AudioCodes Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results and Declares Semi-Annual Dividend of 18 cents per share

Rhea-AI Summary

AudioCodes (NASDAQ: AUDC) reported a 3.2% increase in quarterly revenues to $63.6 million, while full-year revenues decreased by 11.2% to $244.4 million in 2023. The company's GAAP gross margin was 66.7% in the quarter, and non-GAAP gross margin was 67.6%. Quarterly GAAP net income was $3.7 million, and non-GAAP net income was $8.9 million. The company repurchased 595,583 of its ordinary shares during the quarter at an aggregate cost of $6.3 million. AudioCodes also declared a cash dividend of 18 cents per share, payable on March 6, 2024.

Insights

Financial Analyst

An examination of AudioCodes' financial results reveals a mixed performance. The sequential quarterly revenue increase of 3.2% suggests resilience in the company's operations, possibly driven by its strategic focus areas such as enterprise space and Microsoft-related business. However, the year-over-year decline of 11.2% in annual revenues indicates challenges that may concern investors regarding the company's growth trajectory.

The increase in quarterly non-GAAP net income and the improvement in non-GAAP gross and operating margins reflect effective cost management and a successful shift towards higher-margin cloud software solutions. This strategic pivot towards a software and services model could signal a positive long-term transformation, enhancing profitability.

AudioCodes' share repurchase program and dividend declaration represent a return of capital to shareholders, which could be seen as a sign of confidence by management in the company's financial health. The repurchase program, in particular, may support the stock price by reducing share count and potentially increasing earnings per share.

Market Research Analyst

AudioCodes' performance in strategic areas such as the enterprise space and Microsoft-related business is noteworthy. The reported growth in Teams and the 50% year-over-year increase in AudioCodes Live managed services' ARR suggest a strong market position in unified communications as a service (UCaaS) and collaboration tools, which are rapidly growing segments. The focus on customer experience (CX) and conversational AI (CAI) further positions AudioCodes in high-growth potential markets.

However, the decline in overall annual revenue could point to competitive pressures or market saturation in some of the company's traditional product lines. The significant growth in CX and CAI bookings, particularly through the Voca CIC solution, indicates successful product innovation and market penetration, which could be key drivers for future growth.

Economist

The global economic context may have influenced AudioCodes' financial outcomes. Macroeconomic factors such as currency fluctuations and market dynamics can impact multinational companies like AudioCodes. The decrease in cash equivalents and investments might reflect strategic capital allocation towards share repurchases and dividends, but it also suggests a reduction in liquidity that could affect the company's agility in responding to market changes.

The company's ability to continue generating positive net cash from operating activities amidst a challenging economic environment is a positive indicator of its operational efficiency and cash flow management. This financial stability is critical for sustaining investments in growth areas and weathering potential economic downturns.

LOD, Israel, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Highlights

• Quarterly revenues increased by 3.2% sequentially to $63.6 million;
  full year 2023 revenues decreased by 11.2% to $244.4 million.
• Quarterly Service revenues of $30.9 million accounted for 48.6% of revenues;
  full year 2023 service revenues increased by 8.7% to $120.4 million.
• GAAP results:
  - Quarterly GAAP gross margin was 66.7% compared to 66.5% in the prior quarter;
  - Quarterly GAAP operating margin was 11.4% compared to 9.4% in the prior quarter;
  - Quarterly GAAP net income was $3.7 million, or $0.12 per diluted share compared to $4.3 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in the prior quarter;
  - Full 2023 year GAAP net income was $8.8 million, or $0.28 per diluted share.
• Non-GAAP results:
  - Quarterly Non-GAAP gross margin was 67.6% compared to 67.3% in the prior quarter;
  - Quarterly Non-GAAP operating margin was 16.9% compared to 15.5% in the prior quarter;
  - Quarterly Non-GAAP net income was $8.9 million, or $0.28 per diluted share compared to $8.3 million, or $0.25 per diluted share in the prior quarter;
  - Full 2023 year Non-GAAP net income was $25.0 million, or $0.77 per diluted share.
• Net cash provided by operating activities was $9.3 million for the quarter and $14.9 million for the full year.
• AudioCodes repurchased 595,583 of its ordinary shares during the quarter at an aggregate cost of $6.3 million.

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•  

Details

AudioCodes (NASDAQ: AUDC), a leading vendor of advanced communications software, products and productivity solutions for the digital workplace, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year period ended December 31, 2023.

Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $63.6 million compared to $61.6 million for the third quarter of 2023. Revenues were $244.4 million in 2023 compared to $275.1 million in 2022.

Net income was $3.7 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $4.3 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2023. Net income was $8.8 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, in 2023 compared to $28.5 million, or $0.88 per diluted share, in 2022.

On a Non-GAAP basis, net income was $8.9 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $8.3 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net income was $25.0 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, in 2023 compared to $45 million, or $1.35 per diluted share, in 2022.

Non-GAAP net income excludes: (i) share-based compensation expenses; (ii) amortization expenses related to intangible assets; (iii) expenses related to deferred payments in connection with the acquisition of Callverso Ltd; (iv) other income related to a payment made by the landlord to AudioCodes Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, in connection with the termination of a lease agreement for its offices in New Jersey; (v) financial income related to exchange rate differences in connection with revaluation of assets and liabilities in non-dollar denominated currencies; (vi) non-cash deferred tax expenses (income); and (vii) non-cash lease expense which is required to be recorded during the quarter even though this is a free rent period under the lease for the Company's new headquarters. A reconciliation of net income on a GAAP basis to a non-GAAP basis is provided in the tables that accompany the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this press release.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $9.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $14.9 million for 2023.

Cash and cash equivalents, long and short-term bank deposits, long and short-term marketable securities and long and short-term financial investments were $106.7 million as of December 31, 2023 compared to $124.3 million as of December 31, 2022. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents, long and short-term bank deposits, long and short-term marketable securities and long and short-term financial investments was the result of the use of cash for the continued repurchasing of the Company's ordinary shares pursuant to its share repurchase program and the payment of a cash dividend during each of the first and third quarters of 2023.

"I am pleased to report solid fourth quarter 2023 results with strength across the strategic areas of our business," said Shabtai Adlersberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of AudioCodes.

We continued to perform well in the enterprise space with business reaching roughly 90% for the fourth quarter and the full year. Microsoft-related business in the quarter grew 5% year-over-year, within which Teams grew 10% year-over-year.  Full year Microsoft increased 7% year over year while Teams related business grew 13% year over year. We experienced continued strong momentum of our AudioCodes Live managed services, with ARR growing 50% year-over-year ending the quarter at $48 million, consistent with our expectations. 

Importantly, our customer experience (CX) and conversational AI (CAI) operations have clearly emerged as a second major growth pillar in our business. CX growth accelerated in the fourth quarter to over 40% year-over -year and to 19% for the full year. Conversational AI bookings grew over 50% for the quarter and the full year. Leading the growth in the CX and CAI markets has been Voca CIC, our Azure-native CCaaS solution for the Teams ecosystem, having won two large opportunities in North America. We have also seen solid growth with Meeting Insights, our enterprise grade solution for the meeting space.

On the operations side, I am glad to report solid progress in non-GAAP gross margin, which has recovered from early 2023 to reach 67.6%. Coupled with disciplined expense management, non-GAAP operating margin reached 16.9% in the quarter. With continued focus on shifting our business model into subscription and recurring sales, and the shift to higher margin cloud software solutions, we are making significant progress in our transformation to becoming a software and services company. With increased focus and investments in technologies and services for the UCaaS, CX and Conversational AI markets backed by strong Live bookings mainly in Teams, Live CX, and Voca CIC, we believe we are on the right path to execute on our plan to achieve revenue growth and drive improved profitability in 2024," concluded Mr. Adlersberg.

Share Buy Back Program

During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, the Company acquired 595,583 of its ordinary shares under its share repurchase program for a total consideration of $6.3 million.

In December 2023, the Company received court approval in Israel to purchase up to an aggregate amount of $20 million of additional ordinary shares. The court approval also permits AudioCodes to declare a dividend out of any part of this amount. The approval is valid through June 18, 2024.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $19.2 million available under the approval for the repurchase of shares and/or declaration of cash dividends.

Cash Dividend

AudioCodes also announced today that the Company's Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend in the amount of 18 cents per share. The aggregate amount of the dividend is approximately $5.5 million. The dividend is payable on March 6, 2024, to all of the Company's shareholders of record at the close of trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on February 20, 2024. 

In accordance with Israeli tax law, the dividend is subject to withholding tax at source at the rate of 25% of the dividend amount payable to each shareholder of record, subject to applicable exemptions. If the recipient of the dividend is at the time of distribution or was at any time during the preceding 12-month period the holder of 10% or more of the Company's share capital, the withholding rate is 30%.

