# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000894871
**File Stem:** 0001493152-23-007902
**Filing Date:** 2023-3
**Character Count:** 46137
**Document Hash:** a9df627132e3792711a4df541146c367
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001493152-23-007902.hdr.sgml**: 20230316

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001493152-23-007902

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 14

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20230316

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Results of Operations and Financial Condition

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230316

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230316

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Arena Group Holdings, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000894871
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** CABLE & OTHER PAY TELEVISION SERVICES [4841]
- **IRS NUMBER:** 680232575
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-12471
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23738772

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 200 VESEY STREET
- **STREET 2:** 24TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10281
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 212 321 5002

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 200 VESEY STREET
- **STREET 2:** 24TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10281

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** theMaven, Inc.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20161228

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** THEMAVEN, INC.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20161209

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** INTEGRATED SURGICAL SYSTEMS INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19960725

?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549**

**FORM 8-K**

**CURRENT REPORT**

**Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.**

**Date of Report:** (Date of Earliest Event Reported): **March 16, 2023**

**THE ARENA GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **delaware** | **001-12471** | **68-0232575** |
| (State or other jurisdiction<br> of incorporation) | (Commission<br> File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer<br> Identification No.) |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **200 VESEY STREET,** **24<sup>TH</sup> FLOOR** |  |
| **NEW YORK, new york** | **10281** |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) |

---

**212-321-5002**

(Registrant's telephone number including area code)

(Former name or former address if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant in Section 12(b) of the Act:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | AREN | NYSE American |

---

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

**Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.**

On March 16, 2023, The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2022. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

The information furnished with this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1 hereto, shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any other filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

**Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.**

(d) Exhibits

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit**<br> **No.** | **Description** |
| 99.1 | [Press Release of The Arena Group Holdings, Inc., dated March 16, 2023, announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2022](ex99-1.htm) |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |

---

**SIGNATURE**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Dated: March 16, 2023 | **THE ARENA GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.** | **THE ARENA GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.** |
|  | By: | */s/ Douglas B. Smith* |
|  | Name: | Douglas B. Smith |
|  | Title: | Chief Financial Officer |

---

## Exhibit 99.1

**Exhibit 99.1**

![](ex99-1_001.jpg)

**The Arena Group Reports Full Year 2022 Revenue of $221 Million** 

**Driven by a Nearly 74% Year Over Year Increase in Digital Advertising Revenue**

*Results Showcase a $28 Million Improvement in Operating Income for Full Year 2022*

**NEW YORK – March 16, 2023 –** The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: AREN) (the "Company" or "The Arena Group"), a tech-powered media company home to more than 265 brands, including Sports Illustrated, TheStreet, Parade Media ("Parade"), and Men's Journal operating on a single technology platform, today announced financial results for the three months and twelve months ended December 31, 2022. The Company reported significant improvements in both top- and bottom-line results in 2022, driving record revenues of more than $221 million, while reducing operating expenses by nearly $20 million over that time. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company reported revenue from continuing operations of $61.7 million while reducing operating expenses by more than 30%. These results were driven by significant gains in digital advertising and licensing and syndication, and new lines of revenue in online betting and ecommerce, while managing headwinds and declines in the legacy print and subscription lines. Overall, the Company reported its highest full-year revenue and profits in its history.

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| *(in thousands)* | **Three Months Ended<br> December 31,** | **Three Months Ended<br> December 31,** | **2022 versus 2021** | **2022 versus 2021** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **2022 versus 2021** | **2022 versus 2021** |
| **Revenue by Category** | **2022** | **2021** | **$ Change** | **% Change** | **2022** | **2021** | **$ Change** | **% Change** |
| **Digital Revenue** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Digital advertising | $34467 | $23468 | $10999 | 46.9% | $109317 | $62865 | $46452 | 73.9% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Digital subscriptions | 4576 | 7155 | (2579) | -36.0% | 21156 | 29629 | (8473) | -28.6% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Licensing and syndication | 5896 | 2669 | 3227 | 120.9% | 18173 | 8471 | 9702 | 114.5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other digital revenue | 250 | 11 | 239 | 2172.7% | 1166 | 43 | 1123 | 2611.6% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total digital revenue | 45189 | 33303 | 11886 | 35.7% | 149812 | 101008 | 48804 | 48.3% |
| **Print Revenue** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Print advertising | 2429 | 2147 | 282 | 13.1% | 10214 | 9051 | 1163 | 12.8% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Print subscriptions | 14046 | 25754 | (11708) | -45.5% | 60909 | 79081 | (18172) | -23.0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total print revenue | 16475 | 27901 | (11426) | -41.0% | 71123 | 88132 | (17009) | -19.3% |
| Total revenue | $61664 | $61204 | $460 | 0.8% | $220935 | $189140 | $31795 | 16.8% |

