GoPro Cuts 20 Percent of Jobs, Exits Drone Group on Lower Revenue

GoPro said it's cutting more than 20 percent of its global workforce and putting an end to its drone business after a disappointing fourth quarter.

The company said it now expects sales of about $340 million (roughly Rs. 2,100 crores), well short of its own previous projection of as much as $480 million (roughly Rs. 3,050 crores) and the average analyst estimate of $472 million (roughly Rs. 3,000 crores). Revenue took an $80 million (roughly Rs. 500 crores) hit due to discounting for its Karma drones, as well as its Hero line of cameras, over the holiday season, the company said.

The stock fell as much as 33 percent Monday to $5.04 (Rs. 320), its biggest ever drop and its lowest price since going public in 2014.

GoPro has faced intensifying competition in the action camera market, as big tech companies from Samsung Electronics to Google have started selling similar products. Some analysts have said that the Hero cameras have become a commodity, and that GoPro's main selling point now is its brand.

In November, Raymond James analyst Tavis McCourt wrote that there hasn't been a noticeable bump from GoPro's newest camera in the Hero line, and it's turning up less in searches and app downloads.

GoPro's Karma drone was supposed to help turn around the business when it was launched in September 2016. Instead, it's been plagued by problems from production delays to a recall of 2,500 units due to a battery issue.

The Karma also had to go up against China's SZ DJI Technology, the biggest drone-maker in the world. GoPro said low margins and a hostile regulatory market in Europe and the US makes the drone market "untenable." It will exit the market after selling its remaining inventory and continue to service existing drones.

Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Woodman will reduce his 2018 cash compensation to $1 (Rs. 63). Chief Operating Officer Charles Prober is also leaving the company next month.

GoPro is cutting more than 250 jobs, reducing its workforce to fewer than 1,000 people. The job cuts and business restructuring will result in an estimated charge of $23 to $33 million (roughly Rs. 146 to Rs.210 crores), most of which will be recognized in the first quarter, the company said.

"GoPro is committed to turning our business around in 2018," Woodman said in the statement. "We expect that going forward, our roadmap coupled with a lower operating expense model will enable GoPro to return to profitability and growth in the second half of 2018."

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