Markforged (MKFG) - 2024 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2024 was $20.5 million, a decrease of 15% from Q1 2023, primarily due to lower system revenue impacted by a challenging macroeconomic environment with high interest rates [17] - Gross margin for Q1 2024 was 51.3%, an increase of 1.8 percentage points from Q4 2023 and up 2 points from Q1 2023, driven by operational efficiencies and product mix [19] - Operating expenses were $24.1 million in Q1 2024, down from $26.7 million in Q1 2023, reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce expenses and optimize cash utilization [20] - Net loss for Q1 2024 was $12.2 million, an improvement from a loss of $13.3 million in Q1 2023 [21] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q1 2024 were $107.9 million, down from $8.9 million at the end of Q4 2023 [55] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumable revenues were essentially flat year-over-year, while subscription-based software and services revenue grew 18% year-over-year in Q1 2024 [18] - The FX10, a next-generation 3D printer, was shipped in Q1 2024, with initial market feedback being very positive, including significant orders from customers like Toyota [10][57] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a challenging macroeconomic environment affecting system revenue, particularly in Europe and Asia, but anticipates recovery based on the current pipeline [35] - The demand for industrial automation technologies is seen as a robust tailwind for the company's Digital Forge platform [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive the adoption of additive manufacturing on the factory floor to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve supply chain resiliency [6][9] - The company is focused on sustaining operational efficiencies and scaling up its business in 2024, with expectations for growth driven by new products and improved go-to-market operations [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the opportunities presented by new products in the second half of 2024, despite the ongoing challenges in the CapEx environment [6] - The company reiterated its 2024 revenue guidance of $95 million to $105 million, acknowledging macroeconomic headwinds but expecting mid-single-digit growth quarter-over-quarter in Q2 [25] Other Important Information - The company accrued a GAAP expense of $17.3 million related to a patent lawsuit verdict, which is excluded from non-GAAP results [23] - Management is actively exploring options to overturn the patent verdict and is limited in commenting further on the matter [55][58] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pipeline status and capacity for FX10 - Management indicated that the FX10 pipeline is building up as expected, with production likely to meet demand by Q4 2024 [31][32] Question: Impact of patent verdict on product lines and geographies - Management stated it is too early to provide additional details on the impact of the patent verdict on specific product lines and geographies [34][58] Question: International performance, particularly in Europe and Asia - Management noted that the current downturn in these regions is part of a cyclical change and anticipates recovery soon based on the pipeline [35] Question: FX10 shipments to existing vs. new customers - Initial shipments of FX10 primarily went to existing customers, with new customer orders expected to be fulfilled in Q2 [65] Question: Gross margins outlook with FX10 launch - Management expressed encouragement regarding Q1 gross margin performance but acknowledged potential pressure from the FX10 launch and other new technologies [41]