---

*\*The results for the fourth quarter of 2022 and full year 2022 have been adjusted in this press release to remove the discontinued operations of the Parade print business ("Parade Print") that was acquired on April 1, 2022 and was discontinued on November 13, 2022.*

**Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial and Operational Highlights**

● Quarterly revenue from continuing operations was $61.7 million versus $61.2 million in the prior year period.

● Digital advertising revenue increased 47% to a record $34.5 million versus $23.5 million in the prior year period.

● Quarterly operating expenses decreased by $15.3 million from $50.8 million to $35.6 million in the prior year period.

● Net loss improved by $5.4 million to $13.7 million versus $19.1 million in the prior year period.

● The fourth quarter of 2022 included approximately $15.0 million in non-cash charges, which represents approximately 109% of the net loss. The non-cash charges include stock-based compensation, depreciation, amortization of platform development and intangible assets and other non-cash charges.

● Adjusted EBITDA\*\* was $5.4 million versus $1.1 million in the prior year period.

● The Arena Group generated $3.4 million in cash from operations versus $6.5 million of cash used in operations in the prior year period.

**Full Year 2022 Financial Highlights**

● Total revenue from continuing operations for 2022 was $220.9 million, representing an increase of 17% from $189.1 million for 2021. This was accomplished as a result of a 48% year-over-year increase in revenues from the digital side of our business, which more than offset the planned reduction in print revenues.

● Digital advertising revenue increased 74% to $109.3 million from $62.9 million in 2021.

● Operating expenses decreased by $19.0 million from $162.9 million in the prior year to $143.9 million in 2022.

● Loss from continuing operations was $67.4 million in 2022, representing an improvement of $22.6 million compared to a loss from continuing operations of $89.9 million in the prior year. Loss from discontinued operations was $3.5 million for 2022, with no such loss in 2021.

● Net loss improved by over $19.1 million to $70.9 million in 2022 versus $89.9 million in the prior year. Fiscal year 2022 included $61.6 million in non-cash charges which represents approximately 87% of the net loss. The non-cash charges include stock-based compensation, depreciation, amortization of platform development and intangible assets and other non-cash charges.

● Adjusted EBITDA\*\* was $3.1 million, compared to a $12.1 million loss in the prior year.

*\*\*Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. For additional information regarding non-GAAP financial measures, see "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation" below*.

 

**Management Commentary**

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Arena Group, Ross Levinsohn, said, "2022 was a transformative year for our Company as we grew our digital business lines substantially, expanded our portfolio, recorded revenue growth and sharpened our operations to drive significant improvements to our financial results. We have grown revenue from $53.3 million in 2019 to $220.9 million in 2022, while expanding margins and significantly narrowing our losses and reporting our first full year of positive Adjusted EBITDA in our Company's history."

"In 2023, we are focused on continuing to streamline our operations to drive operating cash flow and profits for our Company and shareholders," added Mr. Levinsohn. "We have successfully re-platformed our Men's Journal, Men's Fitness, Surfer, Powder and Bike acquisitions, and following the addition of 113 new sites in 2022, we continue to further expand our footprint, reach and inventory. In the fourth quarter of 2022, we generated positive cash from operations and delivered $5.4 million in positive Adjusted EBITDA. We expect $30 to $35 million in Adjusted EBITDA for 2023, demonstrating the growing earnings power of our business as we more effectively leverage our scale. Simultaneously, we expect to continue to expand our use of technology, including artificial intelligence solutions, to drive incremental productivity efficiencies."

