VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), a leading global manufacturer and distributor of automotive and consumer lifestyle products, today announced its financial results for its Fiscal 2017 first quarter ended May 31, 2016.

Net sales for the Fiscal 2017 first quarter were $155.5 million, a decrease of $8.9 million as compared to$164.4 million reported in the comparable year-ago period. The average Euro for the Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016 first quarters was $1.13 and $1.09, respectively, and positively impacted net sales by approximately $1.8 million. Additionally, the sale of inventory and subsequent licensing of the Jensen 12-volt audio business impacted net sales by $3.0 million. Excluding the impact of the Euro conversion and sale of the Jensen car audio business, net sales were down $7.7 million or approximately 4.7%.

• Automotive segment sales were $81.4 million and $90.0 million for the Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016 first quarters, respectively, representing a decline of $8.6 million. The Jensen sale impacted net sales by $3.0 million and the remaining decline was primarily due to lower OEM sales in North America, and lower aftermarket sales of remote starts and satellite radio products. This was partially offset by an increase in tuner and antenna sales at Hirschmann, as a new OEM program began during the quarter.
• Premium Audio segment sales were $32.1 million and $29.3 million for the Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016 first quarters, respectively, an increase of $2.8 million. The increase in sales was primarily related to the introduction of new products, including HD wireless speakers, soundbars with wireless subwoofers and an increase in headphone sales. Strong domestic performance was partially offset by a decline in European sales.
• Consumer Accessories segment sales were $41.7 million and $44.7 million for the Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016 first quarters, respectively, a decline of $3.1 million. This was primarily related to lower sales of wireless speakers due to stronger load-in's in the Fiscal 2016 first quarter and declines across select categories, partially offset by higher sales of antenna products and 360Fly action cameras, as well as an increase in net sales internationally.

Pat Lavelle, President and CEO of VOXX International stated, "While we reported a net loss for the quarter, it was anticipated and we outperformed our Q1 plan. As we stated last quarter, many of the product load-in's for our Consumer Accessories and Premium Audio segments are slated for our second and third fiscal quarters and as such, we are anticipating growth in these categories for the Fiscal year. New digital technologies within Premium Audio have enabled us to reverse the declining sales trend and we reported a 10% increase in segment sales and at higher gross margins. Our Consumer Accessories business should be aided by the launch of our new 360Fly 4K action camera, strength in our RCA and Terk reception business and the introduction of Project Nursery, a line of high-end projectors, cameras and displays designed for the nursery. Lastly, our Automotive segment is expected to be flat to down modestly this year, though with the new awards we announced last quarter, coupled with $40 million in new programs awarded in Q1, and our pipeline of booked business, we should generate growth in Fiscal 2018 and in the following years."

The gross margin for the Fiscal 2017 first quarter came in at 29.7% as compared to 29.2% for the same period last year, an increase of 50 basis points ("bps"). The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to higher margins in the Premium Audio segment, given the introduction of new product lines and a shift in product mix. Automotive segment gross margins were 30.0% and declined by 30 bps; Premium Audio segment gross margins were 34.6% and increased 250 bps; and Consumer Accessories segment gross margins were 24.7%, consistent with the Fiscal 2016 first quarter.

Operating expenses for the Fiscal 2017 first quarter were $53.2 million, a $4.4 million increase as compared to$48.8 million in the Fiscal 2016 first quarter. Excluding the addition of operating expenses associated with EyeLock, LLC ("EyeLock"), the Company's majority owned subsidiary and most recent acquisition, operating expenses were flat for the comparable periods.

In addition to expenses associated with EyeLock, the Company increased its investments in research and development initiatives associated with its Automotive and Premium Audio segments and received fewer reimbursements of engineering expenses ("NRE") at Hirschmann. The Company also incurred increases in depreciation and amortization expenses during the three months ended May 31, 2016 as a result of intangible assets acquired in conjunction with the EyeLock acquisition and the addition of the Company's new manufacturing facility and executive offices in Lake Nona, FL. As an offset to these operating expense increases, the Company has experienced decreases in salary, payroll and benefits expenses, and lower advertising expenses for the three months ended May 31, 2016.

The Company reported an operating loss of $7.1 million as compared to an operating loss of $0.8 million in the Fiscal 2016 first quarter. Net loss was $4.3 million or a loss of $0.18 per diluted share as compared to a net loss of $0.7 million and a net loss per diluted share of $0.03 in the comparable prior year period. Excluding the impact of EyeLock, the Company would have reported a net loss for the Fiscal 2017 first quarter of $1.5 millionas compared to a net loss of $0.7 million for the corresponding year-ago period.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") for the Fiscal 2017 first quarter was$0.1 million as compared to EBITDA of $4.6 million reported in the Fiscal 2016 first quarter. Adjusted EBITDA was $0.3 million as compared to $4.9 million for the comparable Fiscal 2017 and 2016 first quarter periods.

Lavelle continued, "Gross margins showed improvement during the quarter and we believe we're on track to deliver higher margins this Fiscal year. Expenses are expected to be down, even with the addition of EyeLock and increased investments in R&D to drive new technologies across each of our segments. With that said, we continue to focus on cost controls and believe the Company remains positioned for profitability this Fiscal year."

About VOXX International Corporation

VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ:VOXX) has grown into a worldwide leader in many automotive and consumer electronics and accessories categories, as well as premium high-end audio. Today, the Company has an extensive distribution network that includes power retailers, mass merchandisers, 12-volt specialists and most of the world's leading automotive manufacturers. The Company has an international footprint in Europe,Asia, Mexico and South America, and a growing portfolio, which now comprises over 30 trusted brands. Among the key domestic brands are Klipsch®, RCA®, Invision®, Jensen®, Audiovox®, Terk®, Acoustic Research®, Advent®, myris®, Code Alarm®, Car Connection®, 808®, AR for Her®, and Prestige®. International brands include Hirschmann Car Communication®, Klipsch®, Jamo®, Energy®, Mirage®, Mac Audio®, Magnat®, Heco®, Schwaiger®, Oehlbach® and Incaar™. For additional information, please visit our Web site atwww.voxxintl.com.