Straker translates stabilising market conditions to profits in Q3

Straker reports record gross margins and ongoing profitability in Q3
Delivers positive Operating Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow
Company flags new product launches in Q3 and confirms guidance

Special Report: Straker, the only pure play AI technology-driven language service provider on the ASX, has continued to showcase its resilience in FY24 delivered a strong third quarter with stable revenue, record gross margins and ongoing profitability.

A pioneer in AI-powered translation, Straker’s (ASX:STG) technology seamlessly integrates human expertise with machine capabilities. The company’s leading AI-driven tool, Verify, discerns content suitable for direct use from machine translation and content requiring human review providing substantial cost savings for clients.

The company saw revenue of $12.87 million during the period, up 3.5% from the previous quarter, and $11.8 million in cash receipts. Stabilising market conditions were particularly reflected in Europe which saw 12% growth compared to the previous quarter.

Cash receipts totaled $11.8 million for the period, slightly below revenue, following a period of exceptionally strong cash collection in Q2. The operating cash flow for the quarter was $0.682 million continuing a positive trend this financial year.

Straker achieved a record gross margin of 65.4%, surpassing expectations and marking a 240 basis points increase from the preceding quarter. The continued expansion of gross margins was attributed to the success of the Managed Services offering within IBM.

The company extended its multimillion dollar contract with IMB for a further three years at the end of 2022.

Profitability achieved

The company reported robust profitability, with Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited) of $1.356 million, compared to a loss of $0.195 million in the prior corresponding period and $1.21 million in the preceding quarter. The balance sheet remains strong, with $13.074 million in cash and zero debt.

Co-founder and CEO Grant Straker said the results underscore the company’s resilience.

“We’re pleased to share the positive outcomes of the latest quarter, marked by sequential revenue growth and exceptional gross margin results. The market has shown signs of general stability, and our robust financial performance reflects our ability to navigate uncertainties,” he said.

“Our results demonstrate not only growth but sustained stability. Our commitment to shareholder value is evident in our share buyback initiative.”

Straker reported that roughly 51% of the 3.5 million share buyback was completed as of December 31, 2024 and Grant Straker said the company’s solid financial performance continued to support the ongoing initiative which, at the current share price, was enormously accretive to shareholder value.

Straker also emphasised the company’s strategic focus on technological innovation, operational efficiency and product diversification which position it well for future growth despite market fluctuations.

The company has been working on a generative AI compliance and verification product that is due to be launched in the current quarter. Designed to reduce internal and external costs for audit and compliance teams, the product will also allow customers to run checks on their content, including for factual accuracy.

Version 2.0 of the Straker’s LanguageCloud has also been made ready for launch this quarter, building on the base of the workplace platforms with new features including instant translation, reporting insights, and broadened use cases to management, ordering, monitoring and jobs.

This article was developed in collaboration with Straker, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.