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Quest Resource (QRHC) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2024 was 72.8million,representinga3.372.8 million, representing a 3.3% year-over-year increase and roughly flat sequentially from Q2 2024 [10] - Gross profit dollars decreased to 11.7 million, a 5.9% decrease year-over-year and a 13.5% decrease sequentially [14] - SG&A expenses were 10.3million,anincreaseof10.3 million, an increase of 650,000 year-over-year and 890,000sequentially[19]BusinessLineDataandKeyMetricsChangesRevenuefromnewandexistingclientsaccountedfor890,000 sequentially [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from new and existing clients accounted for 16 million in Q3, primarily driven by onboarding 7 new clients and expansions with 3 existing clients [10] - New clients generated approximately 60% of their anticipated full-year revenue run rate during Q3 [11] - A decrease of approximately 13millioninrevenuewasattributedtosofterthanexpectedconditionsintheindustrialendmarketandclientattrition[11]MarketDataandKeyMetricsChangesTheindustrialendmarketexperiencedasignificantsequentialdecreaseinvolumesfromalargeclient,impactingoverallrevenue[11]Lowerthanexpectedvolumeswerealsonotedfromanotherlargeclient,withgrowthoffsetbyfluctuationsinprojectworkandseasonalproductionchanges[12]CompanyStrategyandDevelopmentDirectionThecompanyisfocusedonenhancingitstechnologyplatformtodriveefficienciesandimproveservicedelivery[25]Anewautomatedvendormanagementsolutionisexpectedtoyield13 million in revenue was attributed to softer-than-expected conditions in the industrial end market and client attrition [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The industrial end market experienced a significant sequential decrease in volumes from a large client, impacting overall revenue [11] - Lower-than-expected volumes were also noted from another large client, with growth offset by fluctuations in project work and seasonal production changes [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its technology platform to drive efficiencies and improve service delivery [25] - A new automated vendor management solution is expected to yield 2 million to 3millioninrecurringcostsavings[25]Thecompanyaimstostrengthenitsbalancesheetandrefinanceitsdebtbytheendoftheyear,anticipatingasignificantreductionininterestrates[20][8]ManagementsCommentsonOperatingEnvironmentandFutureOutlookManagementexpresseddisappointmentinthefinancialresultsbutremainsoptimisticaboutthecompanysfuture,citingstrongfundamentalsandagrowingpipeline[7]Thecompanyexpectstorealizeover3 million in recurring cost savings [25] - The company aims to strengthen its balance sheet and refinance its debt by the end of the year, anticipating a significant reduction in interest rates [20][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment in the financial results but remains optimistic about the company's future, citing strong fundamentals and a growing pipeline [7] - The company expects to realize over 20 million in net incremental revenue from new client wins in 2025, excluding growth from existing clients [13] - Management believes that the challenges faced are temporary and that the company is well-positioned for future growth [33] Other Important Information - The company reported a record level of onboarding activity, with over 2,200 locations onboarded in Q3, a tenfold increase from the previous year [17] - The company is experiencing temporary increases in costs due to the transition to a new automated vendor management system [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you quantify the impact of the vendor management system in the quarter? - The impact is difficult to quantify but is less than the $1 million in credits previously mentioned, with significant progress expected in Q4 [36] Question: How do you characterize the sales cycle and onboarding process? - The sales cycle has significantly sped up, evidenced by 9 new signings this year, and the onboarding process has improved in speed and accuracy [38][39] Question: How might the new administration impact the business? - The company does not anticipate significant changes at the federal level due to the election, as sustainability efforts are driven more by local regulations and market demand [41] Question: Can you elaborate on the land and expand strategy? - The strategy remains effective, with a focus on increasing capacity and efficiency rather than just headcount [44] Question: What is the current state of the new business pipeline? - The new business pipeline is stronger than expected, with several key targets moving toward closure [45] Question: Will the billing credits recur in the future? - The billing credits are not expected to recur, and the company has implemented measures to prevent similar issues [61] Question: What is the outlook for DSOs? - The company expects to return to targeted DSOs in the mid-60s, with improvements anticipated as new clients ramp up [66] Question: Why should investors consider owning the stock now? - The company has identified and is addressing controllable issues, and the addition of 9 new key customers this year positions it well for future growth [70][71]