Telos(TLS) - 2024 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $29.6 million in Q1 2024, exceeding guidance by approximately $600,000 [50] - Cash gross margin was 42.2%, expanding 249 basis points year-over-year, marking the second highest quarter since the IPO in 2020 [51] - Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $2.3 million, significantly better than the guidance range of a loss between $5 million to $5.5 million [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Security Solutions generated $18.6 million in revenue, accounting for approximately 63% of total company revenues, up from 56% in Q1 2023 [51] - Secure Networks delivered approximately $11 million in revenue, aligning with the top end of guidance [30] - The company expects Security Solutions revenue to return to sequential growth in the third or fourth quarter, subject to favorable resolution of protests [39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has secured positions on five new federal contract vehicles, representing a $12 billion addressable market [34] - The renewal pipeline includes significant contracts with various federal agencies, indicating a strong market presence [55] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to accelerate the rollout of TSA PreCheck locations, targeting 500 stores by 2025 [4] - Focus on expanding contract vehicles to increase access to new federal markets over time [34] - Emphasis on maintaining strong relationships with existing customers while pursuing new business opportunities [68] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to move forward with programs despite ongoing protests [4] - The outlook remains positive with robust and recession-resistant end markets, supported by well-funded customers [21] - The company anticipates a return to sequential revenue growth in the latter half of the year, contingent on the resolution of protests [39] Other Important Information - R&D and SG&A expenses were better than forecasted due to timing of spending and higher capitalization of software development costs [31] - Cash flow from operations was a $350,000 outflow, with free cash flow improving from a $4.1 million outflow in Q1 2023 to a $3.6 million outflow [52] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insights on the protesting process? - Management indicated confidence in moving forward with programs and noted that the protest process typically lasts 100 days, expecting outcomes within the quarter [61] Question: How much revenue from existing contracts is expected to decline in 2025? - Management estimated that approximately $100 million in recurring revenue for 2024 would decline to about $70 million in 2025, factoring in additional revenue from new programs [81] Question: What strategies are being implemented to differentiate the TSA offering? - Management confirmed that the focus is on opening new locations and enhancing marketing efforts, but no major expenses are anticipated beyond commitments to strategic partners [83]