The Company generated impactful growth across each vertical in the fourth quarter. Highlights include:

● The Sports vertical, anchored by Sports Illustrated and featuring local team sites brand FanNation, The Spun and Sports Illustrated Media Group partners, increased monthly average pageviews by 76% in 2022 compared to 2021, according to Google Analytics, and the Sports Illustrated Media Group was the #4 ranked sports media property according to ComScore in January 2023.

● The Finance vertical grew monthly average pageviews 139% in 2022 compared to 2021, reaching an average of 27 million pageviews online each month, according to Google Analytics.

● The Lifestyle vertical, anchored by Parade, which the Company acquired in April, continued to deliver improvements in audience and yield. According to Google Analytics, Parade.com's monthly average pageviews have increased by 44% in 2022 compared to 2021, reaching 586 million quarterly pageviews in the fourth quarter. Unique users approximately doubled in the last six months of 2022, according to Comscore.

● The Company's pet property, Pet Helpful, delivered a 364% year-over-year growth in quarterly pageviews in the fourth quarter of 2022, reaching 309 million in the fourth quarter, according to Google Analytics.

● In the HubPages business, the Company's content playbook has now expanded across 34 sites, with plans to double the number of sites utilizing the playbook in 2023. As a result of this strategy, the Company's total HubPages monthly average pageviews in the fourth quarter was 65.4 million, up 54% from the prior year, according to Google Analytics.

**Financial Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021**

***<u>Revenue</u>***

Revenue from continuing operations was $61.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 1% compared to $61.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2021.

***<u>Digital Revenue</u>***

Revenue from digital operations grew 36% year-over-year to $45.2 million in the fourth quarter 2022, highlighted by a 47% increase in digital advertising. Consumer engagement, measured by page view growth, recorded a 22% gain to more than 1.5 billion during the quarter, and a 13% increase in revenue per page view year-over-year.

Licensing and syndication revenue increased by $3.2 million, or 121% from the prior year period as we now distribute content to more than 600 external outlets.

***<u>Print Revenue</u>***

The improvement in digital revenue offset an $11.4 million decrease in total print revenue, from $27.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 to $16.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, which was primarily related to a planned decrease in print revenue from the Sports Illustrated magazine, as we reduced the rate-base from 1.7 million to 1.2 million. The Company continues to focus on driving margin and profits from its subscription relationships, as the segment remains profitable from subscriptions and print advertising.

***<u>Gross Profit</u>***

Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2022 decreased slightly to $27.5 million from $33.9 million in the prior year period. Cost of revenue increased by 25% to $34.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 from $27.3 million in the prior year period, primarily driven by higher print production and distribution costs.

***<u>Operating Expenses</u>***

Total operating expenses decreased by $15.3 million to $35.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 from $50.8 million in the prior year period. This decrease was primarily driven by lower subscription acquisition costs related to the aforementioned 29% decrease in the Sports Illustrated rate base. In addition, the Company continues to optimize operations, integrate acquired properties and drive efficiency.

 ****

***<u>Net Loss from Continuing Operations</u>***

Net loss from continuing operations improved to $11.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 as compared to $19.1 million in the prior year period. The fourth quarter of 2022 included non-cash charges of $15.0 million as compared to $19.5 million of non-cash charges in the prior year period.

 ****

 ****

***<u>Adjusted EBITDA</u>***

Adjusted EBITDA was $5.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, an improvement from $4.3 million in the prior year period.

**Financial Results for the 12 Months Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to the 12 Months Ended December 31, 2021**

***<u>Revenue:</u>***

Total revenue from continuing operations for the full year 2022 was $220.9 million as compared to $189.1 million in the prior year, which represents an increase of 17%.

***<u>Digital Revenue</u>***

Our digital advertising revenue from continuing operations increased by $46.5 million or 74%, driven by a 47% increase in monthly average pageviews and a 13% increase in RPM for the full year 2022 as compared to the prior year with 80% of the total digital revenue increase attributable to organic growth.