The dividend will be paid in U.S. dollars on the ordinary shares of AudioCodes Ltd. that are traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market or the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange. The amount and timing of any other dividends will be determined by the Board.

Conference Call & Web Cast Information

AudioCodes will conduct a conference call at 8:30 A.M., Eastern Time today to discuss the Company's fourth quarter and full year of 2023 operating performance, financial results and outlook. Interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing one of the following numbers:

United States Participants: 888-506-0062

International Participants: +1 (973) 528-0011

The conference call will also be simultaneously webcast. Investors are invited to listen to the call live via webcast at the AudioCodes investor website at http://www.audiocodes.com/investors-lobby

Follow AudioCodes' social media channels:

AudioCodes invites you to join our online community and follow us on: AudioCodes Voice Blog, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

About AudioCodes

AudioCodes Ltd. (NASDAQ, TASE: AUDC) is a leading vendor of advanced communications software, products and productivity solutions for the digital workplace. AudioCodes enables enterprises and service providers to build and operate all-IP voice networks for unified communications, contact centers, and hosted business services. AudioCodes offers a broad range of innovative products, solutions and services that are used by large multi-national enterprises and leading tier-1 operators around the world.

For more information on AudioCodes, visit http://www.audiocodes.com.

Statements concerning AudioCodes' business outlook or future economic performance; product introductions and plans and objectives related thereto; and statements concerning assumptions made or expectations as to any future events, conditions, performance or other matters, are "forward-looking statements'' as that term is defined under U.S. Federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in such statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to: the effect of global economic conditions in general and conditions in AudioCodes' industry and target markets in particular; shifts in supply and demand; market acceptance of new products and the demand for existing products; the impact of competitive products and pricing on AudioCodes' and its customers' products and markets; timely product and technology development, upgrades and the ability to manage changes in market conditions as needed; possible need for additional financing; the ability to satisfy covenants in the Company's loan agreements; possible disruptions from acquisitions; the ability of AudioCodes to successfully integrate the products and operations of acquired companies into AudioCodes' business; possible adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and results of operations; the effects of the current terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel, and the war and hostilities between Israel and Hamas, and Israel and Hezbollah as well as the possibility that this could develop into a broader regional conflict involving Israel with other parties, may affect our operations and may limit our ability to produce and sell our solutions; any disruption in our operations by the obligations of our personnel to perform military service as a result of current or future military actions involving Israel; and other factors detailed in AudioCodes' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. AudioCodes assumes no obligation to update the information in this release.

©2024 AudioCodes Ltd. All rights reserved. AudioCodes, AC, HD VoIP, HD VoIP Sounds Better, IPmedia, Mediant, MediaPack, What's Inside Matters, OSN, SmartTAP, User Management Pack, VMAS, VoIPerfect, VoIPerfectHD, Your Gateway To VoIP, 3GX, VocaNom, AudioCodes One Voice, AudioCodes Meeting Insights, AudioCodes Room Experience and CloudBond are trademarks or registered trademarks of AudioCodes Limited. All other products or trademarks are property of their respective owners. Product specifications are subject to change without notice.

Summary financial data follows

AUDIOCODES LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
U.S. dollars in thousands
	December 31,		December 31,
	2023		2022
	(Unaudited)		(Audited)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 30,546		$ 24,535
Short-term and restricted bank deposits	212		5,210
Short-term marketable securities	7,438		2,120
Short-term financial investments	-		15,258
Trade receivables, net	51,125		56,424
Other receivables and prepaid expenses	9,381		10,006
Inventories	43,959		36,377
Total current assets	142,661		149,930
LONG-TERM ASSETS:
Long-term Trade receivables	$ 16,798		$ 13,099
Long-term marketable securities	65,732		75,946
Long-term financial investments	2,730		1,242
Deferred tax assets	6,208		9,073
Operating lease right-of-use assets	36,712		13,517
Severance pay funds	17,202		17,933
Total long-term assets	145,382		130,810
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET	10,893		3,965
GOODWILL, INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND OTHER, NET	38,581		39,126
Total assets	$ 337,517		$ 323,831
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Trade payables	7,556		11,338
Other payables and accrued expenses	29,943		38,316
Deferred revenues	38,820		36,634
Short-term operating lease liabilities	7,878		8,169
Total current liabilities	84,197		94,457
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Accrued severance pay	$ 16,662		$ 17,755
Deferred revenues and other liabilities	17,142		16,308
Long-term operating lease liabilities	31,404		5,551
Total long-term liabilities	65,208		39,614
Total shareholders' equity	188,112		189,760
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 337,517		$ 323,831

