DOGZ - Dogness (International) Corporation Announces Unaudited Financial Results for the First Six Months of Fiscal Year 2019

DONGGUAN, China, June 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dogness (International) Corporation (“Dogness” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: DOGZ), a developer and manufacturer of pet products in China, including smart products, hygiene products, health and wellness products, and leash products, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first six months of fiscal year 2019 ended December 31, 2018.

First Half of Fiscal Year 2019 Financial Highlights (compared to prior year period unless stated otherwise)

• Total sales decreased by 13.5% to $12.8 million from $14.8 million.
• Gross profit decreased by 23.0% to $4.6 million from $6.0 million. Gross margin decreased to 36.1% from 40.5%.
• Income from operations decreased by 97.0% to $0.1 million from $3.7 million. Operating margin decreased to 0.9% from 25.1%.
• Net income decreased by 75% to $0.7 million from $2.9 million. Fully diluted net income per share decreased to $0.03 from $0.18.

Mr. Aaron (Silong) Chen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dogness, commented, “Despite the challenges and uncertainties that we faced due to the ongoing trade disputes between China and the United States during the first half of fiscal 2019, we were able to maintain our profitability. While we remain committed to expanding our position in the U.S. market, as demonstrated by the grand opening of our U.S. headquarters in Texas in November, we broadened our sales strategy to pursue opportunities in the growing Chinese domestic market and further expanded into more countries in Europe. In addition, we increased sales of higher-margin products in our traditional product categories and were able to grow sales of our new intelligent pet products more than eight fold since the previous reporting period.”

“For the remainder of the fiscal year, we will continue to adapt to the macro environment while focusing on our growth through technological innovation, new product development, international expansion, and strategic partnerships,” concluded Mr. Chen.

Unaudited Financial Results for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2018

Revenues

Revenues decreased by approximately $2.0 million, or 13.5%, to $12.8 million for the six months ended December 31, 2018, from approximately $14.8 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year. The decrease in revenue was primarily attributable to a sales volume decrease of 10.3% and a decrease in average selling price of 3.6% compared to the same period of fiscal 2018. The decrease in sales volume was mainly due to the negative impact of a 10% tariff increase during the six months ended December 31, 2018, on some of the Company’s products as a result of the trade dispute between China and the United States. The tariff led to reduced purchase orders from several of the Company’s major customers located in the United States.

Revenue by geography

The Company’s export sales to the United States decreased approximately $3.1 million, or 51.2%, during the first half of fiscal 2019, compared to the same period of fiscal 2018. Due to the uncertainties and higher tariff created by the trade dispute, the Company’s major customers in the United States reduced purchase orders by approximately 1.0 million units, or 19%, compared to the same period of fiscal 2018.

The Company increased its marketing activities and sales efforts in the domestic market in the wake of the growing pet consumption market in China. Sales in China were also supported by favorable government activity, such as increasing local enforcement of regulations in which pet owners are required to keep dogs on leashes. Total sales in the Company’s domestic market increased by approximately $1.0 million, or 14.2%, compared to the same period of fiscal 2018.

The Company also expanded its sales channels to more European countries, such as Germany, Poland, Greece, Bulgaria and Ireland. The Company’s export sales to Europe increased by $308,488, or 32.4%, for the six months ended December 31, 2018, compared to the same period of last year.

The Company’s increase in sales in China and Europe partially offset the decreased sales in the United States.

Revenue by product category

The Company’s pet collars, pet leashes, gift suspenders, and pet harnesses continued to account for the greatest percentages of total sales. Sales of the Company’s retractable dog leashes slightly decreased from 6.2% of the Company’s total sales for the six months ended December 31, 2017, to 5.9% of the Company’s total sales for the six months ended December 31, 2018, due to decreased sales volume as affected by reduced export sales to the United States. The Company launched its intelligent pet products in March 2018, which accounted for 4.4% of the Company’s total sales during the first half of fiscal 2019. The Company had no such sales in the same period of fiscal 2018.

Pet leashes

Revenue from pet leashes decreased by approximately $0.2 million, or 7.0%, from $3.3 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017, to $3.1 million for the six months ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was mainly driven by a 41.0% decrease in sales volume during the period, which was offset by an increase in average unit price due to an increase in higher-cost leather dog leashes being sold. The decrease was due to reduced purchase orders from major customers located in the United States.

