AvidXchange (AVDX) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in Q4 2024 was approximately $115 million, up roughly 11% year over year, driven by increased transaction volume and transaction yield growth [16][41] - Non-GAAP gross margin reached almost 75%, up 350 basis points from the previous year, achieving the targeted margin milestone ahead of the 2025 objective [16][48] - Adjusted EBITDA margins for the quarter reached almost 23%, hitting the milestone committed during the Investor Day [18][48] - GAAP net income for Q4 2024 was$ 4.7 million, compared to a net loss of $4.5 million in Q4 2023, marking the third GAAP net income quarter since going public [51][52] - Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share increased 60% to$ 0.08 compared to $0.05 in Q4 2023 [53] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Software revenue was$ 30.9 million, accounting for 26.8% of total revenue, increasing 6.4% year over year [45] - Payment revenue was $83.4 million, accounting for 72.2% of total revenue, increasing 12.3% year over year [46] - Transaction yield increased to$ 5.80 per transaction, up 6.4% from $5.45 in Q4 2023 [44][46] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall top of funnel opportunities were down roughly 2%, with buyer customer logo count growth of over 6% in 2024 [11][12] - Positive growth was observed in three major verticals: real estate, financial services, and media, while declines in the HOA vertical moderated [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue building future growth through ERP integrations and vertical market expansion, alongside key product innovations [20][39] - New product offerings include Payment Accelerator 2.0 and AvidPay 2.0, which are expected to enhance revenue growth and margin expansion [25][29] - The company is focused on maximizing e-payment penetration and leveraging AI for operational efficiencies [34][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving long-term growth despite macroeconomic challenges, emphasizing disciplined execution and innovation [38][40] - The 2025 revenue outlook is projected to be between$ 453 million and $460 million, reflecting a cautious approach due to the unpredictable macroeconomic environment [56][57] Other Important Information - The company repurchased$ 25 million worth of shares in Q4 2024, totaling $50 million for the year under a$ 100 million share repurchase program [7][8] - The company ended the year with a strong cash position of $389.3 million and an undrawn credit facility of$ 150 million [54] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on gross margin expansion and operating expenses - Management indicated a long-term trajectory towards an 80% gross margin, driven by sourcing strategies, standardization, and AI automation [63][64] Question: Insights on the financial services partner and paper checks initiative - The company plans to leverage existing specialty networks to eliminate paper checks and maximize electronic payments [68][70] Question: Expectations for macro headwinds in 2025 revenue guidance - Management noted that the guidance reflects a cautious outlook, with anticipated low single-digit transaction growth and contributions from new payment methods [76][80] Question: Trends in vertical-specific activity exiting 2024 - Management confirmed that while all verticals experienced subdued activity, they are optimistic about future growth driven by new channel partnerships [104]