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BM Technologies, Inc. (BMTX)·Q3 2024 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Q3 2024 operating revenue was $14.1M, down 2% year over year and up 12% sequentially; GAAP net loss widened to $(5.0)M with diluted EPS of $(0.42), reflecting an “Other loss” of $0.95M and continued cost pressure .
- Interchange and card revenue rose 30% YoY to $3.0M, benefiting from Durbin‑exempt interchange rates following the higher education deposit transfer to First Carolina Bank completed in Dec 2023 .
- Core EBITDA loss deteriorated to $(2.1)M with margin at (15)%, from $(0.9)M and (7)% in Q2, driven by higher technology/processing and provision for operating losses; liquidity remained solid with $11.2M cash and no debt .
- Strategic catalyst: the company entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by First Carolina Bank for $5.00 per share (approx. $67M equity value), a 55% premium to the 10/24/24 close; closing expected in Q1 2025 subject to approvals .
- Wall Street S&P Global consensus estimates were unavailable for Q3 2024; no company numeric guidance was issued in Q3, though prior Q2 commentary expected 2024 revenue growth and positive Core EBITDA .
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- Durbin‑exempt interchange uplift: Interchange and card revenue increased 30% YoY to $2.99M, confirming the benefit post‑deposit transfer to FCB; management previously estimated a ~$4.4M annual uplift at the then‑current HE spend run‑rate .
- Higher Education resilience: University fees rose 21% YoY to $1.71M, retention remained 99%, and FAR disbursements were $3.9B in Q3, signaling strong seasonal activity and engagement .
- Strategic exit/value realization: Agreed sale to FCB at $5.00 per share with a 55% premium; CEO emphasized enhanced services for BMTX and FCB customers post‑close: “This transaction not only delivers a significant premium to our stockholders but will also bring enhanced banking services and technology…” .
What Went Wrong
- Revenue mix and fee pressure: Servicing fees fell 13% YoY to $7.56M and account fees declined 13% YoY, offsetting interchange growth, weighing on total revenue .
- Profitability deterioration: Core EBITDA margin fell to (15)% from (7)% in Q2; GAAP operating expenses rose sequentially to $18.2M, with provision for operating losses of $2.65M and an “Other loss” of $0.95M impacting GAAP results .
- BaaS contraction: BaaS ending deposits decreased 36% YoY to $230M and debit POS spend fell 11% YoY, consistent with management’s view that the BaaS relationship is unprofitable and may be wound down after Feb 2025 .
Financial Results
Segment/Revenue Composition
KPIs
Guidance Changes
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Note: A Q3 2024 earnings call transcript was not available in our corpus; themes are synthesized from Q2 and Q4 materials and the Q3 press release.
Management Commentary
- “We are excited to announce this transaction with our partner bank, First Carolina... This transaction not only delivers a significant premium to our stockholders but will also bring enhanced banking services and technology to all current BMTX customers as well as current and future FCB customers.” — Luvleen Sidhu, Chair, CEO and Founder .
- “Our technology transformation is driven by our vision to modernize our platform architecture and offer innovative products and services to our customers... We have added a rewards engine... Our next product launch is targeted before the end of the year and will provide our students with financial, insurance, and wellness benefits.” — Jamie Donahue, President & CTO .
- Liquidity posture: “Liquidity remained strong... $11.2 million of cash and no debt.” — Q3 press release .
Q&A Highlights
- No Q3 2024 earnings call transcript was found; therefore, Q&A themes and any guidance clarifications are unavailable in our source set [SearchDocuments returned none].
Estimates Context
- S&P Global consensus data for BMTX (Q3 2024 revenue and EPS) was unavailable due to missing CIQ mapping; as a result, beat/miss versus consensus cannot be assessed in this recap. Values retrieved from S&P Global were unavailable for this issuer in our tools.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Revenue mix continues to shift toward interchange, aided by Durbin‑exempt rates; however, servicing and account fees remain under pressure, tempering total revenue growth .
- Profitability worsened sequentially with Core EBITDA margin at (15)%; provisions for operating losses and technology/processing costs remain key drags near term .
- Higher Education business is resilient: 99% retention, strong FAR disbursements ($3.9B), and seasonal uptick in POS spend; organic deposits moderated, suggesting room to deepen primary banking behavior .
- BaaS is shrinking and likely to be de‑emphasized; management previously indicated a wind‑down could improve Core EBITDA by ≥$1M per quarter post‑Feb 2025 .
- Strategic outcome likely caps near‑term trading around the $5.00 take‑out price contingent on deal closure; focus shifts to merger approvals and timing risks cited in filings .
- With consensus unavailable, estimate revisions are uncertain; near‑term narrative hinges on integration planning, cost control, and durability of interchange uplift .
- Cash of $11.2M and no debt provide operational flexibility through transaction closing; watch for any merger‑related costs and changes in expense trajectory .