Limelight slashes workforce by 16% to try to improve growth, profit prospects for 2021
Limelight Networks, Inc. recently announced actions it is taking to improve execution, profitability and accelerate growth. The company notes that these initiatives align with the company’s three priorities outlined last month.
“During our year-end conference call, we shared a refined strategy to ensure our near- and long-term success that focuses on three key areas. The first is improving our core CDN business by pursuing a leadership position in proactive client performance while improving our cost structure. The actions we are announcing today are the first step, and we expect to continue to improve our growth and profitability by also expanding our core business, securing greater share of traffic and spend from existing customers while also growing our pipeline of new opportunities. Additionally, we are exploring opportunities that extend our core business. I am encouraged by the progress we have made in our first 30 days and the actions we have taken,” explains Bob Lyons, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Consistent with the approach outlined on February 11, the company is taking the following steps to improve its core CDN business, specifically, client performance and operating efficiency. Limelight has: implemented a simplified operating model that improves agility and productivity; prioritized resources on the continuous proactive improvement of client performance; and, improved organizational productivity that results in an annual cash cost savings of approximately $15 million – including a targeted workforce reduction.
The reduction has decreased the company’s workforce by approximately 16% and results in a first-quarter pre-tax cash charge of approximately $3 million related to severance, benefits and transition assistance.
“This reduction in force, while difficult, is an essential part of the disciplined planning and work we need to accomplish to capture the significant opportunity ahead of us. Our efforts to date give us confidence that we will be able to achieve 2021 adjusted EBITDA between $20 and $30 million. We will provide additional financial guidance in connection with our first quarter earnings release.
“Over the next 30 days, we will continue to intently focus on improving the business with a specific focus on improving our gross margins and growing our top line. We look forward to updating you on our progress as part of our first quarter earnings release next month,” adds Lyons.
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