Accolade(ACCD) - 2023 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Performance - The company generated $85.5 million in revenue for Q1 2023, representing a 44% year-over-year growth on a GAAP basis [28] - Adjusted gross margin was 45.6%, up from 40.2% in the prior year, reflecting a positive revenue beat and a higher margin offering mix [29] - Adjusted EBITDA loss was $15.4 million, compared to a loss of $12.8 million in the prior year [30] Business Lines Performance - The advocacy business accounted for about two-thirds of revenue, with the remaining third split between Expert Medical Opinion and Virtual Primary Care, with direct-to-consumer being slightly larger than Expert Medical Opinion [64] - The Expert Medical Opinion business showed positive sequential growth after a slowdown, indicating improved performance [65] Market Dynamics - The company is participating in more RFPs than ever before, indicating strong demand in the commercial segment [10] - The competitive win rate remains strong, with a focus on comprehensive service offerings that emphasize quality and value [20] Company Strategy and Development - The company aims for a long-term operating margin target of 15% to 20% while maintaining a growth rate of 20% [21] - The company is focused on integrating synergies from recent acquisitions to enhance operational efficiency [35] Management Commentary on Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to achieve positive adjusted EBITDA and cash flow by fiscal 2025, despite current economic uncertainties [37] - The company is well-positioned for future growth, particularly in the government sector with the TRICARE contract and potential T5 bid opportunities [86] Other Important Information - A noncash goodwill impairment charge of nearly $300 million was recorded due to a decline in market cap [30] - The company has $336 million in cash and equivalents, providing adequate liquidity for operational plans without needing to return to capital markets [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the strong performance in second opinion solutions - Management highlighted the differentiation of their expert medical opinion service, which includes personalized video consultations, contributing to strong performance and win rates [42][43] Question: Changes in customer behavior due to economic conditions - Management noted that while there was initial concern about a potential slowdown, they have seen an increase in closed business and RFPs, indicating a focus on managing healthcare costs [48][50] Question: Revenue guidance adjustments - The signing of the TRICARE contract contributed to raising the revenue guidance, along with positive momentum in new bookings and member counts [52][53] Question: Competitive dynamics and pricing - Management indicated that while there is pressure for lower-cost solutions, their consistent pricing and value proposition have maintained win rates [58][59] Question: Employment environment impact - The company has a diversified customer base, which mitigates exposure to any single industry, and they are cautious in their forward guidance due to the recessionary environment [90] Question: TRICARE contract expansion potential - Management expressed optimism about the TRICARE pilot's success leading to future opportunities, particularly with the upcoming T5 bid [84][86]