Backblaze(US:BLZE)2025-05-07 22:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company revenue grew 15% year-over-year, reaching $34.6 million in Q1 2025 [24][8] - Adjusted EBITDA margin tripled to 18% compared to 6% in the prior year [31][24] - Adjusted free cash flow margin improved from negative 17% to negative 6% year-over-year [33][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - B2 cloud storage revenue growth accelerated to 23% year-over-year, up from 22% in the previous quarter [24][8] - Computer backup business grew 8% from the prior year, primarily driven by a price increase [25][24] - Net revenue retention (NRR) for B2 segment was 117%, down from 126% due to the lapping of a price increase [25][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - AI customer base grew by 66%, with data usage increasing by 25 times [13][8] - Gross customer retention remained strong at approximately 90% across both B2 and Computer Backup segments [25][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a go-to-market transformation emphasizing upscaling, partnerships, and sales plays [15][20] - New product offering, B2 Cloud Storage OverDrive, aims to optimize performance for large datasets and high-performance throughput [14][8] - Partnerships with high-performance compute providers and media companies are being established to support AI workloads and modern workflows [18][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that some customers are taking longer to make decisions due to macroeconomic factors, but self-serve business continues to grow [86][8] - The company remains confident in achieving 30% B2 growth and positive adjusted free cash flow by Q4 2025 [36][88] - Management highlighted the importance of accurate information in combating market manipulation schemes [12][11] Other Important Information - The company has successfully resolved SOX material weaknesses and appointed Deloitte as new auditors [34][35] - Anticipated Q2 2025 revenues are projected to be between $35.2 million and $35.6 million, reflecting B2 revenue growth of 23% to 25% [35][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the AI side and its impact on the pipeline? - Management expressed excitement about AI opportunities, noting it was the fastest-growing part of the business in Q1 [40][39] Question: What progress has been made in the B2 sales build? - Management confirmed that organic growth has accelerated and sales bookings have more than doubled [43][42] Question: What should be assumed for dilution in the next year or two? - Management indicated that reducing dilution is a priority, but specific projections are not yet available [46][45] Question: Can you discuss the negotiation process for the record TCV deal? - Management explained that the deal involved displacing AWS and was a result of the customer’s growing familiarity with Backblaze's platform [55][54] Question: What are the dynamics around demand generation? - Management noted that changes in their marketing strategy have led to increased outbound efforts, which are expected to ramp up in Q2 [61][60] Question: How has the competitive landscape changed since the IPO? - Management stated that while the market remains competitive, Backblaze continues to win customers from larger players and is seeing strong win rates [92][91]