 

 

AUDIOCODES LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data
	Year ended				Three months ended
	December 31,				December 31,
	2023		2022		2023		2022
	(Unaudited)		(Audited)		(Unaudited)
Revenues:
Products	$ 123,991		$ 164,302		$ 32,692		$ 42,017
Services	120,392		110,791		30,867		28,639
Total Revenues	244,383		275,093		63,559		70,656
Cost of revenues:
Products	47,964		63,686		11,396		15,835
Services	38,070		32,629		9,771		8,663
Total Cost of revenues	86,034		96,315		21,167		24,498
Gross profit	158,349		178,778		42,392		46,158
Operating expenses:
Research and development, net	57,169		59,842		13,806		15,090
Selling and marketing	70,243		70,123		17,496		18,088
General and administrative	16,513		17,494		3,856		4,644
Total operating expenses	143,925		147,459		35,158		37,822
Operating income	14,424		31,319		7,234		8,336
Financial income (loss), net	(52)		2,864		(1,740)		669
Income before taxes on income	14,372		34,183		5,494		9,005
Taxes on income, net	(5,592)		(5,717)		(1,839)		(1,456)
Net income	$ 8,780		$ 28,466		$ 3,655		$ 7,549
Basic net earnings per share	$ 0.28		$ 0.89		$ 0.12		$ 0.24
Diluted net earnings per share	$ 0.28		$ 0.88		$ 0.12		$ 0.23
Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic net earnings per share (in thousands)	31,401		31,849		30,678		31,642
Weighted average number of shares used in computing diluted net earnings per share (in thousands)	31,579		32,500		30,893		32,145

 

 

AUDIOCODES LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET INCOME TO NON-GAAP NET INCOME
U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data
	Year ended				Three months ended
	December 31,				December 31,
	2023		2022		2023		2022
	(Unaudited)		(Audited)		(Unaudited)
GAAP net income	$ 8,780		$ 28,466		$ 3,655			$ 7,549
GAAP net earnings per share	$ 0.28		$ 0.88		$ 0.12			$ 0.23
Cost of revenues:
Share-based compensation (1)	388		425		84			125
Amortization expenses (2)	501		760		122			190
Lease expenses (7)	685		-		363			-
	1,574		1,185		569			315
Research and development, net:
Share-based compensation (1)	2,685		3,481		595			839
Deferred payments expenses (3)	770		500		408			125
Lease expenses (7)	430		-		55			-
	3,885		3,981		1,058			964
Selling and marketing:
Share-based compensation (1)	4,297		6,032		917			1,338
Amortization expenses (2)	44		44		11			11
Deferred payments expenses (3)	86		500		46			125
Lease expenses (7)	430		-		55			-
	4,857		6,576		1,029			1,474
General and administrative:
Share-based compensation (1)	4,010		5,184		768			1,450
Other Income (4)	-		(1,093)		-			-
Lease expenses (7)	171		-		91			-
	4,181		4,091		859			1,450
Financial expenses:
Exchange rate differences (5)	205		(1,321)		1,442			(227)
Income taxes:
Deferred tax (6)	1,549		1,974		302			398
Non-GAAP net income	$ 25,031		$ 44,952		$ 8,914			$ 11,923
Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share	$ 0.77		$ 1.35		$ 0.28			$ 0.36
Weighted average number of shares used in computing Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share (in thousands)	32,637		33,359		31,937			33,088

^{(1)  Share-based compensation expenses related to options and restricted share units granted to employees and others.
(2)  Amortization expenses related to intangible assets.
(3)  Expenses related to deferred payments in connection with the acquisition of Callverso Ltd.
(4)  Other income related to a payment made to AudioCodes Inc. in connection with the termination of a lease agreement for its offices in New Jersey.
(5)  Financial expenses related to exchange rate differences in connection with revaluation of assets and liabilities in non-dollar denominated currencies.
(6)  Non-cash deferred tax expenses.
(7)  Non-cash lease expense which is required to be recorded during the quarter even though this is a free rent period under the lease for the Company's new headquarters.}

