ON24(US:ONTF)2025-02-25 23:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, revenue from the core platform, including services, was $36 million, representing a 6% year-over-year decrease [26] - Total revenue for Q4, including virtual conference products, was $36.7 million, with subscription and other platform revenue at $33.6 million and professional services revenue at $3.1 million, a 13% year-over-year decrease [26] - ARR from the core platform at the end of Q4 was $127.3 million, a decrease of $2.3 million from Q3, while total ARR was $129.7 million [9][27] - Non-GAAP gross margin improved from 75% in 2023 to 77% in 2024, and adjusted EBITDA margin improved by almost 200 basis points compared to 2023 [8][33] - Free cash flow for 2024 was positive $2.6 million, an improvement of $17 million from negative $14.4 million in 2023 [8][40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The percentage of customers using two or more products reached an all-time high of close to 40% [7] - ARR from multi-year deals increased to 51%, up over 20 points since 2019 [31] - New business and expansion bookings in Q4 were the highest of the year, with AI-powered ACE contributing over 20% of growth ARR bookings [9][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The enterprise customer segment showed a net retention rate (NRR) of 91%, a mid-single-digit improvement over 2023 [29] - The ARR contribution from customers spending over $100,000 represented approximately two-thirds of total ARR [30] - The company noted continued strength in regulated verticals, particularly life sciences and financial services [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on platform innovation, particularly through AI integration, to enhance digital engagement [11][12] - Strategic priorities include advancing the enterprise go-to-market strategy and enhancing customer success efforts in regulated industries [19] - The company aims for double-digit top-line revenue growth and double-digit EBITDA margins in the long term [10][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the marketing budget environment, noting some green shoots in the technology vertical [52][54] - The company expects to return to positive ARR growth in 2025, driven by improvements in gross retention and customer spending initiatives [21][42] - Management highlighted the importance of AI tools in driving growth and improving customer engagement [21][41] Other Important Information - The company ended Q4 with $182.7 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities [37] - A new $25 million share repurchase program was announced, with $23.6 million utilized to date [38][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Overview of the marketing budget environment - Management noted that 2024 was a tough year for marketing budgets, but there are signs of improvement in 2025, particularly in technology [52][54] Question: Guidance on operating margins and expense structure - Management indicated a balanced approach to returning to growth while maintaining profitability, with selected investments in product innovation and go-to-market strategies [55][58] Question: Expectation of free cash flow positivity in 2025 - Management expects to be free cash flow positive in 2025, excluding any one-time or restructuring charges [61]