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    Crexendo Inc (CXDO)

    Q4 2024 Earnings Summary

    Reported on Mar 5, 2025 (After Market Close)
    Pre-Earnings Price$5.77Last close (Mar 4, 2025)
    Post-Earnings Price$6.15Open (Mar 5, 2025)
    Price Change
    $0.38(+6.59%)
    • Crexendo reported a 34% increase in backlog to $85.6 million, indicating strong future revenue streams. The backlog growth includes a 24% increase in telecom services and a 58% increase in the Software Solutions division.
    • The company is well-positioned to capitalize on market disruptions caused by Microsoft and Cisco, with potential to attract licensees from up to 2,000 providers seeking alternatives due to competitors' disruptive actions.
    • Crexendo's cash reserves have almost doubled to $18.2 million, providing flexibility for strategic initiatives such as acquisitions, R&D investments, or potential share repurchases to enhance shareholder value.
    • Despite the potential to capture approximately 2,000 licensees from competitors like Microsoft and Cisco due to market disruptions, Crexendo only secured 7 Microsoft Metaswitch licensees and 3 Cisco BroadSoft licensees in 2024, suggesting slower-than-expected customer acquisition and raising concerns about the company's ability to fully capitalize on these opportunities.
    • While competitors like Cisco and Microsoft are raising prices, Crexendo's ability to increase prices is limited due to existing contracts with licensees. The company stated that they "can't raise those contracts when they're under a set fee," potentially constraining revenue growth and margin expansion despite facing cost increases over the last "year or 2."
    • The acquisition of Metaswitch by Alianza introduces significant competitive uncertainty, and Crexendo lacks clarity on how this will impact their market position. When asked about Alianza's plans, the company admitted, "we know as much as you guys know about that," indicating uncertainty in competitive dynamics that could pose a risk to Crexendo's growth plans.
    MetricYoY ChangeReason

    Total Revenue

    +14% (from US$14,164K in Q4 2023 to US$16,200K in Q4 2024)

    Total Revenue increased by 14% YoY driven by improvements across multiple service lines, with robust gains in Software Solutions revenue (+33%) and modest growth in Cloud Telecommunications. The strong performance in these segments built on last period’s foundations, reflecting both market expansion and effective execution of company initiatives.

    Cloud Telecommunications Revenue

    Modest increase (from US$8.85M in Q4 2023 to US$9.13M in Q4 2024)

    The revenue in this segment grew moderately, benefiting from steady increases in telecommunications services fees and the continued performance of long-term service contracts. This incremental gain contrasts with the more dramatic shifts in other segments, indicating stable yet modest market dynamics.

    Software Solutions Revenue

    +33% (from US$5.32M in Q4 2023 to US$7.06M in Q4 2024)

    A 33% surge in Software Solutions revenue reflects a strong increase in recurring subscriptions and perpetual license sales, building on previous period figures. This growth is indicative of heightened market demand and successful efforts to expand the software base.

    Operating Income (EBIT)

    +4800% (from US$38K in Q4 2023 to US$1,824K in Q4 2024)

    The dramatic jump in EBIT is driven by significant revenue expansion alongside improved operating margins and cost control measures. The modest earnings in Q4 2023 contrasted with the efficient scaling and lower relative expense growth in Q4 2024, highlighting enhanced operational effectiveness.

    Net Income

    +730% (from US$61K in Q4 2023 to US$507K in Q4 2024)

    Net Income increased by approximately 730% YoY as a result of both revenue growth and improved profit margins, reflecting the same drivers that boosted Operating Income. This improvement builds on last year’s modest earnings, demonstrating that the company’s initiatives are yielding profit improvements even as costs and investment increase.

    Basic and Diluted EPS

    Doubled (from US$0.01 in Q4 2023 to US$0.02 in Q4 2024)

    The EPS improvement is directly tied to the significant increase in Net Income while the share count remained relatively stable. This doubling, though still modest in absolute terms, underscores the positive impact of the enhanced profitability compared to the previous period.

    Net Change in Cash

    Improved dramatically (from ~US$261K in Q4 2023 to US$7,846K in Q4 2024)

    The substantial improvement in net cash is attributed to a surge in operating cash flows and favorable financing activities, which are a marked change from the minimal positive movement in Q4 2023. This reflects a stronger liquidity position brought on by more effective cash management and operational performance.

    Long-Term Debt

    ~52% decline (from US$236K in Q3 2024 to US$114K in Q4 2024)

    The reduction in long-term debt indicates a strategic strengthening of the capital structure through debt repayment and reclassification. The 52% drop signals improved financial health compared to earlier metrics, supporting the overall balance sheet improvement.