Pet collars

Revenue from pet collars decreased by approximately $2.1 million, or 37.8%, from $5.5 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017, to $3.4 million for the six months ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in revenue was due to a 41.3% decrease in sales volume during the six months ended December 31, 2018. The Company’s exports of pet collars decreased 43.9% for the six months ended December 31, 2018, compared to the prior year period due to reduced purchase orders from major customers located in the United States. The average selling price for pet collars remained consistent compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year.

Pet harnesses

Revenue from pet harnesses decreased by approximately $0.7 million, or 28.2%, from $2.6 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017, to $1.9 million for the six months ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in revenue was due to a 19.3% decrease in sales volume during the six months ended December 31, 2018. The Company’s exports of pet harnesses decreased 56.4% for the six months ended December 31, 2018, compared to the prior year period due to reduced purchase orders from major customers located in the United States. The average selling price for pet harnesses decreased by $0.3 per unit compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year due to promotional activity.

Gift suspenders

Revenue from gift suspenders increased by approximately $0.4 million, or 20.2%, from $1.7 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017, to $2.1 million for the six months ended December 31, 2018. The increase in revenue was due to a 14.5% increase in sales volume during the six months ended December 31, 2018. The Company’s export for gift suspender sales increased 60.8% for the six months ended December 31, 2018, compared to the prior year period. The average selling price for gift suspenders remained consistent.

Retractable dog leashes

Revenue from retractable dog leashes decreased by 17.1%, to approximately $0.8 million during the six months ended December 31, 2018, from $0.9 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017. The decrease in revenue was attributable to a 17.6% decrease in the sales volume during the six months ended December 31, 2018, due to reduced purchase orders from major customers located in the United States.

Intelligent pet products

Revenue from intelligent pet products amounted to approximately $0.6 million for the six months ended December 31, 2018, compared to nil for the prior year period. A new product line launched in March 2018, the Company’s intelligent pet product line includes app-controlled pet food containers and feeders, pet water containers and dispensers, and smart pet toys. Compared to other products, intelligent pet products typically have higher selling prices. The Company intends to focus on new, smart, and innovative pet products and expect the sales of intelligent pet products to continue to increase in the near future.

Other pet accessories

Other pet accessories include various comfort wrap harnesses, pet muzzles, metal chain traffic leashes, pet belt and ropes, and others, which are normally customized to fulfill customers’ purchase orders. Revenue from other pet accessories increased by 39.7%, to approximately $1 million during the six months ended December 31, 2018, from $0.7 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017. The increase in revenue was attributable to a 57.0% increase in the sales volume.

Sales to related party

During the six months ended December 31, 2018, the Company invested RMB 2.0 million to eventually acquire 10% of the ownership interest in Dogness Network Technology Co., Ltd (“Dogness Network”) in order to develop new products and new technologies in smart pet tech. The Company sold certain intelligent pet products to Dogness Network and accordingly reported related party sales of $206,052, which accounted for 1.6% of the Company’s total revenue for the six months ended December 31, 2018. There were no such related party sales in the prior year period.

Gross profit

During the six months ended December 31, 2018, gross profit decreased by approximately $1.4 million to approximately $4.6 million, from approximately $6.0 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decreased sales volume of the Company’s pet leashes, pet collars, pet harnesses, and retractable dog leashes, in addition to increased cost of revenue due to an increase in sales of pet leashes and pet collars made of higher-cost leather materials. Overall gross profit margin was 36.1%, a decrease of 4.4%, compared to 40.5% in the prior year period.

Gross profit by product category

Gross margins for pet leashes, pet collars, and gift suspenders decreased by 1.9%, 4.8% and 7.8%, respectively, compared to the same period in fiscal 2018. Raw material costs increased in conjunction with the increase in production of more leather products instead of fabric products. Salary expenses also increased due to higher labor costs.

Gross margins for pet harnesses and other pet accessories decreased by 3.4% and 10.1%, respectively, compared to the same period in fiscal 2018. The decrease was mainly due to lower average unit selling prices as part of promotional activity.

