Skillz Inc. (SKLZ): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

Skillz Inc. (SKLZ) Bundle

Get Full Bundle:
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7
$25 $15
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7

TOTAL:

Skillz Inc. (SKLZ) Information


A Brief History of Skillz Inc.

Skillz Inc. was founded in 2012 as a mobile gaming platform that allows developers to monetize their games through competitive multiplayer experiences. The company gained significant attention with its unique technology that enables players to compete against each other in skill-based games.

Initial Growth and Public Offering

In December 2020, Skillz went public through a merger with Flying Eagle Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). The transaction valued Skillz at approximately $3.5 billion, with the company raising about $1 billion in cash from the deal, which was used to fuel its growth strategy.

Financial Performance in 2024

As of September 30, 2024, Skillz reported a significant decrease in revenue. The total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $75.1 million, down from $121.0 million in the same period of 2023, representing a decline of 38% year-over-year.

Financial Metrics Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change ($) Change (%)
Revenue $24.6 million $36.4 million $(11.8) million (33%)
Net Loss $(21.1) million $(33.5) million $12.4 million (37%)
Adjusted EBITDA $(13.9) million $(18.5) million $4.6 million 27.1%

Segment Performance

Skillz operates through two primary segments: Skillz and Aarki. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Skillz segment generated $66.6 million in revenue, down 39.3% from $109.8 million in 2023. The Aarki segment reported $8.5 million in revenue, a decrease of 25.7% from $11.5 million in the prior year.

Segment Revenue Skillz Segment Aarki Segment Consolidated Revenue
Q3 2024 $66.6 million $8.5 million $75.1 million
Q3 2023 $109.8 million $11.5 million $121.0 million
Change ($) $(43.2) million $(2.96) million $(45.9) million
Change (%) (39.3%) (25.7%) (38%)

Cost Management and Adjusted EBITDA

In response to declining revenues, Skillz has implemented cost management strategies. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, total costs and expenses decreased to $97.4 million from $214.7 million in the same period in 2023, a reduction of 54.6%. This resulted in an adjusted EBITDA loss of $44.2 million, which is an improvement from a loss of $57.8 million in 2023.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2024, Skillz reported cash and cash equivalents of $301.4 million, primarily invested in money market funds and marketable securities. This liquidity position provides the company with a buffer to navigate its current operational challenges.

Liquidity Metrics September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023
Cash and Cash Equivalents $301.4 million $395.8 million
Restricted Cash $10.0 million $10.0 million
Total Assets $390.2 million $395.8 million

Conclusion

Skillz has faced significant challenges in 2024, with declining revenues and a focus on achieving profitability. The company's strategic adjustments in marketing and operational costs indicate a shift towards sustainable growth.



A Who Owns Skillz Inc. (SKLZ)

Major Shareholders

As of 2024, Skillz Inc. has a diverse ownership structure. The following table outlines the major shareholders of Skillz Inc., including institutional and individual investors:

Shareholder Type Ownership Percentage Number of Shares Owned
BlackRock, Inc. Institutional Investor 10.5% 1,908,000
Vanguard Group, Inc. Institutional Investor 8.2% 1,471,000
FMR LLC (Fidelity) Institutional Investor 7.1% 1,262,000
Paradise, Andrew Executive/Insider 4.0% 716,000
Other Institutional Investors Various 70.2% 12,500,000

Stock Performance

Skillz Inc. has experienced significant fluctuations in its stock price, reflective of market conditions and company performance. As of September 30, 2024, the stock price was $1.20, down from $4.05 a year prior, marking a decrease of approximately 70% year-over-year.

Recent Financial Overview

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Skillz reported:

  • Revenue: $75.1 million
  • Net Loss: $21.8 million
  • Adjusted EBITDA Loss: $44.2 million

Liquidity Position

As of September 30, 2024, Skillz Inc. had cash and cash equivalents amounting to $301.4 million, providing a significant liquidity cushion for operations.

Executive Compensation

Key executives hold substantial stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs). As of September 30, 2024:

Executive Title Stock Options Granted RSUs Granted
Andrew Paradise CEO 1,000,000 1,400,000
Other Executives Various 500,000 700,000

Institutional Ownership Trends

Institutional ownership has remained strong, with approximately 70% of the shares held by various institutional investors. This trend indicates confidence from large investors in the long-term potential of Skillz Inc.

Recent Developments

In March 2024, Skillz entered a litigation settlement agreement that resulted in a $46 million gain, significantly impacting its financial outlook for the year.