    MetricPeriodPrevious GuidanceCurrent GuidanceChange

    Revenue Growth

    FY 2025

    no prior guidance

    double-digit growth trajectory for FY 2025

    no prior guidance

    Adjusted EBITDA

    FY 2025

    no prior guidance

    improvement in adjusted EBITDA margins compared to the $8.2 million achieved in FY 2024

    no prior guidance

    Migration and Cost Savings

    FY 2025

    no prior guidance

    Completion of Crexendo Classic customers’ migration to the NetSapiens VIP platform by Q3 2025; Transition to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure by year-end FY 2025 to generate substantial cost savings

    no prior guidance

    New Licensee Growth

    FY 2025

    no prior guidance

    Anticipates strong new logo acquisitions in FY 2025, building on the 17 new licensees added in FY 2024

    no prior guidance

    TopicPrevious MentionsCurrent PeriodTrend

    Backlog Growth & Revenue Visibility

    Consistently highlighted in Q1–Q3 as a robust indicator of future revenue with significant percentage increases and long-term revenue queues (e.g., 41% increase in Q1 , 39% in Q2 , and strong growth in Q3 ).

    In Q4, Crexendo reported 34% backlog growth to $85.6 million with clear revenue visibility into 2025, reinforcing the momentum from previous quarters.

    Consistently positive: Steady and improving backlog growth with enhanced revenue forecasting underscores sustained long‐term performance.

    Software Solutions & Telecom Growth Dynamics

    Q1–Q3 emphasized strong organic growth in the Software Solutions segment (growth of 25% to 35% ) along with healthy progress in Telecom Services (steady organic increases and channel partner contributions ).

    Q4 continued to show robust performance with 30% organic growth in Software Solutions, improved gross margins, and continued backlog expansion in Telecom (e.g., 24% increase in telecom backlog).

    Very positive, with an international twist: Growth remains strong with an evolving focus toward higher margins and market expansion, reinforcing competitive positioning.

    Market Disruptions & Competitive Landscape

    Earlier quarters (especially Q2–Q3) discussed disruptions caused by Microsoft’s retreat and Cisco’s pricing and support changes, with Q1 touching on competitive positioning through legacy partner migrations.

    In Q4, executives again noted disruptions by Microsoft and Cisco—and introduced discussion around the Alianza acquisition (even as rumors) as factors that open opportunities, reinforcing Crexendo’s advantages in capturing migrating customers.

    Optimistically proactive: The narrative has shifted toward leveraging competitor missteps, with clearer strategy execution and increased confidence in converting market challenges into growth opportunities.

    Customer Acquisition & Migration Trends

    Across Q1–Q3, there was consistent mention of migrating legacy customers to the VIP platform, new logo additions, and expansion orders (e.g., 8 new logos and 5 expansions in Q3 and steady subscriber growth in Q1 ).

    In Q4, Crexendo emphasized its sessions-based pricing model as a migration advantage and highlighted continuous improvements in onboarding and engineering support to facilitate smoother transitions from Microsoft Metaswitch and Cisco BroadSoft customers.

    Refined and streamlined: The strategy has evolved with enhanced pricing models and refined processes, suggesting a more efficient and customer-friendly migration path that could drive future growth.

    Cloud Migration & Platform Consolidation

    Q1–Q3 repeatedly noted the migration from the Crexendo Classic system to the VIP platform and the transition to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) to improve efficiency and cost structure.

    In Q4, the focus sharpened on closing data centers and nearly completing the migration to OCI and NetSapiens VIP—with expectations of substantial cost savings and operational efficiencies.

    Progressing steadily: Cloud migration and platform consolidation have advanced to near-critical mass, underlining a strategic move toward long‑term scalability and cost efficiency.

    Financial Flexibility & Strategic Investments

    Previous discussions from Q1 to Q3 highlighted a growing cash position, active interest in accretive acquisitions, and strategic investments in OCI and internal systems (e.g., shelf registration in Q1 and significant OCI investments in Q2 ).

    Q4 reported an impressive cash reserve increase to $18.2 million and reiterated a focus on acquisitions, R&D, and even share repurchases if necessary—demonstrating greater financial agility.

    Strengthening momentum: The financial flexibility narrative is more pronounced in Q4, indicating an enhanced capacity to invest strategically and possibly expand via acquisitions, which could have a major long‐term impact.

    Operating Expenses & Profitability Pressures

    Q1 showed modest reductions while Q2 and Q3 detailed rising operating expenses due to strategic investments (e.g., headcount and OCI costs), although profitability was maintained through GAAP and non‑GAAP measures ( for Q1; Q2 ; Q3 ).

    Q4 focused on cost management and achieving GAAP profitability, with less granular expense detail but overall a steady emphasis on operational efficiency despite ongoing investments.

    Managed but cautious: The company remains committed to balancing cost pressures with profitability, maintaining stable margins despite necessary investments—a trend that supports sustainable scaling while being mindful of expenses.

    International Expansion Strategies

    Throughout Q1–Q3, the strategy focused on expanding in Europe, the Pacific Rim, and selective wins in Australia and Africa (e.g., data centers in Amsterdam and London in Q1 , growth in Europe and Australia in Q2–Q3 ).

    Q4 underscored that international growth continues robustly, contributing about 5% of revenue, with specific emphasis on strong performance in Europe due to lower competition and regional distrust of Microsoft.

    Increasing optimism: There is a clearer, more confident international strategy in Q4, suggesting that expanding overseas is becoming an even more important long‑term growth driver.

