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Anterix(ATEX) - 2024 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
ATEXAnterix(ATEX)2023-08-05 07:50
Financials

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company received approximately 21millionfromthefirstExcelSpectrummilestoneforbroadbandlicensesandexpectstoreceiveroughly21 million from the first Excel Spectrum milestone for broadband licenses and expects to receive roughly 80 million of additional near-term proceeds based on the delivery of additional milestones throughout the fiscal year [17] - The company remains debt-free and forecasts free cash flow for fiscal 2024 [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Demonstrated Intent (DI) scorecard indicates that 15 utilities have crossed the DI threshold, representing more than 850millioninpotentialcontractproceeds,withanadditionalthreeutilitiesclosetocrossingthethresholdrepresentingover850 million in potential contract proceeds, with an additional three utilities close to crossing the threshold representing over 275 million [11] - Since the introduction of the DI scorecard, there have been positive movements recorded on about 50 new measurable indicators of intent [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility sector is spending over 150billionannuallyincapitalexpenditures,indicatingasignificantmarketopportunityforthecompany[28]−TheUtilityBroadbandAlliance(UBBA)surpassed100members,reflectinggrowinginterestinprivatebroadbandnetworkswithintheutilitysector[14]CompanyStrategyandDevelopmentDirection−Thecompanyaimstobecomethedefactowirelessbroadbandsolutionfortheutilityindustry,focusingoncapturingvaluablecustomercontractsanddemonstratingthevalueofitsspectrumasset[6][12]−ThecompanyisactivelyworkingwiththeUtilityStrategicAdvisoryBoardandtheUtilityBroadbandAlliancetoidentifyandpursuekeysolutionsforcurrentandpotentialcustomers[13][14]Management′sCommentsonOperatingEnvironmentandFutureOutlook−ManagementacknowledgesinvestorfrustrationwiththeslowpaceoftheutilitysectorbutremainsoptimisticabouttheprogressindicatedbytheDIscorecard[6][26]−Thecompanyseesthecurrentmarketasanopportunitytodrivecustomercontractsandbelievesthateducationaleffortsonthevalueofprivatebroadbandnetworkswillleadtoincreasedadoption[16]OtherImportantInformation−Thecompanyhasasharerepurchaseprogramwithapproximately150 billion annually in capital expenditures, indicating a significant market opportunity for the company [28] - The Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA) surpassed 100 members, reflecting growing interest in private broadband networks within the utility sector [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become the de facto wireless broadband solution for the utility industry, focusing on capturing valuable customer contracts and demonstrating the value of its spectrum asset [6][12] - The company is actively working with the Utility Strategic Advisory Board and the Utility Broadband Alliance to identify and pursue key solutions for current and potential customers [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges investor frustration with the slow pace of the utility sector but remains optimistic about the progress indicated by the DI scorecard [6][26] - The company sees the current market as an opportunity to drive customer contracts and believes that educational efforts on the value of private broadband networks will lead to increased adoption [16] Other Important Information - The company has a share repurchase program with approximately 26 million available, which it plans to utilize efficiently [17] - The company has successfully closed 100% of contracts with the five utilities that have committed to wide area private wireless broadband since the availability of its broadband spectrum [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the appropriate cash balance for the company? - The CFO indicated a preference for a cash balance that covers at least a year of operating expenses, estimated at roughly 40millionto40 million to 45 million [20][21] Question: What are the key issues causing delays in the utility industry? - Management explained that the cautious nature of utility customers, the complexity of organizational decision-making, and the need for regulatory approvals contribute to the delays [22][24] Question: Can you provide insights on the water opportunity? - The company highlighted that the utility sector's significant capital expenditures present monetization opportunities, with a focus on expanding use cases in water management [28][29] Question: What government programs are available to help utilities upgrade the grid? - Management discussed various programs, including the BIO IIJ and GRIP programs, which are expected to provide funding over the next few years [33][34] Question: How does the partnership with NRTC fit into the pipeline? - The company views the partnership with NRTC as an opportunity to reach smaller rural co-ops and municipal organizations, expanding its customer base [48][49] Question: What activities are being undertaken by the 100 companies in the active ecosystem? - A third of the companies in the ecosystem are developing broadband-enabled products, indicating a growing interest in the market [56]