Research Solutions(RSSS) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 FY2025 was $12.7 million, up from $12.1 million in Q3 FY2024, representing a year-over-year increase of approximately 5% [8] - Annual recurring revenue (ARR) reached $20.4 million, a 23% increase year-over-year [9] - Gross margin improved to 49.5%, a 430 basis point increase compared to the prior year [12] - Adjusted EBITDA set a new record at $1.4 million, compared to $961,000 in the year-ago quarter, with a trailing twelve months adjusted EBITDA of $5.1 million, representing a 10.4% margin [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Platform subscription revenue increased by 22% to $4.8 million, driven by growth in both B2B and B2C segments [8] - B2B segment saw net incremental ARR growth of $736,000, a record for the company [10] - Transaction revenue decreased to $7.8 million from $8.2 million in the prior year quarter, a decline of 4% [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total active customer count decreased to 1,380 from 1,426 year-over-year [12] - The company noted that budget cuts in government and academic institutions have not yet materially impacted churn or the sales pipeline [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on building a professional sales and renewal team as part of its long-term strategy [21] - Investments in sales and marketing are expected to drive predictable growth, particularly in the B2C segment through digital advertising [42] - AI is central to the company's strategy, with ongoing development of AI-based products aimed at enhancing research capabilities [23][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the ongoing revenue mix shift towards higher-margin SaaS revenue and expects a strong finish in the final quarter of the fiscal year [19][20] - The company is monitoring the impact of budget cuts on academic library budgets but views it as an opportunity rather than a threat [36] Other Important Information - The company reported a cash balance of $9.9 million as of March 31, 2025, up from $6.1 million on June 30, 2024 [18] - The company is exploring options for utilizing its cash reserves, including potential acquisitions [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on shifting gears to drive faster growth through sales and marketing - Management indicated that investments in sales and marketing are aimed at creating a predictable growth model, particularly in B2C [40][41] Question: Potential of AI to streamline operations and lower costs - Management acknowledged that AI could enhance productivity and is focusing on utilizing AI for R&D and software engineering [46][47] Question: Performance of new logo versus cross-sell teams - New logo teams performed well, contributing over half of total new bookings, with strong performance noted in both academic and corporate segments [52][53] Question: Trends in B2C segment as classes wrap up - Management noted a weakening in trials and sign-ups, but improvements in conversion rates were also highlighted [57][58]