For the full year 2022, licensing and syndication revenue increased by $9.7 million or 115% from the prior year as we added 500 new digital outlets during the year and expanded existing ones to leverage our content with increased monetization. Other digital revenue, primarily consisting of e-commerce and sponsorship revenue, increased by $1.1 million from the prior year largely attributable to the expansion of our e-commerce business.

***<u>Print Revenue</u>***

Print subscription revenue decreased by $18.2 million or 23% from the prior year, which was principally related to our planned rate base reduction for our Sports Illustrated media business of 29% from 1.7 million in fiscal 2021 to 1.2 million in fiscal 2022 to focus on more profitable subscriptions.

***<u>Gross Profit</u>***

Gross profit was $88.0 million, representing a 40% gross margin, for the full year 2022, as compared to $78.6 million, representing a 42% gross margin in the prior year. Operating expenses decreased by $19.0 million from $162.9 million in the prior year to $143.9 million for the full year 2022.

 ****

***<u>Net Loss from Continuing Operations</u>***

Net loss from continuing operations was $67.4 million for the full year 2022, an improvement of $22.6 million compared to $89.9 million in the prior year. The Company recorded $61.6 million of non-cash charges in 2022, representing 91% of the net loss in 2022. During fiscal 2021, the Company recorded $69.4 million of non-cash charges.

 ****

***<u>Adjusted EBITDA</u>***

Adjusted EBITDA was $3.1 million for the full year 2022 representing an improvement of more than $15 million, compared to a loss of $12.1 million for the prior year, primarily attributable to the $22.6 million improvement in net loss from continuing operations.

**Balance Sheet and Liquidity as of December 31, 2022**

Cash and cash equivalents were $13.9 million as of December 31, 2022, compared to $9.3 million as of December 31, 2021.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in operating activities was $11.3 million, as compared to $14.7 million for the prior year, a $3.4 million improvement. The improvement was primarily a result of the increase in revenue and reduction in operating expenses as well as a general improvement in our working capital efficiency.

**Fiscal 2023 Outlook**

Management reiterated its full-year 2023 guidance of between $255 million and $270 million in total revenue and between $30 million and $35 million in Adjusted EBITDA.

"As we do each quarter and on an annual basis, we proactively manage our cost structure and focus on driving increased operational efficiency to position the Company to achieve its Adjusted EBITDA target," commented Doug Smith, The Arena Group's Chief Financial Officer.

**Conference Call**

Ross Levinsohn, The Arena Group's Chief Executive Officer, Doug Smith, Chief Financial Officer, and Andrew Kraft, Chief Operating Officer, will host a conference call and live webcast to review the financial results and provide a corporate update on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. ET. To access the call, please dial 888-506-0062 (toll free) or 973-528-0011 and if requested, reference conference ID 403807. The conference call will also be webcast live on the Investor Relations section of The Arena Group's website at https://investors.thearenagroup.net/news-and-events/events.

Following the conclusion of the live call, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website for at least 90 days. A telephonic replay of the conference call will also be available from 7 p.m. ET on March 16, 2023 until 11:59 p.m. ET on March 30, 2023 by dialing 877-481-4010 (United States) or 919-882-2331 (international) and using the passcode 47566.

**About The Arena Group**

The Arena Group creates robust digital destinations that delight consumers with powerful journalism and news about the things they love – their favorite sports teams, advice on investing, the inside scoop on personal finance, and the latest on lifestyle essentials. With powerful technology, editorial expertise, data management, and marketing savvy, the transformative company enables brands like Sports Illustrated, TheStreet, Parade, and Men's Journal to deliver highly relevant content and experiences that consumers love. To learn more, visit www.thearenagroup.net.

**Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures**

We report our financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"); however, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures provide users of our financial information with useful supplemental information that enables a better comparison of our performance across periods. This press release includes references to Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. We believe Adjusted EBITDA provides visibility to our underlying continuing operating performance by excluding the impact of certain items that are noncash in nature or not related to our core business operations. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net loss, adjusted for (i) interest expense (net), (ii) income taxes, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) stock-based compensation, (v) change in derivative valuations, (vi) liquidated damages, (vii) gain upon debt extinguishment, (viii) loss on impairment of lease, (ix) loss on lease termination, (x) loss on impairment of assets, (xi) professional and vendor fees, and (xii) employee restructuring payments.

Our Adjusted EBITDA measure may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure used by other companies, has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our operating results as reported under GAAP. Additionally, we do not consider our Adjusted EBITDA as superior to, or a substitute for, the equivalent measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net loss has been provided in the financial statement tables included in this press release, and investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation.

We have not reconciled full year 2023 guidance for Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP measure because certain items that impact Adjusted EBITDA are uncertain, out of our control, and/or cannot be reasonably predicted. Accordingly, a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA guidance to the corresponding GAAP measure is not available without unreasonable effort.

**Forward Looking Statements**

This press release includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "forecast," "guidance," "plan," "estimate," "will," "would," "project," "maintain," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "prospect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "believe," "continue," "opportunity," "potential," and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, and include, for example, statements related to full year 2023 guidance for Adjusted EBITDA, the Company's anticipated future expenses and investments, business strategy and plans, expectations relating to its industry, market conditions and market trends and growth, market position and potential market opportunities, and objectives for future operations. These forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the duration and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic and impact on the demand for the Company products; the ability of the Company to expand its verticals; the Company's ability to grow its subscribers; the Company's ability to grow its advertising revenue; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the effects of steps that the Company could take to reduce operating costs; the inability of the Company to sustain profitable sales growth; circumstances or developments that may make the Company unable to implement or realize the anticipated benefits, or that may increase the costs, of its current and planned business initiatives; and those factors detailed by the Company in its public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties, or facts materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

**Investor Relations Contact**

Rob Fink

FNK IR

<u>Aren@fnkir.com</u>

646.809.4048 **Media Contacts:**

Rachael Fink

Communications Manager, The Arena Group

<u>Rachael.fink@thearenagroup.net</u>

Andrew Rhodes

DKC

<u>arena@dkcnews.com</u>

**THE ARENA GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS**

**(unaudited)**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **As of December 31,** | **As of December 31,** |
|  | **2022** | **2021** |
|  | *($ in thousands, except share data)* | *($ in thousands, except share data)* |
| **Assets** |  |  |
| Current assets: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents | $13871 | $9349 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restricted cash | 502 | 502 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable, net | 33950 | 21660 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subscription acquisition costs, current portion | 25931 | 30162 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Royalty fees |  | 11250 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepayments and other current assets | 4441 | 4748 |
| Total current assets | 78695 | 77671 |
| Property and equipment, net | 735 | 636 |
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 372 | 528 |
| Platform development, net | 10330 | 9299 |
| Subscription acquisition costs, net of current portion | 14133 | 8235 |
| Acquired and other intangible assets, net | 58970 | 57356 |
| Other long-term assets | 1140 | 639 |
| Goodwill | 39344 | 19619 |
| Total assets | $203719 | $173983 |
| **Liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders' deficiency** |  |  |
| Current liabilities: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | $12863 | $11982 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued expenses and other | 23102 | 24011 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Line of credit | 14092 | 11988 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unearned revenue | 58703 | 54030 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subscription refund liability | 845 | 3087 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease liabilities | 427 | 374 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Liquidated damages payable | 5843 | 5197 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bridge notes | 34805 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current portion of long-term debt | 65684 | 5744 |
| Total current liabilities | 216364 | 116413 |
| Unearned revenue, net of current portion | 19701 | 15277 |
| Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion | 358 | 785 |
| Liquidating damages payable, net of current portion | 494 | 7008 |
| Other long-term liabilities | 5307 | 7556 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 465 | 362 |
| Long-term debt, net of current portion | - | 64373 |
| Total liabilities | 242689 | 211774 |
| Commitments and contingencies |  |  |
| Mezzanine equity: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Series G redeemable and convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value, $1,000 per share liquidation value and 1,800 shares designated; aggregate liquidation value: $168; Series G shares issued and outstanding: 168; common shares issuable upon conversion: 8,582 at December 31, 2022 and 2021 | 168 | 168 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Series H convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value, $1,000 per share liquidation value and 23,000 shares designated; aggregate liquidation value: $14,356 and $15,066; Series H shares issued and outstanding: 14,356 and 15,066; common shares issuable upon conversion: 1,981,128 and 2,075,200 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively | 13008 | 13718 |
| Total mezzanine equity | 13176 | 13886 |
| Stockholders' deficiency: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 1,000,000,000 shares: issued and outstanding; 18,303,193 and 12,635,951 shares December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively | 182 | 126 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common stock to be issued |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional paid-in capital | 270743 | 200410 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated deficit | (323071) | (252213) |
| Total stockholders' deficiency | (52146) | (51677) |
| Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders' deficiency | $203719 | $173983 |