^{Note: Non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the results prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company believes that non-GAAP information is useful because it can enhance the understanding of its ongoing economic performance and therefore uses internally this non-GAAP information to evaluate and manage its operations. The Company has chosen to provide this information to investors to enable them to perform comparisons of operating results in a manner similar to how the Company analyzes its operating results and because many comparable companies report this type of information.} 

AUDIOCODES LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
U.S. dollars in thousands
	Year ended				Three months ended
	December 31,				December 31,
	2023		2022		2023		2022
	(Unaudited)		(Audited)		(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 8,780		$ 28,466		$ 3,655		$ 7,549
Adjustments required to reconcile net income to net      cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2,596		2,984		624		723
Amortization of marketable securities premiums and      accretion of discounts, net	1,348		1,533		321		378
Increase (decrease) in accrued severance pay, net	(362)		(349)		131		(17)
Share-based compensation expenses	11,380		15,122		2,364		3,752
Decrease in deferred tax assets, net	1,437		1,780		273		356
Cash financial loss (income), net	(218)		(912)		179		(184)
Decrease in operating lease right-of-use assets	9,281		6,712		2,593		2,073
Increase (decrease) in operating lease liabilities	(6,914)		(9,582)		1,497		(324)
Decrease (increase (in trade receivables, net	1,600		(20,567)		(3,045)		(8,080)
Decrease (increase) in other receivables and prepaid      expenses	625		(1,621)		(947)		(277)
Decrease (increase) in inventories	(7,791)		(12,653)		814		(4,605)
Increase (decrease) in trade payables	(3,782)		3,475		918		(1,164)
Increase (decrease) in other payables and accrued      expenses	(6,233)		(4,077)		181		2,126
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues	3,144		(2,030)		(279)		(1,883)
Net cash provided by operating activities	14,891		8,281		9,279		423
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in short-term deposits	-		(5,000)		-		(5)
Proceeds from short-term deposits	4,998		10		(10)		-
Proceeds from long-term deposits	-		94		-		-
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities	3,084		1,123		-		-
Proceeds from redemption of financial investments	14,094		1,052		-		1,052
Purchase of financial investments	(81)		(16,615)		-		(405)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	3,846		2,250		-		2,250
Net cash paid in acquisition of subsidiary	-		(1,100)		-		(1,000)
Purchase of property and equipment	(5,965)		(1,487)		(664)		(336)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	19,976		(19,673)		(674)		1,556

 

AUDIOCODES LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
U.S. dollars in thousands
	Year ended					Three months ended
	December 31,					December 31,
	2023		2022			2023		2022
	(Unaudited)		(Audited)			(Unaudited)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchase of treasury shares	(18,259)		(38,099)			(6,286)		(2,858)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(11,399)		(11,552)			-		-
Proceeds from issuance of shares upon exercise of  options and warrants	802		1,055			548		522
Net cash used in financing activities	(28,856)		(48,596)			(5,738)		(2,336)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and  restricted cash	6,011		(59,988)			2,867		(357)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning  of period	24,535		84,523			27,679		24,892
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of  period	$ 30,546		$ 24,535			$ 30,546		$ 24,535

Company Contacts
Niran Baruch, Chief Financial Officer AudioCodes Tel: +972-3-976-4000 niran.baruch@audiocodes.com		Roger L. Chuchen VP, Investor Relations AudioCodes Tel:  732-764-2552 roger.chuchen@audiocodes.com

 

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SOURCE AudioCodes

FAQ

What were AudioCodes' quarterly revenues in 2023?

AudioCodes' quarterly revenues in 2023 were $63.6 million.

What was the full-year revenue for AudioCodes in 2023?

AudioCodes' full-year revenue in 2023 decreased by 11.2% to $244.4 million.

What was AudioCodes' GAAP gross margin in the fourth quarter of 2023?

AudioCodes' GAAP gross margin was 66.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023.

How many ordinary shares did AudioCodes repurchase during the quarter ended December 31, 2023?

AudioCodes repurchased 595,583 of its ordinary shares during the quarter at an aggregate cost of $6.3 million.

What was the cash dividend declared by AudioCodes?

AudioCodes declared a cash dividend of 18 cents per share.

When is the cash dividend payable?

The cash dividend is payable on March 6, 2024.

What is the ticker symbol for AudioCodes?

The ticker symbol for AudioCodes is AUDC.

What is the withholding tax rate for the cash dividend payable by AudioCodes?

The withholding tax rate for the cash dividend payable by AudioCodes is 25% of the dividend amount, subject to applicable exemptions.