Conclusion

Skillz Inc.'s ownership structure, stock performance, and financial metrics paint a complex picture of the company as it navigates challenges in the competitive gaming landscape.



Skillz Inc. (SKLZ) Mission Statement

Company Overview

Skillz Inc. is a leading eSports gaming platform that enables game developers to monetize their content through competitive gaming. The company offers various services that enhance user engagement and retention, allowing players to compete in tournaments and leagues.

Mission Statement

As of 2024, Skillz Inc. emphasizes a mission to provide a fair and engaging competitive gaming experience for users while enabling game developers to thrive. The company aims to create a platform where players can enjoy skill-based gaming that rewards talent and strategy.

Core Values

  • Honor: Upholding integrity in all interactions.
  • Mission: Committed to the success of players and developers.
  • Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals.
  • Productivity: Fostering a culture of efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Willingness: Embracing change and innovation.
  • Frugality: Utilizing resources wisely to maximize impact.
  • Balance: Striving for a healthy work-life balance.

Financial Overview

In the first nine months of 2024, Skillz reported significant financial metrics that reflect its operational performance:

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change
Total Revenue $75.1 million $121.0 million -37.9%
Entry Fee Revenue $64.8 million $106.1 million -39.3%
Advertising Revenue $8.5 million $11.5 million -25.7%
Adjusted EBITDA $(44.2) million $(57.8) million +23.6%
Net Loss $(21.8) million $(85.8) million +74.7%

User Engagement Metrics

Skillz's user engagement has shown a decline, with key metrics reported for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023:

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change
Monthly Active Users (MAUs) 845,000 1,038,000 -18.6%
Paying Monthly Active Users (PMAUs) 121,000 168,000 -28.0%
Average Revenue Per Paying Monthly Active User (ARPPU) $67.6 $72.3 -6.5%
Average Revenue Per Monthly Active User (ARPU) $9.7 $11.7 -17.1%

Market Position and Competitive Strategy

Skillz continues to maintain a competitive edge through its technology platform and developer services. The company’s monetization services facilitate a seamless experience for game developers and players alike, ensuring a robust ecosystem for competitive gaming. As of September 30, 2024, the company holds cash and cash equivalents amounting to $301.4 million, providing a solid liquidity position for future growth and operational stability.

Future Outlook

Skillz aims to leverage its technological capabilities and user engagement strategies to enhance its market position. The company anticipates that as it continues to refine its platform and services, it will attract more developers and players to its ecosystem, ultimately driving revenue growth and improving profitability metrics in the long term.



How Skillz Inc. (SKLZ) Works

Business Model

Skillz Inc. operates as a leading eSports gaming platform that allows game developers to monetize their games through competitive multi-player contests. The company provides Monetization Services, which include:

  • Access to its technology platform via the Skillz SDK.
  • Management of player registrations and contests.
  • Distribution of end-user prizes and resolution of disputes.

Financial Performance

As of September 30, 2024, Skillz reported a consolidated revenue of $75.1 million, a decrease of 38% from $120.975 million in the same period of 2023. The decline was primarily due to a 23% reduction in monthly active users.

Metric 2024 2023 Change ($) Change (%)
Consolidated Revenue $75,094,000 $120,975,000 ($45,881,000) (37.9)
Skillz Segment Revenue $66,629,000 $109,819,000 ($43,190,000) (39.3)
Aarki Segment Revenue $8,533,000 $11,492,000 ($2,959,000) (25.7)

Key Performance Indicators

Skillz tracks several key performance indicators that reflect its operational efficiency:

KPI Q3 2024 Q3 2023
Monthly Active Users (MAUs) 845,000 1,038,000
Paying Monthly Active Users (PMAUs) 121,000 168,000
Average Revenue per Monthly Active User (ARPU) $9.70 $11.70
Average Revenue per Paying Monthly Active User (ARPPU) $67.60 $72.30

Cost Structure

Skillz's cost structure includes several significant expenses:

  • Cost of Revenue: Decreased to $10.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, down from $11.9 million in 2023.
  • Research and Development: Decreased by 45% to $13.6 million in 2024.
  • Sales and Marketing: Decreased by 39% to $61.1 million in 2024.
  • General and Administrative: Totaled $58.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Adjusted EBITDA

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Skillz recorded an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $44.2 million, an improvement from a loss of $57.8 million in 2023. Below is the breakdown:

Segment Adjusted EBITDA (2024) Adjusted EBITDA (2023) Change ($)
Skillz Segment ($38,256,000) ($54,116,000) $15,860,000
Aarki Segment ($5,934,000) ($3,711,000) ($2,223,000)
Total ($44,190,000) ($57,827,000) $13,637,000

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2024, Skillz had cash and cash equivalents amounting to $301.4 million. The company has financed operations primarily through capital stock sales and has $129.7 million of senior secured notes outstanding, maturing in December 2026.

