ATN International(ATNI) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full-year revenue for 2024 was $729 million, representing a 4% decrease from 2023 due to the conclusion of significant programs in the US telecom segment [24] - Adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2024 decreased to$ 184 million, down from $189.5 million in the prior year [28] - Net income for Q4 2024 was$ 3.6 million, or $0.14 per share, compared to a net loss of$ 5.8 million or $0.46 per share in the prior year [26] - Full-year net loss for 2024 was$ 26.4 million or $2.10 per share, compared to a net loss of$ 14.5 million or $1.25 per share in 2023, primarily due to a goodwill impairment charge of$ 35.3 million [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - International segment revenue for Q4 2024 was $94.8 million, essentially flat compared to the same period in the previous year, while full-year revenue increased nearly 2% to$ 377.5 million [29] - Domestic segment revenue for Q4 2024 was $85.8 million, down 18% year over year, and down 10% for the full year [30] - Adjusted EBITDA for the international segment increased 4.8% for the quarter and 9.7% for the full year, while domestic segment EBITDA decreased 29% for the quarter and 20% for the full year [28][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The international segment continued to grow, supported by strong demand for high-speed broadband and business solutions, with business mobility revenue increasing by 21% [12] - The US market is transitioning away from legacy technologies, with a focus on enterprise and carrier-driven fiber-based revenue streams [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term value creation, operational efficiency, and financial discipline, marking the end of a three-year investment cycle [7] - The strategy includes expanding fiber networks, exiting lower-margin services, and optimizing operations to enhance profitability [11][18] - The company aims to leverage government funding to accelerate fiber expansion, having secured over$ 370 million in grants [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects short-term revenue decline due to the transition but believes it positions the company for long-term stability and higher-margin growth [12] - The focus for 2025 includes stabilizing the US telecom segment and enhancing cash flow generation while continuing to expand margins in the international segment [35] - Management remains confident in the disciplined execution of their strategy, which is expected to support long-term shareholder value creation [20][39] Other Important Information - The company ended 2024 with a net debt ratio of 2.54 times on total debt outstanding of $557.4 million [31] - Capital expenditures for 2024 totaled$ 110.4 million, down from $163.3 million in the previous year, reflecting a planned reduction in capital intensity [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital expenditure budget for 2025 - Management indicated that the guidance aligns with expectations, with a continued reduction in CapEx anticipated [46] Question: Traction in enterprise and carrier services - Management reported a 6.5% growth in the business base internationally and a 2.7% quarter-over-quarter subscriber growth in business customers [50] Question: Impact of competition on prepaid subscribers - The decline in prepaid subscribers was primarily due to competition, particularly from a new 5G entrant in Guyana [53] Question: Specific services in carrier managed services - The company offers a range of services including lit services, dark services, and backhaul services, and has the ability to lease spectrum assets [58] Question: Visibility of the business - Management expressed confidence in the visibility of the carrier and managed solutions business, driven by increasing demand for bandwidth [97] Question: Plans for stabilizing the US domestic business - The expectation is to stabilize the US business in 2025, setting the stage for growth in 2026 and beyond [104] Question: Timeline for shutting down legacy copper - The company targets significant progress in shutting down copper infrastructure by 2030, with ongoing evaluations of market conditions [108]