direct market distributor, suspended operations. IDWP pivoted to focus on back catalog, digital sales, direct-to-consumer sales, foreign sales, and book market channels. IDWP has extended full returnability on all new direct-market releases through July to encourage orders from retailers. IDWP furloughed or laid off approximately 20% of its workforce during the quarter. The majority of furloughed employees have since been recalled.
• CTM: Suspended operations and furloughed approximately 90% of its workforce in March as most clients closed and travel and tourism came to a halt. CTM has since resumed operations in both the U.S. and Canada on a limited basis.

Comments of IDW Chairman, Howard Jonas
“Netflix’s decision to renew Locke & Key for a second season was very gratifying and Season 2 promises to be even more exciting. Congratulations to Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriquez whose creativity and story-telling genius conceived and guided the series, and to the IDW Entertainment team. There is more to come at IDW Entertainment as we continue to pursue additional deals from our development slate.

“IDW’s overall financial results significantly improved compared to recent quarters – despite the COVID-19 pandemic – and our balance sheet continues to strengthen. IDW Publishing adapted to the suspension of its direct comic market with increased sales of backlisted titles, games and digital offerings through the non-direct market and direct-to-consumer channels, while IDW Entertainment benefitted from recognition of Locke & Key -derived revenue. The pandemic forced CTM to suspend operations during the second quarter. However, certain of its key markets are beginning to re-open, and we have begun what we expect will be a gradual rebound.

“If operations continue to normalize in the coming weeks and months as anticipated, we are positioned to pursue the tremendous opportunities for original content producers in the global entertainment market. We remain committed to moving towards an SEC registration and exchange listing to increase IDW’s visibility in the capital markets.”

Consolidated P&L Highlights
(Numbers may not foot due to rounding)

(in millions, except net loss per share, unaudited)		2Q20		1Q20		2Q19
Revenue		$11.6		$14.1		$7.8
Direct cost of revenue		$4.5		$13.3		$4.1
SG&A including non-cash compensation		$6.5		$7.3		$7.0
Non-cash compensation		$0.2		$0.3		$0.7
Depreciation & amortization		$0.4		$0.3		$0.4
Bad debt expense		$0.4		$0.1		–
Loss from operations		$(0.3)		$(6.8)		$(3.6)
Net loss		$(0.4)		$(6.8)		$(3.7)
Net loss per share		$(0.04)		$(0.91)		$(0.61)

Segment P&L Highlights
(Does not include corporate overhead.)

(in millions, unaudited)		2Q20		1Q20		2Q19
Revenue
IDW Publishing		$4.7		$6.3		$3.7
IDW Entertainment		$4.6		$4.0		$-
CTM		$2.3		$3.8		$4.0
Income (loss) from operations
IDW Publishing		$(0.6)		$0.1		$(1.6)
IDW Entertainment		$2.2		$(5.6)		$(0.7)
CTM		$(1.6)		$(1.1)		$(1.3)

Financial Take-Aways

• Revenue: The increase in consolidated revenue was driven primarily by delivery of IDWE’s Locke & Key Season 1 episodes. The increase in IDWP revenue resulted from increased sales of backlisted comics and books through Amazon and other non-direct market channels, digital offerings and games, partially offset by a decrease in direct market sales. The decrease in CTM revenues reflects the pandemic-related closing of many clients, including Broadway shows, and CTM’s suspension of operations in March.
• Loss from Operations: IDW’s consolidated loss from operations narrowed substantially on the receipt of high margin revenue from Locke & Key and, at IDWP, on increased demand for backlisted titles – notably The Beauty of Horror coloring book line.
• Balance Sheet Highlights: At April 30th, IDW’s cash balance increased to $15.9 million from $4.6 million at January 31st. The increase includes receipt of $1.2 million in cash from PPP loans prior to the quarter close and the proceeds of the equity placement (see below). IDW Media plans on utilizing the substantial majority of the PPP loan proceeds on qualified expenses in order to qualify for “forgiveness” for a substantial majority of its PPP loan. Working capital (current assets less current liabilities) increased to $18.7 million from $8.9 million, while related party debt decreased to $5.0 million from $9.0 million.
• Equity Placement: As previously announced, IDW completed a private placement of 2.05 million shares of its Class B common stock at a sale price of $6.00 per share during the quarter. Aggregate gross proceeds were $12.3 million inclusive of a $4.0 million debt-to-equity conversion by IDW’s Chairman, Howard Jonas.

Earnings Conference Call
IDW’s management will host an earnings conference call beginning at 5:00 PM Eastern to present results, outlook and strategy followed by Q&A with investors.

To listen to the call and participate in the Q&A, dial 1-877-705-6003 (toll free – U.S.) or 1-201-493-6725 (toll – international) and request the ‘IDW Media call.’

A replay of the conference call can be accessed approximately three hours after the call concludes through June 22, 2020 by dialing 1-844-512-2921 (toll free – U.S.) or 1-412-317-6671 (toll – international) and providing this replay PIN number: 13702673. A replay will also be available via streaming audio through the IDW investor relations website.

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About IDW
IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: IDWM) is an integrated media company. IDW’s businesses include IDW Publishing – a leading publisher of comic books and graphic novels, IDW Entertainment – a producer and distributor of franchise content through television and other media, and CTM Media Group – one of North America’s largest distributors of information for tourists and travelers.

Investor Contact

IDW Media
Ezra Rosensaft, Chief Financial Officer
ezra@idwmh.com