---

**THE ARENA GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS**

**(unaudited)**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended**<br> **December 31,** | **Three Months Ended**<br> **December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2022** | **2021** | **2022** | **2021** |
|  | *($ in thousands)* | *($ in thousands)* | *($ in thousands)* | *($ in thousands)* |
| **Revenue** | $61664 | $61204 | $220935 | $189140 |
| Cost of revenue (includes amortization for developed technology and platform development for 2022 and 2021 of $9,459 and $8,829, respectively and for the three months ended 2022 and 2021 of 2,360 and $2,263, respectively) | 34134 | 27266 | 132923 | 110530 |
| Gross profit | 27530 | 33938 | 88012 | 78610 |
| **Operating expenses** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Selling and marketing | 19366 | 27697 | 72489 | 81929 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;General and administrative | 11658 | 18025 | 53499 | 55612 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 4526 | 4363 | 17650 | 16345 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on impairment of assets |  | 288 | 257 | 1192 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on impairment of lease |  | 466 |  | 466 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on termination of lease | - | - | - | 7345 |
| Total operating expenses | 35550 | 50839 | 143895 | 162889 |
| Loss from operations | (8020) | (16901) | (55883) | (84279) |
| **Other (expense) income** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in valuation of warrant derivative liabilities |  | (463) |  | 34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense, net | (2918) | (2754) | (11428) | (10449) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Liquidated damages | (501) | (439) | (1140) | (2637) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain upon debt extinguishment | - | - | - | 5717 |
| Total other expense | (3419) | (3656) | (12568) | (7335) |
| Loss before income taxes | (11439) | (20557) | (68451) | (91614) |
| Income tax benefit (provision) | (117) | 1444 | 1063 | 1674 |
| Loss from continuing operations | (11566) | (19113) | (67388) | (89940) |
| Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | (2141) | - | (3470) | - |
| **Net loss** | $(13697) | $(19113) | $(70858) | $(89940) |
| Basic and diluted net loss per common share: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Continuing operations | $(0.63) | $(1.56) | $(3.82) | $(7.87) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Discontinued operations | (0.12) | - | (0.20) | - |
| Basic and diluted net loss per common stock | $(0.75) | $(1.56) | $(4.02) | $(7.87) |
| Weighted average number of common stock outstanding – basic and diluted | 18457296 | 12275151 | 17625619 | 11429740 |

