Upland Software(US:UPLD)2025-05-12 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 adjusted EBITDA was $13.1 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 21%, up from 20% reported in 2024 [6][16] - Free cash flow for Q1 was $7.9 million, which was higher than expected [7] - The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA margins to increase to 26% in Q2 and further expand in the second half of 2025 [12][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core organic growth rate in Q1 was flat, but is expected to move to 2% in Q2, with further increases anticipated throughout 2025 [6][11] - The company welcomed 107 new customers in Q1, including 19 major customers, and expanded relationships with 245 existing customers [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The divestiture of mobile messaging product lines lowered the 2025 revenue guidance midpoint by $25 million but had no impact on adjusted EBITDA guidance [11][18] - The net dollar retention rate for the core business as of December 31, 2024, would have been 99% excluding divestitures, compared to the reported 96% [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on markets with the strongest competitive advantage, higher margins, and higher growth rates [11][27] - The divestitures are part of a strategy to streamline operations and enhance focus on core products [11][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about positive core organic growth starting in Q2 and increasing throughout the year [12][27] - The company has seen improvements in digital marketing capabilities, contributing to increased marketing sourced bookings [36][38] Other Important Information - The company paid down $34.2 million of debt in Q1 2025, with total debt paydowns in 2025 reaching approximately $34.2 million [13][17] - The average customer lifetime for the core business is now over eight years, indicating strong customer retention [47] Q&A Session Summary Question: How should the market view the go-to-market strategy following the termination of the Chief Sales Officer? - Management noted significant progress in the go-to-market strategy, emphasizing a focus on markets with competitive advantages and realigning sales with product group general managers [27] Question: Should additional divestitures be expected as the company streamlines towards growth? - Management indicated that no material additional divestitures are anticipated, as the repositioning of the business is largely complete [29] Question: What is driving the faster organic growth and improving margins? - The primary driver of improvement is the focus on high-margin, high-growth products, along with investments in digital marketing and product enhancements [34][36] Question: When was the full build-out of the India development center completed, and what benefits have been seen? - The full build-out was completed at the end of the previous year, with increased productivity and throughput being observed [42][43] Question: What is the outlook for free cash flow and any one-time costs related to divestitures? - The company expects $20 million in free cash flow for the year, excluding one-time divestiture-related expenses [45] Question: What is the visibility into top-line acceleration and pipeline metrics? - Management reported strong visibility with 93% of revenue being recurring and a net dollar retention rate of 99%, indicating confidence in future growth [47][49]