|
FREMONT, Calif.-
March 7, 2003 - Vialta, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board:
VLTA) today reported a net loss of $13.4 million,
or $0.16 per share, for the fourth quarter ended
December 31, 2002. This compares to a net loss
of $12.6 million, or $0.15 per share, for the
comparable prior-year quarter, and a net loss
of $14.8 million, or $0.18 per share for the
third quarter of 2002. In addition, the Company
reported a net loss of $42.6 million, or $0.51
per share, for the 12 months ended December
31, 2002, compared to a net loss of $35.9 million,
or $0.83 per share, for the 12 months ended
December 31, 2001.
In
accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, the Company could not recognize
revenue on sales of its new videophone product,
Beamer? during the year ended December 31,
2002, because the warranty period for the first
significant Beamer shipments did not end until
after December 31, 2002. The Company recorded
$3.2 million of deferred revenue on sales of
Beamer as of December 31, 2002, the majority
of which is expected to be recognized during
the quarter ending March 31, 2003.
The
net loss for the fourth quarter of 2002 included
charges of $8.3 million related to the write-down
of content licenses previously capitalized in
connection with ViMagazine, and approximately
$900,000 in costs associated with Vialta's previously
disclosed wind-down of its internet service
operations and related closure of Vialta's Canadian
office. Excluding these charges, the net loss
would have been $4.2 million, or $0.05 per share,
for the fourth quarter of 2002.
The
net loss for the year ended December 31, 2002,
also included $10.4 million in product costs
related to the Company's nationwide launch of
Beamer. Because Beamer is a new product, the
Company expensed inventory costs through the
third quarter of 2002. Following Beamer's nationwide
launch, Vialta began capitalizing its inventory
costs in the fourth quarter of 2002. As of December
31, 2002, the Company's net inventory balance
was $2.8 million. The Company believes its inventory
levels as of the end of 2002 will be sufficient
to support its anticipated distribution commitments
through the first half of 2003.
During
2002, the Company continued its efforts to reduce
its operating expenses. As a result, the Company's
operating expenses for 2002 were significantly
lower than for 2001. Research and development
expense for the 12 months ended December 31,
2002 decreased $12.0 million, from $25.3 million
to $13.3 million. The Company's general and
administrative expense for 2002 decreased by
$3.7 million, from $9.3 million to $5.6 million.
Sales and marketing expense for the 12 months
ended December 31, 2002 was $3.1 million, compared
to $3.7 million for the prior year.
Didier
Pietri, Vialta's president and chief executive
officer, said, "2002 was marked by positive
initial market acceptance of our newly launched
Beamer. Since our national product launch in
August 2002, retail distribution grew to almost
800 locations, including Best Buy and Sharper
Image on a national level, and many leading
regional chains such as Fry's and Good Guys.
In addition, Beamer won two prestigious awards
- a 2003 "Good Buy" award from Good Housekeeping
magazine which recognizes innovative, affordable
solutions for consumers, plus, a 2003 "Best
of Innovations" award from the International
Consumer Electronics Show."
Pietri
continued, "Beamer's high visibility launch,
along with its acceptance by retailers and consumers,
affirms Vialta's belief that there is an opportunity
for entrepreneurial companies to create products
that seamlessly integrate design and function
to deliver tangible benefits and value to consumers."
About Vialta
Vialta develops, designs and markets unique and
innovative home entertainment and communications
products for the mainstream consumer. The company
was formed in April 1999 and is publicly traded
on the OTC Bulletin board under the symbol VLTA.
The company is headquartered in Fremont, California
with offices in Los Angeles, Toronto and Hong
Kong. More information about Vialta can be found
at www.vialta.com.
Forward-Looking
Statements
The matters discussed in this news release include
certain forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited
to, the possible reduction of consumer spending,
the timely availability and acceptance of the
Company's new and existing products, the impact
of competitive products and pricing, the dependence
on continued growth in demand for consumer products,
and the other risks detailed from time to time
in the SEC reports of Vialta, including the reports
on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. Actual results could
differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking statements.
|