---

**THE ARENA GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS**

**(unaudited)**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2022** | **2021** |
|  | *($ in thousands)* | *($ in thousands)* |
| **Cash flows from operating activities** |  |  |
| Net loss | $(70858) | $(89940) |
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation of property and equipment | 539 | 443 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of platform development and intangible assets | 26570 | 24731 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of debt costs | 1581 | 2106 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on impairment of assets | 466 | 1192 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on impairment of lease |  | 466 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on termination of lease |  | 7345 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in valuation of warrant derivative liabilities |  | (34) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Liquidated damages | 1140 | 2637 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain upon debt extinguishment |  | (5717) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued and noncash converted interest | 320 | 6956 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation | 31345 | 30493 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred income taxes | (1200) | (1674) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bad debt expense | 658 | 499 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 184 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in operating assets and liabilities net of effect of acquisitions: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable | (2038) | (3.884) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subscription acquisition costs | (1667) | 3108 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Royalty fees | 11250 | 15000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepayments and other current assets | 2280 | 49 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other long-term assets | (285) | 692 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | (6535) | 3752 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued expenses and other | (2996) | 7474 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unearned revenue | 3898 | (15819) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subscription refund liability | (2379) | (949) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease liabilities | (218) | (2489) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other long-term liabilities | (3359) | (1166) |
| Net cash used in operating activities | (11304) | (14729) |
| **Cash flows from investing activities** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of property and equipment | (530) | (377) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Capitalized platform development | (5179) | (4819) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from sale of equity investment | 2450 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payments for acquisitions, net of cash | (35331) | (7950) |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (38590) | (13146) |
| **Cash flows from financing activities** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from bridge notes, net of debt costs | 34728 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from long-term debt |  | 5086 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payments of long-term debt | (5928) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds, net of repayments, under line of credit | 2104 | 4809 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from common stock public offering, net of offering costs | 32058 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payments of issuance costs from common stock public offering | (1568) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from common stock private placement |  | 20005 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payments of issuance costs from common stock private placement |  | (167) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from exercise of common stock options | 95 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment of deferred cash payment | (453) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment for taxes related to common stock withheld for taxes | (4468) | (70) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment of restricted stock liabilities | (2152) | (1472) |
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 54416 | 28191 |
| Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | 4522 | 316 |
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash – beginning of year | 9851 | 9535 |
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash – end of year | $14373 | $9851 |
| **Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents | $13871 | $9349 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restricted cash | 502 | 502 |
| Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $14373 | $9851 |

---

**THE ARENA GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**NET LOSS TO ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION**

**(unaudited)**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended**<br> **December 31,** | **Three Months Ended**<br> **December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2022** | **2021** | **2022** | **2021** |
|  | *($ in thousands)* | *($ in thousands)* | *($ in thousands)* | *($ in thousands)* |
| Net loss | $(13697) | $(19113) | $(70858) | $(89940) |
| Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | 2141 | - | 3470 | - |
| Loss from continuing operations | (11556) | (19113) | (67388) | (89940) |
| Add (deduct): |  |  |  |  |
| Interest expense, net (1) | 2918 | 2754 | 11428 | 10449 |
| Income tax (benefit) provision | 117 | (1444) | (1063) | (1674) |
| Depreciation and amortization (2) | 6886 | 6626 | 27109 | 25174 |
| Stock-based compensation (3) | 6568 | 8804 | 31345 | 30493 |
| Change in derivative valuations |  | 463 |  | (34) |
| Liquidated damages (4) | 501 | 439 | 1140 | 2637 |
| Gain upon debt extinguishment (5) |  |  |  | (5717) |
| Loss on impairment of lease (6) |  | 466 |  | 466 |
| Loss on lease termination (7) |  |  |  | 7345 |
| Loss on impairment of assets (8) |  | 288 | 257 | 1192 |
| Professional and vendor fees (9) |  | 1748 |  | 6901 |
| Employee restructuring payments (10) | - | 65 | 273 | 645 |
| **Adjusted EBITDA** | $5434 | $1096 | $3101 | $(12063) |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Interest
 expense is related to our capital structure and varies over time due to a variety of financing
 transactions. Interest expense includes $365 and $566 for amortization of debt discounts
 for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $1,581 and $2,106
 for amortization of debt discounts for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively,
 as presented in our condensed consolidated and consolidated statements of cash flows, which
 are a noncash item. Investors should note that interest expense will recur in future periods.

