What happened
Shares of touch feedback technology developer Immersion Corp. (IMMR -0.83%) tumbled on Friday after the company fell well short of analyst estimates when it reported its fourth-quarter results. Immersion also provided disappointing guidance for 2017. At 11:30 a.m. EST, the stock was down about 18.5%.
So what
Immersion reported fourth-quarter revenue of $9.3 million, down 44% year over year and more than $1 million below the average analyst estimate. Non-GAAP EPS came in at a loss of $0.27, down from a profit of $0.07 in the prior-year period and $0.09 lower than analysts expected. On a GAAP basis, Immersion posted a net loss of $38.1 million, reflecting a non-cash charge related to the company's deferred tax assets.
Image source: Immersion Corp.
Immersion expects to generate between $38 million and $42 million of revenue in 2017, down from $57.1 million in 2016. Excluding recognition of wind-down rights from Samsung, which added $19 million of revenue in 2016, revenue will be flat to up 11%. Non-GAAP EPS is expected to be a loss of between $0.76 and $1.05 for the full year.
Now what
CEO Vic Viegas tried to explain the company's weak guidance: "In the near-term, we recognize that there will be some trade-offs with regards to financial performance as we vigorously defend our IP. In addition to normal considerations, our guidance for 2017 takes into account the ongoing litigation with Apple and the current unlicensed status of Samsung."
Despite these issues, Viegas sees a bright future for Immersion, saying, "Looking ahead, we are confident that our innovative solutions and IP increasingly will be recognized as a 'must have' by existing and new customers, leading to measurable value creation and growth prospects in 2017 and beyond."
With Immersion calling for a steep revenue decline and big losses in 2017, it should be no surprise that investors are selling off the stock.
