VerifyMe(US:VRME)2025-05-13 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $4.5 million, a decrease of approximately 23% compared to $5.8 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to the discontinuation of TrustCo's operations and a softening of customer shipments [4][12] - Gross profit decreased by $800,000 to $1.5 million in Q1 2025 from $2.3 million in Q1 2024, with gross margin at 33% compared to 39% in the prior year [12][13] - Operating expenses were reduced by approximately 28% to $2.1 million in Q1 2025 from $2.9 million in Q1 2024, helping to offset the decrease in gross margin [5][13] - The net loss for the quarter was $600,000, or a loss of $0.05 per diluted share, consistent with Q1 2024 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The decline in revenue was most pronounced in premium services, which were down 47% compared to the same quarter last year [4] - Improvements in gross margin were noted in proactive services within the Precision Logistics segment, which is viewed as a key area for organic growth [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall market environment remains challenging, with a noted softening in customer demand across several proactive customers, particularly in e-commerce [46] - New customer additions have slowed down, and existing customers are experiencing a softening in demand, impacting overall revenue [45][46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on three elements for organic growth: optimizing direct customer marketing and sales, developing relationships with additional freight carriers, and integrating with technology platforms related to e-commerce [7][9] - Strategic growth efforts include pursuing transformative and tuck-in acquisitions, leveraging the strong balance sheet and cash flow to create shareholder value [10][49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current macroeconomic challenges but remains optimistic about the company's ability to create shareholder value through strategic initiatives and a strong cash position [6][54] - The company is focused on maximizing upside opportunities in a changing logistics marketplace, which is becoming more receptive to new ideas and partnerships [55][56] Other Important Information - The company had a cash balance of $5.7 million at the end of Q1 2025, with no bank debt and only $800,000 remaining on convertible notes held by insiders [6][14] - Nancy Meyers, the CFO, announced her retirement, with Jennifer Colo set to take over the role [16][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the capital allocation priorities moving forward? - The company is prioritizing organic growth investments funded by business operations, with a focus on integrating with e-commerce platforms and expanding customer relationships [24][26] Question: What is the revenue generation for the authentication business in the quarter? - The revenue for the authentication business was $26,000 [31] Question: Should revenue comparisons be expected to improve in the second half of the year? - Revenue comparisons are expected to remain challenging in Q2, with hopes for improvement in the second half of the year [35][38] Question: How are new customers performing and what is the outlook for existing customers? - New customer additions have slowed, and existing customers are experiencing a softening in demand, impacting overall revenue [45][46] Question: What is the latest update on the ink business and strategic discussions? - The company is exploring potential acquisitions that could synergize with its ink business, but the focus remains on opportunities within Precision Logistics [49]