The gross margin for retractable dog leashes increased by 5.2% compared to the same period in fiscal 2018. The increase was mainly a result of improved materials and functionality of the Company’s retractable dog leash products, which reduced the cost of production per unit.

Gross margin for the Company’s intelligent pet products was 34.5% during the six months ended December 31, 2018, as expected.

Selling expenses

Selling expenses primarily included expenses incurred for participating in various trade shows to promote product sales, salary and sales commission expenses paid to the Company’s sales personnel, customs clearance charges for product exports, and shipping and delivery expenses. Selling expenses increased by $0.6 million, or 117.1%, from $0.5 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017, to $1.1 million for the six months ended December 31, 2018. As a percentage of sales, selling expenses were 9.0% and 3.6% of total revenues for the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses increased by approximately $1.2 million, or 78.2%, from approximately $1.6 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017, to approximately $2.8 million for the six months ended December 31, 2018. The increase was mainly due to increased salaries of approximately $0.3 million due to higher labor costs and increased public company related fees such as auditing fees, IR fees, legal counsel fees, capital market advisory fees, as well as notarization fees. In addition, the Company incurred approximately $700,000 in one-time expenses in connection with its U.S. headquarters. As a percentage of sales, general and administrative expenses were 22.0% and 10.7% of total revenues for the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses increased by approximately $0.3 million, or 216.2%, from approximately $0.2 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017, to approximately $0.5 million for the six months ended December 31, 2018. As a percentage of sales, research and development expenses were 4.2% and 1.1% of total revenues for the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase was due to the Company’s continued efforts to develop cutting edge smart products as well as to improve some of the functions and exterior designs of the Company’s existing products in order to meet customer demand. The Company expects such expenses to continue to increase as research and development activities increase.

Other income (expense)

Other income (expense) primarily included interest income or expense and foreign exchange gain or loss. For the six months ended December 31, 2018, other income was approximately $0.9 million compared to an expense of $0.3 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Other income was comprised of a foreign exchange gain of $0.5 million due to favorable USD, Euro, and other currency exchange rates against the RMB on the Company’s foreign currency denominated account receivable and $0.4 million in interest income from the Company’s short-term investments.

Income tax

Income tax expense decreased by approximately $0.3 million for the six months ended December 31, 2018, or 35.6%, from approximately $0.5 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017, to approximately $0.3 million for the six months ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was consistent with the decrease in the Company’s taxable income for the six months ended December 31, 2018.

Net income

Net income was approximately $726 thousand for the first half of fiscal 2019, a decrease of $2.2 million from $2.9 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year.

Cash and cash flows

As of December 31, 2018, the Company cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3.2 million. Net cash used in operating activities was $3.6 million. Net cash provided by investing activities was $2.0 million. Net cash used in financing activities was $1.7 million.

Recent developments

In January 2019, the Company entered into two lease agreements to lease one property with building areas of 4439 square meters and a piece of land of 191 square meters located in Tongsha Industry Zone, Dongcheng District, Dongguan, China. The leased building and land will provide additional administration office spaces and parking space for the Company’s subsidiary Dongguan Jiasheng.

About Dogness

Dogness (International) Corporation was born in 2003 from the belief that pet dogs and cats are important, well-loved family members. Through its smart products, hygiene products, health and wellness products, and leash products, Dogness is able to simplify pet lifestyles, make them more scientific, and enhance the relationship between pets and pet caregivers. The Company ensures industry-leading quality through its fully integrated vertical supply chain and world-class research and development capabilities, which has resulted in over 100 patents and patents pending. Dogness products reach families worldwide through global chain stores and distributors. For more information, please visit: ir.dognesspet.com.

Forward Looking Statements

No statement made in this press release should be interpreted as an offer to purchase or sell any security. Such an offer can only be made in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable state securities laws. Certain statements in this press release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements regarding our future business expectations intended to qualify for the “safe harbor” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding our ability to raise capital on any particular terms, fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, our ability to realize revenue from expanded operation and acquired assets in China and the U.S., our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, client concentration, industry segment concentration, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Dogness may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

Contacts:

ICR, Inc.

Rose Zu

Tel: +1-646-588-0383

Email: ir@dognesspet.com

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of
Income and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(In USD)