Where Food Comes From Posts Y/Y Earnings Growth & Flat Revenues in Q4

Core Viewpoint - Where Food Comes From, Inc. (WFCF) reported a mixed performance in Q4 2024, with earnings growth driven by bitcoin investments, but overall revenues remained flat, reflecting challenges in its beef-related verification services [1][2][10]. Earnings Overview - WFCF's diluted earnings per share for Q4 2024 were 18 cents, a 28.6% increase from 14 cents in the same quarter last year, primarily due to a $345,000 gain in bitcoin holdings [2][11]. - Total quarterly revenues were$6.7 million, unchanged from the previous year, while gross profit decreased by 7% to $2.8 million from$3 million [2]. Segmental Performance - Revenues from verification and certification services, which constitute the majority of WFCF's business, fell by 2% to $5.4 million, attributed to lower volumes in beef-related source and age verification due to cyclical herd contractions [3][10]. - Product sales increased by 6$922,000, driven by demand for bundled verification solutions and new programs like CARE Certified and Upcycled Certified [4]. - Professional services revenues decreased to $360,000 from$391,000, indicating reduced demand for consulting services [4]. Key Business Metrics - The company maintained a stable gross margin despite changes in revenue composition. SG&A expenses decreased to $2 million from$2.1 million, attributed to higher marketing and personnel costs [5]. - Cash flow from operations was $2.7 million in 2024, slightly down from$2.8 million in 2023, while cash and cash equivalents fell to $2 million from$2.6 million [6]. Management Commentary - CEO John Saunders noted the impact of herd contractions on beef-related verification services but highlighted strong performance in newer offerings like CARE Certified and Upcycled, with the latter seeing a 17% revenue increase [7]. - Management emphasized ongoing investments in marketing and technology to support growth, despite an increase in SG&A expenses [8]. Factors Influencing Results - The decline in beef-related verification revenues was linked to external factors in the cattle industry, but management expects this to be temporary, with demand for other verification programs helping to offset losses [10]. - The company's net income benefited from a fair market value gain of $345,000 from its bitcoin investment, which had an initial investment of$178,000 [11]. Other Developments - WFCF continued its share repurchase program, buying back 57,018 shares in Q4, and has repurchased a total of 1.2 million shares since the program's inception [12]. - Management reiterated its long-term strategy of expanding verification services through organic growth and strategic acquisitions [12]. Outlook - WFCF anticipates continued demand for its verification programs and aims to leverage its unique positioning in the food verification space [13]. - The company plans further share buybacks and investments in technology to support expected customer growth, while remaining open to potential acquisitions [14].