Aware (AWRE) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 30, 2025 05:00 PM ET Company Participants Ajay K. Amlani - President & CEODavid Traverse - CFOBrian Krause - Chief Revenue Officer Operator And welcome to Ware's First Quarter twenty twenty five Conference Call. Joining us today are the company's CEO and President, A. J. Amlani CFO, David Traverse and CRO, Brian Krause. Following their remarks, we will open the call to questions. If you would to submit a question, you can do so at any time using the built in Ask a Qu ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $3.6 million, down from $4.4 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to lower software license sales [14] - Recurring revenue decreased to $2.7 million from $3.1 million in the prior year, attributed to the timing of subscription term license renewals [15] - Operating expenses were reduced to $5.5 million, down 5% from $5.7 million in Q1 2024 [15] - GAAP net loss was $1.6 million or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1 million or $0.05 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [15] - Adjusted EBITDA loss for the quarter was $1.5 million, compared to a loss of $1 million in the prior year [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on deepening strategic partnerships and has realigned its go-to-market model to prioritize high-impact customers and sectors [8] - Active conversations are ongoing with several Fortune 500 companies, indicating a shift in engagement and potential revenue opportunities [8][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - There is strong interest in biometric solutions across various sectors, including financial services, healthcare, and e-commerce, as enterprises recognize the need for secure identity verification [30] - The U.S. Federal government's commitment to biometric modernization remains strong, providing a significant market opportunity [21][38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is undergoing a strategic transformation with a focus on durable, scalable growth and a streamlined go-to-market strategy [6] - Key strategic priorities include deepening partnerships, advancing core technology, and scaling the business sustainably [7] - The Awareness platform is being developed to offer an open, flexible architecture that differentiates the company from competitors [35][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management views 2025 as a foundational year for the company, with expectations of building momentum heading into the second half of the year [13][40] - The leadership team is confident in the strategic groundwork laid, which positions the company for leadership in the biometrics industry [26] Other Important Information - The company has strengthened its leadership team, appointing a new Chief Revenue Officer and a chairman with extensive experience in cybersecurity [9][10] - The brand has been revitalized, focusing on modernizing its presence and increasing visibility in key markets [12][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will Aware continue to pursue growth in annual recurring revenues via sales of the Aware ID product? - The focus is on solving large-scale identity challenges for enterprises and government agencies rather than driving growth through a single product [28] Question: Has Aware made progress in adding customers or growing sales on the AWS Marketplace? - The priority is direct engagement with customers, and partnerships will only be pursued if they add strategic value [29] Question: Can you provide more color on the types of industries or use cases these companies are exploring with Aware's biometric solutions? - Engagement is strong across industries like financial services, healthcare, and e-commerce, where secure identity verification is critical [30] Question: What is the timing and potential revenue contribution from new strategic opportunities in the second half of 2025? - 2025 is viewed as a foundational year, with expectations for early wins later in the year and contributions building over time [32][34] Question: How does the Awareness platform differentiate Aware from competitors? - The platform offers an open modular architecture, allowing customers to orchestrate best-in-class algorithms, providing flexibility and scalability [35][36] Question: Are there specific programs or initiatives where Aware feels particularly well positioned? - Aware is well positioned across the U.S. Government portfolio, focusing on secure digital identity and modernization initiatives [38] Question: What early indicators show Aware is on the right trajectory for growth? - The pipeline has expanded significantly, and there is growing interest from customers recognizing Aware's technology leadership [39]