Materialise(US:MTLS)2025-02-20 19:38Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, revenue increased slightly to €65.7 million, with a full year revenue of over €267 million, representing a 4% increase from 2023 [25][27] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 decreased to €4.3 million from €8.5 million in Q4 2023, with a corresponding adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.6% [28][29] - Adjusted EBIT for Q4 was negative at €1.2 million compared to €3.2 million in Q4 2023, with a full year adjusted EBIT of €9.7 million, down from €9.9 million in 2023 [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Materialise Medical segment revenue increased by 14% to €31.8 million in Q4, with a full year revenue increase of almost 15% to €116 million [25][34] - Manufacturing segment revenue decreased by 13% in Q4 compared to the previous year, with a full year revenue decrease of 3% to €106.5 million [37] - Software segment revenue remained stable at around €44 million for the full year, with Q4 adjusted EBITDA at €1.1 million and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.1% [36][38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Medical segment accounted for close to half of consolidated revenue in Q4, while Manufacturing and Software accounted for 35% and 17% respectively [26] - The Manufacturing segment faced challenges due to unfavorable macroeconomic conditions in Europe, particularly impacting prototyping demand [37][50] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue investing in growth markets, particularly in the Medical segment and factory management solutions, while focusing on cost control in the Manufacturing segment [51][52] - The launch of the Mimics platform aims to enhance the adoption of personalized solutions in the Medical segment [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that 2024 was a challenging year due to high interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and a difficult economic climate, yet the company achieved 4% growth [9] - For 2025, the company expects revenues to be in the range of €270 million to €285 million, with continued growth in Medical and Software segments, but challenges in Manufacturing due to the uncertain macroeconomic environment [50][51] Other Important Information - The company reported a strong balance sheet with cash reserves of €102 million at the end of Q4, despite a bullet loan repayment of €10 million [44] - Deferred revenue related to software licenses and maintenance fees increased by €5.9 million in Q4, totaling just above €59 million at year-end [27][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin difference between recurring and nonrecurring revenue in the software segment - Management indicated that there is no large margin difference between recurring and nonrecurring revenue in the Software segment [60][61] Question: Average lifetime of the subscription - The average lifetime of subscription-based revenue is typically expected to be one year [64] Question: Granularity on increased R&D spend, ACTech start-up, and FEops integration - About half of the cost increase in Q4 was attributed to the three elements mentioned, impacting adjusted EBIT [65] Question: Changes in visibility regarding the fourth quarter - Management acknowledged that the industrial climate had accelerated in Q4, impacting results and guidance for 2025 [66] Question: Explanation for the increase in deferred revenue in the Software segment - The increase in deferred revenue was anticipated and aligned with seasonal trends, reflecting larger contracts at year-end [71][72] Question: Future operational expenses and cost control measures - Management confirmed a strong focus on cost control and optimization in 2025, particularly in the Manufacturing segment [77]