Novume(REKR) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth quarter 2024 revenue of $13.3 million, surpassing consensus estimates by 3% and marking a year-over-year growth rate above 20% [25] - For the full year 2024, revenue reached$ 46 million, a robust increase of 32% compared to $34.9 million in 2023 [27] - Adjusted EBITDA loss was reduced to approximately$ 4.7 million in Q4 2024, significantly improved from $9.2 million in Q3 2024 [29] - Full year 2024 adjusted EBITDA loss remained relatively flat year-over-year at$ 29.1 million [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Urban Mobility segment contributed significantly to overall growth, driven by demand for the new roadway data aggregation solution [25] - Public safety, the second largest revenue source, achieved solid mid-teens growth, bolstered by strategic licensing partnerships [26] - Recurring revenue for Q4 totaled $5.8 million, reflecting a modest 2% decline year-over-year, attributed to timing differences [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company gained traction in states like Texas, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico, demonstrating the value of AI-driven platforms [11] - In Florida, the company achieved inclusion on the state's approved product list, allowing broader rollout of solutions [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The Board decided to shift strategy away from relying on traditional government contracting timelines, focusing instead on a more predictable revenue base [12][14] - The company aims to operate at a level with a clear path to breakeven, with any upside from large government contracts being additive rather than essential [14] - Partnerships with global technology leaders like Amazon Web Services and NVIDIA were deepened, recognizing the potential of AI-driven transportation platforms [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the robust government contracting pipeline, stating it is a matter of when, not if, orders will come through [12] - The new administration's focus on addressing inefficiencies in government technology is seen as advantageous for the company [16] - Management emphasized the importance of aligning the company's cost structure with controllable factors rather than waiting on uncertain government timelines [15] Other Important Information - The company repaid the remaining balance of a$ 15 million prepaid advance agreement ahead of schedule, enhancing its balance sheet [22] - The former CEO, David Desharnais, resigned, and the Board is in the process of identifying a new CEO [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comparison with Flock Safety's license plate reader cameras - Management stated that comparing Flock and Rekor is not fair as they target different markets, with Rekor focusing on commercial rather than law enforcement [36] Question: Timeline for free cash flow breakeven - Management anticipates reaching free cash flow breakeven by the end of the year [39] Question: Progress of partnership with SoundThinking - Management indicated that SoundThinking is making progress and conducting pilots, which is expected to pay off in 2025 [41] Question: Rollout progress in Florida involving over 1,000 cameras - Management noted that government contracting processes take time, but they are optimistic about ongoing procurements in Florida and other states [44][45] Question: Organic growth expectations for the year - Management refrained from providing specific growth numbers but expressed confidence in the adoption of new products and technologies [52] Question: Cost-cutting measures and savings - Management confirmed that cost-cutting measures were implemented effectively, with expectations for substantial savings this year [55] Question: Liquidity and share count - Management discussed the importance of revenue sharing notes for improving liquidity without dilutive funding [61] Question: Camera deployment in Florida and potential contracts - Management could not disclose specific deployment numbers but confirmed good relationships and ongoing work with Florida [72][74]