(2) Represents
 depreciation and amortization related to our developed technology and Platform included within
 cost of revenues of $2,360 and $2,263 for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021,
 respectively, and $9,459 and $8,829, for the years ending December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
 Depreciation and amortization included within operating expenses was $4,526 and $4,363 for
 the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $17,650 and $16,345
 for the years ending December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We believe (i) the amount
 of depreciation and amortization expense in any specific period may not directly correlate
 to the underlying performance of our business operations and (ii) such expenses can vary
 significantly between periods as a result of new acquisitions and full amortization of previously
 acquired tangible and intangible assets. Investors should note that the use of tangible and
 intangible assets contributed to revenue in the periods presented and will contribute to
 future revenue generation and should also note that such expense will recur in future periods.

(3) Represents
 noncash costs arising from the grant of stock-based awards to employees, consultants and
 directors. We believe that excluding the effect of stock-based compensation from Adjusted
 EBITDA assists management and investors in making period-to-period comparisons in our operating
 performance because (i) the amount of such expenses in any specific period may not directly
 correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations, and (ii) such expenses
 can vary significantly between periods as a result of the timing of grants of new stock-based
 awards, including grants in connection with acquisitions. Additionally, we believe that excluding
 stock-based compensation from Adjusted EBITDA assists management and investors in making
 meaningful comparisons between our operating performance and the operating performance of
 other companies that may use different forms of employee compensation or different valuation
 methodologies for their stock-based compensation. Investors should note that stock-based
 compensation is a key incentive offered to employees whose efforts contributed to the operating
 results in the periods presented and are expected to contribute to operating results in future
 periods. Investors should also note that such expenses will recur in the future.

**THE ARENA GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES**

**NET LOSS TO ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION**

**(unaudited)**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Represents
 damages (or interest expense related to accrued liquidated damages) we owe to certain of
 our investors in private placements offerings conducted in fiscal years 2018 through 2020,
 pursuant to which we agreed to certain covenants in the respective securities purchase agreements
 and registration rights agreements, including the filing of resale registration statements
 and becoming current in our reporting obligations, which we were not able to timely meet.

(5) Represents
 a gain upon extinguishment of the Paycheck Protection Program Loan.

(6) Represents
 our impairment of certain leased property that is no longer being used.

(7) Represents
 our loss related to the surrender and termination of our lease of office space located in
 New York based on our decision to no longer lease office space.

(8) Represents
 our impairment of certain assets that are no longer useful.

(9) Represents
 one-time, non-recurring third party professional and vendor fees recorded in connection with
 services provided by consultants, accountants, lawyers, and other vendors (these fees are
 collectively referred to as "Professional Fees") related to (i) the preparation
 of periodic reports in order for us to become current on our Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 reporting obligations, (ii) up-list to a national exchange, (iii) contemplated and completed
 acquisitions, (iv) public and private offerings of our securities and other financings, and
 (v) stockholder disputes and the implementation of our rights agreement.

The table below summarizes the costs defined above that we incurred during fiscal 2022 and 2021:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Three Months Ended**<br> **December 31,** | **Three Months Ended**<br> **December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
| <br>**Category** | **2022** | **2021** | **2022** | **2021** |
| (i) Catch-up periodic reports | $- | $301 | $- | $4096 |
| (ii) Up-list |  | 138 |  | 231 |
| (iii) M&A |  | 695 |  | 1034 |
| (iv) Public & private offerings and other financings |  | 56 |  | 444 |
| (v) Stockholder disputes/Rights Agreement | - | 558 | - | 1096 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Totals** | $- | $1748 | $- | $6901 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) Represents
 severance payments to the former Chief Financial Officer of Parade and our former Chief Executive
 Officer for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

The table below sets forth the loss from discontinued operations for the period from April 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended December 31, 2022** | **Year Ended December 31, 2022** |
|  | *($ in thousands)* | *($ in thousands)* |
| **Revenue** | $6064 | $26817 |
| Cost of revenue | 6074 | 23015 |
| Gross profit | (10) | 3802 |
| **Operating expense** |  |  |
| Selling and marketing | 1893 | 5396 |
| General and administrative | 238 | 1722 |
| Loss on impairment of assets | - | 209 |
| Total operating expenses | 2131 | 7327 |
| Loss from discontinued operations | (2141) | (3525) |
| Income tax benefit | - | 55 |
| Net loss from discontinued operations | $(2141) | $(3470) |

---