BIO-key(US:BKYI)2025-03-27 19:19Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company improved its gross profit by 8% to $5.4 million in 2024, resulting in an adjusted gross margin of 78% compared to 64% in 2023 [10][30] - The net loss for 2024 improved to $4.3 million or $2.85 per share from a net loss of $8.5 million or $21.21 per share in 2023 [30] - Cash burn was reduced by 23% to $2.9 million in 2024 from $3.8 million in 2023 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - High-margin software license fee revenue increased by 20% to $5.2 million in 2024, while service revenue declined to $1.1 million from $2.2 million in 2023 [10][26] - In Q4 2024, license fee revenue increased by 77% to $1 million, while lower-margin services decreased by 28% to $344,000 [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing growing demand for its passwordless, phoneless, and tokenless authentication solutions, particularly in the Middle East and Asia [14][20] - The company secured a $910,000 contract with a foreign financial services client to implement biometric identification technology [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company exited low-margin software and services relationships to focus on core solutions like PortalGuard IAM and identity-bound biometrics, which have stronger technology and higher gross margins [9][10] - The company is exploring future business opportunities in emerging markets, including IoT solutions and drone technology [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2025, citing encouraging order activity and customer interest in their solutions [12][20] - The company expects to return to growth and improve profitability in 2025, with a focus on managing operating costs and investing in R&D [23][49] Other Important Information - The company reduced its outstanding debt to approximately $730,000 from $1.5 million at the end of 2024 [7] - The company launched PortalGuard IDAS on the AWS marketplace, enhancing its subscription-based business model [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on 10-K filing and restatements - The company confirmed that the 10-K is expected to be filed on Monday and that there are no new restatements [35] Question: Changes in revenue expectations for 2024 - Management explained that the transition from the Swivel Secure business caused a revenue delta of about $800,000 to $900,000 for the full fiscal 2024 [39] Question: Outlook for hardware and service revenue - Management expects growth in both hardware and service revenue in 2025, with hardware sales becoming more integrated into contracts [55] Question: Details on the $910,000 contract - A significant portion of the $910,000 contract will be recognized in Q1 of 2025, with about $250,000 recognized in Q4 2024 [57] Question: Update on Nigeria ID plans - Management noted ongoing discussions with the World Bank regarding ID plans in Nigeria, but no specific updates on contracts [68]