    Emergence of AI & Application Ecosystem Expansion

    Q1 introduced enhanced API integrations and the promise of AI applications (version 44.1 in Q1 ); Q2 built on this with new AI capabilities and API 2.0 bolstering third‑party development ; Q3 showcased stronger vendor participation and user group activities supporting AI applications.

    Q4 marked a significant leap with the launch of advanced AI features (Contact Center AI, AI‑powered call recording, Video AI Studio), award recognition, and the soft‑launched EVP program—indicating a major expansion in the AI application ecosystem.

    Accelerating innovation: AI and ecosystem expansion have gained notable emphasis in Q4, reflecting a strategic shift to integrate cutting‑edge AI solutions into the product suite—a trend likely to generate significant future competitive advantage.

    Sustainability of Growth Rates & Scalability Challenges

    Q1–Q3 discussions consistently highlighted robust double‑digit growth (with double‑digit software solutions growth and steady telecom gains) alongside challenges in migrating to scalable platforms, addressed by incremental investments and OCI transitions ( , Q2 , Q3 ).

    In Q4, Crexendo reiterated confidence in sustainable double‑digit growth supported by strong backlog metrics and a converging OCI migration that promises 1–1.5% cost savings—indicating that current scalability challenges are being effectively managed.

    Positive and resolute: The ongoing capability to sustain growth while managing scalability issues has been clearly underscored in Q4, with challenges viewed as temporary and surmountable through strategic investments and technology transitions.

    Pricing Constraints & Contract Limitations

    While Q1 provided no discussion, Q2 explained long‑term contract durations (60‑month and 36‑month contracts) and efforts to improve pricing margins on higher‑margin sales, and Q3 was silent on the issue.

    Q4 offered detailed insights into a sessions‑based pricing model, fixed contract terms that limit fee increases, and a focus on adding features rather than reducing pricing—highlighting a refined approach to pricing and contract structures.

    Emerging clarity: A new emphasis in Q4 on strategic pricing and contract management suggests an evolution toward more flexible yet stable revenue models, which could enhance competitiveness and profitability in the long run.

    1. Capital Allocation Priorities
      Q: What are your priorities for capital allocation now?
      A: Management indicated that all options are on the table, including acquisitions in their space, potentially an AI company if it's the right fit, share repurchases if the market deteriorates, and reinvesting in R&D. They believe the company is undervalued and are considering these opportunities accordingly.

    2. EBITDA Growth Expectations
      Q: Will profits increase with 10% revenue growth?
      A: They expect to grow the bottom line alongside revenue, aiming for some improvement in adjusted EBITDA margins while continuing to reinvest in the business.

    3. Opportunity from Microsoft and Cisco Disruption
      Q: How is the Microsoft and Cisco disruption affecting you?
      A: The industry disruption is creating tremendous opportunities. They estimate about 2,000 licensees from Cisco and Microsoft platforms could be seeking alternatives. In the year, they brought over 7 Microsoft Metaswitch and 3 Cisco BroadSoft licensees and anticipate a very full pipeline ahead.

    4. Backlog Growth and Mix
      Q: How has your $85 million backlog evolved?
      A: The backlog increased by 34%, driven by new bookings. There was a 24% increase in telecom services backlog to $10.6 million, and the Software Solutions division contributed $11.1 million, up 58% over the prior year.

    5. ARPU Trends and Pricing Power
      Q: Any trends in ARPU at wholesale and retail levels?
      A: Retail revenue per user remains consistent around $20 per user, with additional features added without raising prices. Wholesale average revenue per licensee is approximately $5,700 to $6,200 per month. While Cisco and Microsoft have raised prices, they maintain competitive pricing, passing on increases when needed to invest in the platform.

    6. Competitor Alianza's Impact
      Q: How does Alianza's acquisition of Metaswitch affect you?
      A: They believe Alianza focuses on residential markets, while they target business and enterprise markets. Uncertain of Alianza's plans, they note that maintaining multiple platforms is challenging and feel well-positioned to compete.

    7. Software Solutions Large Deals
      Q: Any 7-figure transactions in Software Solutions?
      A: There were a couple of seven-figure transactions in total contract value over the life of the licensee, though these are outliers and consistent with past years.

    8. International Growth vs. Metaswitch Sunsetting
      Q: What's driving strong software growth: Metaswitch sunsetting or international?
      A: International growth is strong but represents about 5% of business. Growth is expected to continue due to less competition and distrust of Microsoft in Europe. They anticipate substantial international growth while competing vigorously in the U.S.

    9. Data Center Closing Savings
      Q: How will data center closing savings affect hiring?
      A: Savings will be partially reinvested, with some bolstering the bottom line. They expect substantial improvements into 2026, utilizing existing engineers more efficiently to reduce the need for new hires.

    10. Onboarding Process Improvements
      Q: How has onboarding from Metaswitch and BroadSoft improved?
      A: Their migration scripts and engineering capabilities have improved, allowing smoother customer transitions. The session-based model offers an advantage, letting customers progress at their own pace.