Comtech Telecommunications(CMTL) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales for Q3 fiscal 2024 were $128.1 million, down from $134.2 million in Q2 fiscal 2024 and $136.3 million in Q3 fiscal 2023, reflecting challenging business conditions [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 fiscal 2024 was $11.9 million, or 9.3% of related net sales, compared to $12.5 million, or 9.2% in Q3 fiscal 2023, indicating a decrease in adjusted EBITDA in dollars due to lower consolidated net sales and gross profit [7] - Gross margins for the quarter were 30.4%, compared to 32.2% in Q2 fiscal 2024 and 31.7% in Q3 fiscal 2023 [61] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Satellite and Space Communications segment, net sales reflected higher sales of troposcatter solutions to U.S. government customers, offset by lower sales of high-power solid-state amplifiers and VSAT SATCOM equipment [59] - The book-to-bill ratio for the Satellite and Space Communications segment was 0.85 times, while the Terrestrial and Wireless Network segment had a book-to-bill ratio of 0.72 times [5][90] - Key bookings included a multiyear extension for NG-911 services valued at over $10 million and a $4 million contract for call handling services in Canada [60] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong backlog of $653.4 million as of April 30, 2024, with revenue visibility of approximately $1.5 billion [62] - The company has been awarded significant contracts, including a $140 million contract for the Massachusetts NG-911 system, enhancing revenue visibility [6][82] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to accelerate its cash conversion cycle and manage unbilled receivables downward by executing large multiyear contracts [45] - The completion of the refinancing is expected to enhance liquidity and business prospects, allowing the company to focus on growth and operational efficiency [58][81] - The company is committed to leveraging its technology and relationships in the public safety and satellite markets to drive future growth [54][83] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that business conditions remain challenging and unpredictable, but expressed confidence in the company's ability to recover and grow [92] - The management team emphasized the importance of the recent refinancing in improving market perception and operational stability [106] - The company expects to see a normalization in production and revenue generation as supply chain issues are resolved [12][30] Other Important Information - The new credit facility consists of a $162 million term loan and a $60 million revolver, with a blended interest rate of approximately 14% [2][56] - The company has made significant leadership additions to enhance its operational capabilities and market competitiveness [84] Q&A Session Summary Question: Did White Hat and Magnetar contribute additional funds in the refinancing? - No, they did not put in new cash but were supportive during the process [65] Question: What is the status of the global field services contract? - The stop work order has been lifted, and the company expects to ramp up quickly [67] Question: What is the expected revenue contribution from the global field services contract? - It is anticipated to grow to as much as $100 million a year [110] Question: When will the EDIM modem start generating revenue? - Significant revenue is not expected until the end of fiscal year 2025 [126] Question: How will the company manage unbilled receivables? - The company expects to liquidate unbilled receivables over the summer, generating cash flows [77][119]