Stockholder Information

As of September 30, 2024, Skillz reported:

  • Net loss: $21.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
  • Earnings (loss) per share: Basic and diluted: ($1.22) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
  • Weighted average shares outstanding: 17,928,062.

Recent Developments

In 2024, Skillz has focused on improving profitability by reducing user acquisition and engagement marketing spend by 43% and 40% respectively. This shift is aimed at enhancing user acquisition efficiency while eliminating lower-return marketing programs.



How Skillz Inc. (SKLZ) Makes Money

Revenue Streams

Skillz Inc. generates revenue primarily through the following streams:

  • Entry Fee Revenue: This is the revenue collected from users entering paid competitions. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Skillz reported entry fee revenue of $64.8 million, compared to $106.1 million for the same period in 2023.
  • Advertising Revenue: Revenue from advertising services provided to game developers, which amounted to $8.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, down from $11.5 million in 2023.
  • Maintenance Fee Revenue: This revenue, associated with ongoing support and system maintenance for game developers, was $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $3.7 million in the previous year.
Revenue Source 9 Months Ended September 30, 2024 (in thousands) 9 Months Ended September 30, 2023 (in thousands)
Entry Fee Revenue $64,841 $106,102
Advertising Revenue $8,533 $11,492
Maintenance Fee Revenue $1,788 $3,717
Total Revenue $75,094 $120,975

Key Financial Metrics

Skillz reports several key metrics that provide insights into its performance:

  • Gross Marketplace Volume (GMV): This metric reflects the total entry fees paid by users for contests. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, GMV was $481.2 million, down from $774.0 million in 2023.
  • Monthly Active Users (MAUs): The number of active users engaging with the platform was approximately 837,000 for the nine months ending September 30, 2024, a decrease from 1,094,000 in the previous year.
  • Paying Monthly Active Users (PMAUs): Users who participated in paid contests averaged 121,000 in 2024, down from 193,000 in 2023.
  • Average Revenue Per Paying Monthly Active User (ARPPU): This metric was $68.9 in 2024, compared to $69.9 in 2023.
Metric 9 Months Ended September 30, 2024 9 Months Ended September 30, 2023
Gross Marketplace Volume (GMV) $481,169,000 $774,007,000
Monthly Active Users (MAUs) 837,000 1,094,000
Paying Monthly Active Users (PMAUs) 121,000 193,000
Average Revenue Per Paying Monthly Active User (ARPPU) $68.9 $69.9

Strategic Focus and Marketing Expenses

Skillz has focused on reducing its marketing expenditures while seeking to improve profitability. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, sales and marketing expenses were $61.1 million, a significant decrease from $99.5 million in 2023.

The company has also decreased its user acquisition (UA) and engagement marketing spend by 41% and 43%, respectively, which has contributed to the reduction in revenue.

Expense Type 9 Months Ended September 30, 2024 (in thousands) 9 Months Ended September 30, 2023 (in thousands)
Sales and Marketing Expenses $61,138 $99,510
Cost of Revenue $10,171 $11,923
Research and Development $13,638 $24,757

Financial Performance

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Skillz recorded a net loss of $21.8 million, significantly reduced from a net loss of $85.8 million in 2023. The loss from operations was $22.3 million compared to $93.8 million in the previous year.

The following table summarizes the financial performance:

Financial Metric 9 Months Ended September 30, 2024 (in thousands) 9 Months Ended September 30, 2023 (in thousands)
Net Loss ($21,793) ($85,848)
Loss from Operations ($22,272) ($93,750)
Total Costs and Expenses $97,366 $214,725

DCF model

Skillz Inc. (SKLZ) DCF Excel Template

    5-Year Financial Model

    40+ Charts & Metrics

    DCF & Multiple Valuation

    Free Email Support

Updated on 16 Nov 2024

Resources:

  1. Skillz Inc. (SKLZ) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of Skillz Inc. (SKLZ)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  2. SEC Filings – View Skillz Inc. (SKLZ)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.